Mawntel was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where growing up as an African man in America meant being taught to stay sharp, from grammar and dialect to academic discipline. Those expectations shaped his foundation, but modeling was something he found on his own. As he grew, he realized modeling isn’t just a profession but a presence: how you walk, talk, and carry yourself. Even though he once imagined a future in astronomy or psychology, modeling called to him in a way he couldn’t ignore.

He’s passionate about the person he is to those around him, as well as music, dancing, personal style, and image consulting. A fun twist: he could genuinely bowl at a professional level. Making music is his greatest creative release, allowing him to express himself both sonically and emotionally. He communicates best through words, a skill sharpened by being the observant youngest child and the standout “essay kid” in English. If his personality had a theme song, it would be “Almeda” by Solange.