RENE KRYSTLE HAMLET

Interview Photos by evankanephotography.com

Fully Submerged

When did you first get involved as a model?

I first became involved in modeling when I was 15. I previously had been very enthusiastic about playing volleyball, but doctors said I couldn’t play sports anymore after a severe sternum and rib injury. My parents searched for something else for me to do, and we chose modeling and acting classes.

What or Who inspired you to pursue such a competitive career?

I pursued modeling just for a fun activity and had no particular expectations of what might come from it. After meeting and working with other models and on sets, I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

I’m sure you have met a lot of talented individuals and/or celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite bands, go on tour with them for awhile, and hang out at their studio in Los Angeles. I learned a lot about what their daily grind of rehearsing is all about, and I had fun watching their talent in action.

How has your modeling evolved since you first started?

I’ve become locally known in my market and, because I have networked for so many years, people contact me to do work for them.

I’m sure you have met a lot of talented individuals and/or celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite bands, go on tour with them for awhile, and hang out at their studio in Los Angeles. I learned a lot about what their daily grind of rehearsing is all about, and I had fun watching their talent in action.

How has your modeling evolved since you first started?

I’ve become locally known in my market and, because I have networked for so many years, people contact me to do work for them.

Photo by evankanephotography.com

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in these tough careers? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I would say passion drives my interest. I feel the happiest when I am working on set with everyone involved and I like how we become an extended family for the time spent on our project. Having that connection and fun makes me excited to keep going.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a model in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I’d say my attitude is what keeps me going. I think my approach to each project inspires in me fresh determination and dedication.

What has been your biggest challenge as a model? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge was to relax enough to be comfortable with who I am. I think most people in this industry feel unsure of themselves at least once. You have to find a point where you’re comfortable with yourself by embracing what makes you unique.

A common phrase as a performing artist is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I don’t agree with that statement because I don’t look at it as suffering. I look at it as an opportunity to learn and to improve. That translates into a benefit, not a hardship.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling business?

I have mixed feelings about the Internet impacting the modeling business. On one hand, I feel it helps expand exposure and being seen by others who probably wouldn’t have otherwise seen me. But on the other hand, I feel like many companies care more about how many followers I have than any talent I may possess.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m pretty good at fixing things around the house, and I’m a serious gardener.

What is the best advice you have received?

The best advice I’ve received is to listen to myself and to not measure myself based on anyone else’s experience. Everybody’s journey is different.

What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about?

Due to COVID, some things have been put on hold. Prior to COVID, I was involved in an international Bollywood film where I played the wife to Michael

Madsen’s character. It will be released when the COVID circumstances allow.

Currently, I have been working on a radio show that I host, called See PTSD. I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD over a year ago and am now the Ms Washington Ambassador FoRe! PTSD. The FoRe! Ambassador program has been an amazing platform for me to connect, help others and to have a voice for those of us who have C-PTSD.

Photo by evankanephotography.com

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

You can follow me at any of the following:

Instagram: @rene_k_hamlet_modeling_page

Public Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/renekhamlet/

Ms Washington Ambassador FoRe! PTSD FB page: https://www.facebook.com/MsWashingtonAmbassadorFoRePTSD/

See PTSD Radio show page: https://www.facebook.com/SeePTSD

TikTok: @renehamlet

IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9180885/