Girls Night Out Gala

On the beautifully strange warm evening of March 15, 2014, I somewhat attended this amazing first annual Girls Night Out (GNO) Gala that was held at the America Center, located downtown St. Louis.  I say “somewhat” because working the event and attending the event are always two different experiences!  GNO is a benefit to support A Hero’s Impact Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that’s purpose is to mentor children and families from all walks of life; with special emphasis on families facing illness.

So let’s start from the beginning, this lovely Saturday was an interesting warm night.  I had on my black dress from Forever 21 and added a petticoat underneath from Johnnie Brocks to get a fluffy whimsical princess look J.  As I walked into the America Center, I instantly heard a Beyonce song and I followed the sound of the tunes all the way up to the second floor.  As I turned the corner, all I saw were vendors galore!! I must say it was the largest selection of vendors that I have seen at any fashion event.  As I walked through the vendor mall with my model-rolling suitcase, I seen vendors carrying all types of items from jewelry, candles, purses, adultish items, makeup, clothing and more.  I eventually came to a line of beautiful women from all walks of life waiting to enter the main showroom.  In the mean time, they were getting their Vogue on while taking photographs on the pink carpet.

I rushed over to the Honey’s Child Boutique (HCB) booth and made sure that all was good and ensured that all HCB models were aware of all necessary information as we would be gracing the runway of all plus size fabulous models and selections from HCB.  At this point I was filled with so much joy and pride that we were able to participate in such a wonderful event. 

**Picture of the HCB Owner and Models on the Pink Carpet**

During the evening:

·         They honored 20 special ladies that have overcome tremendous obstacles

·         Played all the women empowered jams

·         The Fish-Eye Booth was available for all to experience and take home some fabulously goofy photos

·         They had various food and drink stations

·         Held various raffle ticket drawings

·         Allowed for lots and lots of dancing

·         A fashion show featuring Honey’s Child Boutique

·         Shopping opportunities everywhere

·         And so much more

Everyone there looked so beautiful in their dress of choice that made them feel as good as they looked!  It is always so much fun to get dressed up and hang with your girlfriends every once in awhile! The models and I mingled around until it was close to show time and we hurried behind the stage to get ready.  We graced the runway to Pharrell’s – Happy Song while wearing garments from Monif C., Josephine Swimwear, Annette Lee, Haus of Sierra Moses, Rue 114, Miguel Torres, and more. 

For me, I always enter the Emotional Rollercoaster about 30 minutes till show time.  I start getting super duper nervous, feet start sweating, mouth gets dry, stomach starts turning and all that.  The first heel hits the runway and all the worries wash away by the Super Woman powers that have now taken over!  The adrenaline rush from being on the runway, in front of a large crowd, is truly indescribable.  Especially when there is a part of my mind that knows that women past a size 6 are not always welcomed on the runway! The Final Walk approaches and all the beautiful Plus Models of HCB walk out and grace the runway once again as we bring a spotlight to Letitia Young, the owner of HCB.  We all exit the runway and we are all pleased that it’s all over.  Now we have to deal with the model-clothing tornado that has hit the backstage in the midst of the quick model changes consisting of heels, under garments, dresses, tops, hair, hair accessories and jewelry.  You name it and it was probably back there, lol.

I gathered my items and hurried on out to meet some of my girlfriends that came out support and enjoy the night.  We danced, took goofy pictures, felt beautiful, and truly enjoyed all the women that were there to support such a great cause!  One of my favorite parts of the night was the soul train line that we started on the dance floor.  Seeing women with different disabilities, nationalities, shapes, and sizes, getting their soul train line on was absolutely marvelous.  I am eagerly awaiting next year’s event!

** Picture of me and my Girlfriends!!**

What to have in your Model Bag!

