Spencer Hembree, junior, began his journey in modeling after acting in the Gateway Center for Performing Arts. His early experiences have been crucial to helping him figure out modeling. [Along with gaining new perspectives in the business, and seeing confidence in a new form.]

Acting first helped him realize modeling was what he wanted. It was clear from the beginning to his mother, Rechelle Hembree, who thinks becoming an actor allowed him to flow into modeling.

[“He started acting first and did a lot of acting classes, and there was some interest in his headshots,”] said Rechelle. “We went out to Los Angeles and he got first place for his headshots, and that’s when some of the modeling agents were really interested in him.”

These experiences helped him progress to become a better model over the years with new skills coming from each job. However, when he first started modeling he faced the struggle many models deal with, overcoming anxiety and nerves. 

“I was really nervous and I had really bad anxiety towards the beginning of my career,” said Spencer. “I was my own worst enemy,” 

The biggest part of fear the nerves was people judging him. [He was wrapped up with what people would think about him,] causing him to not use his full potential.

“I was worried what they would think of me, and I was worried I would look stupid.” Spencer said. “At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter what they think, I was doing something that I love.”

 After he realized what helped him to gain the most confidence and become a better model was his mindset. He saw those around him in a different light, everything became more simple.

“It came down to these are complete strangers,” said Spencer “I shouldn’t care what they think, and that’s what helped me get over my anxiety about the whole thing.” 

Once he got confidence modeling began to get easier. His experiences have caused him to realize that his confidence is what affected him the most in modeling. It pathed the way for success, and held him back.