I LaShonda Barton starting modeling in 2015 as an extra curriculum activity. A way for me to have a social life, outside of working two full time jobs, school, and being a wife.

From my first audition my husband was so proud of me and realized that I could do more than just model for local boutiques. We decided to give it a shot push for a professional career. This has opened up a light inside of me that I didn't realize that I had. Due to past trauma's, I always had low self esteem and could never see a bright light within my life.

In 2017 I went to New Your & competed in the IMTA (International Model Talent Association) for modeling & acting. Thanks to Model Act Studio's here in Illinois I trained under Rob Masny & staff. I won Best Female Life-Style Model, 1st runner up Screen test, 4th runner up Best Female Actress of the week, and 1st place Cold Read. This competition is when I gained my confidence and I decided not to allow my age stop me from pushing forward.

Since then I gained the love for acting and was signed to Lily's Talent Agency print Dept in September 2017. All while trying to overcome the loss of my job in July 2017, not able to find work to this day of March 2018. My husband and I are still pushing, trusting, and believing in me. I started attending free acting/modeling workshops, which have led to me appearing on The Steve Harvey show as a model (Confidence has not size, The bold & Beutiful) with top fashion Plus size model Liris Cross, a featured background FBI agent on Chicago Fire, a featured background board member on Empire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med. While doing background work, I have done stand in work on Chicago Med and Fire. Being on set gives me the opportunity to study from the actors/s, understand the language on set, and learn what it takes to put on a production.

I've modeled for Rigby and Peller Lingerie, Taj B Designs, Live out Loud Charity, and Chicago Bar.

Although I'm 45 years and 5'3", struggling to find work to pay for classes, photoshoots and build my brand. I refuse to allow any self doubt, road blocks and allow several NO's stop me from believing in myself and searching for that one YES to make it as a print model, spokes model and actress. My struggles, pain, trauma's, and happiness gives me my drive.

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