Korea!

After a long flight I finally arrived in Korea. The airport was hard to navigate, so I had to follow people from my flight. It was totally fine getting through immigration and customs, the officials didn't even ask me any questions! I almost didn't find my bags, but luckily I later got all of them.

It definitely was colder than I expected. It is a totally different climate from where I live, I'm not used to snow! But the city was so cool, when we entered Gangnam, there were so many colored lights. It's a super lively place. There are so many cute shops and actually a lot of American restaurants like Starbucks, Subway, Smoothie King, Coldstone, The Coffee Bean, and 7 Eleven. This morning I went to the Coffee Bean and got a Vanilla Latte (Luckily there was English on the menu) but it was actually kind of expensive for coffee!! Oh well, I needed something to warm me up.

Then when I got back to the apartment, I couldn't get in. :( I thought I knew the code, but I had it wrong. It's all good now though.

It's definitely hard for me, because I do miss my family. I skyped them, but wish I could've talked longer. It's hard with the language barrier, and my roommates have accents that can sometimes be hard to understand. I definitely is hard when you have nothing that is recognizable. Even the American restaurants like Subway have Koreans working there who only know a little English. That is definitely hard to get through but I'm sure I will get used to it eventually. I think I am just tired. Plus it is my first day, I'll just take it one day at a time.

I have a casting today that I am excited about. It is my first one, so I'll have to see how it goes, but I can't wait to start modeling. That's what I came here for right? I think once I start doing some jobs it'll be really fun. Hopefully this trip will get me more pictures to add to my portfolio, so instead of going to Korea, I could to L.A. or New York to model! I just gotta stay positive and keep on keeping on. I saw a quote on tumblr that said, "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." It's so true, if this was easy, I wouldn't get anything out of it. So I'll work hard and try my best!

-Shea :)

Past Adventures with Nothing Said...

Hey All!
I've barely had time to write about my modeling adventures! So I'll just post some pictures and comments on what I haven't had time to post about:

Here's me before my 202 Magazine shoot. The magazine should be coming out soon. It was pretty cold that day, but eventually the sun came out!  Isn't my makeup awesome!?



A pic form my Erica Velasco Photoshoot

Fox 10 News Segment! (I'm in the middle) We had our makeup done by MAC!



 

More News: My departure date for South Korea was changed to late December, so I get a few days of Winter Break to spend with my family before I have to leave. I've been buying a lot of warm sweaters and boots for Korea. I'm not used to it getting around 20 degrees Fahrenheit so I'm stocking up on scarves, hoodies, and fuzzy boots. I'm so excited, Korea will be really fun!!! 



Most Exciting News For a Model

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I'm back and coming with awesome news! My agency told me that I should be prepared to travel internationally, but I only dreamed of it actually happening. But just a few weeks ago, my agent told me that I was confirmed to go to South Korea on Dec. 21st! It's so exciting! I had so many questions, thoughts and fears but ultimately it seems like a great opportunity. Of course, I will go equipped with a laptop and iPod touch. Which means...video opportunities...which means Video Diaries!!! So if you haven't been checking up on this blog, starting in late December there's gonna be a whole lot more to see here! Don't be afraid to ask questions in the comment box below, I'll be happy to answer them!! Thanks! :)

Bebe Modeling

Last night I was called up after school and offered a job to model in the window of bebe. Of course, I didn't turn down the opportunity, so I quickly redid my makeup and headed off to Scottsdale Fashion Square mall.

I loved the outfits I wore. At first, it was a little awkward standing in the window of the store and having people stare at you, but I quickly got used to it and waved and smiled at people passing by. I got the funniest reactions.
    Here are the most common reactions:
1. People looking at the mannequins, looking at me, and not realizing I was real.
2. Kids playing peek-a-boo with me. (They would run away when I smiled at them)
3. Slightly creepy guys taking pictures of me.
4. Laughs or Smiles
5. People waving
6. People staring...for an awkwardly long time.

But most of the people thought it was cute and a great idea on bebe's part. I was definitely successful because someone bought the first outfit I wore! Mission accomplished.

As I stood in the window I had plenty of time to practice poses, and even discovered some new ones!  Also, I could see my reflection in the glass, so I got to perfect my poses. I switched to another outfit 30 minutes later and loved it too. 

