Model's Diary

My journey from a quiet surfer town in Southern California to the unexpected world of modeling is the one I never could have predicted. From a young age, I was always drawn to nature—climbing trees and creating concoctions out of mud. Modeling was never a part of the plan. I moved to San Diego for college to pursue a degree in International Business. I toggled between dreams of becoming a teacher, an international businesswoman, and a nurse—the possibilities felt endless. For as long as I can remember, my dad was always attached to his camera, capturing nature’s wonders and the small intricacies that captivated him. While I’ve never been overly interested in the fashion world, I’ve always been fascinated by how a camera can capture a particular moment.

My modeling journey began by chance—right place, right time. Growing up, I’d always been told, “You have the height to model!” I was intrigued by the industry but never saw a viable way in—until one day. It was a sunny afternoon in Long Beach when my friends and I got free tickets to a local festival. To say the festival was subpar would be an understatement. We quickly realized the free tickets weren’t worth the lack of fun, so we decided to leave. As I was leaving, a woman approached me, saying she was with a modeling agency and thought I might be a good fit for them. Naturally, I wrote it off as a scam—thinking, “Who would approach you in the street with a legitimate opportunity?” I brushed it off and went back to school, putting the idea of modeling out of my mind for the time being. Fast forward two years, and she contacted me again. I realized she was a legitimate Mother Agent who would later guide me through the complexities of the modeling world. That’s when my modeling journey began – and it’s been a whirlwind ever since.

Modeling is anything but predictable. Every day looks different—new teams, new sets, new clothes. A day could involve modeling 150 pairs of jeans back-to-back, like a conveyor belt, or running around shooting glamorous dresses on Hollywood Boulevard or in Beverly Hills. My journey has been as much about self-discovery and confidence as about mastering the art of posing. I’ve gained new and valuable insights that have shaped my growth with every set. From the chaotic streets of Hollywood to the elegant halls of London, I’ve learned to embrace authenticity in myself, others, and value the people I work with.

The teams I work with truly make or break a shoot. One of the most exhilarating—and at times, overwhelming—aspects of modeling is having so many people making adjustments on you all at once. Someone is brushing your hair, another is touching up your mascara, someone else is tying your shoes, and the list goes on. You feel like a princess, yet also a mannequin. I’ll never forget a shoot for a major Korean denim brand, where the entire team spoke very little English, though I hoped they understood some. While they were making their adjustments on me in between shots, I asked if they were happy with my work or if I needed to smile more or pose differently. The entire team just stared at me in complete silence, unable to respond. It was one of my quietest days on set, but it gave me a deeper appreciation for how people from different cultural backgrounds communicate and collaborate.

I’ve worked on my fair share of challenging sets throughout my modeling career. I remember arriving on one shoot and immediately sensing that something was off. The energy was tense, with stylists running around, stressed and disorganized. As we began shooting, I could tell the head stylist was frustrated and distant. About two hours into the shoot, she shared she had worked a red-carpet event with Natalie Portman the night before. In the chaos of traveling from the carpet to her apartment, she had misplaced a two-million-dollar ring. Understandably, she was stressed about finding the ring, which created a tense atmosphere on set. Despite the pressure, we pushed through and managed to get the shots. It was a challenging day, but it taught me the importance of staying positive, even when things aren’t going as planned.

One of my more memorable shoots took place in the heart of Hollywood. The client had brought a variety of high-end pieces to be modeled on the Hollywood Star Walk of Fame. The photographer clicked away, capturing the contrast of my sharp poses and poised demeanor against the chaos of the Hollywood crowds. I remember the stark moment when I realized I was wearing a Gucci belt and a Givenchy bag while a man sat butt-naked across the street, yelling gibberish. It was a raw reminder of the diverse realities that coexist, and I was grateful to be in the position I was in. I leaned into the chaos that day, not allowing the discomfort and the juxtaposition of the situation to throw me off. From that day forward, I realized modeling isn’t just about looking good for the shot—it’s about staying centered, grateful, and true to yourself.

A similar lesson came during a shoot at the Getty Museum. My agency had arranged a shoot with a well-known photographer who seemed enthusiastic about the project, but when we arrived, I quickly realized he hadn’t secured the necessary permissions to shoot at the museum. I was dressed in a long white dress, bold red lipstick, and Louis Vuitton red bottoms—not blending in with the museum’s typical visitors. Over the next few hours, we had to move quickly, carefully avoiding security guards while still trying to capture the perfect shots. I’d strike a pose next to the iconic art, and as soon as I saw a guard approaching, I’d casually act like I was just another (very upscale) museum goer. It felt like I was starring in my own little spy movie—trying to stay natural while still working. That shoot taught me how to keep my composure under pressure and think on my feet—skills that have proven essential in my career.

Modeling has opened many unexpected international opportunities for me. After connecting with agencies in London, I was quickly signed and booked for a sunglasses campaign. Without hesitation, I booked my flight and headed off. I arrived in London on a cold January day, and my agent informed me that I had four castings to attend, followed by the campaign shoot the next day. As a true California girl, this was my first real experience navigating public transport in freezing weather, and I was nervous. Figuring out the London Tube system and making my way to each casting location on my own proved to be a challenging task. At one point, I had to buy a long fur coat to keep warm between stops. With each casting, I grew more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings, learning to embrace the uncertainties that come with stepping outside my comfort zone.

The following day, the sunglasses campaign took place at the client’s apartment in upstate London. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted with glasses of champagne and a selection of exquisite appetizers. The walls were lined with million-dollar art, the floors were heated, and there was even an assistant dedicated to the dog! That day, we weren’t just treated like models—we were treated like royalty. Those first two days in London were unforgettable—chaotic, overwhelming, and full of valuable lessons.

Another unforgettable moment was in having the privilege of unveiling a brand-new Lamborghini at a high-profile event. As I pulled the sheet back to reveal the sleek, luxurious car, the entire atmosphere shifted—excitement filled the air as the crowd gathered around, their cameras flashing. I could feel the energy rise as everyone marveled at the car. I stood there, taking it all in, realizing how surreal it was to be at the center of such a moment. Through all these unique experiences, I’ve come to realize that modeling is about so much more than just clothes and posing—it’s about the stories and moments you get to be part of.

As my career continues to evolve, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected rather than fear it. Every shoot brings its own set of challenges, but each one also offers a chance to discover more about myself and how I respond to the world around me. Stepping into this industry has been a journey of immense growth and learning. Modeling has made me more resilient, adaptable, and confident in who I am—no matter what’s happening in the world around me. Ultimately, those uncomfortable moments prepare me for whatever life throws my way. With each new chapter, I’m sure that every experience will only further strengthen my ability to embrace the unexpected with grace, authenticity, and confidence.