Why did you get into the industry?
I remember taking an interest in modeling at the age of 13; however, my mother thought it was a bad idea, so I shelved that desire and proceeded with life. At the age of 50, having written my list of “no limits” dreams, I decided it would be a good time to pursue modeling. Better late than never, right?
What do you love about the business? What would you change?
I'll happily get up at any hour of the day or night for modeling jobs, and I've had call times at every imaginable hour. I can't even call it "work" when it's that much fun! I love coming to a set and discovering what's in store for me. I love the fact that, even though I'm more of an introvert, there's something magical about being in front of a camera that gives me the freedom to step out of myself. When I'm working, I am completely present in the moment. And time flies! Best of all, I love it when I hear the client is thrilled with the results.
What I would change...a loaded question. America is still entrenched in the youth = beauty culture, despite the huge baby boomer segment of the population, and their buying power. Being a mature model is to be in a challenging category. A huge variety of advertising—even anti-wrinkle cream—all feature lovely young women, or worse yet, a celebrity. I would love to see more advertising targeted toward the boomer demographic, with properly cast models representing the target group. I would also like to see traditional agents/agencies as accessible and talent oriented as TalentSoup.
How do you stay positive?
When I see all the work I've been submitted and have cast for, and the number of jobs I've booked out of all of them, I can get very discouraged. The key, I think, is to not attach to outcomes. There are so many reasons a client may pass on me and book someone else, but I can't beat myself up trying to figure out what they didn't like. It becomes too negative. I have to draw my confidence and my self-worth outside of this business, do my best, and let go of the outcome. I'm also very blessed to have a supportive, encouraging husband (who is a professional photographer—easy camera time!). He's my biggest fan.
You can define success in this business many ways, but the way I see it, if you've been booked, you're a successful model. Resist the temptation to compare yourself to anyone else.
What's been your favorite shoot?
I seriously love every occasion I have to work in this business. I do have 2 particular favorites though; the first in 2008, in Miami Beach during my year working there. My call time was before dawn, on Crandon Beach, where the crew had created a beautiful set. Wardrobe was provided for me, which was new to my experience. As the sun rose, I stepped very carefully across big stones while the photographer took photos from every angle imaginable, and while I carefully kept my balance to prevent stepping off onto the perfectly blown, smooth sand. The crew was amazing and treated me royally. Bonus: I made $3,000 in 4 hours. The second, in May of last year, and my favorite Atlanta shoot, is the Piedmont Healthcare campaign (thanks TalentSoup!). Again, great crew, location, and a chance to work with my frequent modeling partner, Blair. It's a bit freaky and pretty amazing to see myself on TV!
How can TalentSoup best serve talent like you?
TalentSoup invites talent to participate in their success. Managing my own portfolio, tracking the activity on Webcomp, and using it to promote myself gives me the feeling of being involved; of partnering in my modeling career instead of waiting helplessly on the sidelines for an agent to call. The way TalentSoup is set up, I believe I've been seen by more clients than I ever have been while listed with traditional "brick and mortar" agencies.
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