Infinity’s Bold Return: Embracing Authenticity and Diversity in Modeling
Embracing Authenticity: The Rebirth of a Birmingham Visionary
Meet Infinity Jasele, the seasoned fashion model whose presence has illuminated countless runways, magazine covers, and campaigns throughout her remarkable career. After a deliberate retreat from the industry spotlight—a period of spiritual renewal and personal evolution—she emerges with renewed purpose and a deepened sense of self. In this intimate conversation, Infinity shares her journey through the fashion landscape, offering profound insights on authenticity, resilience, and the courage to forge one’s own path in an industry often resistant to genuine transformation.
How did you first enter the modeling world, and what initially drew you to this form of expression?
“My journey began when a friend introduced me to Designer’s Loft Studio, an after-school program in historic Ensley created by local entrepreneur Antonio Spurling,” Infinity recalls, her voice warm with nostalgia. “I’ve always been captivated by fashion’s transformative power and the concept of the body as artistic medium. Even as a child, I found joy in curating outfits and exploring diverse aesthetics. The creative expression fashion offers felt like an intuitive extension of myself.”
Your recent editorial collaboration marks a significant return. Could you share your experience working with this creative team?
“This editorial reunion felt like coming home,” she reflects. “The synergy among the team was extraordinary—each person bringing their unique creative vision while remaining open to collective inspiration. Photographer M. Carson, who helped secure my first agency signing, and Antwon, the visionary stylist and Alabama State University’s head costume designer, created an environment where authentic expression flourished. The decision to participate was instinctive—a natural continuation of long-standing creative relationships.”
You stepped away from modeling before this comeback. What prompted that hiatus, and what called you back to the industry?
“My retreat from modeling came from a need to recalibrate—to nurture other dimensions of my life and explore interests beyond the industry,” Infinity explains. “Yet modeling remained a constant presence in my consciousness, waiting for the right moment to reemerge.” She pauses thoughtfully. “Maintaining momentum in this fast-paced environment demands intentional practices. I approach larger ambitions by breaking them into manageable elements, prioritizing regular restoration, and cultivating a supportive community that grounds and challenges me simultaneously.”
How has your personal aesthetic evolved since your early modeling days, and what influences shape your current fashion sensibilities?
“My relationship with fashion has matured from trend-focused to essence-centered,” she observes. “Early in my career, I found myself chasing the ephemeral nature of trends, but now I prioritize comfort and authentic self-expression. My travels have profoundly influenced this evolution—each culture offering new perspectives on the language of clothing and personal adornment.”
As someone who lives nomadically for work, how do you maintain a minimalist approach while living primarily from a suitcase?
“The nomadic lifestyle demands intentionality,” Infinity says with quiet confidence. “I’ve developed a disciplined approach to packing—selecting versatile pieces that serve multiple contexts through thoughtful combination. The practice has been revelatory, helping me distinguish between the essential and the superfluous both in my luggage and in life.”
Your career has taken you across continents. How has international travel informed your perspective on fashion and modeling?
“Travel has been my most profound educator,” she reflects. “Witnessing the global tapestry of beauty standards and creative expression has expanded my understanding of what’s possible within fashion. Each destination offers its own aesthetic wisdom, teaching me to remain adaptable while honoring the authentic core of who I am.”
Among the world’s fashion capitals you’ve experienced, which city resonates most deeply with you?
“Each city holds its own distinctive energy,” Infinity considers. “London claims a special place in my heart as my first international fashion experience. The city’s simultaneous embrace of tradition and avant-garde experimentation, combined with its extraordinary cultural diversity, continues to inspire me. There’s an electric creative current running through London that feels inexhaustible.”
Having experienced fashion capitals like Milan and New York, how would you characterize their distinct approaches to style?
“Milan embodies meticulous craftsmanship—a reverence for tradition and technical precision that manifests in every seam and silhouette,” she observes. “New York pulses with eclectic energy—a democratic approach to fashion that embraces experimentation and cultural fusion. Both cities have shaped my understanding of fashion as both art and cultural artifact.”
What keeps you anchored in Birmingham rather than relocating to larger fashion markets like New York or Los Angeles?
“Birmingham nurtures me in ways that transcend professional opportunity,” Infinity explains with quiet conviction. “This city’s rich cultural tapestry and historical resonance provide a foundation that grounds my creative expression. The community here—family, friends, and fellow creatives—has been instrumental in fostering both personal and professional growth.”
