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UNTAMED

MAGAZINE

PEOPLE

STORIES

CULTURE

CREATIVITY

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Mark Schuelke & Empress Wilson

TWO PERPECTIVES.
ONE VISION.

"Fashion is more than what we wear-it's how we move, feel, and express who we are."

"

Authenticity
is the most powerful style."

"

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?

Mark Schuelke: I was working in law-enforcement and part-time military when someone who owned a modeling agency told me I should model. He was someone that I helped in law enforcement and at the time didn’t know he was an owner of a modeling agency in New Orleans. I been told my entire life I should model, but ignored it until recently. I did my first modeling shoot in New Orleans in early 2025.

Empress Wilson: I started my modeling career back in 2019 before the pandemic. I had plenty of friends that were photographers, and during that time everything was community based. One day came around and I was bold enough to reach out and I had my first official photo shoot. We spent the entire afternoon just shooting away and practicing our poses. It was at that moment that I knew that I had future in modeling. Seven years later still progressing in the industry.

2. What inspired you to become a model?

Mark Schuelke: To try something new.
Empress Wilson: I love fashion/clothing. I’m always looking up fashion shows from the early 2000s in the 90s. I love looking at different collections from designer brands, preferably the ones from the early 2000s. I enjoy getting to display different items of clothing made locally in New Orleans and present myself in modeling shows with different local brands.

3. Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?

I think modeling is a way to express the creative natural that is organic inside of me. I believe highly in my birth timeline and have very unique talents in creative understanding. My previous careers didn’t enhance this talent.

4. What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?

Mark Schuelke: I was working in law-enforcement and part-time military when someone who owned a modeling agency told me I should model. He was someone that I helped in law enforcement and at the time didn’t know he was an owner of a modeling agency in New Orleans. I been told my entire life I should model but ignored it until recently. I did my first modeling shoot in New Orleans in early 2025.
Empress Wilson: The most memorable shoot I’ve worked on was for the band Tank and the Bangas “Green Balloon” album. I was a teenager when I did the shoot and had no idea the longevity that the album would have. The album was Grammy nominated back in 2020 and there’s even a photo of Jimmy Kimmel holding the album up on the Tonight Show. I was getting so many calls and text congratulating me!

5. Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, of course. Starting off is very difficult financially, one must have enough money to pay your own photographer. This cost can range from $700 to thousand per shoot. I overcame it with patience and determination. I had to work my primary jobs and model when I had time on the weekends, etc.

6. How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?

​Eat healthy foods and workout to relax and then just step into it.

7. How would you describe your modeling style?

Professional, bold, creative and 100% unapologetically real.

8. Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?

Editorial and commercial. Runway isn’t really my thing but I will do it eventually. I like creative photos to inspire people to become their best versions of themselves.

9. What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?

 Storytelling is important.

Roles must reflect the picture, similar to a movie production. The storytelling or any preparation sets the stage for a successful shoot.

10. Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?

Rowena Kay and Russell Robinson, both models from New Orleans Louisiana and the owners of Chic Nouvelle Models in New Orleans. Ms. Kay’s Instagram page is @chicnouvellemodels.
Mitch C. Davis owner and model of Mitch C Davis Consultant in Jackson, Mississippi.

11. How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?

Both models Mark and Empress: I work on multiple jobs at one time. I hustle and it’s in my blood to succeed. You have to want more to become more.

12. What are your biggest career goals for the future?

Hollywood actor, motivational speaker, build my future branding for my businesses

​13. Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?

Mark Schuelke: Yes, for fitness brands most likely Under Armor and New Balance. Contemporary fit clothes I wear are Abercrombie & Fitch, Everlane, Zoo York, and Enzo Cavalli. Eventually I want to brand clothes with my company name.

The brand name will be available in a few months at my Instagram page @mschuelk.

Empress Wilson: I’d love to work for coach because I love their bags and their shoes and I always admired their good quality and leather. Rick Owens is my second dream collaboration because that kind of fashion. I always admired because of its uniqueness. Finally, Victoria’s Secret because I always enjoy doing flirty, beautiful shoots because it always gives me confidence and makes me feel confident in myself as a woman.

14. What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?

Just start.

Different paths.
Same dream.

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