Today we’d like to introduce you to Starla Soloway.
Starla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Ever since I was little, I’ve had a fascination with modeling. My grandma would always tell me that I should try it out. I started taking classes in middle school but before I could get signed, my family moved. When I came to Texas, I was scouted at the mall and offered a consultation at a large agency I was considering signing with. However, it was expensive (especially since I had already taken the classes and knew what I was doing) and they couldn’t guarantee to get me booked for photo shoots. I decided to self-employ, networking on Instagram to connect with local photographers and business owners. I now have the freedom of booking myself collaborations and meeting like-minded professionals, showing that self-employment is always the way to go!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have definitely been many obstacles along the way, and I’m still on my journey to achieve my goals! My parents have been supportive of each step I take in my modeling career. I’ve been persistent despite the challenges, which I feel is the key to success. I started out small, only doing promotional photo shoots (where the photographer and model make an agreement to exchange photos for time and promote each other on their pages for exposure) and then working my way up to where I am now. Persistence is key!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
One of the things I’m most proud about is that I’ve created my own success. I recently combined my talent for painting, makeup, and modeling to showcase a creative makeup look produced solely by myself. I loved the results! In the future, I’ll definitely incorporate multiple elements of my talents together, which I believe sets me apart from others.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as the goals in my life and how I accomplish them. I also measure this by my level of contentment at each stage in regards to my ambitions. I think Houston is a great location to get into the modeling industry. My advice to someone wanting to get started would be to follow local hashtags on Instagram. This way you can network and connect with people and events around you, giving you a better chance at being discovered. Once you book your first photo shoot, it’s easy from there! (You’ll want to make sure it’s a credible photographer, you can tell by their social media base, portrait work, tagged works and their willingness to allow a guardian to accompany you.) Ask your photographer which hashtags to add to your posts to ensure the maximum amount of viewers.
Pricing:
- Book promotional (or tfp) shoots
- Gain exposure to network with others
- Collaborate with businesses for compensated photoshoots
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vsco.co/starlasol
- Email: solowaystarla@gmail.com
- Instagram: @starlasoloway
- Twitter: @starla_soloway
- Other: Snapchat: starbucks116
Image Credit:
@tiffanycouture_, @n.a.t.c.a.m, @awesome_possum_photography, @genephotographyx
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