Today we’d like to introduce you to Dereck Taplin
Hi Dereck, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Wow, where to even start? Originally from a small town in Alabama. Grew up very active and always trying new things. All throughout elementary-high school I played sports. Tried them all but football really stuck for me! In addition to football, I was also in musical theatre. So I would have this almost double “Hannah Montana” lifestyle. Luckily I had a very supportive single mom who worked very hard so I could do all the things I wanted. Side note: speaking of my mother, I have very vivid memories of us watching “What not to wear, Americas next top model, etc.” while growing up which got me into fashion. I always knew at a young age that I had a deep passion for that world. Anyways, I was on track to play football in college, however, my school did “bring it on the musical” my senior year…thus I had to learn how to cheer. I had a taste of what cheer was like and I loved it. I enjoyed it so much that I switched my path and learned how to cheer the summer before college. I signed up for as many tumbling and stunting classes that I could, worked very hard, then tried out for college cheer. Cheered for The University of Tennessee Knoxville, where I graduated in Advertising and minored in Business. After graduating in the middle of the pandemic, I knew I needed a change. I had my eye set on the modeling agency here in Nashville called “The Block Agency.” I have followed them for a while and knew that I had to get signed with the agency. Knowing it was based out of Nashville, I knew that I could also try out for the Tennessee Titans Cheer team, and have a community at the same time I was moving to a new city etc. It’s nice to have sort of a normalcy and something I know I could do and fall back on if I didn’t get signed to the agency. With all that being said, everything worked out as planned. I made the Tennessee Titans Cheer team and signed with the top modeling agency that I wanted. I learned at a very young age that you have to work hard and go after what you want to achieve your goals and dreams. After hanging up my pom moms essentially, I knew that I wanted to focus on modeling and the fashion world full time. That is why I have been producing social media content and making it very fashion focussed! That is all how I got to where I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say that it has. I have always been told that something worth wild is worth fighting for. Not everything is going to come easy, but the hard work and journey is what makes it so fulfilling.It was defiantly hard growing up in the south being biracial (black and white), gay, and in musical theatre. I wasn’t the normal kid in school I aways stuck out. Was definitely tough during the time, but it has made me the strong person that I am today! In addition to that, have been a professional athlete, there is a lot of work ethic that comes with that title. You learn to preserver when things are hard, develop a routine, etc.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently focussing on all things modeling, fashion, editorial styling, etc. I have always had a good sense of style and wanting to share that with the community. I am able to share my outfits and ideas through social media. I use this outlet as a channel to show my work. I have loved modeling and is something I want to continue to do, but I also enjoy the styling side of it. I love styling my own editorial shoots and creating fun and different concepts. I am most proud of continuing to step out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I continue to learn every day more in the modeling world, and the fashion styling world, and I’m having so much fun doing it. What sets me apart from others here in Nashville is: my go getter attitude, work ethic, and kindness. Growing up with that Southern hospitality I always learned tom be kind to others and I definitely think that goes a long way. I also think that my styling and fashion content has a way of breaking boundaries all while having a sense of timelessness. I am constantly trying new ways to style things, and accessorize, all while bth pushing mens fashion standards and still having an aspect of class. I also think that I stand out from others in the high fashion modeling world because of my body type. I have a more muscular build and that’s not something you see everyday in the fashion industry. I want to show this body type more and spread visibility on that.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making a difference really. I want to be a light and an inspiration for that one person who thinks they can’t accomplish they’re dreams and goals. I want people to know that if you work hard for something, stay true to yourself, and believe in yourself, that you can accomplish anything. I grew up an only child so it was only me in my corner (besides family) rooting for myself. I just hope that someone sees my work one day and realizes that you can achieve your goal. I’m just that young, biracial, gay kid who (doesn’t have all the answers) but he continues to try and go after what he wants.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dereck.taplin
- Other: https://theblockagency.com/men/dereck-taplin/
