Wilnor Tereau has always wanted to be a physical therapist. He may even become one in the future, but for now, he lives for modeling. He walks down the streets, and he gets admiring stares. It wasn’t always that way. As a pre-teen, he moved to the United States to join his father in Chatham, Massachusetts. He was teased mercilessly for his dark skin. It was a trying time. He had lost his grandmother in his hometown of Ganthier, Haiti—and there he was in a foreign environment where he couldn’t speak the language. “Chatham at the time was a Lilly white town,” he recalls. “I attended middle and high school. I was the only black student in school. I was often teased for being Haitian and black. At school, I was a good student, and I excelled at soccer. After graduated high school, I travelled and attended college where I majored in exercise science.”
Photo Credit: Anthony Grassetti
Kreyolicious: In a previous interview, you talked about how you were bullied at school for being dark-skinned. How did that affect your self-esteem?
Being bullied affected me a great deal. I felt inferior, unintelligent, unattractive. And there were times I would cut classes to avoid the bullying. I became unfriendly and would sit alone during breakfast and lunch.
What did you learn from that whole experience?
I’ve learned that bullying is wrong. It hurts and it may lead to depression—and even death—if not properly managed.
Kreyolicious: How did you break into the modeling industry?
Well, a good friend of mine who models was attending a Puma casting, and I just happened to go for the ride. However, the casting directors convinced me to try out. About a week later, I got a call that I was booked for the ad and the rest was history.
Kreyolicious: How do you take care of yourself between photo shoots and modeling assignments?
I exercise on the regular, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Good hygiene is essential. I treat myself to a facial, manicure and pedicure. I drink a lot of water for hydration. Sleep is very important. In the words of Diddy, you have to preserve your sexy. [Laughter]
Kreyolicious: And may we ask how you stay in shape in general?
In general, I do a lot of cardio, jogging, biking, dancing, climbing and boxing. I also do strength-training, and play some soccer when I get a chance.
Kreyolicious: What has been the highlight of your modeling career thus far?
Having been able to work with some of the top designers in the industry, from fitness, fashion, and commercials.
Kreyolicious: There’s nothing like wisdom from someone who’s been there. What sort of advice would you give to someone, a male model—trying to break into the industry?
My advice to young male models trying to make it in the industry. Be professional, be open minded, ambitious, this industry is cutthroat , it could make you or break you. And be ware with phony photographers, always make you check out their websites and that they’re credible.
Kreyolicious: You were a star soccer player! Do you still play?
[Laughter] Yes, I still play soccer—although not as much as I used to.
Kreyolicious: Sometimes even our closest friends don’t know us all the way. What would people—even your most intimate friends—be surprised to know about you?
[Laughter] Great question. I have been waiting for the longest time now to be asked this question… Most of my friends and family don’t know that I was born prematurely and actually passed on and came back to life. I’m afraid if I tell them, they’ll freak out. [Also] I love to sing.
Kreyolicious: What traits do you look for in a girl?
Someone with a great personality. Great smile…intelligent, ambitious and must not take life too seriously, because it’s so short. Have a little fun…sex appeal, be confident and take good care of herself.
Kreyolicious: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“You’re the captain of your ship. You’re in control of your life. In the end, it’s what you make of it”. From my good friend Boston based fitness trainer, Jerry Carballo…
Kreyolicious: Do you read a lot?
I do enjoy reading.
Kreyolicious: What was the last good book you read?
I do enjoy reading, the last book I read was Peak and Valleys…
Kreyolicious: What’d you learn from it?
I learnt that you cannot take success for granted. Being at the top does not mean you’re safe. You will have to work much harder to remain on top.
Kreyolicious: You’re very much into philanthropy.
Yes. I’m involved in philanthropy. I traveled a couple times a year to Haiti to volunteer my time. I often go to the villages and or impoverished cities to raise awareness. I do workshops with the kids and adults as well. I teach them about fitness, healthy eating and [bring them] school supplies. I’m currently working on a toy drive for my next trip. I’ve met many kids from an orphanage called Maison Kè Kontan. I fell in love with them. [Laughter] I thought I would help out.
Kreyolicious: What are some of your career plans?
Continuing my hard work as a model, breaking into the acting industry, education is extremely important to me, so it’s also in my plan to further my education. I also plan to continue volunteering and raise awareness in Haiti and other parts of the world.
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[Main photo: Anthony Grassetti; all others provided by subject]