I have been at enough events to figure out what items should be with you in your model bag.  As a model, there will be a lot of downtime especially during fashion shows.  If I were you, I would use or purchase a small bag with wheels.  Take a look at my list and get that bag together J

Ladies Model Bag

1. Water – You have to stay hydrated.
2.  Portfolio or print out of headshots and full body pictures.
3. Business cards or comp cards – Network while you are there.
4. Foundation – The makeup artist may not have the right foundation for your complexion; therefore, I suggest you bring your own.
5. Makeup – Bring your everyday makeup items with you as well (eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, primer, etc).  Sometimes, a makeup artist will not be provided or something may happen where your makeup is not done and its approaching show time.  To eliminate all these worries, bring them just in case.
6. Spanx/Shape wear.
7. Nude and Black underwear/thong as well as nude and black strapless bra.
8. Nude and Black Heels.
9. Bite Size Snack – You never know how long you will be waiting.  Sometimes, they will provide snacks for the models but this is not always the case.  Be sure to bring something that you can just pop in your mouth; you do not want to mess up your lipstick or outfit.
10. Cell phone and charger – This is a must especially for all those uploads to social media that you will be doing from behind the scenes.
11. Magazine or something to entertain you.
12.  Hair stuff – Brush, Comb, Bobby Pins, Hair spray etc.  You never know if the hair stylist will cancel or if no one was hired for that in the first place.
13. Clear Deodorant – You never know.
14. Breath mints or mouthwash (NO GUM) – Bad breath is rude, lol.
15. Curling Iron and/or Flat Iron – You just never know if you will need to touch up your hair or completely style your hair.
16. Accessories – Bring a few accessories such as statement necklaces, earrings, rings, etc., just in case.
17. Body tanners or bronzers – If you feel the need.
18. Mirror – So you can look flawless!

Fellas Model Bag

1. Water – You have to stay hydrated.
2. Portfolio or print out of headshots and full body pictures.
3. Business cards or comp cards – Network while you are there
4. Lip Balm – Cracked lips are just not cute.
5. Underwear – Boxer Briefs or Low-Rise, NO BOXERS (unless they ask for it).  You need something firm fitting to your skin.
6. Bite Size Snack – You never know how long you will be waiting.  Sometimes, they will provide snacks for the models but this is not always the case. 
7. Cell phone and charger – This is a must especially for all those uploads to social media that you will be doing from behind the scenes.
8. Hair stuff – Brush, Comb, Hair balm, Hair spray etc.  You never know if the hair stylist will cancel or if no one was hired for that in the first place.
9. Magazine or something to entertain you.
10. Clear Deodorant – You never know.
11. Breath mints or mouthwash (NO GUM) – Bad breath is rude, lol.
12. Eye Drops – Keeps eyes from being red.

If you are attending a casting call or audition, I suggest having your portfolio, business cards and/or comp cards in hand.  In addition, ladies have your heels on before entering the room.

*TIP: If you get sweaty feet like I do when I am nervous, spray your feet with a heavy-duty hairspray.  It will help your feet from sliding out of your heels.  

Graze.com

I am amazed by the graze.com’s marketing campaign that I had to write a post about it.  It all started when I was on Instagram and seen a post from a friend about these graze.com people and she displayed a code for a free box to try.  I was curious so I went to their website www.graze.com and signed up in order to get my free box.  As I continue to read and sign-up, I stopped for a sec because it required my credit card information.  I decided to continue you with it and told myself that I would just cancel if I was not pleased with it or just because I did not want to pay $6.00 per box. 

The sign-up process was super simple and I got more in-depth when I started clicking away at the selections.  They have over 90 portion control snacks so I went through them all and you can select options such as Trash, Try, Like, and Love.  Based on your selection, they will either include those items in your box or not.  It was pretty interesting to see the combinations that they had.  They inform you that your fifth box is also free and provide you with a friend code to share on social media or by word of mouth.  When a friend of yours uses the code, you receive $1.00 towards your next box or you can donate $1 to their charity (Graze School of Farming).  I am like how cool is that? PPSSTTT My code is MAINIT8GB in case you are curious like me J

 In two weeks I received my first box and it was super cute (see the pictures below).  Included with the box were four individual pouches of goodness and a card with special invites to hand out to your friends with that friend code on it.  I was thinking to myself, wow, who thought of this marketing idea because I think its super cool.  I wondered to myself how many people actually sign-up and pay for things like this when you can just go to the grocery instead.  Well my thoughts were answered when I seen this Telegraph article titled “Snack maker Graze.com smashes US targets” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/10686474/Snack-maker-Graze.com-smashes-US-targets.html.  It basically stated that Graze.com launched into the American market in December last year.  Within a week, the company had signed up 30,000 subscribers across 48 states.  Three months on, the company has smashed its first quarter targets, with 100,000 customers signed up.

