“Sagging is inevitable”
Dear Model,
After the runways and editorials, and spotlight and fame, come to an end, what will you be doing? What will be the next chapter in your life? If you’re smart, now is the time to think ahead and take advantage of the opportunity presented to you in life today.
My 7 suggestions to you, on preparing for your future. But first, a few examples and inspiration for you to aspire to.
Models of the past.
-Elle MacPherson: Successful Lingerie designer.
-Karolina Kurková: active in humanitarian work.
-Natalia Vodianova: Mother of three
-Heidi Klum: host and producer of Project Runway; Germany’s Next Top Model; mother of three; clothing and jewelry designer
-Helena Christianson: Photographer, Antique store owner, Cofounder of Nylon Magazine.
Now the 7 things to do while a Model.
1- Be professional in your dealings. If you want to be successful at a later date, you’ll need to leave a professional impression with the people you deal with now. You will need them one day and how you behave with them now will pay back in the future.
2- Be sincere, nice, and humble. The fact is none of us know everything and none of us are everything, so don’t let the hype of fame get to your head. I reiterate being ‘nice’. Go the extra mile when you can. Good acts find a way to come back to you when you’re I need.
*3- Make, and keep a contact list. You never know when you’ll need them. So collect Names, phone numbers, emails, and address. Get to know these people on a human level, find out their birthdates, interest and hobbies. Get to know about their family when possible, and keep notes on all these things; you’ll need it for the next step
*4- Work your contact list: Stay in touch, send a happy birthday note, pass along a tip on their favorite hobby or interest; ask about their kids (this goes a long way). If you’re in town have a cup of coffee with them. You get the point. Stay in touch.
5- Discover what you like now. What you enjoy. What you can spend hours and hours doing without getting bored. That will be what you’ll most likely want to do the rest of your life. Family? Art? Writing? Entrepreneur? Designer? Model agent? Chef? Raising a family? Fill in the blank.
6- Once you discover what you like, start to learn about it and study it. Become involved in it if you can, yes even from now. It’s ok to go out and party and spend time with friends, but don’t let that consume your life now. Put some time on the side to invest in your future. And again when you find what u enjoy you’ll want to do this.
7- You can do it! I know it sounds Cliché, but it’s true. Much of your success will come down to believing in your self and believing that you can really do it. Also: Don’t give up. Things might get hard along the way, and doubts will creep in, and giving up will be very tempting, but DON’T. The success that follows will be worth the efforts in multiples.
I recently found out that Daria Werbowy is a serious painter and has a desire to open her own gallery and studio one day.
What about you?
PS: Daria, Next time you're in NYC, you're welcome to my studio.
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