The world of modelling could, perhaps be seen as not as your usual place to learn entrepreneurial skills, but there is so much that you can learn from it, and I thought to write this blog to share some tips base on my own experience.
Couple of years ago, I took part in modelling for the longest indoor catwalk in the UK (at the time), it wasn't planned at all, well I went to the audition, just to see what it was all about, and I was almost the last one ( it was a last minute thing to do for fun).
However I received an email saying they have chosen me, and they would wait for my response.
Take risks.
The opportunity was there, and even though I didn't plan it, I thought that it was going to be a great opportunity to learn and gain experience, I had to take the risk and go ahead!
Self belief.
You've got to believe in yourself, it is a key for you to be able to achieve and do what you want.
Not knowing how I was going to walk the longest catwalk (which I didn't know until after the audition) in high heals, without falling, was scary, but a challenge at the same time, and everything that might seem like a challenge doesn't mean that its impossible.
Also being surrounded by other "actual" models, meant that I had to prove myself, but not in a competitive way but in a personal way, believing in myself more.
Learn and keep on learning
Learning is the key, you've got to be willing to learn almost all the time, and while I was in meetings and rehearsals for the fashion show, I learnt from how to walk, etc. from the other "actual" models, and also learnt more about myself, I wanted to learn more from the behind scenes area, and the following year, instead of taking part in the catwalk I wanted to learn more about the behind the scenes.
And I was involved in many areas of the "modelling world "that perhaps are not highlighted all the time. And its the preparation that goes before, during and after the fashion show.
I learned about events management, having to work at different locations and with different team members.
Also Hospitability, I had to welcome not only business owners sponsoring or fashion retailers whose pieces were being modelled, but also the customers, people who where coming to see the fashion show.
Being able to communicate in a good manner in every occasion is essential, but very essential in business, you need to work towards having a good rapport with your customers and also to negotiate with potential clients.
I learned a lot, and I'm so thankful for the amazing experience.
Adaptability and flexibility.
As Mentioned above, having to worked at different areas of the fashion show, was important to be able to adapt to different situations, locations, people. The year that I was "behind the scenes" the event decided to have three different locations and different catwalks, one was bridal, the other one was a Gatsby theme catwalk, and then the last catwalk was the same as previous year.
So different venues, different logistics, different décor, different arrangements, and working alongside different business, from flower arrangements, wedding organizers, catering etc..
Creativity.
Creativity plays a big role, and I think that in Business you also have to creative, being able to adapt and to work in any role, whether it is setting up and decorating the room, or decorating a table, or talking to the clients and get a review from them, creating content for them, etc.
And all those details are important in a Fashion event.
When modelling you are creative in every way, you've got to be thinking how you re going to pose, how you want to show off, in a way, the clothes you are wearing, when you are working with the retailers you are modelling for, they have their own vision of who is the piece for, or in which occasion it would be suitable best. And you almost have to get into a character to be able to show the piece, it could be a dress, or something more casual, but you've got to be able to bring that piece "alive" , so much that people would like to buy it.
Because that is essentially the job of the model, being able to sell what he/she is wearing.
I reckon that creativity is important as it makes you think outside the box, and also helps you to have a vision.
See opportunity everywhere
In conclusion, I can say that overall you've got to see opportunity everywhere, sometimes it might not be the field that you might prefer, but you can make learn so much and use that knowledge in the future. It is equally important to know that things don't just happen from one day to another, it does take work, dedication, willingness to be flexible, to adapt and wanting to learn more, take risks, and to be able to be resilient, know that sometimes, things might not work exactly as you want it, don't consider it as failure, but a learning process.
Most importantly is about self belief, it doesn't matter, where you are from, or your circumstances, or anything, what does matter is believing that despite anything, you are able to achieve what you want. And this experience in modelling has tought me exactly that.
I hope that with this blog, I can inspire you to perhaps take the plunge and do what you wanted to do, but there was a "but I'm not sure, I don't know if I can" holding you back.
And be that woman who is an entrepreneur, independent, capable of achieving anything.
