Fashion, Film, and Fresh Starts: Stella Forman in Focus
If I could describe Stella Forman in three words, the first ones that come to mind are: versatile, charismatic, and ambitious. When we met, we clicked immediately, feeding off each other’s energies. I can’t think of a better person to go out to coffee with and talk about all things art, media, and fashion with. At just 19 years old, Stella is not your typical freshman at New York University. Recently signed to MMG Model & Talent Management, Stella is not only kickstarting what I’m sure will be a successful modeling career, but also juggling being a student, content creator, and actress. With four independent film projects under her belt and a growing YouTube channel to boot, I’m excited to see what else we will see from her as her career progresses.
So, you recently signed to a modeling agency. Congrats! How has it been being signed?
It’s so surreal. I officially signed about a month ago, and it’s all so serendipitous and meant to be. With my career so far, everything has been so effortless and seamless. This was one of those things that just unfolded so nicely. About two months ago, I was sitting in my apartment one night and decided to apply to some modeling agencies. I didn’t hear back for a few weeks, but then I came across the agency I’m with now. I submitted some digitals, not expecting to hear back for a while, but I heard back from my current agent the next day. It was so exciting, and I am just so lucky. I always watched modeling vlogs growing up, so I’m really excited to bring my community along with me to show the behind-the-scenes. It’s such a gift to get to capture my experiences and I can’t wait to share with everyone.
How do you balance modeling with being a full-time student at NYU?
My planner is my best friend. Every Sunday, I get my planner out, and I write down everything I have to do in a given week. This is everything from my homework, to calls with my manager, to planning my YouTube videos, I write it all down so I can see it in front of me. I try to get my assignments done as soon as possible — usually on Mondays since that is when they usually are released. Then the rest of the week, I’m not burdened if something else does come up.
What is your favorite thing about attending NYU?
Oh my gosh, I love every single thing about NYU. I think it’s the perfect school for me. I am so lucky to study and live in New York City. What I love about NYU is our administration works to integrate the city’s resources into our courses and curriculum. For example, I had to do a project about a piece of art, and I did some research before realizing that what I needed was inside the MoMA. I didn’t have to do any extra research online, and I went to see the art in person. This added such a rich element to my research because I discussed the experience of interacting with that work in person. Moments like that have made me realize how rich the opportunities are at NYU. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people from all over the world. My peers and friends teach and inspire me so much. It’s such a special and diverse culture, and I’m so lucky to be in class with such amazing and interesting people.
Do you have any favorite spots in the city that inspire your creativity?
It’s a running joke among me and my friends that I’m always in SoHo. When I’m not in class or working, you can find me in SoHo. Generally, SoHo is the best neighborhood to be in if you want to get creative and feel inspired. The architecture is incredible, everyone is so fashionable. It’s like walking through your Pinterest board. Everyone there has fabulous outfits on, and there is just something very special about the energy too. There is this one garden called the Elizabeth Street Garden. It’s so beautiful, it’s very quiet and peaceful. I like to go there with my journal and sit and relax. I also love the Fanelli Cafe. It’s my go-to, and I go there a few times a week. If you sit outside facing the street, it is the best place for people-watching. I love getting an iced vanilla latte with oat milk. It’s been so cold lately, so I get it hot now.
What has been the most surprising part of moving to New York as a student and young professional?
I love being here so much more than I ever expected. The only concern I had before moving was the constant business of the city. I thought it was going to feel overwhelming. Weirdly enough, I have fallen in love with the constant flow of people and the bustling nature of the city. When you walk out into the street, you feel this big rush of energy. I’m surprised by how much that energy uplifts me on the day-to-day. Also, New Yorkers are so nice. There is such a false narrative about how New Yorkers are rude and unfriendly. They are some of the nicest people. It’s true that everyone walks with a purpose and is focused on where they are going. But, if you stop and try to talk to people, they are so engaged and want to know about you and your life.
What advice would you give to other young people moving to New York for the first time?
