November 7th will be a day that goes down in history. I signed with Bicoastal modeling agency and the very next week, was featured on their blog. This small town-curvy-inbetweener girl couldn’t have dreamt this. I always felt like I didn’t fit into a category, but knew I belonged. I knew I had what it took and knew that if I wanted something badly enough that I can, without a doubt, make it happen. I used to think I was too curvy, I wasn’t plus enough, I was too short, too old..etc. But I knew that if I kept working hard that I could break down barriers and get closer to my dreams. I persevered and never gave up.
Just like last year, I like to go into Thanksgiving week giving many thanks. The following five things are all things that made it possible in signing with an agency. Without the following list, the aforementioned wouldn’t be possible. My gratitude to those who had an integral part of my life during this last year is immeasurable.
1. I’m thankful for my photographer and friend, Julian Dicampo. He is the one and only reason (+ God) that I even decided to “go for it.” He suggested I go into Central Casting one day to sign up. Little did I know, that was the turning point. I fairly quickly landed a couple commercials, became SAG eligible within three months and now here I am. He has never wavered…he always had faith in me and my abilities and he continues to support me in hopes I make it big. And when I do, he’s coming along for the ride.
I love that he thinks I’m crazy with my wild ideas that I want to capture with his lens but we get the shot, no matter what we have to do to get it. We create some pretty awesome images that has helped me grow my blog’s audience and helped me land me an agent. He takes my direction with style and grace and manages to keep a smile while doing it. Julian…you my friend, are one of a kind. There are not enough thank yous to give you.
2. I’m thankful for the people who have helped me along my way. The referrals and the collaborations…for putting me in touch with people in the industry or hiring me for a gig. And to the friends (read: family) who still support my broke *** and love me hard while doing it. Thank you for having faith in me and my abilities and I’m ridiculously grateful that you see something in me. I have some pretty lofty dreams and there is NO WAY I can do it without you.
3. I’m thankful for the women who support each other, who give back to each other selflessly and those who help each other succeed without jealousy or competition. And doing it all in the name of wanting to see each other shine! We need each other for empowerment, love, support, guidance, elevation, and encouragement. We need each other to be the voice of reason and to hold one another accountable. Having nurturing relationships with other women is a two way street and an absolute necessity beyond family. When we join forces, we can help each other get closer to our dreams and for that, we are unstoppable. I’m your ally.
4. I’m thankful for the ability to be a freelancer. I was chatting with a girl the other day who just got let go from her job. She was explaining to me that she was in the space of trying to decide if she wants to freelance or if she should go back to a full time job. The most important thing I told her was “It’s not for everybody,” and this is what I meant.
There is only one type of person who can freelance, and they are a special kind of person; a rare breed. They have an insanely ridiculous work ethic and their passion about whatever it is that they do, is out of this world. Being a freelancer is no joke and there are a lot of harsh realities that come along with it. I’m grateful to be of the small percentage. Hard work pays off and it’s not a cliché. It’s facts.
5. I’m thankful for my creative mind. People often ask me how I come up with my ideas and I can never really give them a straight answer. My creative mind works wonders that sometimes I don’t even fully understand myself. I have these eyes that see something different and a mind that constantly thinks outside the box, innately. Sometimes the line between creative and crazy is blurred, but there is nothing in my mind that can’t be executed.
What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving Season? Tell us in the comment section below!
Photographer: Julian Dicampo
