1. Introduce yourself(tell about yourself & who you are)

My name is Joyia McLaren i go by Phoenix I am 20 years old I was born in Toronto Ontario raised in Ajax. I was in foster care since I was born then was sent to my blood family raised by my grandmother and my aunt who had kids of her own a son who passed away and her two twin daughters. I went to west hill collegiate institute, graduated with two rewards, one giving my a sponsorship. After high school I was in college for a year I studied social work at Seneca college due to my mental health Im am no longer in school and or work sadly but as of right now I’m focused on modelling and my art

2. I noticed you do modeling, how did that journey begin?

I started modelling on April 7th I had my first photo shoot for my portfolio on the 24th, I was excited. They said I was natural and of course complemented me on my height due to my mental health I couldn’t model as much as I wanted to which was a bummer I was in the hospital a lot of the summer but after words I finally just did my first runway which was vegan, and it supported anything animal cruelty-free I loved that I got to start off with something that was meaningful and brought positive vibes. I feel comfortable in my own skin in the model community and practice my walks a lot of that “big” moment on the runways I loved the experience and hope to go again

3. What are some goals you’d like to complete?

My goals in life are very small and simple, just continue with my art, hoping to make something good out of it. I want people to be able to feel my art as I put it out there, I think art is something that burns bright in my soul right now, that could be with sketch drawing or just plain writing it expression. That would be my biggest goal I would like to start driving I haven’t even got my g1 and go back to school once again and definitely start working modelling of course I would hope to go far with that some point in my life

4. What is a life message you would like to share with people around the world?

Life is a whole experience. Good or bad, it’s up to you do make a change, without Society manipulating your mind. It takes patience and strength.

5. What are some traits or qualities that describe the person you are?

I am an open person who gets in her head a lot I find comfort in the silence I can be joyful but once in a while I get sad sometimes it’s noticeable and that’s hard for muses I’m a hard worker and can be persistent especially when it comes down to skating I love dancing something that my family and I all share Im artistic

6. What are some struggles you’ve faced in life, and how did you overcome them?

I’ve been through a lot of struggle I tend to remind myself people have it worse or better because it’s the truth, but my own personal struggles would be trauma being emotionally, physically and sexually abuse
That’s happened for years and unfortunately didn’t leave room for the best childhood but it makes the good memories that I had so very bright how I cope and get pass it is breathing and thinking of my positive friends and family. I don’t try to necessarily forget what happened to me because it happened it’s already in the past but to be able to talk about it and not feel like a weirdo those are the best people i went to therapy for a reason of course, but it’s like when you’re around people who only have good things to say you can’t help but feel left out so if you’re able to find someone who can understand and be warm enough to talk to you about the past and just let it go with you that is the best feeling when i can be myself being bullied because of my skin someone in my elementary school once told me to « go back to Jamaica » even though I wasn’t born there let alone visit which I would still like to. Being a black sheep means Society won’t click with you, you will always stand out and be different and that can be a real struggle, but sometimes you just got to own in yes Im different but who else in this fucked up world will make that difference if everyone just stays the same

7. What is a way you’d like to make an impact in the world?

I have a dream where my cousin who passed away sent me to a pack of wolves and one of the wolves was teaching me to speak, so I truly do believe in some way or form if I want to make an impact it would have to be from my voice. I’ve always been known as that tall quiet girl and if I can find away where I can truly evolve and speak power into this world that is how I will make an impact