Augustah

Some nights call for red. The dress was the statement. I just showed up. Dress: Geel https://go.shopmy.us/p-62480124

I started modeling at sixteen.

I didn’t grow up in New York or LA. I was living in Minnesota, working a shift at Marshalls on Christmas Day, a day I wasn’t even supposed to work. Somewhere between working the cash register and counting down the hours, a woman approached me and asked a question that, at the time, felt almost unreal:

“Are you signed? Have you ever thought about modeling?”

The funny thing is—I had.

That question had already found me long before she asked it.

My First Introduction to the Industry

Before that day, I had already dipped my toes into the world of modeling. I attended programs like John Robert Powers, ProScout, and Barbizon. But like many families, mine didn’t have the financial ability to pay thousands of dollars just for access to rooms, opportunities, or promises that weren’t guaranteed. So when that woman approached me at Marshalls, my first instinct was skepticism. I assumed it was a scam. But after doing my research after the fact, I realized the agency was legitimate and that moment became my real entry point into the modeling world. That’s how it started. Not with glamour, but with curiosity, timing, and trusting her and the universe.

New York, for the First Time

After I finished high school, my agency planned meetings for me in New York. It was my first time in the city. My first time traveling alone. My first time being trusted by my parents in that way. We stayed in constant contact the entire trip, but I still remember the feeling of independence, navigating the city on my own, walking into agency offices I had dreamed about, sitting across from people whose approval I believed would shape my future. I met with nearly every agency on my dream list. And one by one, I was told the same things:

“Beautiful girl but not the right fit.”

“We already have someone who looks like you.”

“Come back in a few years.”

Whatever that meant.

When Reality Set In

After New York, I returned to Minnesota.

I continued modeling locally.

I enrolled in college.

I focused on my education.

At the time, it felt like a detour. But in hindsight, it grounded me. I earned my bachelor’s degree in communication with a focus on global business something that would later become more valuable than I could have imagined. After graduating, another opportunity presented itself. A model who had previously been signed with my Minnesota agency was transitioning into scouting and had strong industry connections. She set up meetings for me in Milan. In the end, Boom felt different.

They understood me.

They appreciated my height.

They didn’t try to shrink me.

At six feet tall, I had learned quickly that not every market celebrate height the way people assume. “You should be a model, you’re so tall,” sounds flattering, but internationally, it’s more nuanced. European sizing, proportions, and standards don’t always align with height alone. Boom saw me anyway. I’ve been signed with them for about five years now, and through that representation, I booked meaningful, career-defining work.

The Rejection That Didn’t Stop

Even while signed, I still dreamed of expanding- London, Paris, Germany. But during that period, my look was often overlooked or deemed “not right.” And after a while, the repetition of that feedback becomes heavy. So I stopped chasing validation. I told myself something different:

I know who I am.

I know what I want to build.

And I will become a brand that can’t be overlooked.

Words are power.

The Shift That Changed Everything

For over a decade, I tried to get representation at the highest levels. I followed the rules. I waited for permission. I believed silence meant I wasn’t enough. But at some point, I realized something crucial: Agencies don’t make models. Models make agencies relevant.

So I chose myself.

I networked intentionally.

I collaborated with creatives who shared my vision.

I invested in my portfolio.

I submitted myself for freelance work.

I built relationships directly with brands.

And I created content consistently, authentically, strategically. Social media didn’t replace agencies. It revealed the truth.

Brands care about presence, professionalism, reliability, and clarity. They care about who you are, how you communicate, and whether you understand your value. Eventually, it became clear:

I wasn’t trying to break into the industry anymore. I was already working in it.

Redefining Representation

Here’s the part people rarely say out loud:

Wanting an agency isn’t wrong.

But signing just to feel legitimate can be.

Not every agency is built to support longevity and representation. Some are transactional if you’re booking, you’re valuable; if you’re not, you’re expendable. And that kind of pressure isn’t sustainable. The right agency should feel like a partnership.

