M
ikaela Whaley, is 17 and got started in Acting and Modeling about 3.5 years ago after my sister and I were walking through a local mall and submitted our information to a local Agency, PMTM, in Akron, Ohio. This was not the first time I attempted to model, I was 9 when I begged my mom to take me to an audition and instead of me getting selected my sister did, But I did not give up and now here I am perusing a dream. In 2014 joined PMTM and attended the IMTA Convention in NYC, as a result I signed with MMG in NYC. Today I have representation in NY, Florida Pennsylvania and California. But the journey was not easy, as it takes a lot of time and behind the scenes my MOM put in a lot of time, effort, and NETWORKING. I want to focus on NETWORKING. This is the greatest tool in this industry. My first acting role and modeling role came about from NETWORKING and following fellow PMTM actors/models on Facebook. I got an extra role in “Sincerely, Me” which has won Best Drama Feature, Best Actor in the Hollywood BLVD Film Festival, as well as Best Feature Film at the NYC Indie Film awards and many others. During the shoot I was also networking and found out sites to follow and find casting notices, this resulted in a featured role in a local short film, and then onto a student film as a Lead and a Nike commercial. I follow a lot of sites and am registered with many casting sites, Casting Network, Back Stage, and Actors Access, this is where I submit for roles. On September 1st the movie “Little Evil” will be released on Netflix, I was an Extra during filming in Cleveland, OHIO. I did my second Music Video with Newborn out of Brooklyn NY this past June and have a few projects that I am working on locally and look forward to more exciting roles in my future. My very first model casting came about in December 2015 and was selected to walk in a show by Caressa Brown of DE-FI. It was a small show but as a model I knew I needed to get experience and this was a good place to start. While I was auditioning my mom was out in the waiting area networking with other parents and this is how I got my next show walking in ,”Tails for Fashion” a production by Laylonna Hurley of EBM and OMEGA Fashion Magazine. From here I had my first print in a Magazine, Omega Fashion Magazine, as well as featured in a few Web Ads for Carra Renee jewelry. During this time I had also casted for fashion events in NYC and was the lead in a Music video which was so much fun and an awesome video to show my friends and family. Again all of this was a result of networking getting information from fellow models and find sites to follow. June of 2016 I went
to California to meet my manager at Zero Gravity. How did I acquired my manager you ask, again was through networking and social media. I attended an acting workshop at PMTM and took a photo that was posted on Social media. About a week later I received a call for an audition tape for a California manager. I submitted my tape and he like it. While in California that summer I took several acting classes, went to several casting and was featured in two Public Service Announcements (PSA) and a photo shoot. I also flew to NYC to participate in Fashion on the Hudson, a Sofia Davis production, where again the networking paid off and I was invited to walk in several Fashion events. Since the summer of 2016 I have had the opportunity to walk in several NYC fashion events to include New York Teen Fashion Week last spring and I will be walking again this September. I recently was a floor model and runway at the DC Swim week where I got to meet Mrs. United States and walk with models from the Miss Bikini USA competition. My biggest advice to anyone in this industry is #1 Never give up on your dreams, I was told several years back that I would not make it as a model because I not tall enough. Well at 5’7” I have proven them wrong, I am modeling and having a great time. The experience and friendships are priceless. #2 network, reach out to others find out how they find jobs, get web sites, IG and FB sites to follow and post on your social media. #3 practice your skill whether it be modeling or acting you need to be practicing develop your skills and submit, submit, submit. You will not get every role you submit for but don’t let this stop you. ONLY YOU control your career and your destiny.
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Model | Mikaela Whaley Photographer | Bill Person MUHA | Denise Wilson
“My goal as a model and actor is to break the barrier like Kate Moss …as a 5’ 6.5” female I am going to empower myself and create my own destiny. I want to share my experience and show the industry that petite models are deserving of walking the High fashion Runway. We represent the average female who is being targeted by the marketing agencies for the top designers so why not allow Petite models to walk in the BIG FOUR fashion weeks, New York, Paris, Milan, and London fashion weeks, for the top designers like Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Coach to name a few.”