Talk about a great marketing plan oh and the goodies are DELISH!!!! 

**For more information and other options look on their website**

2nd Modeling Tip: Research and Network

You much research!!! I am not sure how many times I can express this, but seriously you must do your research. Research designers, boutiques, agencies, model management companies, fashion shows, models, photographers, etc. If you are wondering why, I would actually ask you “Why not?” Research will provide you with the core information about the fashion industry and can potentially lead to a job here and there. For an example, there are lots of designers, stores, and boutiques that use mannequins as their way of modeling their inventory. Reach out to some of them and introduce yourself. You never know where it may lead you, if you do not take the initiative and reach out to them. You know they always say “Closed mouths don’t get fed”. As for photographers, there are so many types of photographers and each one has a specific style of photography. Before, working with anyone, I highly suggest researching them and then ask yourself, “Does this represent who I am?” If you can’t answer this question with a yes, I would think twice if I was you.

Go out there in cyber space and search for models in your local area as well as well-known models. Models already in the industry will be your best resource. Pay attention to what these models are doing, who they are networking with, how they are posing, and start gathering concepts for your next photo shoot. You always want to keep your portfolio current and continue to add different types of photos. Agencies and others looking to book you will be looking for diversity in your portfolio.

For my curvy ladies, pay close attention to other plus models out there and study how they are posing. There are always different ways to twist and turn in certain garments to achieve that fabulous look. Some of my favorite plus models out there are: Ashley Graham, Tara Lynn, Denise Bidot, Christina Mendez, Jeannie Ferguson, Mia Amber Davis (RIP beautiful), and Allison McGevna. Request them all and others to be your friend on Facebook, follow them on Instagram and Twitter. Google them as well and read about their stories on how they made it in the modeling industry.

In addition, I highly suggest getting involved with fashion networks in your surrounding area. Social media will be your best friend for all of this!! If you are on Facebook, join fashion related groups such as STL Fashion Connect. These types of groups will provide fashion related events, casting calls, others looking to collaborate on a project, and so much more. Look at the local magazines and newspapers and attend events. Take advantage of any networking opportunities that may arise. You never know where a simple “Hello my name is….” will take you. Be sure to work that room! It may be a bit overwhelming at first, but it will come natural one day! Stay tuned to what is hot and trending not only in your local area but in major fashion locations such as New York, Paris, and Los Angeles, just to name a few.

Lastly, do not let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because of your height, weight, disability, etc. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

Women Who Inspire – UMSL Alumni Association Event

The University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) Alumni Association held a fabulous night of fashion, champagne, and mingling at Saks Fifth Avenue – Frontenac, which benefited the UMSL Women’s Leadership Initiative.  This initiative raises awareness and grows the university’s women-focused programs that educate women to become effective leaders in the workplace and the community.

The participants conversed with others over champagne and light bites until the models graced us with their presence wearing pieces from the Donna Karan New York Spring 2014 Collection.  I personally loved several of her pieces such as the Belted Wrap Jacket with the Crushed-Hem Pencil Skirt, the Print Linen & Silk Skirt, and the Stretch Denim with Jersey Dress.  I actually pictured myself wearing them off in Paris somewhere, gallivanting around town while I patiently wait for a whimsical moment (something fashion related or a handsome man will do).  Even on that cold winter night, it was a pleasure to see a preview of the designer’s collection.  Donna Karan is one of those designers that will forever create timeless, classy, and well constructed garments.

It was nice to see lots of familiar faces and to catch up with former classmates.  I am excited to see the UMSL Alumni Association hosting a variety of events such as this one and others that have caught my eye. Overall it was a wonderful event and I look forward to more from those at UMSL Alumni Association.