I know you’re probably thinking: “Damn, Frendy really posed a question as a title for his Original Story.” Well, why not? Everything I do is pretty much unconventional and my next guest totally shares the same sentiment about herself. Ladies, gents—and those who don’t subscribe to the binary—allow me to present the uniquely wonderful Lyv Riley.

What makes Lyv so special? There are too many attributes to name. Whether it’s her natural beauty, spiritualistic nature or old soul swagger, the California native can illuminate the darkest of rooms with her ethereal presence. Not only a burgeoning model, clothing brand owner and writer, Lyv is, more importantly, a proud mother of one who is doing all she can to remain at peace in La La Land.

Check out my insightful conversation with Ms. Riley as we discuss her upbringing, life as a 26-year-old mother, staying out of the mix and future goals.

FRENDY: Lyv, my goodness! I’ve known you for almost a decade now and, I must say, your growth is truly amazing to behold. How are you feeling nowadays?

LYV: Frendy! You’ve always been so supportive. [I] can’t believe it’s been that long. I’m feeling grateful, busy, but rested.

FRENDY: It’s my pleasure—you really deserve everything that’s coming for you. Recently, I listened to your conversation on the “here now” podcast, and at the end you mentioned that you do not talk a lot—especially to people you don’t know. I feel like this interview will shed a much needed light on the totality of who you really are.

LYV: *Laughs* Yes, I don’t. I’m a very private person! I’m particular about who I speak to and what I give my energy to.

FRENDY: Your intuition is so intact that you hit me up about having a conversation literally right before I messaged you about participating in my #FrendyOriginals series *Laughs*. I’m very impressed and honored. How important is it for someone to follow their gut feeling?

LYV: So intact! I do that often *Laughs*. Thank you! It is so important to follow that first instinct you get. You have to trust yourself before anything. I think when you have a strong connection to God and yourself, you’re unstoppable. You can’t let anyone or anything get in the way of what your body, mind and soul are telling you—it’s divine guidance.

FRENDY: I really couldn’t have agreed with you any more. I know you’re of Dominican descent. Were you born in the Dominican Republic?

LYV: My grandmother on my dad’s side came to LA from the DR when she was just 14-years-old on her own. You know how that goes I’m sure. She just made a life here for herself, and for that I’m grateful. Or else I wouldn’t be here.

FRENDY: Wow, that’s dope. This is the first time I’m hearing someone migrated directly from the Dominican Republic to Los Angeles. Usually, the people I know automatically move to the East Coast (New York or Miami). Have you lived in California all of your life? If so, which part?

LYV: Right! A lot of other family members migrated to Brooklyn, New York. My great grandfather sent her to California and here I am *Laughs*. I have. All my life. I grew up in Long Beach.

FRENDY: Ay, the LBC! Going back to the podcast you were on last month, you mentioned that at the tender age of seven you were all alone in a bedroom asking yourself if God was real because your life was in shambles. Do you mind elaborating on that? What was your childhood experience like?

LYV: Whew! I grew up in an emotionally dysfunctional household and being a child, especially a girl, I was very sensitive to everything around me. I believe that’s why I am so intuitive now because I watched everyone so closely, walking on eggshells. I felt I was subconsciously trying to hold everyone together and I would just break down sometimes. You learn a lot when you have to just observe and not speak to avoid conflict.

FRENDY: At times, traumatic experiences really boost up our spiritual nature. Were you a part of the popular crowd in high school?

LYV: Oh man. I mean I’m sure anyone reading this that went to school with me would say yes. And I was, but I didn’t ever feel fully accepted. To be honest, I didn’t care to be. I was homeschooled for a while and only went to traditional HS for about two and a half years, something like that. My experience wasn’t great.

FRENDY: Really, why wasn’t it great? Too many people hating on you for no reason?

LYV: For sure! I had a few fights *Laughs*. But really, I’ve had a challenging life, and at that time, I was going through so much. School and friends were honestly the least of my concern. I moved around so much so I didn’t get the full experience. I'm also not too much of a social butterfly! I didn’t care about being there *Laughs*.

FRENDY: Did you go to college?

LYV: Twice! And dropped out. Then I went to beauty school and got my Esthetician license in 2016.

FRENDY: *Laughs* Yes, I do remember that stage in your life when you were an Esthetician. What inspired you to step into the modeling scene at the age of 18?

LYV: Well, growing up my mom always took me to castings, but I was so quiet and my mom wasn’t the nicest, most supportive parent so I never got any jobs *Laughs*. As I got older though I felt like I thought it was something I had to do. Something that was for me because it was pushed on me. So I went for it and I’m doing all the things that little shy girl would’ve never thought she could do.

FRENDY: That’s astonishing. It’s similar to my story because as a kid from Haiti living in NYC, I was shy as sh*t. I’m more than sure my former classmates are looking at me now like, “Frendy really glowed up” *Laughs*. How’s your relationship with your mom now?

LYV: I don’t have one with her. My life is more peaceful that way.

FRENDY: I respect that. Do you remember your very first modeling gig?

LYV: Ahhhh, yes. It was for my friend Drew Byrd’s brand 40s & Shorties! I had just turned 18-years-old. He really introduced me to the LA scene I guess you could say. Love that guy.

FRENDY: You began your modeling career as a freelancer. How did you go about finding castings back then?

LYV: Honestly. Instagram! You know how they used to have those curly hair pages? Or just pages dedicated to beautiful women. That’s how I got all my followers, and from there brands and photographers would just reach out to me. So weird but that’s how it happened. Twitter too!

FRENDY: When you’ve got “it”, you’ve got it! In February 2021 you were officially signed as a model. Which agency are you with?

