Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn O’Neill.
Hi Shawn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started in a smaller town in Alabama called Calera. I was working for a catering company with buddy from college named Daniel. Daniel and I soon become really good friends. Daniel and I worked on a gig together and that’s where I met my other buddy Nate. Soon all three of us became super close and hung out quite bit. Nate was entering the modeling world at the time. One day I decided to ask Nate if he thinks I had a look that could do well in the industry. He said yes and helped me set up my first shoot with a brand new amateur photographer that he knew. after that shoot, I had so much fun and learned how cool this journey could be. I got my first paid job a few months later by another photog for his own portfolio. After that, I did a couple more shoots in Alabama and then I was reached out by an agent here in ATX who flew me out and showed Houston and ATX and I fell in love immediately. Three months later, I told my family I was leaving. I was barely 22, I knew two people here in Texas. I sold 90% of my belongings. I couldn’t afford 2k for a U-Haul to move everything at the time. I came here with what I could fit into a rental car and what I could fit into my little two seater car. I never looked back. Now I’m four a half years in living here and my life has grown exponentially. I have traveled to Chicago, Florida, California, and parts of Texas. I have had incredible help and support over my years with people sponsoring me, the paid gigs from companies, and the support of my friends and family.
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?
If I said yes, I would be lying. Money of course has been a struggle. Especially moving to a bigger more expensive city. But along with that is doubting myself when I didn’t get signed to agencies when other models were chosen over me, I have been lied to and deceived a few times being in this industry and had many people promise me things and I’ve sat idle for a very long time with nothing to show for it. Missing my friends and family has been incredibly hard also. Moving 11 hours away from everyone you love and are comfortable around is no joke. It can be very taxing on the mind and heart. I always have believed that if I don’t take chances, I’ll forever question what if. And that would haunt me and that’s what gives me my drive along with talking to my closest people and then encouraging me when I’m down.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am a bartender at Steiner ranch steakhouse. I have been here for almost my entire time living in ATX. They are very supportive of what I do with traveling and having to leave to go on photoshoots. Whether local or out of town. I love meeting new people every day. I make new connections and get to have fun while working.
I also am very outgoing. I have been training martial arts for five years now. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is my main focus but I enjoy kickboxing and Muay Thai also. Along with that, I have become the coach for the recreational softball team we started up at my job. besides those I lift weights 3-5 times a week and play with both of my two years old pups Kai and Ryder
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
My biggest love is how much there is to do and always is going on always along with how dog-friendly it is. Animals are my weakness in life. I love all animals.
My biggest dislike is how much traffic there is. Still not used to it, haha.
Contact Info:
- Email: oneillshawn1337@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smo_life/
Image Credits
Emily finger Juan Valdes
