Meet Paige Dauphinais | International Fashion model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paige Dauphinais and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paige, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking played a crucial role in my career when I decided to leave a toxic agency that manipulated me into believing I couldn’t succeed without them. Recognizing the detrimental environment, I chose to step away and start freelancing. This risk led to greater success and fulfillment in my career, and I’m grateful for taking that leap.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Starting in the professional field of modeling was actually tough at first. It still has its days. I’ve had to overcome challenges of racism. I am proud to be Native American, enrolled in the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. While working with an agency, clients would not always be nice to me because of my skin and who I was. Now I freelance and work mainly with Native American designers. I finally found my home.

Some of the greatest things I’ve done within my career include going overseas to London for the World Modeling Tour. I had the opportunity to work all over London with various photographers and videographers, and my pictures were published in magazines in London. Recently, I was published in Vogue magazine, pictured wearing a design by Pennie Singer. I’ve also had the opportunity to work in New York with an international photographer and walk during New York Fashion Week for an elite designer from New York.

These are a few of the top moments within my career so far, but I want so much more. I started modeling to inspire Native American youth to believe in dreaming and that with hard work, absolutely anything is possible. I hope to mentor more and maybe start an agency of my own. Through my own journey, I’ve learned that hard work, dedication, and a sense of spirituality will always help you thrive in life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The area I live in is very small, but I would definitely make the most of it and show my friend a good time. I would suggest they visit in the summertime because our winters are brutal. I am a proud recovering alcoholic of 2 1/2 years, not afraid to admit that I don’t drink, but I do love to go out and dance, so we would definitely do that.

Our small city has some beautiful parks, so I would definitely bring them there, maybe to paint and have a picnic. I recently went to a live comedy open mic event and had a great time, so I would definitely bring them to that. I would also make sure they are comfortable and make them a home-cooked meal. Making bonds with people and expanding those bonds into beautiful friendships is my favorite.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shout out to my father for raising two daughters on his own in the best way he knew possible. He planted so many good seeds for me to nurture, even if it took me a while to recognize them. I eventually got there, and I’m deeply grateful for the time and effort he invested. He’s incredibly wise, and I draw my courage from him. Growing up without a mother was hard, but having a father who did everything for us and continues to support us mentally, spiritually, and in every way, made that challenge easier. My father truly helped mold me into the woman I am today, providing me with the tools and genetics to succeed.

Instagram: paigevictoria00

Twitter: @paigevictoriah

Facebook: Paige Victoria

Image Credits
Stuart James and Ephotogenics