MINI MODELING: STELLA IN NYC

Did you know that breaking into the child performer/modeling world is like being a flight attendant? Ok, not exactly but It sure does remind me of those days when I would trek into New York fighting traffic or catching public transportation, mostly to sit and wait at some major airport.

Let me start by giving you guys a little bit of insight as to why 

I decided to try this path with my daughter.  Stella, who's now 

3yrs old has always had an outgoing personality and when 

she wants to she can really turn “it” on. 

Because of that, I genuinely felt like she would have a knack 

for modeling or performing of some kind. And, YES, of course, I 

think my daughter is beautiful just like any mother would 

and should! However, what I’ve come to realize in the short

 time we’ve experienced this world, is that this industry 

{at least for child performers or models} is not a beauty contest.  

Honestly, all the kids are beautiful and unique and the 

competition is fierce! Especially in New York; tons of kids try out 

for the same job and you never really know what the brand 

is looking for in a child. 

Throughout this process, I’ve become friendly with fellow industry 

moms and I’ve also done a bit of research. The # 1 thing everyone 

agrees on is that if your child doesn’t have an interest in it, then it’s 

probably not for them.  This is something that I’m still trying 

to figure out with Stella. She was picked up by her agency

about seven months ago, so we’re still very green when it 

comes to this whole thing. We’ve been to approximately 10-12

casting calls and she’s been booked with the same brand twice.

 “Booked” meaning she’s been requested and paid for a job. 

However, she was booked as a “backup” for another child model 

with similar features and attributes {i.e. blonde, blue/light eyes}. 

This was news to us at first because we weren’t informed 

by the agency and to be honest, it was a bit disappointing.  

But you know what? I had to remember that she’s new to all of 
this and both jobs paid very well; which I'm told is not 
always the case. 

Jack Studios, NYC

Having a network of moms that have experience with toddler/kid modeling and performing is also extremely helpful.  I’ve been lucky enough to form friendships with a few very supportive moms that have guided me and offered really great advice. These ladies helped us find a reputable agency that was a good fit for us as well as warned us about some of the CONS - like pricey parking and long commutes into NYC.

Because my daughter is still young and doesn’t have the responsibility of full-time school yet AND because I am a SAHM {and super grateful to be!} we go with the flow and try to make as many casting call as requested per the agency.  I would guesstimate that we are notified via email about calls approximately twice a month and if it doesn’t interfere with a previous engagement, we confirm with the agency.

Stella with her buddy Isaiah.
They are both represented by Zuri Model and Talent.

As many moms will tell you, it can be a full-time job especially if your child is successful in it. Another note I think is important to mention is never; ever pay anyone to represent your child. You may consider paying a photographer for great pictures if you’re not able to take them yourself but it's not necessary; especially if your child is very young.  In general, the more information you have the easier it is to decide if it's something you and your little would like to pursue.  The Hollywood Mom Blog talks about this and has a lot of other great advice as well. Mom in the City also has a great blog post about Zuri Model and Talent.

Mom & Stella selfie at Chelsea Piers

For now, Stella and I will continue to have our "play dates" in the city and see where it goes from there. I would love to see her little sassy self on a billboard or a magazine but my expectations are pretty realistic.  

More than anything, I embrace it as a form of socializing and exposing her to all the cool people and places New York has to offer.  It's our little adventure time while she's still young enough to hang with her mama!

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