“Beyond sentiment, Birmingham offers the rare gift of distinctiveness. In more saturated markets, even exceptional talent can become obscured. Here, I’ve been able to cultivate a unique voice and presence that might have been diluted elsewhere. Birmingham has taught me resourcefulness and authentic hustle—qualities that serve me regardless of location.”
What wisdom would you offer to those beginning their modeling journey?
“Preserve your essence,” Infinity states with conviction. “The industry will present countless opportunities to compromise your values—resist that temptation at all costs. Understand that rejection is not merely inevitable but instructive. The resilience you develop through disappointment becomes your most valuable asset.”
Social media has become both essential and potentially harmful in the modeling industry. How do you navigate this complex landscape?
“I approach social media as a tool for connection rather than validation,” she reflects. “By focusing on authentic sharing and community building, I’ve created a digital presence that feels enriching rather than depleting. The platforms themselves must establish more robust accountability systems, but we as users can begin by cultivating spaces that celebrate rather than criticize.”
Have you experienced professional stagnation, and how did you respond to those periods?
“Absolutely—modeling careers rarely follow a linear trajectory,” Infinity acknowledges. “During fallow periods, I redirect my creative energy toward personal projects and interests that nourish me beyond the industry. These intervals have taught me that my worth exists independently from my professional accomplishments—perhaps the most valuable lesson of my career.”
What misconception about the fashion industry would you most like to address?
“Many perceive fashion as fundamentally superficial,” she observes, “but this perspective misses the profound artistry and dedication behind the industry. Fashion at its best serves as a visual language for cultural values, historical moments, and personal identity. The superficiality exists not in the medium itself but in how we sometimes engage with it.”
What challenges have you faced as a model, and how have you navigated them?
“The constant evaluation inherent in modeling creates a uniquely vulnerable professional experience,” Infinity admits. “Learning to separate critique of my work from criticism of my worth has been essential. As someone navigating multiple marginalized identities, I’ve encountered additional barriers, but I find purpose in contributing to the industry’s gradual evolution toward greater inclusivity.”
Your commitment to authenticity clearly shapes your career. How does this value manifest in your personal life?
“Authenticity requires conscious cultivation,” she reflects. “I surround myself with people who mirror my truest self back to me and create space for regular introspection and self-nurturing practices. This doesn’t mean the path is always clear—there are moments when authentic choice feels elusive—but I’ve found that alignment with my core values ultimately creates the most sustainable fulfillment.”
As someone who identifies as asexual, introverted, and highly sensitive, how do these aspects of your identity inform your worldview?
“These dimensions of my identity have gifted me with a unique perceptual lens,” Infinity shares thoughtfully. “Being part of communities that exist outside mainstream representation has heightened my awareness of nuance and the diversity of human experience. My introversion and sensitivity foster a natural inclination toward deep reflection and careful observation—qualities that enhance both my personal interactions and professional work.”
“Coming to understand and embrace my asexuality was a journey made challenging by limited representation in media and culture,” she continues. “Over time, this aspect of myself has become not something to question but something to celebrate—another facet of the authentic life I’m committed to living.”
The modeling industry has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding working conditions and compensation. What changes would you advocate for?
“The industry requires structural transformation,” Infinity states firmly. “Greater transparency around compensation, improved contract protections, and clear accountability mechanisms would begin to address the systemic issues many models face. Individual advocacy is important, but collective action and policy change are essential for meaningful industry evolution.”
How do you respond to the industry’s historical emphasis on youth and conventional beauty standards?
“The industry’s narrow focus not only limits representation but also diminishes the richness of fashion itself,” she observes. “Age brings a depth of presence and lived experience that cannot be simulated. While I’ve witnessed gradual movement toward greater age inclusivity, substantial change requires continued advocacy and conscious choice by industry decision-makers.”
Have you experienced pressure to conform to conventional beauty standards, and how have you responded?
“That pressure is omnipresent in the industry,” Infinity acknowledges. “I’ve learned to balance professional adaptability with unwavering commitment to my wellbeing. True sustainability—both personal and industry-wide—requires rejecting the notion that physical uniformity should be prioritized over the celebration of diverse beauty.”
Many models feel pressured toward cosmetic enhancement. Has this been your experience?