Professionally trained in Acting and Modeling, Mikaela, played roles from aggressive bully, to a comical and adventurous teenager, working in cities from Los Angeles to New York City as well as locally in her home state of Ohio. She has had the opportunity to walk the runway in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and DC and has participated in several editorial shoots. As an up and coming actor and model Mikaela has had featured roles in a PSA’s in California, two Music videos, as well as Student films. She is currently working with KOJOARTS on a film series in Columbus, Ohio has participated in New York City Fashion Week and most recent New York City Teen Fashion Week and The Mega Launch event. Mikaela continues to develop her skills and techniques in acting, currently attending a Master Acting class and has received pervious training at Michael Woolsons Young Actors Auditioning, Deborah Aquila’sScript Analysis Audition Technique Intensive in addition to training with Al Onorato, James Madio and Aaron Marcus. In addition to her acting Mikaela is also a Model and has received training both locally and in New York City attending Sarah Deanna’s Model Master Class and Mina Nesbitt’s Walking and Photo Movement Workshops to mention a few. Mikaela has worked on a few award winning independent films, The Sit In –produced by InSpyRed Pictures, she played the role of Cynthia (Bully) this film won the Merit Award @ the Los Angeles Awareness Film Festival in October 2016. Mikaela recently finished up her second film with InSpyRed Pictures. She also worked on the set of Sincerely Me by Des Waz Here productions. This film received the Platinum Award for best Feature Film in the NYC indie Film Festival, July 2016. The title winner for the Best Drama Feature in the Hollywood Boulevard Film Festival, Sept 2016 and the title winner of Recognition for Best Drama Feature in the Hollywood international Moving Pictures Film festival. May 2016. Mikaela has lived in the country her whole life raising chickens, riding her wheeler and enjoying time with family and friends. She is a very active teenager involved in Soccer, Band, Track and Nervous System Performance Training to mention a few. In addition, for the past 4 years, she has been an active participant in 3-5 Military Teen Leadership Camps per year across the United States, Team building, developing Leadership skills as well as relationships with other Military Teens of our countries service men and women.
Photographer | Hannah Dexter MUHA | Elizabeth Cook
Model | Karlie Kilmer Photographer | Sherman Orendorf
Atlanta’s Rising Music Sensation Katie Belle Performs during NYC Fashion Week Award winning singer and model performs at her third NYC Fashion Week
Image courtesy of Nicole Turner/@ Victoria Henley workshop GA
New York City, NY (September 11, 2017) – Country crossover singer and model Katie Belle is proud to announce that she has been performing and modeling this weekend during New York City’s Fashion Week 2017. She performed this past Saturday, September 9th at the pm show of Couture Fashion Week, produced by Andre Aquino; owner-designer-producer of Couture Fashion Week shows in N.Y., Milan and Paris. Katie performed 4 additional songs during the After Party at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, the official host hotel for all of the Couture events.
Models Atlanta and MSB Agent Miami. She is a featured model traveling regularly to the Miami area and throughout the United States. She has also had the opportunity to do runway shows with America’s Next Top Model, Victoria Henley. Katie has brought home several awards in the entertainment industry such as the Country Female Artist Award at The 2015 International Music and Entertainment Awards and the Female Country Award at Women In Charge 2015.
Katie is poised to become a major pop star and Katie, model by day and performer by night, walked model with her expertise in singing, songwriting, the runway Sunday, September 10th during the modeling and acting. With her frequent trips to NYC Teen Fashion Couture Show and performed Nashville for songwriting, her original lyrics have once again at the 10pm After Party. A highly inbeen labeled as poetic, insightful, empowering, fun demand performer, Katie will conclude her Fashion and energetic. Week performances tonight, performing the opening music, including her original “American Wild” as well as walking the runway for the Victoria Keep up with Katie on Instagram, Twitter and Henley Collection (top finalist from America's Next Facebook @katiebellega or check out her music on Top Model) as part of Couture Fashion Week & NYC Pandora, SoundCloud, Spotify, Amazon and Teen Fashion Week comes to a close. AppleMusic. Atlanta based music sensation Katie Belle currently holds the #3 spot on the Beat100 worldwide song charts for her official cover song, “Counting Stars.” In addition to being widely acclaimed for her musical talent, Belle has recently signed with BMG
If you would like to see Katie at a venue near you, please send all inquiries to Katie@katiebelleakinmusic.com.
