Today we’d like to introduce you to Abyon McInnis.
Hi Abyon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a Newport News, VA native, but most of my childhood was spent in Jacksonville, FL. I graduated high school at 17 years old and afterwards moved to Tallahassee, FL to continue my education at Florida A&M University. While at FAMU I was heavily involved in campus life. I became a member of the Marching 100 (Alto Sax), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Delta Pi, and a variety of other clubs and organizations. I studied elementary education, worked part-time on campus as a student tutor, and was the official ambassador for the College of Education “Mr. COE 2013-2014”.
Immediately after completing my internship and degree program in Fall 14′, I began working as a full-time educator. For about three years I worked primarily as a 4th grade reading teacher before deciding to leave the field. In Summer 17′ I went back to Jacksonville to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) at Bluewater Maritime School.
Upon completing that program I moved to Austin, TX. While waiting for my credential I was introduced to experiential marketing and I quickly became fond of the industry. I began working as a brand ambassador, event host, and product specialist at live events for a plethora of companies throughout the country. My uncle Adam, who was also in Austin at the time suggested that I connect with some of the local modeling & talent agencies in the meantime since I was already working in the entertainment space.
I signed with my first agency in Summer 18′ and started working professionally in 2019. Since entering the business I’ve been involved in a variety of commercials, fashion shows, social media and influencer campaigns, print ads, independent films, music videos, TV shows, wedding editorial shoots, and skits. I’ve also attained representation with agencies in multiple states, just a few years after entering the industry thanks to my management, J3 Productions. I’m currently represented throughout TX, GA, and NY. I’m currently working as a full-time model, actor, and experiential marketing specialist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not.. I’ve faced many obstacles at every level of my life.
Being an only child, raised by a 16 year old parent, in a city like Jacksonville was a challenge in itself. I was my mother’s only child and I’ve never known my father. I’ve dealt with physical and sexual abuse.
I didn’t have many role models or people to guide me in many areas of life. I went to jail for stealing when I was 18 years old.
Struggled financially all through college. I’ve had many nights without electricity, heat, and/or proper nourishment. My GPA was a 1.0 after my freshman year. I had to gamble/hustle playing cards, video games, and basketball many times to get by.
Moved back in with family after being a working professional. Both industries I was working in came to an immediate halt during the pandemic and I had no income for months.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My legacy will be left with the people. It’s not about what I can do for myself, it’s more-so about what I can do for others. I’m constantly pouring into those around me and being a source of inspiration and motivation. I will be remembered for the impact I have on those that I’ve crossed paths with; such as my students, friends, work partners, and loved ones. Also for using my resilience and resourcefulness to defy the odds to better myself and those around me.
I’m most proud of the people I’ve helped succeed. Record-setting standardized test scores in a Title I school, helping people navigate the business of acting, modeling, and experiential marketing. I’m also extremely proud of graduating from college with honors after having a rough start.
What sets me apart from others is that I’m such a well-rounded individual. I’m an athlete, musician, educator, model, mentor, actor, gamer, host, and a merchant mariner amongst many other things. You won’t come across many people with skill sets and experiences as diverse as mine. I am big on character, relationships, and experiences.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is challenging myself & helping others. If I’m being challenged I know that I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and constantly growing from the experiences that come with it. Helping others is one of the things I believe I was innately meant to do and being a real-life influencer is something that I take pride in. I am “The People’s Champ”.
Contact Info:
- Email: abyon.mcinnis@yahoo.com
- Website: www.abyonausar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oswiftt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oSwiftt/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/itcost2beaboss
Image Credits
Rising Onyeukwu
Jonathan Williams
James Arlen