One that:

Respects the brand you’ve already built

Understands the clients you want to work with

Aligns with your long-term vision

Supports growth instead of fear

An agency should add clarity, not confusion.

When Alignment Actually Matters

There may come a time when an agency reaches out and if the energy aligns, the vision aligns, and they respect the autonomy you’ve earned, that can be a powerful next step. But signing with a big name just because it looks impressive? That’s not enough. Your intuition matters more than status.

Rejection didn’t push me away from modeling. It pushed me toward ownership. You don’t need an agency to be a model.

But when the right one comes along, it should recognize what you already are.

I know who I am.

I know who I’m becoming.

And I am building something that will never be overlooked.

Traveling for modeling sounds glamorous packing your best outfits, hopping on a plane, daydreaming about bookings, and walking into a city where fashion lives and breathes. And yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to work abroad and book with incredible clients. But here’s what many people don’t realize: modeling overseas is also an investment.

Even when you’re working, the financial return isn’t always immediate. Between flights, rent, transportation, and daily expenses, a trip to Milano can run into the thousands. Some jobs pay off right away, while others take time to show their value.

For example, I worked with Moncler on a campaign one year, and the following year when I was back in Milano, they booked me for their anniversary show. That’s the kind of long-term payoff you can’t always see in the moment, but it comes from showing up, staying connected, and being present in the market.

And this is where perception comes in, Instagram might make it look like every moment abroad is a high-paying gig and luxury living. In reality, there are days I’m hustling between castings, networking, creating content on my own, and making sure I’m maximizing my entire time overseas. It’s not about “living the dream” 24/7—it’s about building it.

That being said, when you’re overseas with downtime between jobs, it’s easy to overthink. So, I’ve learned to keep myself busy, stay inspired, and protect my peace.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Journaling for Clarity

Journaling will always be a good idea, IDC! I use the Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change. First thing in the morning, I’ll write out my gratitude, frustrations, random thoughts, and even my to-do list for the day. It’s like clearing mental clutter so I can focus on showing up as my best self. In Milano, I’d jot down little wins like finding a great food spot, a client remembering my name, or reconnecting with a friend I hadn’t seen in years. It keeps me grounded and present. Modeling abroad is a big deal so I make sure to stay in the moment.

2. Breathwork When My Mind’s Racing

Traveling for work can be stressful especially when you’re navigating, putting your best foot forward, and making sure you’re on time for castings or shoots. I do the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Instant calm. It’s my way of saying, “Girl, you’re fine. You’re here. Breathe.”

If you want help with breathwork, try the Breathing Zone app.

3. A Go-To Playlist for Every Mood

Music changes everything. If I need a confidence boost before a job, I’ll throw on something upbeat and catchy. If I need to wind down, I’ll go for soulful R&B or something vibey. My Milan playlist is a mix of Afrobeats, 90s R&B, and a little bit of Beyoncé and Doechii because sometimes you just need to strut down the street like it’s your runway.

4. Creative Days with No Pressure

Not every day abroad is packed with work and that’s okay. I use those in-between days to my advantage by creating content for my social media. It keeps me visible to potential clients, strengthens relationships with brands I already collaborate with, and brings in income through partnerships while I’m overseas.

Sometimes that means taking my camera, dressing up, grabbing a spritz to-go, and filming in beautiful Milan locations. One of my favorite spots? Parco Sempione with a spritz in hand, people-watching between shots. No pressure, just creativity. And sometimes, those no-pressure days turn into opportunities later on.

5. Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries

When you’re surrounded by other models in a competitive market, it’s easy to compare yourself. I’ve learned to take in the inspiration that fuels me and filter out anything that makes me question my worth. Protecting my energy is non-negotiable especially when I’m far from home

Why This Matters?

Modeling abroad is a career investment. Yes, I work and book jobs when I travel, but the real value often comes in the long game expanding your portfolio, meeting the right people, and immersing yourself in a market that challenges and inspires you. I may not always leave Milan with the biggest profit margin, but I always leave richer in connections, experiences, and self-belief. And honestly? That kind of return will carry your career far beyond one trip or one paycheck.