NEW YORK STYLE
Model/ MUHA | Katie Belle Akin Model/ MUHA | Katie Belle Akin Designer | Nate Hutson Collection Designer | Nate Hutson Collection Producer | Afif Cherif, Nai-Tsang Cheng Producer | Afif Cherif, Cheng Photographer | John H Nai-Tsang Lee Photographer | John H Lee
Image courtesy of Nicole Turner of Lasting Impressions by Nicole Designer | Jarix @ Victoria Henley workshop GA
Image courtesy of Nicole Turner of Lasting Impressions by Nicole @ Victoria Henley workshop GA
Model | Kyndall Summers Photographer | Sherman Orendorf
Model | Kyndall Summers Photographer | Sherman Orendorf
Model | Ashley Beloat Photographer | Carlie Chew
Michaela Dunaway, 20, is an American model and mother of one young daughter. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA., Her career began at 11 years old while competing for the title of National American Miss California. Michaela is an advocate for positive body image and media diversity. She aims to challenge oppressive beauty standards in the fashion industry and to promote self-love and confidence."
DARKEST FOX Our Mission Darkest Fox's mission is to celebrate sensuality by empowering individuals through bold, elegant aesthetics. We challenge the convention of externally worn lingerie in private settings by transforming this intimate piece of undergarment to be something that is worn discreetly (or not so discreetly) internally in public settings, as a reminder to the wearer that beauty and selflove starts from within. In service to our mission, Darkest Fox curates emerging designer brands of cutting edge, elegant lingerie. We started business in the spring of 2016, working with local fashion designers in New York City to offer high quality intimates and accessories for the modern sophisticate. Our lingerie exudes sexiness and allure while honoring the body – which means no uncomfortable underwire bras nor tight straps and waistbands that leave marks on the skin. The end result is a collection of carefully selected products which all feature innovative designs that adjust to fit perfectly, expertly crafted garments with detailed stitching, and sumptuous cuts that accentuate the beauty of the human form. ********** Mabel Liang Founder 424.DARK.FOX darkestfox.com • Website darkestfox.com • Instagram @darkestfoxnyc https://www.facebook.com/darkestfoxes/ https://darkestfox.polyvore.com/ https://www.pinterest.com/darkestfox/
Happiness and fulfillment through the expansion of your mind, widening your social circle, travel and connections to people of a different cultural background than you is indicated. Your idealistic nature is stimulated, and you are likely to yearn for a connection to more spiritual or idealistic pursuits. Mostly intellectual activities, negotiations, collaborations and contracts will be favored in this period. It seems that you have to pass a test, a trial, to open your way to an improvement of your status and of your material situation. Favorable Dates: Sep 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, and 22 Favorable Colors: Green & White
Aries (21 March – 19 April) –You'll be exploiting your creativity rigorously and systematically, doing your best. It's a good month as regards promotions or standing out. It marks out your talents and competencies, lends you dignity and more authority. You'll have work capacity and you'll get everything done properly. If you are single then be prepared to be convinced that love at first sight really can happen. If you are attached then this month will see your passions reignited although there will also be some issues from the past that need to be talked through. Favorable Dates: Sep 1, 7, 10, 16, 19, and 25 Favorable Colors: White & Blue
Taurus (20 April – 20 May) - In financial area there will be a considerable improvement as it represents the recognition of your merits and past efforts. Teamwork suits you in spite of the arguments sometimes and of the efforts you have to make to convince the others. The erotic potential is very high, you'll be tempted in this direction, but prudence forces you to think first. You are endowed with a sort of maturity that helps you bring discipline among your impulses. You want guarantees, you cannot let yourself be carried away. Favorable Dates: Sep 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, and 27 Favorable Colors: White &Yellow
domestic bliss. You will be drawn to get in touch with relatives and you may find yourself nostalgically flicking through the family photo album. Favorable Dates: Sep 1, 4, 10 13, 19, and 22 Favorable Colors: White & Red
Cancer (21 June – 22 July) - It's possible that you experience a sort of anxiety and inner restlessness. Your low immunity exposes you to infections and contamination's, and you can bring problems on yourself. Cut down on alcohol, cigarettes and stimulants, sleep more and don't push the limits taking physical risks! Your relationship will become the focus of your attention. Important problems will be brought forward and postponed discussions will finally take place. In case your relationship is on the rocks, this period will mark out its flaws and incompatibilities. .Favorable Dates: Sep 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, and 26 Favorable Colors: Yellow & Red
Leo (23 July – 22 August) - The creative potential