Although my feet were killing me from standing in heels for hours, overall it was a great experience. I feel like my confidence level has boosted thorugh this modeling experience and I have had amazing opportunities. I have met other models who have been extremely nice and supportive. So far, my experience has been enjoyable and exciting! I always love wearing the gorgeous clothes (what girl wouldn't!) and meeting great people. I don't have any more jobs scheduled soon, but I do have a suprise for next week! It's exciting, nerve-wracking, but full of potential opportunity. I cannot wait, but you all will have to wait until next Wednesday to hear about it! Until then, stay beautiful and happy. :)

XOXO -Shea :)

Ted Baker Show

Today was the day I headed over to the Mint to model Ted Baker clothing in Fox 10 news. I arrived with my hair and makeup done and super excited for this next adventure. Although when I walked in, nobody was there. I was 20 minutes early, but I figured it was best to be early than late!

Finally everyone arrived and I was the only girl model from my agency, and definitely the youngest. Everyone had no clue I was only 15! I knew a few of the male models since they were also from Jani, but I also met these two other models who were extremely welcoming and fun.

Our clothes were brought in all organized with each outfit hung neatly on a rack with our names on them. I grabbed mine and was told I had an outfit change. But it was okay, because my new outift was adorable as well and definitely more fall looking. Unfortunately my shoes did not fit, (they were soo adorable!) but it was a good thing I brought my own nude pumps! (That is why you ALWAYS bring your own shoes just in case!) After I completed my outfit with the cutest pink rhinestone clutch, I was ready to hit the runway.

Fawn showed us exactly what sh had planned and soon we were practicing. Unfortunately we had to climb up these wobbly, portable, metal stairs. In heels. High heels. As you probably have guessed, that was extremely challenging and coming down was the hardest. But the guys were all willing to help the girls up and down. During one of the practice rounds on my way down though, my shoe missed the step and I slipped backwards. Luckily I was caught pretty quickly, and although I was slightly embarrassed, I picked myself up and laughed it off. I wasn't going to let it phase me and soon I was back climbing up those steps onto the runway. Good thing it didn't happen on TV!

The Fox 10 News reporter and camera man arrived and the segment lasted a few minutes. We walked in the background on our runway and I felt like I did really well. I loved my outfit and didn't stumble walking in my heels. I'd have to say I did a pretty good job. Sure I was a little nervous, but after my third time in front of the news camera it didn't take long to calm my nerves. Plus, for me it is more fun than anything, and I always remember how glad I am to be doing all of this.

When the segment wrapped up the news reporter told us how every Friday their channel does a segment where they cut to random people around the valley dancing. So she asked us if we would like to film a segment that would air tomorrow. Of course we all said yes! It was a great, fun way to end a successful day.

Unfortunately I had to change out of my adorable outfit :( and head over to school. But I had a great morning and met some great people. I can add another story to my modeling career, which has been such a great ride so far.

New Model Friends! (I'm in the center)

This weekend is my back to school fashion show and will write all about that as well! Thanks for reading! :)

Ted Baker Fitting

The fitting today was so exciting! I tried on about 5 different outfits, all of which were adorable. If I could, I seriously would've bought everything I tried on.

Fawn was my stylist again, and as usual she was great and very nice. I've noticed that everyone in this business I've met so far are very helpful and really sweet. They're always happy to answer your questions and are not intimidating at all. Also, if you are uncomfortable in something, you definitely can tell your stylist, because they won't put you in anything that makes you uncomfortable. So if you are concerned about that in the modeling world, you shouldn't be.

After the adorable outfits I tried on, we ended up choosing this striped dress. It looks great on me and I even had an excuse to buy some nude pumps for it! :) I can't wait for the runway show, it's gonna be fabulous!!
I was notified of another job I'm booked for in September. I can't wait to find out what it is!

Next Exciting Modeling job!

Tomorrow I am going for a fitting at Ted Baker to get ready for my next Fox10 appearance. I'm super excited for it and can't wait to model the clothes. This time there will be a runway, so we will finally get to do our new and improved runway walks! The fitting is tomorrow, but I'll be on the news Thursday morning. I'll definitely write about my fitting tomorrow, it will be a new great experience.

Back In School

Summer's over and I'm back in school. :( But, that doesn't mean my modeling adventures are on hold! I have a fashion show on August 25th that I am really excited for and will definitely post pictures and blog about it. So make sure you keep checking back then!

