Born and raised in Lima, Ohio, David Entinghe is one of six kids and credits much of his success to the values and principles instilled in him during his upbringing in the Midwest. David started his modeling career in 2005, when he was thrust into the fashion industry after a friend submitted his photos to Cosmopolitan magazine. Shortly thereafter, he signed with a modeling agency, moved to New York City, and went on to grace the runway, catalogs and advertising campaigns for companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Roberto Cavalli, and many others. After nearly 15 years working in the fashion industry, David is most grateful for the lifelong friendships, rich experiences and new opportunities that modeling has afforded him.
Soulivity Editor-at-Large, D’angelo Thompson, got the chance to spend some quality time with him to ask about his life and journey to success, as well as, insights about passion, purpose, and higher quality living. Enjoy!
DT: How long have you been modeling? I know you have many passions like reading, business, and travel…do you consider these hobbies or an integral part of your life?
DE: I started modeling in 2005 while playing college football at Ohio Northern University and ended up being scouted after a friend submitted photos of me to agencies in NYC. For many years, I was with Ford Models, and now represented by Ford/Wilhelmina.
In modeling, there’s a lot of flexibility…so, I dabble in home improvement projects and consider it another source of income and creativity for me.
DT: In a business where image is key, share your favorite beauty products or regime you use?
DE: Every day, I exfoliate, moisturize, and careful not to touch my face throughout the day; and, drink lots of water due to the travel.
I work out often five to six times a week, doing endurance sports and maintaining a healthy diet. As you know, what we eat is just as important as daily exercise.
DT: How has your career opened your eyes?
DE: Coming from a small midwestern town, there was a lot I didn’t know. Thankfully, the Riker Brothers sat me down and gave me the rundown about the industry; and, I am internally grateful. It really opened my eyes to clients, agents, and friendships.
DT: Share an ideal day for you?
DE: An ideal day for me…30 minutes workout daily; 30 minutes of breathing at night; [doing] administrative work; reconnect[ing] with family and friends. especially on the weekends. During COVID-19, I just check in on friends with video calls and phone calls.
DT: What life lesson would you share with younger people wanting to get into this industry?
DE: Trust your instincts; be strong; stand up for what you believe in; and surround yourself with people you can trust. And, think outside of the box more.
DT: What is your life’s purpose?
DE: The last year or two, I’ve been doing a lot a self-reflection; and, figuring out what’s next (or, an addition) to my life’s purpose. I know, it involves helping people, teaching, or mentoring entrepreneurs. Also, [it includes] setting an example for my nieces and nephews.
DT: Finish this sentence, “the shift I would like to see in the world is…”
DE: I would like to see an end to such division. “Treat[ing] others how you want to be treated and treat[ing] other humans with respect.”
DT: What changes have you seen in the modeling industry? Do you think it has improved for women and more diversity?
DE: I definitely have seen a lot more diversity with my existing clients; and, there’s a lot more awareness.
Name: David Entinghe
Job Title: Model/Business Man
Instagram: @davidentinghe
Website: www.davidentinghe.com
D’angelo Thompson is a three-time Daytime Emmy Nominated Hair and Makeup Artist, “Guest Hair” Daytime Emmy Award winner for the Wendy Williams Show, an accomplished Author, and Podcast Host.
His most recent credits include Law & Order SVU, Season 21, MTV/VH-1/LOGO (Viacom), Amy Trask (CBS Sports), Food Network, Joy Mangano, Amber Stevens West/Andrea DeBordeaux for Run The World (Starz), and Author, James Patterson. His expertise extends to bridal, editorial, commercial, film, and television. Additionally, for over 20 years, D’angelo has been a consultant and educator in partnerships with Il Makiage, Glamour Dolls Makeup, Chic Studios, Makeup For Ever, Calvin Klein Cosmetics, LORAC, and others.
As an Author, D’angelo penned and published “Enhanced Beauty”, “Enhanced Beauty for Teens “, “Enhanced Beauty: Men’s Grooming”, and “A 100 Days of Gratitude”. All are available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and other online retailers.
He is also the host of “Gratitude Is A Journey” available on Anchor.fm/dangelo- thompson and “Beauty & Gratitude” a series on Soulivity Magazine’s ‘SoulivityTV’, available on Youtube.
D’angelo was educated at Pratt Institute for two years in Fashion Merchandising and Fine Art and through mentorships with Alfred Fornay, Byron Barnes, and Sherry Lee. He further attended The Makeup Institute of California, MAC Pro, Makeup Forever Pro/Academy Workshops, Lash Extension Certification through NYIB, and Basic FX lessons from Daytime Emmy Award-Winning artist, Ingrid Okola. He also holds practitioner licenses and accreditations in Emotional Intelligence, Reiki, Crystal Healing, and Hypnotherapy. Currently attending National University, studying Psychology.
As a community activist, he organizes yearly fundraisers to support AIDS research, education, and advocacy with The Latino Commission on AIDS (2009-2017), youth initiatives, domestic violence, and sex trafficking awareness (2000-Present), social justice, and LGBTQ rights & safety (1990-Present).