will be huge and can be rendered valuable with many benefits. This is an excellent month both for promoting your self-image and for speculating opportunities. Serious aspects, long term strategies and practical, material objectives are not neglected either. The stars support especially free love, romanticism and eroticism. Gemini (21 May – 20 June) - You'll enjoy a lot of This period has less to do with old relationships. In the case of a stable relationship, the energy is vitality and a good mental equilibrium. It's a used especially for home and children, but there period of stability and commitment, which can attract enough guarantees so that you can afford could also be an intense revival of the sentimental life. Favorable Dates: Sep 3, 7, 12, to make an important investment either for a 16, 21, and 25 Favorable Colors: Yellow & White house or for family. Those of you with families will be feeling a powerful nesting instinct this month as the planets encourage you to focus on
Libra (23 September – 22 October) - Great
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) - In
focus on career, in which you invest a lot of energy and feeling. You probably desperately want to achieve an objective, but in order to succeed you have to be calmer and more sensible. An opportunity that you missed in the past or a problem that hasn't been solved might come along again. Your boss or somebody else that has authority on you has a saying in it. Financially, the trend is Favorable and there might be an extra income. Use your organizational talents and make a schedule that keeps you away from prolonged pressure. Favorable Dates: Sep 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, and 27 Favorable Colors: Yellow & Grey
many ways inspiration can help you but you don't have to rely on it only. You'll have to strive to do your work in an organized, neat and careful way. A lot of demands, a lot of action and pretty much stress would be faced. You've got a lot on your mind and time really presses you. Physically, you have a vitality you should be envied for, but your nervous resistance is not great. September demands that you make a decision regarding a future project. It seems time has come to take serious responsibility and start a long-term, effort-requiring one . Favorable Dates: Sep 4, 8, 13, 17, 22, 26 Favorable Colors: Green & Red
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) - You have a natural charm and wit, which appeals to a wide range of people. This month you can use this to your advantage in the work place and this could lead to promotion. Youngsters will be able to charm their way out of any difficulties at school. There should be an event to put you forward, to get you closer to a better position. You'll come to a very advantageous point that will matter a great deal for the future. Take precautionary measures especially when it comes to communication, documentation and information. Favorable Dates: Sep 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, and 27 Favorable Colors: Yellow & Blue
Sagittarius (22November-21 December ) - It'll be a month in which joint initiatives regarding work and finances have higher chances to succeed, which is good, because you'll need the money to reach a goal of yours. You'll have a greater influence on your partner than usual, which you could take advantage of to ask for something that you want and hasn't been offered to you yet. Friendships that are stodgy or limiting may very well be left behind. You have a strong ability to see each person for who they are as unique individuals, and this helps endear you to others. Favorable Dates: Sep 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, and 22 Favorable Colors: Green & White
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) - This is a period in which your belief systems and personal philosophies are especially important to you, and you are more inclined to share them with those younger than you. It’s an excellent time for travel, higher education, communications, and higher learning. Fundamental changes in your domestic situation and career orientation are likely. This is not the best time to push forward with new financial initiatives, but it is a strong period for reviewing past money matters. In the second half, your worldly goals may be watered down as you focus more on personal affairs. Favorable Dates: Sep 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, and 22 Favorable Colors: White & Yellow
Pisces (19 February – 20 March) - You are a person who thrives on a master plan–something that is elusive during this period of your life. You are more determined to achieve your personal goals and more strategic in the manner you go about doing so. Unusual circumstances, coincidences, or some level of secrecy and mystery surround your career in this period. Others may not be seeing you for who you are, but rather what they’d like you to be. Outdoors activities appeal more than ever and an opportunity to travel somewhere exotic could drop into your lap. Favorable Dates: Sep 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, and 22 Favorable Colors: White & Red
Model / MUHA | Nikki Serenity
Local Ambition is one part reality series and one part soap opera. The St. Louis, Missouri based web series combines aspects of both genres to create one of the most unique viewing experiences you’ll find anywhere.
