I JUST CAN'T STOP SMILING THESE DAYS!!!

I've always hated that saying, "Never change!" I remember when I was a senior in high school and friends used to say that to me or write that in my yearbook. I'm glad I changed, otherwise I would still be that annoying kid that loved Prank-calling Blockbuster video and mooning crowds of people as my friends drove. Oh damn, I still do that, lol. I guess my playful immaturity is still intact but my priorities are definitely in order.

Change is important. In every career, development is crucial. As a model, it is important to "re-invent" yourself. A time to get to know yourself inside and out. The mental, spiritual and physical; the trinity! As time progresses and fashion-trends change, it is imperative that we change with it, otherwise we become irrelevant. Hate to use this reference but Heidi Klum say's it the best, "In fashion, one day you're in and the next you're out!" Can't believe I just quoted Heidi Klum.

The journey to becoming successful is tricky. There are so many doors that open up for all of us on a daily basis and its hard to pick the right one. Most of the time, we miss out on great opportunities. I'm glad I didn't sleep on the opportunity of coming to Los Angeles and model out here for the summer! My girlfriend convinced me to come to LA. She is a carefree/spontaneous person. I'm more of a square/planner. At least I'm honest.

Ever since I moved to LA I can't stop smiling ;-) My cheeks hurt... YES, I smile that much! My gf and I ended up rescuing two awesome Rednose Pitbulls from the West Los Angeles Shelter. They definitely changed me for the better. For the worse too, I have not been able to work-out or get any privacy with my gf, hahaha. I need to work-out and stay in shape otherwise poppa won't get booked, lol. I wouldn't change them for the world, though. We come back to NYC in August... I guess its going to be a FULL HOUSE!

I don't want to go back to NYC. I have worked with amazing photographers, stylists and designers here in LA. They definitely facilitated my transformation in becoming a more rounded and diverse individual. I've met some groups of people that I will definitely be friends forever (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE)... BFFs, lol. I'm very blessed right now!

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: @JHANELLECASTILLO

JHANELLE CASTILLO BY DAVID H. STEWART

BANG, BANG, BANG!

Laid back, intelligent and witty... That's how I would describe David H. Stewart (DHS). I met David in the parking lot of the 'Toms Shoes' Headquarters. It was a hot, sunny day in Los Angeles, CA (AS USUAL) and I was wearing shorts, obviously. I'm of dark complexion so I get ashy from time to time, lol... My gf told me to put some lotion on before I walked into the casting. I rubbed cocoa butter on my knees, that usually does the trick. David was getting out of his car and saw me taking care of my ashy problems. "You must be the model, huh? Are you here for the casting?" David asked me with a friendly smirk on his face. We both laughed and walked into the building together. 

I ended up booking the job! Probably because my knees looked nice and shiny, lol. David was the photographer for the Toms Shoes Spring 2014 Collection. We had a good chemistry during the shoot and the images reflected that. We kept in contact and ended up shooting again! He suggested going to Topanga State Park near Malibu, CA. The scenery was unlike anything I have ever seen in LA. It looked straight out of an old western flick. I decided to get into character and borrowed my girlfriend's hat that she was wearing that day, hahahaha. At the time I thought I looked like a badass Blaxican version of Clint Eastwood. In retrospect, I look more like an 'Urban Vaquero' (urban cowboy) lol. Either way, the images came out dope! You can't beat natural lighting and I got a nice tan out of it. A nice tan= MORE ASH!  

David is an amazing photographer. He has worked with some of the best publications: Esquire, GQ, Time Magazine, Interview, Harper's Bazaar, etc. He divides his time between Los Angeles and New York. He has a sharp eye and a great vision! It's like he knows what the photograph will look like before he even takes it. What I love about his style is that he tells you exactly what he wants and expects from you (as his model) BUT he always lets you do 'your thing.' He is open to new ideas... even if your ideas kind of suck... he will let you try it hahahaha.

 CHECK OUT HIS WORK
WEBSITE: http://www.dhstewart.com
       BLOG: http://blog1.dhstewart.com

Thank you David for the amazing images! Safe travels!! 

JHANELLE CASTILLO FOR TOMS SHOES SPRING 2014

Photographer: David H. Stewart

Stylist: Daria Mirada

Model: Jhanelle Castillo (Major NY & Wilhelmina LA)

I have always been a HUGE fan of Toms Shoes! Not only because of their simplistic cool style but also because of the enormous charities they contribute throughout the world. They are, in my opinion: The most giving retailer in the world. Since the launch of their first collection they introduced the : 'One for One,' initiative. Where they donate a pair of shoe to a child in need after every purchase! How awesome is that!!!??? I am very thankful to be a part of this team!

For the Spring 2014 collection, Toms Shoes is introducing a  new aesthetic to their line. A more sophisticated, elegant yet casual line while still keeping its known comfort! Love the new line! Make sure you grab a pair of TOMS and make a difference!

At the TOMS SHOES HEADQUARTERS ;-)

 SECIAL THANKS TO JESSICA TAN @TOMS FOR BEING SO AWESOME!

JHANELLE CASTILLO IN 'PIEL CANELA' BY JOSEPH BLEU

Model: Jhanelle Castillo (Major NY)

Photographer: Joseph Bleu

Stylist: CJ Peralta

JHANELLE CASTILLO FOR FACTICE MAGAZINE (FRANCE) #19 JUNE/JULY '13

Publication: Factice Magazine (France) 

Issue: #19 Warm Alert (June/July 2013)

Editorial: 'Los Angeles Fever'

Models: Jhanelle Castillo (Wilhelmina LA & Major Models)

Julia Lescova (Wilhelmina LA)

Lina Jornea (Hollywood Model Management)

Photographer: Benjo Arwas

Stylist: Amy Mach

Asst. Stylist: Aiden Styles

Hair: Carina Tafulu

BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO

Film by: Ziyan Zhang

FACTICE #19 - LOS ANGELES FOREVER By Benjo Arwas from Benjo Arwas on Vimeo.