P.S. Finished the modeling workshop. The last day was hair/makeup demonstrations and TV coaching. I loved it, it was so helpful for me. I have to work on my runway walk and poses in case I have another TV appearance! :)

Workshops

Over the weekend I had some Workshops at my agency. We worked on our Runway Walk, since we have some fashion shows coming up.

It has been really fun so far. Lucky me, I was told I naturally had a good runway walk. Obviously it wasn't perfect, but I have long legs and therefore a nice long stride. For 3 hours we walked back and forth down our "runway" working on posture, stride, expression, and balance. I definitely have improved since the first day and I didn't know it could be difficult! It isn't simply walking gracefully. Here are tips on how to do the Runway Walk:

1. Keep Your Shoulders Back
2. Lean Back Slightly
             Don't overdo it, but when you roll your shoulders back, lean a little.
3. Keep Your Legs Straight
             Many people start awkwardly walking with their legs bent when trying to lengthen their stride. Take extended steps by keeping your legs pretty straight but don't lock them.
4. One Foot In Front of the Other
            This takes a while to get used to in heels. Don't cross your feet too much, but pretend you are walking on a straight line. Don't forget a long stride!
5. Fierce Face
            One of the things I have to work on is a fierce face. The instructor tells some of us models to furrow our brow or give a slightly angry look. This gives you that fierce look you want on the runway. Don't smile!
6. Arm Swing
            Only slightly swing your arms, DON'T overdo it!
7. Pace
            Walk a little briskly to go with your fierce, confident face. I learned; walk a little faster for long runways, and a little slower for shorter runways.

Those are the tips I learned which are definitely helpful! I had to buy taller shoes to practice in for the workshop but, hey, it gave me an excuse to buy adorable black pumps! I'm super pumped for my upcoming shows and will practice my fierce face. So far, modeling has been a great experience!!

Thanks for reading! :)

TV Appearances

After my exciting photoshoot, I was so excited when Maral contacted me later to model swimwear on Fox 10 news. First I went into the office to work on my walk and posing. . It definitely was challenging to keep holding that smile.

Not only was I ready and excited for Fox 10, Maral also asked me to do another TV appearance on abc15 the day after. I spent that night practicing walking in my heels and working on poses. The next morning I was nervous, but I was confident that I would do well.

Here are pictures from Fox 10. I loved my outfit and my stylist, Fawn Cheng was amazing. Check out her page here! https://www.facebook.com/fawnchengpersonalstylist?ref=ts

I felt like I was having the real model experience and I am so glad that my modeling agency provided it for me. 

Overall, I thought it was really fun. I knew my sisters were watching me as I stepped onto that stage. I just had to remember to keep smiling, stand up straight and look confident. Since I've been performing in bands for over a year, I felt like that helped me feel more comfortable being up on that stage and in front of the camera. Even though I was nervous, I tried not to show it. When I finished I felt like I had done my best. It was a great experience and I was glad I got to do it again the next day. 

Below are both videos you can watch of me on the news channels:

 http://www.abc15.com/dpp/lifestyle/sonoran_living/this-summers-swimwear-trends 

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/18957729/swim-fashions-for-summer

New Height

I was measured again a few weeks ago and I am now 5"9'!!!

First Photoshoot

As you would probably guess, I was pretty nervous for my first photoshoot. But Maral (photographer and owner of JANI) and Darcy (Model Scout) were very welcoming. (Darcy had scouted me) I had to bring my own clothes and do my own makeup.

Maral put some more makeup on me and turned on some music. Before the shoot she had sent me some videos to watch on how to pose. So when I went into the room and stood in front of the grey backdrop she simply said, "Show me what you practiced." Good thing I did practice. :) It made me feel really happy when she would say mid-pose, "Great, hold it right there." Yay! I was doing something right. There were a lot of lights burning down on me, so I was really excited when she turned on the fan. Let me tell you, fans are really fun. It was fun posing with my hair flying all around me. It made me feel so pro. After a few poses I was already feeling more comfortable. After many shots we switched to a new outfit.

JANI Model Management 2012
Photo, Makeup and Hair By: Maral Jorjani

I loved the next outfit (above). It was a fun and cute look. High fashion modeling isn't always about Tyra Banks' "Smizing". Sometimes you'll take cute shots were you ditch the smoulder look and smile! This was definetly a fun outfit.