the show, Jessica has done the opposite. It’s harder for her character to avoid confrontations as she is more focused on proving herself to others and establishing relationships with her cast mates.
From the very beginning of the season, Jessica finds her position on Local Ambition in jeopardy as two of her cast mates try to get her kicked off by spreading a rumor about her. The show features modeling reality series Jessica’s fate rests in the hands of standards like photo shoots and management who will investigate the rumors confessionals, but dramatic soap opera to see if they are true or not. elements are thrown in to keep viewers Outside of the show, Jessica is one of the entertained during the competition. most multi-talented members of the cast. She is just as interested with being behind the The show’s premise features eleven local camera as she is being in front of it. Jessica is women from St. Louis competing in a series of a photographer and filmmaker. She has set up themed photo shoots and challenges with several photo shoots with local models in, and biweekly eliminations until a winner is around, the St. Louis area and directed short determined. In this issue, we will see three of films. the cast members that will be appearing in Mackenzie is proof that you can’t judge a book this year’s season. by its cover. On the outside, she looks like a sweet, innocent girl. On the inside, Nikki Serenity may have more modeling Mackenzie’s character on the show is one of experience than the rest of her cast mates, the most cunning, manipulative, and sneaky but she is seen as the “quiet girl.” Not one to women you’ll see. Winning is important to rock the boat, Nikki prefers to stay in the her and she’s willing to form alliances with background and focus on the competition anyone she needs to in order to save herself rather than forming alliances and getting from elimination. involved in drama. This proves to be easier When she’s not on set, Mackenzie’s real life said than done as the drama intensifies demeanor is a lot more pleasant than the throughout the season. Nikki will have to character she plays on Local Ambition. She is decide how she plans on dealing with the interested in modeling, acting, and all types of growing conflicts between everyone else on art. the show. The sixth season of Local Ambition premieres Monday, September 18 online @ www. Last year, Nikki tried out for Local Ambition’s alwayslatetv.com. New episodes will air each fifth season but wasn’t picked. Undaunted, Monday after the premiere. she threw herself completely into modeling and learned as much as she could. She wanted to be ready for the next casting call to secure her spot on the world’s most interesting modeling competition. After participating in almost 200 photo shoots last year, Nikki found the confidence and the edge Photographer: Brad Prime she needed to impress producers and make it Director: Kevin Edwards on this year’s cast. Production: Always Late TV's Local Ambition VI While Nikki does her best to avoid drama on
Model / MUHA | Jessica Lewis
Model /MUHA MUHA| :Mackenzie Model/ Mackenzie Naylor
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n August 17th, 2017, I took a short trip over to Disney Springs in Orlando Florida to witness some of the many open call auditions American Idol has been and will be hosting for 2017. After arriving I saw the ever-growing line of hopeful and talented artists who wanted to take part and hopefully make it past the two rounds of auditions for the day. Earlier in the morning a ribbon officially opening the auditions was cut with the appearance of Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen, as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse themselves. Even through the tremendous heat everyone seemed joyful and full of energy and determination to prove themselves, and just have fun. Part of this experience is having fun of course, enjoying music and meeting new people with similar aspirations. In fact, I myself made some new friends as well. While getting past the audition process with a ticket in hand was the primary focus of everyone there, with friends and family cheering them on,
many who didn’t get in were just as happy with talking to the people around them and making connections. So many times, I saw artists who didn’t get through laughing and talking about their experience, it was amazing.
