A note from Allie:
As a fashion stylist for more years than I'll admit to, I know models and the modeling industry in a way most magazine aficionados and fan-girls don't.
While many scoff at modeling as not a "real career" - suggesting that the only requirements are a range of looks from 'dazzling smile' to 'smoldering glance' and the brain power to simultaneously pull off direct eye contact, a hair-toss and a back arch - I see your cynicism and raise you... Supermodel, Heidi Klum. (and Gisele, Miranda, Joan and these girls).
photo: Rankin via BC-Mag
Heidi's career started after she beat out 30,000 other hopefuls to win a modeling contest. 30,000! And you thought that 3rd interview was hard...
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Heidi's millions in the bank, her television career and subsequent Emmy... her recently announced deal with world renown retailer Macy's along with her tireless charity work - all while raising 4 children - are not only a testament to her tenacity, business savvy, intuition and determined hard work - but it also forced 'Forbes' to take her off the list of 'Highest Paid Models' as they recognized that "she'd transitioned from "model" to "mogul".
I remember watching Heidi Klum talk about making her first cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. At the time she wasn't nearly as well known as her Cindy, Naomi & Linda Supermodel counterparts... When asked what she wanted to do next -- she wisely, bravely and boldly said that she would seize this opportunity and do everything she could with it.
A profitable choice...
In a conversation with Michael Blanding for Boston Common Magazine, - where she was recently visiting to receive the honor of "Children's Champion" by the US Fund for Unicef - Klum answered 10 Questions on her life and career. Read the entire interview here or see our Top 6 Favorite Tips to inspire YOUR best life.
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COURAGE Heidi's career began when she BEAT OUT 30,000 other hopefuls to WIN a modeling contest.
ACCEPTANCE "I'm always juggling a few things at a time. Some days you catch all the balls and some you don't. When Im really stressed, I just focus on what I CAN do."
RESPECT "Show up on time". (BIG in the industry as we have set time limits on locations and models etc. Overtime is money.)
ATTITUDE Have a great attitude so people want to work with you again and you continue to get booked on jobs.
ETHICS "I've learned that there are only a handful of girls who work really hard and view this as a real opportunity. A lot of girls don't realize it's work when they are actually given the chance". (Opportunity = a springboard - allowing them to do other things).
Note from Allie: And it's not just work on your part - it's knowing that you are part of a team - a crew and that ALL OF YOU have to work together to accomplish the shot or shots. If everyone - hair, make-up, styling, photographer, set-designer etc. - brings their A-Game except the model - then one cog in the wheel is broken...
STRENGTH "...you also have to have a strong desire - to always do better than the last time, try something new and not be afraid to fail. I never shy away from things because they are hard. I want to make things great, so if it takes a little bit of extra work, I'm not afraid of doing that.
Here's to being your best. xx The A-List
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