Featured Model Portfolio

Featured model portfolio of the month. Once a month I am going to highlight a different model. I do so many of these every month and I only ever post a few photos or use a few for the site, if any. So, I thought what a good way to showcase a model each month and talk about the session. This month I asked model Jennifer to answer some questions about the industry.

How long have you been modeling?  

I’ve been modeling for quite some time, but I’ve been professionally signed to the Model Club agency since 2018.  

What made you start to model?  

I always loved the world of fashion and style. There is this huge creative part of me that has been drawn to fashion ever since I was little. I remember as a little girl hand sewing a two-piece set, it was a one shoulder crop top and a matching mini skirt that was reversible, and carnival inspired. Both my parents are from Guyana, with their parents’ roots in Barbados, so the Caribbean culture brought a lot of creativity into my world. When I was little, I was always sketching different looks. I was really into fashion and putting outfits together. I was also surrounded by what I considered a very stylish family. It was only a matter of time before me and the fashion industry collided. 

Once I moved to New York after undergrad, I decided to give modeling a try. I was given a flier regarding a model casting for a fashion show, and it all started from there. I did a lot of local shows and a lot of networking. At that time, you can say I was independently managing myself, finding out about upcoming fashion shows in different boroughs through my network and attending runway castings. Modeling earlier on for me was very much a hustle and it still is!  

I paused, moved back to Boston, had a lot of life experiences and eventually got back into modeling, probably a few months after my mom had passed. She always lived a full life, and it was a reminder to make sure I lived mine. I eventually submitted to a local agency, first online, where I was denied. Then about 1-2 weeks later they were hosting an in-person casting, so I went to the agency this time in person and they signed me on the spot. The moral of the story is never give up, always keep trying!  

I’ve been professionally modeling since. During the pandemic, for many models was a silent season. I took that opportunity to do some additional coaching with Supermodel Coco Rocha and in the following years launched a style coaching business called, “Bellah Styles”. The business is named after my daughter Bellah. Since then, I’ve been uplifting women and moms through navigating their wardrobes and defining their sense of style. I believe it’s important to show up confidently, prioritizing your needs as a woman and making time for yourself.   

I am still modeling, but this time on my own terms and what works for me and my busy schedule. You ultimately need to know your goals as a model and be fine if it doesn’t look like what everyone else is aiming for. I would say at this stage I’m very much grounded in what I believe success looks like to me. I have my personal modeling goals and if I am checking those off, I am standing in my own success! I’m not waiting for my success to be defined by anyone else. That’s a life hack right there, learn to define your own success! It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, because no one else has experienced the journey it took to get to where you are. Celebrate you!  

Most fun job you have ever booked? 

Walking in the New England Fashion Week show for Lavanya Coodly, I opened the show and this opportunity at that time got me my first magazine feature on the runway. It was also my first show being represented by the Model Club Agency. I remember being so excited for the opportunity. That was the beginning of a lot of possibilities for me. It felt like it was just yesterday and everything that followed in my mind afterwards was limitless. 

Least favorite job you have ever booked? (Without naming any companies of course.) 

Least favorite job… hmmm I don’t know, because everywhere I go, I make the best out of the experience and enjoy the people I’m surrounded by. Especially if we all have the responsibility of getting a job done. Modeling is work. We are all on the clock, so let’s make it fun and get it done! It’s truly about your energy honestly. The right energy can have an impact on any environment and can make it enjoyable. So, I become that energy! 

Another point I want to add is don’t look down on any jobs or who is in the room, any experience can be a life changing opportunity. Maybe you feel like the job wasn’t exciting, but the whole point of God placing you in that room could be to meet the connection to your next job, so do everything well and to your best ability and treat everyone with respect. I’ve seen it happen all the time. The people you may feel have the least power, end up having the most power at the end, so treat people right. It will always come back to you! 

Any tips for new models looking to enter the industry? 

Yes, just stay focused and stick to it. Remember, you often get out what you put in. I would also say do your research. Right now, the industry is flooded with modeling agencies, runway coaches and the list goes on. Make sure you do your research to ensure there is an even exchange and you’re not coming out of pocket with NO growth or visibility in exchange. 

Something to note if you are signing with an agency, you shouldn’t have to come out of the pocket for anything besides building your portfolio. When you book a job your agency takes an already agreed upon percentage, which should be in your contract. If things don’t feel legit, question it. I learned a lot of this earlier on and I was so thankful I learned it when I did. With any agency you want to look for proof of success. Who is on their top roster, what kind of jobs have they booked, etc.  

The other advice I would give is to stay humble. One example for me is although I had a great runway walk, it was important for me to always humble myself and take coaching classes still. You always want to give yourself room for growth and to become even better at your craft. Having that mindset gave me the opportunity to coach with the best of the best and got me a chance to meet industry renowned people. If you want to be the best you work with the best! Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be or further.  

Last piece of advice is know what you are great at and focus on that. Maybe you’re a runway model, maybe you are a commercial model, learn your niche. A lot people will say, “I want to do everything, which is great, but you also have to master something. You can always build from what you have mastered and then pivot into other areas. Sky’s the limit!  

Which Featured Model Portfolio package did Jennifer use?

Jennifer selected model portfolio package 3, which is a four look session. Featured model portfolio is below. Follow Jennifer on social media and check out her website www.bellahstyles.com

@Bellahjewels- Model/Actress

Model Portfolio Package 3.

• Four look session, outside and or studio

• Includes All Final Images

•  4 Retouched Images

• Unlimited usage rights for self-promotion/ information on the model industry

• Model coaching and training

• Online Gallery for 6 Months

Ready to Book!