Through the strict judges and long lines, the hot temperatures and high emotions, joy and ambition was still in the air, penetrating even the toughest of roadblocks that these aspiring musicians faced. One such audition contestant I had the chance to meet and talk to was Aaron Lavelle, who made it through to the second round of auditions for the day. Aaron Lavelle is 26 years old and is from Apopka, FL. This was his first time auditioning for American Idol. Aaron stated, “The process for the American Idol Audition consisted of registration which took about 5 hours of waiting in line. I arrived and waited another 2-3 Hours before getting through the line to the first round. I made it through the first round and received a Gold American Idol paper. After making it through the first round there was another 2 hour wait to be seen by the next table of judges.” Aaron then went on to say that “There was one table of two judges for the second round”, and while the judges did enjoy and praise his audition he unfortunately didn't make it to the third round and had his Golden ticket taken away.
IDOL RETURNS! By: Nickolas Wolf
Aaron was only one of many talented artists who didn’t make it through the two rounds of auditions, but still had high hopes for testing themselves again in future auditions. Aaron told me that while he was upset he couldn’t get through in Orlando, he plans on staying strong and continuing to push for success in his building music career. You can follow Aaron through his journey by visiting his Instagram “aaronlavellemusic” or his website “officialaaronlavelle.com”. Along with the many musicians were representatives of Heat Lab Studios, who previous to the auditions in Disney Springs held pre-auditions for American Idol. This Orlando based music studio is focused on working with and promoting the work of any music artists and groups who need assistance in their work. Their dedication to helping artists make it to the next level is further supported through their actions of helping artists prepare for the in-person auditions in Orlando and Miami. One representative and music artist himself, Warren (Also known as Syncere), aided in working with the music artists who wanted to work with the studio and prepare for the auditions. Contestants who partnered with the studio for the auditions had access to a special pass which allowed them to bypass the lines for the first round. Another representative who was with Syncere was Charles Fuller or E.Q. who is the Producer and Engineer of the studio. Both worked together on screening the contestants for the pre-audition process. More information about this studio and what they are up to can be found on their website “heatlab.airtime.pro” as well as their Facebook “@theheatlab” and their Instagram “heatlabstudio”.
A TINY JOURNEY BY SYD K. INNOVARIA
S
ince I was a teenager, I wanted to grow up to be many things- and one of those was a professional model. Little would I know that by the time I was 27, I would be doing just that! The most challenging part of my journey as a model is the fact that I am petite. Many reading this might say “That’s impossible! Petite models have it made! Everyone wants to be small! Agencies/companies/ etc. love small thin models!” Well, here I am to tell you it is 2017 now, and it was 2015 when I became professional- and it has not been nearly such a breeze as one might think. I am 5’3”, and weigh between 95-105 pounds depending on the week. We all know how weight fluctuates. My entire family is petite, weighing under 130 pounds for women and under 150 for men- and my mom is 5’5”, for example. My grandmother is 5’2”. And the list goes on.
a B cup (barely). I have had many casting calls where the clothing might fit perfectly everywhere except my chest region. Or, it would fit there and not expand enough for the hips (for, let’s say a dress), among other things; just all around not a pleasant experience. I have seen many phenomenal opportunities for models that are high-paying and in regions I might want to visit, supporting a good cause, whatever- but I am too small. Too short, too thin, not enough curves. I will also throw in that I have had a lot of opportunities simply for being petite. I have landed many modeling jobs because the person or company wanted a model under 5’5”, or under 120 pounds, or just simply the style of body frame I have. In fact I have experienced more opportunities in this field since becoming more confident about my body. I have always been pretty confident, but I had a mild issue with the size of my chest and how thin my arms are. I had a desire for more curves that I was not born with. I would never do plastic surgery, personally, so I was “stuck” with this style of body, and that was very hard for me for some time. I would wear lots of push-up bras, layered clothing (it makes you appear like you have more curves, actually), and work out constantly trying to build the muscle curves- and hoping if I got pecs, it would push out my chest, hahabut nothing ever changed my dimensions. I have gained muscle, sure, but I’m still wiry in the arm area, and you will always see my ribs and my sternum bones very well.
