Renee Bellerive is a 19-year-old up-and-coming model based out of Montreal, Canada. Her ambitions are driven by her desire to inspire others and break new ground in the modeling industry. As her style goes through a constant metamorphosis, Renee has her eyes set on becoming a pioneer of bringing positive light into the modeling world and encourages others to do the same. SHEESH! chatted at length about what’s next for her career, how social media has impacted her life, and her favorite looks inspired by the ’90s.
What are your current pursuits and aspirations? renee bellerive
Renee Bellerive: Right now, my biggest goal is to get my 01 Visa so I can model in the US. As per school, I’ve honestly never done better than now, so hopefully, that doesn’t change.
What are a few things you’re genuinely passionate about?
Renee Bellerive: I am definitely passionate about fashion, modeling, and dogs. I’d love to pursue a career as a model and then possibly branch out to another field in the fashion industry. As for my dog, she is literally the love of my life. I found her on Kijiji last August and cried at dinner every night until my mom agreed to get her. I think she realized I needed her because I am definitely not the type to cry. Her name is Frankie, and she’s a Dachshund Corgi mix.
Was there a specific moment that caused you to become entranced by the fashion world, or has this love been innate?
Renee Bellerive: I think I was in Grade 1 when my teacher told me I was going to be a model, I honestly never thought about it before then, but that’s probably where my interest started. I started in the fashion industry at fifteen when I was scouted by a modeling agency. It’s always been one of my biggest goals. From there, I began to follow more models on social media platforms and slowly started to become more interested in my style as well.
Fashion is definitely a form of artistic expression; what does fashion mean to you personally?
Renee Bellerive: Since my style changes literally every week, I’d say it demonstrates growth. There isn’t one aesthetic or one specific style that I’ve consistently been obsessed with. For example, I was definitely into Y2K at the beginning of summer. Things have definitely changed, and now I’m more into 90s Harajuku inspired looks and the 90s as a whole.
Ultimately what are your goals, and what would you like to achieve long term?
Renee Bellerive: Thinking about the future is really scary to me for some reason, probably because I feel as though COVID has literally wasted a year of life. For now, my main goal is modeling as a full-time job, primarily since I haven’t worked since March, and being able to travel with friends. I would love to impact the fashion industry in any way, not sure how I’ll do that yet, but it would be amazing.
The world of modeling seems to be ever-evolving; what is it like being a model in our current day and age?
Renee Bellerive: Being in Montreal as a model during a pandemic has been not the best. I miss working so much; however, it’s just not an option here if I want to keep myself and my family safe. However, outside of the pandemic, I love it, there is definitely a bad stigma around modeling since many people think it’s degrading, but I think it’s just the opposite. As long as it’s something you truly want to do and aren’t doing it for anyone else, it can be very fulfilling. Modeling has led to me meeting the most amazing people, and I look forward to meeting more.
How has social media impacted your career and life?
Renee Bellerive: It’s been very odd for me. I haven’t really been to many public places since I started to get a following because of COVID, but it’s weird to be recognized in public. I am very much not used to it. It’s also been helpful with my career since it’s given me many more options and ways to get noticed.
What is it that you would like to be known for? renee bellerive
Renee Bellerive: Inspiring people, helping them come out of their comfort zones, and helping people feel more confident.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and what’s some advice you’d like to share?
Renee Bellerive: I think the saying “treat others the way you want to be treated” is something I’ll always agree with, for obvious reasons. I also think it’s so important to not take shit from anyone. If you want something go and do it yourself, don’t wait for things to be handed to you.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Make sure to follow Renee Bellerive on Instagram and check out her Depop.
For more fun interviews like this, check out Tatiana Bruening and Lexi Jayde.
