It's 9am on Monday morning and the phone rings. It's a mom saying she has the most beautiful child in the world. Where ever she goes| strangers stop and tell her that she must get her child into modeling. I give her my
website address, and ask her to read the FAQs and submit an application on-line.
Its 9:05 am. Phone rings again. This time the mom is calling from Sudbury, and tells me she wouldn't mind driving to Toronto for a one hour booking for Sears. She understands the job may pay $50 or $25, depending on whether her child is the main baby or the back up. All she wants is a chance. She's convinced that once the clients meet her "perfect" child, they too will fall in love and her child will be "discovered".
Well, I'm here to say it doesn't work that way. Never has, never will. I, being the owner of a Minor Details, a modeling agency for children, and the mother of the 2 most beautiful children in the world, know this for a fact.
Its 9:15am. The phone rings. This time is Timmy's mom calling to say he has a fever and can't go to the 10am shoot. I have 30 minutes to find a blonde hair, blue eyed, size 3 boy who can be at the shoot for 10am. Oh, by the way, did I mention that he has to take winter boots, gloves, jeans and a white turtleneck? He'll be modeling a winter snow suit. Did I also mention that it's being shot outside and it's already 90 degrees out? Welcome to the real world of modeling.
You think your child has what it takes? Here's what you do. Check out lots of different agencies. Your child does not require an expensive portfolio or modeling course. Remember the last time you watched a children's fashion show at a mall or private function? Wasn't it endearing to see the 6 year olds walking down the runway? Kids shouldn't look like robots or trained seals. Its fun to watch real kids doing their thing - full of confidence with a huge smile on their face, cuz they're having a great time.
That's the whole point of this business. Confidence!!! Either you have a confident child who will flourish in this career. Or your child may be a little on the shy side and this career can really help. I've seen it happen. The money some of these kids are making is unbelievable, but that shouldn't be the reason to get your child involved. This should be fun, entertaining and it should make them feel great about themselves, just like soccer or baseball.
Finally, the most important aspect of this business - make sure your child really wants to do this!
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