Many agencies do not accept models that are under 5’6”. Some go up to 5’8”, even. Many runway shows and designers look for models in the same range, 5’6”-5’8”. I have been turned down left and right since beginning this journey simply because I am not tall enough. I have been very fortunate to find plenty of freelance work from people who do not have a height requirement as long as you About a year or so ago, I stopped wearing pushcan fit their clothing or whatever product they up bras. I stopped wearing bras altogether are selling. unless it’s a necessity- then it’s just a flat unpadded piece of cloth to protect the eyes of I have also been turned down by many places children who might see my nipples. I do have because I am so thin. I’m proportionate, and nipple rings, not anorexic-looking, or dangerously thin. However, many of the requirements include wearing a size 2 or higher, or having more of a chest (B, C cups) and I am a 30 inch chest with
S
o I suppose that pronounces them more. I get enough questions in one day already, and that one gets old.
says to you. If they say you can’t be a model because you’re too short, or too thin- just keep looking. Just because you aren’t what they are looking for, doesn’t mean you aren’t exactly what someone else is looking for. Believe in yourself. And embrace diversity. If we all looked the same, it would be a really boring place. Be happy there are people who aren’t anything like you, and probably will never like or agree with much that you say. Be happy you are you, and that you have the ability to believe and create the things that you do.
I digress. During this time, I became so comfortable with myself I spent 90% of my time almost fully in the buff. I remember this transformation came about shortly after I got out of the worst relationship of my entire life, and I became an exotic dancer as well at a local nightclub. It took some time and some liquid courage at first to feel comfortable enough Be happy you are beautiful in a way without my clothes on. If you asked people I knew, that no one else can ever replicate. they would tell you I was never shy about being naked- and I wasn’t, publicly. Inside, I always assumed people were disgusted. Most of all, I was disgusted. I didn’t look how I believed I should. Syd is an alternative petite model in the Indiana surrounding Unless I was drunk- then I was the hottest girl on area, she is a model scout/columnist/model/photographer/ songwriter/singer and a drummer. the block and everyone knew it. But after leaving my ex and starting a short career as a dancer, I also began modeling more seriously. Shortly afterwards, I heard so many positive genuine things from others, I began to feel more comfortable- and you would think that would be the answer, right there, right? Wrong. Other people can’t make you love yourself. However, the realization that people did truly think I was something special, even if some of them just wanted to- well, you know- and I began to feel much differently about myself. Over many months of combined compliments from outside and within, I began to feel much more “together”, I would say.
Once I simply stared in the mirror long enough, I was the fairest of them all. I really went hardcore into my modeling career during 2016, attending every runway show I could and working with every available opportunity that came my way. As I became more confident, things became easier for me to accomplish. I find that confidence in who you are is the most important thing in any models career, and you can’t be discouraged by what any one agency or individual
Photographer: Doug Sauter
Model / MUHA | Syd Innovaria Photographer | Mikhail Sidorov
My name is Shannon Wescott. I am 21, residing in Illinois. I have been modeling for a year now. Before I had my daughter I wanted to model. I wanted to show my creativity in a new way. When I tried I was told I'm too short, I'm in a horrible location, and there is too much competition, that I would never make it. Being 120lbs and 5'2 wasn't really preferred for being a model. But it didn't matter. I wanted to show people that it doesn't matter how you think you look. I am a single mother of a beautiful 2 year old, I work full-time and I model. I push myself for what I believe in. I may not be able to do run way (I've been turned down by anyone looking for any type of run way because they say I'm so short) but If I can still express my creativity through my work and I can motivate one person to push themselves like I did then it's worth it.
