Rising Stars: Meet RJ Elosh II

Today we’d like to introduce you to RJ Elosh II.

Hi RJ, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where do I begin. I like to stay busy and keep my skills broad.

Model, sous chef, bartender and collaborator with a variety of Kansas city talent.

I’ve spent most of my 20’s learning how to operate a restaurant at a fine dining level. From guest experience, bartending, banquets etc.

In 2017, I started out as a talent model and since then have branched out to a variety entertainment avenues and hope to continue to grow.

I have participated in styled shoots featured for bridal venders, online media, and print ads.

I’ve greatly enjoyed working with KC fashion week as a model coordinator and walking in over a dozen shows. But it’s mainly been the people I’ve met, collaborations, and community that makes it so great.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not exactly been the smoothest, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying my hardest.

When starting my education as a Sous chef, they said only 10% of a starting class will actually stick it out and I was determined to be a part of that ten. I worked full time through my education and it was not easy, or a short journey, but very rewarding.

Modeling was a slow start, sometimes the industry can feel that way. You’ll probably hear nine no’s before you hear one yes. It’s a very competitive world, but it’s also been surprisingly friendly. Everyone else going for the same calls has also heard a lot of no’s before, and can absolutely relate.

My advice would be that Networking is key, and it’s a small community. Attend events, rub elbows and share information.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My most popular feature currently was my walk for KC fashion week back in September. I got to wear this wicked cool gold jacket and really got to rock the runway. It was an amazing look done by “Andrew Clancey”, designer and creator of “Any Old Iron” fashion line. I am honored to get to walk for hi$. I also got to walk on my hands on the runway for that look, and it was life-changing.

Some other looks of mine have been for “Clarissa Knighten”, ” Hols.e”, “Rex Wall” “VanShawn Branch” and “Halls at Crown Center”

I have also greatly enjoyed my collaborations with the wedding community. It’s where I got my first break, and I can’t thank them enough for taking a chance with me.

I have worked hard to keep my culinary skills broad. Pantry, Saute, Grill, Baking, Smoking, Butchering, Banquets, Live Action Stations and Ice Carving are all within my skill set. You might see my work at a country club or private event around the Kansas city area.

It just feels natural when I’m cooking. It is absolutely my passion. My two favorite things I can do involve peeling a potato in 8 seconds and the other being carving ice with a chainsaw.

What’s next?
I’d like to keep progressing a culinary career, possibly as a private chef or if I can find another fit in something similar. Maybe find a way to give back and help or teach new chef apprentices. I absolutely have a passion for teaching.

I’m looking forward to continued work with my agency: Voice and models and the KCFW team.

My modeling career, the sky is the limit, but voiceover acting and film would be a goal. I want to continue to educate myself in various facets of the industry while meeting interesting people and cultivate experiences.

Every year has been a bigger and greater experience than the previous and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.voicesand.com/portfolio/?id=1347
• Instagram: @rjeiimages
• Facebook: @rjeloshiimages

Image Credits
Rick Sans – @ikonoklastfoto: -Chest -Tri-Color -Yellow Chair Jason Atherton – @athertonphotography: -Gold -Hols.e -KCFW Headshot Styled Elegantly Production Team – @stylyed_elegantly: -The Fontine Noelle Manica – @noellemanica -NM&RJE RJ Elosh II: -Sage -Ice Carvings