Create a routine and stick to it. You don’t have to plan out every minute of your day, but I think everyone should have a set of daily non-negotiables. Every single morning, I get up, I journal, and I meditate. If I wake up and I don’t do that, something is very wrong. I need to do some form of exercise daily, whether it is going to the gym or going for a long walk. I try to prioritize getting some form of movement. Having structure when you move to a chaotic city brings a lot of inner peace and grounding. I notice when you don’t have a routine, it’s easy to feel like you’re being pulled in a million different directions. It’s also really important to hang around people that make you feel good. Go to places where you can meet like-minded people. I’m very into working out and fitness, so I like to make friends at my workout classes.
Along with all the other creative endeavors you’re on, you also act. Can you tell us about your acting projects so far? How did you get involved in them?
I took some acting classes growing up here and there, but generally being artistic was not something that was strongly cultivated as I grew up, especially not at the high school I went to. In my junior year, I transferred schools, and I was in a place of confusion. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in my life, I didn’t know where I was going to be going to college. I started getting into journaling and meditation around this time, and I just put it out into the universe that I wanted a cool and exciting project. I ended up getting the opportunity to be in a movie, and I only had one line. On my first day on set I cried happy tears after. I posted a video of my one-liner on Instagram, and I was discovered by another director that I had previous connections to, and we ended up doing four projects together. Now, I’m signed with management, and I’m excited to do more in the future. Acting just found me, and I feel so lucky to be where I am.
What type of roles or genres of film excite you the most as an actress?
All of my roles so far have been playing characters that are very dramatic and serious and discussing themes that are very intense. I have learned so much about myself in the process. In the future, I would love to explore the realm of comedy. I’m obsessed with sitcoms like Modern Family and Arrested Development. I would love to be in a role in a show like that!
Your style is so unique and chic. Do you have any favorite designers or brands that inspire your wardrobe?
Off the top of my head, I would say Ralph Lauren. I love the timelessness of the brand and how classy all the pieces are. I love how they produce a lot of staple pieces. Recently, I’ve also been loving Mui Mui. Their pieces are just so playful and have a quirky edge that I love.
If you could walk the runway for any designer, who would it be and why?
Chanel. I’m such a girly girl at heart, and Chanel is just so iconic. I always envisioned a tweed suit and skirt set, and I would love to walk for them wearing that.
If you could collaborate with a brand on a fashion campaign, what would your dream project look like?
I love basics, so I would love to do a line of staple basics you can wear daily. I would want to include a t-shirt, a tank, a dress, and low-rise jeans, but I would want to put my own touch on it and make it more urban meets coastal. I’m from South Florida, but now I live in New York, so I want to include both vibes.
How do you stay grounded with so much going on in your life?
My routine helps me stay calm throughout the day, but making time to call my loved ones is huge. Every day, I call my parents. I sometimes call my mom multiple times a day. Every day around 5 pm, I call my best friend to debrief about everything happening in our lives. It brings me comfort because we are long-distance besties, so it’s nice to talk to someone who feels like home. Also, my weekly calls with my life coach are super important. I love her so much, and she’s important in helping me reflect on the previous week and plan intentionally for the coming week.
Stella Forman in her project “Date Night.”
How do you hope your career evolves over the next few years?
I’m a big dreamer, so it feels like the sky is the limit. I’m still at the beginning of my career, and I’ve planted all the seeds. Now, it’s just a matter of cultivating the different parts of my life and watching them develop and grow. For each area, I have different goals, but I would love to work with my dream brands through modeling and hoping for some roles in movies or series. I could also see myself getting into the production side of film. I love screenwriting. I plan to continue documenting my life online and growing my community. A podcast might be in the future, or starting a bikini or clothing line. I’m so creative, and I’m always thinking of a new idea.
Final Notes
I had so much fun talking to Stella about fashion, film, and modeling. If you want to keep up with her, be sure to follow her @stellaforman_ on Instagram. You can also keep up with her on YouTube to see the behind-the-scenes of her life in New York! If you have any questions for me, you can always reach me @itgirlarchive__ on Instagram, or by email, and I will respond as soon as I can. Until next time it girls!