Model | Shannon Wescott Photographer | Wilmer Colon
Model: | Shannon Wescott Photographer: | Nick Castrovono
Model | Lexi Sarkine Photographer | Ken Kneringer
I'm Alexandra ( Lexi) Sarkine. I am 23 and from Indiana. I'm 5'3 and about 105 pounds. I remember watching the Victoria Secret Fashion show, Miss USA, and Americas Next Top Model wishing I could do those kinds of things. My mother had been signed with a small agency in Indiana back when she was a teenager. And I remember wishing I could have done that too. But I indulged in sports and Horseback riding and forgot all about it until I was randomly approached and asked to model in the Project IMA Fashion Show back in 2011. Once I did that I was hooked. I eventually sent in my photos to modeling agencies. But most required 5'8 and I certainly wasn't 5'8. I then competed in pageants thinking it'd help get my foot in the door but it hasn't just yet. I've gone to a couple casting calls but was denied due to my height. But I've had the opportunity to work with a couple amazing different photographers over the years. I've done shoots with my horses, fashion, lingerie, and so on. And it's given me a great basis. I will continue to pursue modeling and hope to continue to build my portfolio
Model | Lake Photographer | XOIND Studios
I
have always enjoyed photography and pretty much used hiding behind a camera as a way to stay out from being in front of them. Then one day a friend posted some boudoir pictures she had done for her by someone local doing a Valentine's Day special. They were beautiful. I had never wanted to model before but her images made me want to see what this photographer could do with me. A week later I was being put through some insane posing and more make up than I had ever worn in my life. I felt crazy. But then I got to see the images and I was amazed. I couldn't believe that was me. For the first time in my life I felt beautiful. I highly recommend for all women to have boudoir pictures taken just once in their life. Seeing yourself through someone else eyes, it can be completely life changing. I ended up creating a great friendship with that photographer, who also modeled, and from there we went on to do some amazing work together taking turns on each side of the camera. She introduced me to more of her photographer friends who had been impressed with the work they'd seen from us and also wanted to work with me. Those images got out and I started meeting new photographers on my own from there. I've gotten to travel a bit, meet incredibly talented people and come up with some beautiful images working with them. During all of this I met Christopher. We were from two completely different worlds, me being artsy with my photography and modeling and him with his metal
working and mini trucks. But as we've come to find out our worlds mesh together beautifully. We not only fully support each others hobbies but make it a point to be involved with the others hobby as well. I'll get greasy and dirty helping him in the garage or some days I sit back and photograph him hard at work with sparks flying around him while he welds. Whether he ever wanted to become a model or not he's definitely turned into my number one subject to shoot. I've even managed to drag him along and make him pose with me for a real shoot now and I'm sure it won't be the last time. Modeling was something I never expected to do at all but I am so glad that I took the step and did it. It gave me a boost of confidence I desperately needed and turned my life around in ways I would have never imagined. And now it's something I can enjoy with my new husband as well whether he is critiquing my work (it may be new to him but he has a great eye!) or being drug into pictures with me. As far as opportunities because of my size, there is this skittles shoot I did once; that idea was brought on by my rainbow hair and being small enough to fit in a tiny tub. Also this angel shoot. I was put in a cage for that. I get put into a lot of weird places because of how little I am. I have also been turned down because of my height; quite a bit really. There are a lot of photographers who want to work with girls no shorter than 5'6 and being only 4'11 that disqualifies me from a lot of opportunities, but more often than not I am given special jobs because of how little I am.
Sheri Kasch is 25, born Hoosier (from Indiana). She’s been auditioning for both Japanese and Korean entertainment companies. She really wants to move to Japan and work as a model, talent, and song writer. “I love fashion and photography so that's what got me interested. After modeling myself it's pretty satisfying and fun to see all the "good shots" at the end.” Sheri is 5’2” and 93 pounds currently, and is a new face in the modeling world.
Model | Sheri Kasch Photographer | Jenilee Kasch
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Photographer | Richard Evans Model/ MUHA | Julie Tylicki
Model: Alexa Ciara Silva Forever Treasured Photography | Jessica Dieckhaus;
Model | Alexa Ciara Silva Image By | Rick Cox Koryo Photography www.instagram.com/koryophoto www.koryophotography.com www.tridentswimwear.com
Photographer Tarerus Moore Model Oneka Amara Designer : Julia Narain (wild purl clothing White bikini) Akira clothing Chicago : White gown
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Image courtesy of Nicole Turner of Lasting Impressions by Nicole Designer | Jarix @ Victoria Henley workshop GA