Regroup. Rethink. Renew

Hello, butterflies! We're nearly a week into a new year. How are you feeling? Now that you've gotten over your hangover, it's time to get rid of your hangups. What's really keeping you from achieving your goals? Is it fear and uncertainty that's been plaguing your happiness? What about those naysayers that are constantly reminding you of your failures? I think you've been listening to the wrong voices for way too long. You think you're stuck and there's nowhere to go. Come on, baby. It's a brand new day. Let's throw all the ugliness out the door and start things off fresh.

Changing your outlook isn't easy. We all get stuck in a rut. This is when you regroup. Let's say close to the end of 2013 you were still sending out emails to modeling or commercial agencies trying to get representation. No luck. But you've been following all the rules from the agency's website about submissions, or so you thought. Shabby Polaroids in a generic email aren't going to get you what you want. Rethink your plan. When you're applying for a job, you don't just want to drop off your resume. You want to meet with a manager. You want that face to face time so that you can make an impression. Agencies don't just want to see a pretty person with great cheekbones. They wan't to see your personality. It's hard for that to shine through in a handful of bad photos. So stop hiding and let agents really see you.

Refresh and renew. Reignite that passion you once had when you first started this dream journey. I can sense that a fire's still burning inside you. Don't let it go out. Take control and let it spread. Go stand in the mirror. Look closely at who you are. Now grab a piece of paper or open a memo on your cell and write down exactly what you want out of your career and your life. Fall back in love with those lofty ideas. You can get there if you keep pushing. There's more to you than your hair color, eye color, height, bust, waist, hips and shoe size. No more half-stepping. Just leaps and bounds. Get back out there and reintroduce yourself as who you really are. You ready?!

Dear Fairy Model Mother: I Don't Know What Else To Do

Hello lovelies! As the summer sun begins to set we are once again approaching a new season. We often spend this time reflecting on our careers and passions. Are you where you want to be? Is there something you've been wanting to do, but haven't had the guts to do it? Or are you giving up? I talked about this recently, but the subject has presented itself again. This question comes from a recent college grad who's looking to get her master's degree in film, but still dreaming of modeling...

Here's what she has to say:
"I try out for things in the area (Virginia) but I've been unsuccessful even for local things. I've submitted my photos to modeling agencies in New York and visited them when I was in my teens but still NO LUCK! I even went to agencies when I was in Milan and still no luck. I don't know what else to do! I've tried every avenue. I've retaken professional photos and resubmitted to agencies. I was thinking to try out ProScouts convention in Philly but it's $700. So long story short, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions? I really feel that I have to find someone who wants to take me on but first I have to get an agency...which proves to be very difficult.
Thanks in advance,
Abby"

Dear Abby,
Your perseverance is amazing. When faced with rejection and disappointment, you've managed to keep on going. Now you're at a crossroads where you're choosing between the logical and the crazy. But why can't those two come together? You've been working hard, but it's time to work smart. I don't know you measurements or height, but I do know you have a passion for fashion and have studied communications. Girl, become a fashion blogger! You've got the training to create your own content. If you do it well, then you'll generate your own buzz and attract the attention of the right people (agents, brands, etc). You'll get where you want to be, but you'll get there following a different path than you'd imagined. Also, don't forget there are different types of modeling. You may not be high fashion, but there's also lifestyle and catalogues...and commercial acting. Abby, you're thinking about studying film and television commercials totally makes sense to me. Explore those options. Don't ignore all of your talents and use those to get what you want. You've got a beautiful spirit and I want to see you soar!

If you think you've tried everything, think outside the box and try a different approach. Just keep believing, darlings. If you have any questions or you need an extra push, your Fairy Model Mother's here.

xoxo

Dear Fairy Model Mother: My Agency Is MIA!

Hello lovelies! I received a message via twitter just days ago from a very nervous model named Tahira. She lives in Georgia, but wants to make the move to the Big Apple. Here's what she says:

"Hi Nikia! I was wondering if I could get some modelling advice from you. I signed a contract with this boutique agency in NY that my photographer friend recommended. Although my living arrangements for NY turned wacky they were still keeping in constant contact with me. Setting up test shoots near my location and so forth. Now, it's been almost a month and I have not been able to reach them at all. What should I do?"

Uh oh! Looks like your agents have gone rogue. Fairy Model Mother is on the job.

Can you imagine being in this situation? After months of searching for the right agency, you find one that's totally interested in you. And it's even better that a friend you know and trust referred you. Thinking you're on the right track, you even attempt to relocate yourself for work. Everything seems to be going well, then silence. It's the equivalent of hooking up with a guy, spending days hanging out, and then hearing nothing once you leave his presence. You've just been duped.

Don't feel stupid or anything, because you're not the only one this has happened to. There are a few warning signs that you might have ignored when getting involved with this agency. First of all, does the company have a website? What kind of clients do they work with and what models do they represent? Have you communicated to them by phone or email only? Have you visited the agency office? If these agents have been around for years, there should be a paper trail. Follow it.

When I did my own research on let's call it Agency X, I found very little. But I'd actually heard of it, but not very many good things. According to my sources, Agency X isn't the most reputable. It represents a lot of minority models but doesn't get them good paying jobs. Prepared to do some undercover P.I. work, I tried calling the agency contact number and only got a voicemail greeting. Finally after further investigation, I found that a modeling forum listed the agency as defunct as of late last year. Burn!

Now it's time for you to make your move. If all of a sudden your agents are flaking and not returning your phone calls, maybe you should get out. Look at your original contract for the exit clause. Email them immediately to terminate your agreement. If they still owe you money, pursue payment. Let's just hope they didn't take your money and run. You shouldn't have to do business with an agency that isn't going to keep you in the loop. Don't get hustled. Take you talents elsewhere, baby.

I hope that helps, Tahira. Don't let some bad agency waste your time. As always, if you have any modeling questions, I'm your mama!