From Issue 104 — Clayground: A Journey to Open a Clay Studio

Growing up a small town Kansas kid, I of course loved the Wizard of Oz. From a young age I always felt pulled to Dorothy’s character, wanting something different than the farm, but not sure what exactly. When I was 14 I was lucky enough to visit NYC on a summer school trip, and from then on, have had my eyes set on the Big Apple!

After getting a bachelor’s degree in science of nursing, and earning my RN, I moved to Kansas City and I was so happy to be in a bigger pond. I worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse, always ushering new life into the world and feeling like a badass while doing it. It was in KC that I was scouted by a talent agent, and from there my very dear Cara came into the picture. She coached me and really helped me learn the art of posing, but more importantly she helped me find my self confidence on the other side of the camera.

Early on modeling was all about self discovery, learning my poses, but during that time in my early 20s I was also learning more about who I was. It was through modeling, creating art, and growing my hair out that allowed me the space to be different. I realized I no longer was Mitchell who was a boy, but Mitchell who was this non-binary soul who didn’t feel confined by the boxes of society to be boy or girl, male or female, rather me, somewhere in the middle.

After 3 years in Kansas City and building a lovely queer friend group – family really – I knew I needed to rip the band-aide off and pack my bags for New York. I was lucky to have a career that allowed me to move anywhere and really find a job rather easy. So in September of 2023 I flew to NYC with 2 overpacked checked bags, a sassy French Bulldog named, Beatrice (I’m a huge fan of Bea Arthur, Golden Girls is one of my favorite TV shows) and a dream. The first day in the city I just remember wearing the biggest smile, beaming with pride about finally making it, little did I know that next year would be one of the grittiest years of learning I’ve done thus far in 29 years of life.

Now 2 years in, I love NYC, but the beginning wasn’t easy. I was mourning the loss of a city I loved, friends and family I loved, all because I thought I would take a risk on a city we all know has truly unlimited possibilities around every corner. The first year helped me grow, being pushed to take care of myself, show up for myself, all while having loads of fun on the way. I’ve met a few folks who I know will be a part of my life for the rest of my life, and I am grateful to have found them. I think that’s the NYC love story of my life so far, meeting friends, truly great friends who show up for you, love you deeply, and laugh every steps of the way. After all, we’re all just kids who moved here, fell in love with the city and decided to put down roots.

I’m not sure what my NYC tenure will look like, I’m hoping to submit to modeling agencies this summer and be signed by Fall. This photo shoot was my first in NYC and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come from those early days. I’m excited for my future here, I want to make this the city I grow up in, after all “There’s no place like home” and NYC is now home for me.