This last week was Swim Week. That means all of the models from LA, New York and Miami come into town to walk for the highest known swim brands around the world. You may recognize names like Beach Bunny, Ocean Drive, Luli Fama, Minimale Animale just to name a few.
While everything about swim week seems absolutely glamorous, beautiful girls with “perfect” bodies and amazing, next-level swim wear, it actually is a lot of hard work. Swim Week prep starts months in advance to get our bodies in shape, to figure out what heels to cast in, the perfect suit that isn’t too much yet sets you apart from all the other girls. Then, as it comes closer and closer to Mid-July, once a day to the gym becomes twice a day, carbs and sugar go out the window to be forgotten about until the festivities are over and everything pulls together in hopes that we will book a lot and rock the runways.
This last week consisted of running around in 100% humidity and around 90 degrees starting as early as 10 in the morning and going from casting to casting. These castings are usually 2-3 hours of waiting around in a very hot and crowded room with girls in bikinis. We then proceed to be taken in usually by 10-20 and we walk in front of clients who either shoo us away or tell us to stay for secondary pictures. Not even the pictures guarantee your spot in the show. The truth about these clients is that they have already chosen their girls, then they come out with a “1st Option” or “priority” list where they usually will choose girls who have over 100,000 followers on Instagram. This leaves about 1-4 spots open for other models, sometimes it’s even to just grab a few backups just in case something happens. This goes on all day, everyday until the shows begin on Thursday.
Yes, it’s glam, Yes, its desirable but being in it full time it gets exhausting and draining really quick. This year I got my body to what I wanted it to be, got everything ready and was so excited to get my butt back down to South Beach, my old home. I believe that when you are happy with yourself, you don’t deal with negativity, you don’t care what happens whether you book a certain show or not. I was just happy and proud to be surrounded by so many pretty girls who have worked hard and have a motive and a purpose. Unfortunately, a lot of the girls have the attitude of: “Well she is prettier than me, skinnier than me, taller than me, no wonder I am not booking any shows.” I HATED hearing this. It made me want to cry and give those girls a long hug. The thing about this industry is, it is easy to compare yourself. It’s so easy to wonder why you’re not getting the type of jobs you want, why you didn’t get the part, etc. You have to be SO strong and KNOW you’re stunning. These girls need to know that they made it this far, they have the term “Model” to their names and in no way should they ever compare themselves to others. It applies into anything and anybody, once you start comparing, you’ve already turned around on your path of progress and started sprinting back.
Back to how the week went down, I was feeling great! I booked a couple shows, had the Swim Show over the weekend with one of my favorite brands who I had done their campaign for. I was on top of the world until my Kidney Stones hit. Everyone has their struggles, unfortunately mine has always been my kidneys. Which you know what? I am proud of because it has humbled me and made me who I am this day. I wasn’t keen on the fact that it was the day of my show and a few days before Swim Show. Hey, life happens, it came unexpectedly and there was nothing I could do. Long story short, I had to cancel on all my jobs and shows. I had to explain to everyone why I wasn’t at any of the events, it was extremely hard to watch the days pass by and not be able to go out and see my friends and favorite DJ’s and work. Now as I reflect back on it, my friends and agent were so supportive. I was able to see my face blown up on several large prints because my friends took pictures for me while I was in bed in pain. They sent me “get well soon” and “i love you” texts daily to make sure that I would stay positive. I sat back and even though I had to cancel on everything, I am so proud of myself for not only booking one swim campaign but two!! One for Everyday Sunday and one for Manhattan Swimwear. I am the face for these companies! Regardless of everything, I did have a good swim week and I am excited to welcome Swim Week 2018! I am grateful for who I am and who I have become. I am grateful for everything that has come my way, challenges and opportunities that make me a working model xx Stay tuned for recap of the week on Friday.
