We had the good fortune of connecting with Tory Perrard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tory, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to pursue a creative career because I think it is not only exciting but also a cure for the mundane monotony I’ve become used to growing up in a small suburb. Even though I’m 20 minutes from the downtown area I’ve missed out on so many wonderful phenomenal places this city has to offer. Another reason would be the networking aspect of it all. I have built some pretty solid friendships and partnerships that have gotten me to where I am today. Modeling not only allows me to express my creativity but to also bring to life others creative visions as well. The perks and the monetary compensation are also not a bad deterrent.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Honestly I just happened upon this industry. When I was younger I worked with a family friend who is an actor and amateur producer on a YouTube series in fun. He had encouraged me for years to pursue acting as he said that I was a natural in front of the camera. Fast forward to my teens and with his encouragement I was casted in a few music videos by the band WildFire. From working on the music videos I met two models and an actress that encouraged me to attend a creative meet up and It all started there. One thing that I can say about me is that I’m always willing to help those aspiring models and photographers by inviting them to a creative meetup and pay it forward in a sense. If nothing but to familiarize themself with the industry. For an aspiring model, it’s a great way to network with other models and also photographers, to learn angles, how to pose and to possibly grow their portfolios. I’ve had several job offers from photographers I’ve met at meetups or as a result of pictures circulating social media because of them. It’s all about networking in this field. I never forget someone who’s helped me and I hope that they can say the same about me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had friends coming from out of town I’d take them downtown for breakfast to Nekter Juice Bar to try a AÇAÍ BANANA BERRY BOWL, they’re out of the world! We’d take a stroll through at least one of our beautiful parks downtown, Buffalo Bayou park or Discovery Green. If and hopefully when Spaghetti Warehouse reopens, we could stop by for their 15 layer lasagna. I’d also like to spend a day heading to Kemah for a day at the Boardwalk and we could catch a night at either Landry’s or Ichibon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest supporter has always been my mother. She has always encouraged me to chase my dreams and work hard for what I have. Attending countless events with me and shoots giving up her time to support my work. I want to also thank a few people that I’ve worked with in my past and encouraged me to broaden and pursue other avenues in which they had spotted that I may have a talent for. David Frye who directed and filmed me in my first web series as a child who pushed me as a young adult to continue to pursue acting. Alana Gibson, who worked with me in my first music video and who invited me to my first model meet up and basically got my foot in the door to be doing what I’ve loved the last few years. Frank Jenkins, who saw a little potential in me and helped mold me into the model that I am today. I’ve met countless others who have done nothing but encouraged me, supported and promoted me along the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tory.nichole

Image Credits
Riyard Ramnath

Nominate someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.