Later we had time for only one more outfit. Maral curled my hair and I put on my black velvet dress. She turned on the fan again! :) Here is a shot in the dress:

JANI Model Management 2012
Photo, Hair and Makeup By: Maral Jorjani



For my first photo shoot, I think it went really well. Maral kept saying that I was doing great, and I was really photogenic. The night after the photoshoot, this was my first modeling photo I saw of myself:

JANI Model Management 2012
Photo, Hair and Makeup By: Maral Jorjani



I was definitely proud when I saw this. I'm glad the photoshoot went over so well.  My posing practice really seemed to pay off.

Even though I have really sensitive skin and it gets red really easily, they worked around it. It didn't show up in photos and it actually just loks like blush. Sure, I'm self conscious about it, but modeling has really helped me get past that. I felt that when I became a model, it would be a big deal and would look terrible in photos. After I found out that it wasn't such a big deal, I was so relieved.

The biggest advice I got was to open and not be as shy. Maral encouraged me to try new poses. So what if they looked weird or didn't work? At least I should try to go out of my comfort zone. I still have to work on that in the future. I am afraid to try new things, but I think that modeling will help me open up and be more outgoing.

Since then I have had another photoshoot with the amazing Michael Franco and will be recieving the pictures soon! :)

Modeling Page

Here is my JANI portfolio at:

http://janimodeling.com/details.aspx?nav=2&subid=9940&mainsubid=9940&modelid=598123&sexid=2&a=15

More will be added soon!!!

Complications and Decisions

As I was letting it settle in that I would soon be a model, my relatives had heard about it and were very supportive. My uncle's girlfriend was a former Elite model and showed some pictures to her friend working at Elite. He loved the pictures and I was asked to give Elite a video about myself. I sent in the 2 minute video telling about my school, sports, places I've been and so on. At this point I hadn't signed with JANI Model Management yet and my mom was still exploring options. We (my mom and I) hadn't heard from Elite in a while after sending the video, and JANI kept contacting me for photoshoots and jobs. I was torn; if I went to a photoshoot with JANI I pretty much had to sign with them. But what if Elite responded and wanted me? What road should I take? My mom and I spent many nights discussing the pros and cons of each. Finally Elite responded, but wanted a Skype interview now! We set that up, and in the five minute call they asked me about myself (again!) and had me stand up, show my profile, and talk a little about what it would be like being with Elite. It was successful, they seemed to like me and kept calling me "super cute". :) I was really nervous, and it turned out to be a really short call. They contacted me and my mom a few days later and said that they loved me but it would be difficult developing me since I wasn't in Miami, where they were located. But they left it so in the future if I ever wanted to pursue the Elite road, it was open for me. Since Elite was interested in me, that proved that I had what it took to become a model.

That was when my mom and I decided to sign with JANI. The local agency was a good start. I had little experience and through this agency I could learn all I needed before I am released into the large modeling world. I set up a photoshoot with Maral Jorjani, the founder of JANI.

I'll talk about my first photoshoot in my next post, so keep checking back!! Thanks! :)

And So It Begins...

Modeling had always seemed fun to me. It was one of those dreams where you think, "Wow, that would be really awesome, but how do I get there?"

I was scouted right after my band had played at a Girl's Expo. There were plenty of booths set up in the ballroom, but I must've missed the modeling agency. After standing in my band's signature red high heels for hours I climbed off the stage, ready to take them off. Right as I slipped on some more comfortable flats, I heard my mom call for me. 

I headed over to where she stood with a woman. She told me, "I was just asking your mother how tall you were." I was definitely confused.  Most people don't start a conversation with, "How tall is your daughter?" But right then it hit me. I started smiling as she introduced herself as a scout from a local agency. She asked me if I had ever modeled before and if I was interested in it. I was so happy I must have looked crazy smiling that big. Eventually, we set up a meeting the next week.

The meeting went great. After my mom and I asked many questions about the agency and opportunities, we felt satisfied that it was a safe, great road to take. I was measured at 5"8' 1/2 and was handed a JANI contract. I can't even explain how excited I was. The next step was discussing if I really wanted to do it and begin this new adventure in my life.  

Stay tuned for my next post, including the complications with another agency...