Conversations with Eugena Rolle

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Eugena Rolle.

Hi Eugena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hey everyone! I’m Eugena Rolle. I grew up here and was born and raised here in Kansas City, MO. I love to model and act, and it all started when I was little. I would always watch Disney Channel and dream of being on television someday. I want more than anything to be a part of a commercial or a show, and I still strive to achieve this someday. 

I took some pricey classes with Barbizon Modeling to develop myself more because I knew I wanted to accomplish this, so one day, the opportunity was given at the right time. Oh, and did I say I was a theatre kid? I went to Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, where I got to perform in plays and had an awesome teacher who broadened my experience by teaching me how to improvise, cold read, and do backstage work such as lighting, and even gave me the opportunity to stage direct, and I loved it. 

I loved modeling, though, as well. My inspirations were models such as Tyra Banks, Bella Hadid, and Naomi Campbell, who were confident, worked hard, and showed me it was possible. It just takes time. The classes I took not only gave me more confidence, but I started to meet like-minded people with the same passion as me. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a smooth road, but I have continued to chase my dreams. After the passing of my grandmother, I stopped taking my classes for a little while because I wasn’t motivated at all. I like to think my grandmother helped me and continues to do so, and that’s how I got back at it. 

Barbizon Modeling and Acting was so expensive, but I did go in hopes of it all working out and giving my family the life they deserve someday for all they had done for me. My mom took me to every audition. Rather, we’d have to drive for hours or downtown. She supported me through everything. 

An obstacle I face daily is comparing my current progress to where I could or “should” be. I’ve gotten better with this mindset, but there’s a lot I still struggle with alone. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m creative, I model and act, and I am a content creator. I’ve been in shows such as Kansas City Fashion Week, Fashion Honors Autism, West 18th Fashion Week, The Los Angeles Fashion Week: The Model Experience, etc. I also coordinated or been a part of many photoshoots that have been published in Le Desir Mag, TeenCruze, RAAMAT, Ella’s Mag, and Kae Mag! 

I love conceptual photoshoots and have done them throughout my Instagram: @simplegena, but I’m now trying to expand more into commercials and hope to share that with you all soon. I’m most proud of the fact that I did my first show in LA during my sophomore year of high school and made the cover of a magazine (Le Desir)! What sets me apart from others is my devotion. Honestly, I’ve invested so much time and money into this career, and despite not getting exactly where I want, I will continue to do so because of how much I love and enjoy acting and modeling. 

I’ve been struggling to find acting opportunities but I’ve being working hard to get my first role in a movie, show etc. I just have been working on my craft, but that will change. I started on social media doing musical.ly and had about 25,000 followers. I grew to love content creating and made YouTube videos and musicals.lys, and this got me to conventions where I’d meet other content creators and learn how to get out there more. I am now on TikTok, chilling and trying to catch up with the latest trends. 

Before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
People can work with me by contacting me via my website, Eugenarolle.com, or my Instagram: @simplegena! You’ll find all my work posted there, and I’ll respond within 24-48 hours if you have any questions. 

Pricing:

• $80-$100/hr for a brand promotion.
• I do TFP, also, depending on the concept.
• $50-$70 for portfolio building (may vary).

Contact Info:

• Website: Eugenarolle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplegena?igsh=cnNsNDFseWU0Ymt1&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplegena?si=jrBZ7L4ajSczL89w

Image Credits
@savmalevphotography, Kay Creach @mysanit.yphotos, Joslin Wyatt @__jw.photography__, Eli Stack @elistackphoto, @salaciousfruit, Kristen English @kristenenglishphotography, Stylist: Neneh Jallow @lunecollections_, Makeup Artist: Kimberly Salas, @moonspellbeauty, @vikovisuals, Ivy Claire Rays @onaclairedayphotography, and Amina T. Shaw @aminaeffinshaw