ROBBY KLEIN
Dereck Taplin
Occupation: Model/Social Media Digital Creator
Hometown: Montgomery, AL
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Getting to where I am today. That being a professional NFL cheerleader for the Titans, a signed model, and now being featured in the 25th-anniversary issue of this magazine. Being from a single-parent household, growing up in the South, being biracial, and also being gay, I have constantly defied the odds. Now looking back on the environment I was raised, I’m extremely thankful. It taught me the importance of individuality, hard work, and to remember to stay determined to reach your goals.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life?
My mother. My parents got divorced when I was young, so I have seen her go through and overcome a lot. Watching her has taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. Some of my earliest memories of her consist of her teaching fitness classes at the YMCA where she brought people together, created a community for others, and just showed love to everyone. I was surrounded and brought up by so many strong women, and I’m forever grateful for that.
What is your definition of beauty?
Beauty is a combination of many different things. If I had to break it down and put it into a sentence, I’d say that true beauty is being authentic to oneself, as well as being sincere and genuine to others.
Special thanks to Grogan Jewelers by Lon for bringing some extra sparkle to our shoot! Dereck Taplin is wearing: 10 karat white gold 1.00 carat lab grown diamond bangle; 10 karat yellow gold 1.00 carat lab grown diamond bangle; 14 karat white gold 2.00 carat oval cut diamond band; Sterling Silver ‘Legends’ Naga triple wrap bracelet with sapphire eyes by John Hardy.