- Say cheese!
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Do you ever wonder what life would have been like if you'd pursued that crazy childhood dream? You know, the one where you dreamt of becoming an astronaut, a rock star, a famous actress, or even a top fashion model strutting down the runways in Paris? Sigh...maybe that last one is a little personal to my own hopes and dreams as an awkward 13 year old girl, but who said having high ambitions was a bad thing? My parents always encouraged me to try new things - I'm not sure modeling was at the top of their list, but the support was always there.
When I started college, I figured modeling might be a good way to make some extra money. And who could argue with that? I won a contest for Roger's Department Store (they're closed now!) and I thought my career as a supermodel had launched! I even spent a summer in Chicago trying to break into the world of Kate Moss, Tyra Banks, and my favorite, Ms. Heidi Klum, only to discover that it really wasn't meant to be. I'm only 5' 6", so let's just say that the modeling world didn't quite embrace my "petite" stature. That's okay because through countless auditions in the big city and a lot of "no's," I actually found my love for the beauty and fashion industry...even if it meant being the behind-the-scenes-girl.
I haven't really looked back at that summer until recently when I was helping with the NEXT Model Search that Artistry is sponsoring. Everywhere the Artistry Bus travels; girls from all over the country can get a picture snapped and enter to win a spot as the NEXT fashion face! Last weekend I was in Nashville and witnessed gobs of beautiful girls get their picture taken with the same stars in their eyes that I once had. I wish them all the best luck and hope they discover themselves the same way I did along the journey. Who knows, maybe Artistry and NEXT will discover the world's next top supermodel!
Even though my childhood dream of becoming the next Cindy Crawford has come and gone, every once in a while I get the opportunity to strut my stuff to help friends who are looking for a (free) model. Check out my latest endeavor for tonya mann - apron couture! The aprons are fabulous, but the model is a little goofy so don't laugh too hard!