“I’ve certainly encountered that expectation,” she confirms. “For issues like hyperpigmentation—common among those with deeper skin tones—I’ve chosen targeted skincare approaches over more invasive procedures. This reflects my broader philosophy that self-acceptance need not preclude self-care, but should inform how we approach it.”
What steps should the fashion industry take to genuinely embrace diversity and inclusion?
“Meaningful inclusion requires examining not just who appears in campaigns but who makes decisions behind the scenes,” Infinity emphasizes. “When diversity exists at all levels—from creative direction to corporate leadership—authentic representation naturally follows. The industry must move beyond tokenism toward structural change that values multiple perspectives as essential to creative excellence.”
How important is ethical fashion in your work, and how do you incorporate these values?
“Ethical consideration has become increasingly central to my professional choices,” she affirms. “I seek collaborations with brands whose practices honor both human dignity and environmental stewardship. Using my platform to amplify these conversations feels like a natural extension of my commitment to conscious living.”
Have you encountered payment issues in your career?
“Unfortunately, payment irregularities remain common industry experiences,” Infinity notes with candor. “Models often face delayed compensation or renegotiated terms after work completion. This precarity creates significant stress, particularly for those without financial safety nets.”
How have you managed agency debt situations?
“Agency debt creates complex power dynamics that can be challenging to navigate,” she acknowledges. “I’ve learned to maintain clear financial boundaries and advocate for transparent accounting practices. Financial literacy has become as essential to my career as any aesthetic skill.”
What systemic changes would improve financial protections for models?
“The industry needs standardized payment timelines, transparent contracts, and meaningful consequences for payment violations,” Infinity suggests. “Models must also educate themselves about their rights and build networks that share information about client reliability. Collective advocacy has potential to create significant change where individual voices might be dismissed.”
What future aspirations guide your path, both professionally and personally?
“I hope to continue expanding my creative expression through modeling while exploring adjacent creative practices,” she shares. “Using my platform to advocate for body diversity and industry ethics remains a core commitment—translating personal values into meaningful action.”
Tell us about Collabboxx, your e-commerce venture, and its origin story.
“Collabboxx emerged from a period of profound challenge,” Infinity reveals. “After a car accident resulting in Traumatic Brain Injury, I was forced to withdraw from university and limit my modeling travel. Combining my software development background with my industry experience, I created a platform connecting clients with local creative talent—photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and clothing stylists—to facilitate quality photoshoots under ethical conditions.”
How has Collabboxx supported your local creative community?
“The platform has created an ecosystem where models can work in environments prioritizing safety and fair compensation,” she explains. “By focusing on local talent, we’re able to nurture Birmingham’s creative community while showcasing the extraordinary diversity and skill that exists here.”
How has developing Collabboxx influenced your modeling career?
“Collabboxx has allowed me to maintain connection with the industry during a period when traditional modeling was inaccessible,” Infinity reflects. “It’s deepened my understanding of the business aspects of fashion and empowered me to create the ethical working conditions I advocate for. While I still travel for select opportunities, building something that supports my local community has brought unexpected fulfillment.”
Your ministry work forms another dimension of your life. How does this intersect with your modeling career?
“My spiritual practice infuses everything I do,” she shares. “Modeling becomes a vehicle for embodying values of compassion, grace, and loving presence. Each professional interaction offers an opportunity to bring these principles into spaces where they might otherwise be absent.”
How do you maintain spiritual wellbeing amid industry demands?
“Boundaries are essential,” Infinity states simply. “I prioritize practices that nurture my spirit—meditation, prayer, restorative solitude—even when that means declining opportunities. This isn’t merely self-care but recognition that my most authentic creative expression flows from a place of spiritual alignment.”
What message do you hope your presence in the modeling industry communicates?
“I hope to embody the possibility of success without compromise—of bringing your whole, authentic self to spaces that might initially seem unreceptive,” she reflects. “Beauty exists in infinite forms, and our industry becomes more vibrant when it embraces this truth. If my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams while honoring their essence, that would be the greatest success I could imagine.”
Fashion model Infinity Jasele advocates for inclusivity, diversity, and sustainable fashion while empowering the next generation of models. For booking information, please visit www.icgpty.com. To book photography with M. Carson, please visit www.mcarsonphotography.com
By The Quad Right Blueprint: Human Design’s 1% on April 27, 2023
