Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Grimes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Back in high school, I never imagined myself to be where I am today. I’ve always been very shy, introverted and never sought out attention. I never felt like I was that special or like I belonged. I was in a relationship that ended with heartbreak in high school like many kids our age were experiencing. That experience forced me to become a stronger person.
My best friend from high school moved to Houston and shortly after I ended up moving there as well. Not long after moving we met up and she recommended I check out a local Agency. I thought why not, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after high school. I went to their open call and I enrolled in a few classes that same day. After attending the classes, the agency recommended that I get some new portfolio pictures by their professional photographer. Because I am a college student with no assistance from my parents, I had to walk away that day with no direct solution. I lacked the funding needed to invest in building my portfolio. I felt so discouraged and like I had wasted my time/money. Something inside of me drove me to do my own research and dig deeper to see what I could do for myself in this industry that I knew nothing about. I stumbled upon Model Mayhem. I began to network with other creatives in Houston; I was having so much fun. A couple of years had passed, I was working a full-time job and still felt a calling towards the industry. I did more research on the agencies locally and decided to visit an agency that I was previously interested in.
Out of respect, I won’t mention the name of the agency I met with shortly after said research. The agent informed me that I should request a refund from the other agency as I will not make it in the industry. That was a major turning point for me emotionally and mentally. That particular agent who was willing to accept me into their classes years ago was now telling me to go and get a refund because I would never make it with my statistics. I was completely dumbfounded and distraught. Being determined to not let one person’s definition define what I wanted in this industry, I continued my search for the best representation. It was then that I came across First Models and Talent Agency. I signed with them on my 20th birthday and from there I continued to grow and learn about myself. I booked TV commercials, an international TV AD, print ads, magazine publications, social media ads, music videos, walked in fashion shows, supported our community through charity events and worked with remarkable individuals.
I have been blessed with the opportunities that I have been able to experience. Recently, I was able to attend Coco Rocha’s modeling camp in New York. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I still can’t believe how much I learned from the camp. Coco is such an inspiration in this industry and the reason I got into modeling, to begin with. I highly recommend her camp if you are looking to further your career in modeling. This camp set a new fire to my love and curiosity for this industry. I have recently gotten into acting also and love how the two industries work hand in hand with each other. I am currently taking acting classes from Jeff Dockweiler who comes down to Houston monthly for classes. I am so excited about all the new things I am learning about myself as well as the industry. I wanted to immerse myself more into what makes my heart happy, who knew I’d like this whole acting thing. And yet, I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface of what I can do in this industry. Don’t ever let other people define what you can do or what you want out of life.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride but it has been a rewarding one. One of the biggest obstacles that I have overcome is the statistics of this industry. Years ago when an agent told me that I need to get a refund on my modeling classes, I was stunned and I couldn’t believe it. At first, I didn’t understand and could not believe that she was telling me that when previously they were interested. That agent has made me stronger and more resilient. That agent also reminded me how this industry can be. Thank you for telling me I can’t do something and thank you for not believing in me.
You will always run into people who won’t like your look and rejection happen. It’s all about not giving up on yourself because of what other people think of you. Someone will always say no, but you only need one person to say yes. You have to be your biggest cheerleader, everyone else is going to be rooting against you. Girls can be mean and working in this industry isn’t easy. There are very little rules in this industry and you can make what you want of it if you simply don’t give up.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a fashion/commercial model and actress.
My specialty is being able to move behind the camera and give a range of poses. I am kind, determined,
motivated, curious, and play well with others.
I pride myself on being able to stick to my morals in an industry where limits are pushed.
Every photo shoot is a new challenge in finding ways to make the final product more interesting and
intriguing.
I love to play around with different concepts, emotions, styling, and makeup. In my previous work, I’ve done commercial, editorial, bridal, edgy/moody, lifestyle, and music videos. I am always looking for new experiences and challenges to immerse myself in. I have grown so much in this industry with the help of other creatives and working together on projects. It is better to be kind and helpful than to try and make it on your own in this industry. What sets me apart from others is my determination and willpower to get the job done and get it done right, while still having a blast. I don’t give up on myself and I know there is always room for growth. Self-reflection is a tool that will help you succeed in this industry to become your best self, it helps me grow daily.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up with my parents was very interesting and eventful. My dad’s job as an engineer moved us from Canada to Texas at a very young age. We never stayed in one town for very long due to his job. My parents were more on the conservative side of parenting, so I wasn’t allowed to do a lot of things that other girls could. For example, I was never allowed to wear makeup, no skirts/shorts above the knee, and couldn’t date until the age of 16. I was the youngest of five kids and I got away with a lot because my older brothers were always getting into trouble. Moving from different cities and going from home school to public school really taught me to grow up. It taught me how to adjust to different surroundings and converse with different types of people. The limitations that my parents set on me were hard and unfair at the time, but looking back, I realize it has helped me make my own decisions in life and accept the consequences. I didn’t grow up the average way a girl grows up, I never experienced a lot of what girls did when they were younger. I do feel like that sets me apart from the other girls. But I am forever grateful for the choices my parents made, even if I did not like them growing up. They made me into who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firstmodelshouston.com/female-commercial-models/1333385/sarah-g
- Phone: 8327124086
- Email: iamsarahalvina@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalvina/
Image Credit:
@ritavinieris Bridal Gown, published in Southern Bride Magainze – Michael Allen @Michaelallen MUA@alicialee901 Hair @janiceallen Stylist @scottiekeyweston, Kiwi Makeup – Natalie D’Onofrio @natalie.j.photography MUA @toddterrellcosmetics, Black designer gown – Khoa Nguyen @lukekhoafilms Designer @kennytruong @venicebyk, Green designer blouse – Jay Marroquin @jaymarroquin #jaymarroquin Designer @nourdelagarza, Black bodysuit – Jay Marroquin @jaymarroquin #jaymarroquin, White dress – Jay Marroquin @jaymarroquin #jaymarroquin, David Bowie shirt – Kennon Evett @kennographer MUA @theresacoppock, Green jacket, black Moschino boots – Nick Suarez @nicksuarez MUA @veronicaxyz Hair @labellevisagenj, White T – Todd White @Toddwhite
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