Adaire Byerly is more than just a pretty face. She’s a critical thinker, an observer, an adviser, a coach, a bi-racial woman and, best of all, a Texan. 

Growing up in Saginaw, Texas, Byerly had always felt somewhat of a pull towards science. But by the tender age of 14, she had set her sights on the glamorous world of modeling. For four years she hustled to turn her dreams into reality, despite being told she was too short. She is just shy of 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

It wasn’t until an agent discovered Byerly’s photogenic images that she was signed with an agency on her 19th birthday. She quickly went from unofficial modeling gigs to working with many high-level professionals in the world of beauty, fashion and film. 

For more than 10 years, Byerly has been published and recognized in numerous magazines, including Vogue. She’s worked as an ambassador and muse for famous fashion stylists, photographers and brands. Over those 10 years, the native Texan began recognizing unprofessional behaviors that were considered normal in the industry. 

Through extensive reading and research, Byerly discovered these aberrant and unwelcome behaviors stemmed from depression, anxiety and miscommunication that would ultimately cost companies money. She made it her mission to develop a deeper understanding of the brain and its functions to help businesses in the fashion industry bridge communication gaps.

Byerly is now a licensed practitioner in neurolinguistic programming and neuroplasticity and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. She started the Entertainment Mindframe to investigate communication in an effort to enhance a team’s workplace performance through cognitive science.

Adaire Byerly currently lives in Plano, Texas and is working on her continuing education in neuroscience at Harvard University.

What are common behaviors you’ve observed in the industry?

Ego, identity struggles, rebellious and stubborn behaviors, lack of professional courtesy, push back, gossip, inappropriate remarks, passive aggressiveness, indirect communication and power dynamics. When you work in a world full of creative geniuses, you experience the want of expression and acceptance rather than structure. These psychological patterns and behaviors are constantly projected into business, negatively affecting the success in one’s career or an entire brand.

How can cognitive science change an industry?

By studying intellect and behavior, with a focus on how the nervous system processes and transforms information, we can get a better understanding of how a person can operate at their capacity in these fast-paced industries. When people communicate poorly it builds unhealthy communication within a work environment by causing the culture to become uncomfortable, unorganized, contradicting, unsafe, uninspiring, and eventually, unable to operate. But if we can solve the root of the issue, the rest of the process runs smoothly. It increases employee retention rates, lowers office tension, prevents legal repercussions, and finally, creativity and work production is greatly enhanced by finetuning this strategy. All of this can ultimately result in an increase and expansion in business.

Do you have plans to expand from the fashion industry into other industries? 

I originally tailored my solutions for the world of fame, however, after training and speaking, I have found that people in other industries are extremely interested in my approach. There are certain projects I am working on with my team that can absolutely expand to other industries, so we are in the throes of ensuring that my approach can also translate to those areas of business.

What’s the best advice you have for anyone going into modeling?

I have a few points I often tell not only newcomers, but professionals that have been in these industries for years.

1. This is a business, so hold yourself like a businessman/woman.

2. Get comfortable with hearing the word “No,” and learn to say the word “No.”

3. Know your why. If you’re getting into this industry for acceptance and to prove your worth to others, you’re going to hurt yourself. Although it’s harsh, I can tell you from direct experience, the industry does not care. Know why you are wanting to pursue this world and when you identify your place in it, own it.

Cover photo courtesy Adaire Byerly

Lisa Davis lives in Austin and is the Editorial Assistant for Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Concordia University Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Public Relations.