LYV: Yes, I’m signed with OPC (Other Peoples Children). Some agents there left from Ford models and decided to do their own thing. And they’re cool! [I] Love them.

FRENDY: Independence at its finest. What are some of your favorite clothing brands that you’ve worked with thus far?

LYV: Probably all my friends I’ve ever shot for. I love supporting and working with my friends. One specifically, Synth. My friend Ryan’s brand.

Photographed by Simone Niamani Thompson/Playboy

FRENDY: You’ve been featured in a few music videos as well. Do you prefer doing those gigs over photoshoots?

LYV: Absolutely! 100% I want to act more so music videos have been that next door opening for me.

FRENDY: I love acting as well—I’m ready to get back in the game. Were you enrolled in any acting classes?

LYV: You should! And no, zero *Laughs*. But I will soon. I think my life experiences serve as enough practice *Laughs*.

FRENDY: *Laughs* You’re right. Other than modeling, what are your other passions in life? I saw that you are starting a clothing brand, tell me more about that.

LYV: It’s been a process! Arc Et Eros is something my best friend and I are doing together. She’s more of baggy jeans and sneakers [type] while I’m the dresses and heels kind of girl so we’re just meshing that together. Also, writing. That’s my first love and hopefully when the time is right everyone can read what I’ve put down. It’s all very personal and a little traumatic so I'm holding it close until I’m ready.

FRENDY: How do you remain grounded in the midst of a heavy workflow?

LYV: I keep a spiritual routine, and lately I’m big on rest and patience. Sometimes you do have to sit back and let the universe do its thing with the work you’ve already done. Trying to control every little thing can make what you’re doing ten times harder than it has to be. Believe that everything is going to flow to you and land in its perfect place at the perfect time.

FRENDY: It is done unto you as you believe. What does being Spiritual mean to you?

LYV: Being in tune with Self and your ancestors at the deepest, most vulnerable level.

FRENDY: You’ve been traveling heavily in the last six months. What’s your favorite place that you’ve visited thus far?

LYV: Heavily *Laughs*. I wish I had more time to, but I love Ghana and I absolutely love St. Maarten. I felt so at home and the food in St. Maarten *chefs kiss*. That is the place I want to buy a house and live in forever. When I’m done working my ass off.

FRENDY: The first thing that popped up when I googled your name was a picture of you and an ex who is a very well-known singer in the music industry. How has your experience been in finding meaningful relationships, especially in the LA scene?

LYV: Frendyyyy *Laughs*. It’s difficult. As hell. [I] Don’t even know what to say, but this industry and this life isn’t for the weak-hearted. I feel that this generation in general can be so toxic, and there’s that one percent of us in it trying to find someone to lean on and trust. But we all have walls up in one way or another. Got to find someone you can break down those walls with and when you don't let them go.

FRENDY: *Laughs* I knew you'd love that question. Are you currently dating?

LYV: I am. I’m in love. Keeping this close to me and for me—for as long as I can.

FRENDY: Congrats! What are the characteristics of your ideal romantic partner?

LYV: Thank you! I don’t know—I really enjoy the simple little things. It’s the kind gestures, acts of service that I love. I’m a mom and I’ve been doing a lot on my own for a long time so I appreciate it when someone just wants to do everything for me to make my days easier. That’s romantic to me *Laughs*.

FRENDY: Throughout the years you’ve cut your hair, let it grow and cut it back again. Is there a significance behind the chops?

LYV: Jesus! Me and my hair—we’ve been through some things *Laughs*. The first time I cut it all off I was 14-years-old, I went through a tough time. Then again after I had my daughter (postpartum depression), and from there it’s been up and down. More recently, I shaved it all off because I felt I wanted to have a fresh start.

A lot of it tied into my mom and her image of me and what she wanted me to be. I started questioning if I even knew myself for real or was I just who my mom raised me as. I think that’s something everyone should ask themselves. It was a mind f*ck to me. Because who would I be without the influence of my mother or anyone who had parts in raising me? And I found that answer.

FRENDY: You have a beautiful daughter named Phoenyx and she literally is the spitting image of you when you were a little girl. How has your life changed since her birth? Btw, she was born just two days after me!

LYV: Thank you so much, my little Virgo. My life gained more meaning. I’ve always questioned life and what we’re doing here but she really made me start doing the footwork. Following my soul purpose and she has taught me to never settle. No matter how badly it may hurt to let something go, there’s far more rewarding things on the other side once you do. Growth. Being born again & again. Never being afraid to try something new.

FRENDY: Phoenyx is modeling already! From your Instagram stories it's apparent that she has an outgoing personality. Is there a slight chance of her getting into acting?

LYV: She is super outgoing. Possibly, if she wants to! But she tells me she wants to be a painter so I’m watering that dream of hers right now. I don’t ever want to push anything on her. I always ask if she wants to do something first before I just throw her into it.

FRENDY: Is there any advice you’ll like to give to all of the young mothers out there that you wish you received?

LYV: Love yourself. Put yourself first. If you’re not happy, your child isn’t happy. A lot of the time we like to think we have to hyper focus on if we’re doing things the right way, but just focus on you. In doing that you teach your kids to do the same and then others know how to treat them. So give yourself all the love. Do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better so you can show up fully for your child.

FRENDY: The inspiration behind your daughter’s name derived from Kanye West’s song and short film, “Runaway”. He’s one of your favorite artists. Who are the other musicians you admire?

LYV: Yes! I love Jay Z, Amy Winehouse, Tupac, and Jimi Hendrix. I could go on & on. But their stories and the talent that comes out of them so effortlessly is beautiful. I love when I can relate to an artist's personal life story, not just their music.

FRENDY: What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2022?

LYV: I like to keep my mystique *Laughs*. So just watch! But so much work. Only good things ❤️

CAN I LYV?

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