Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Bland-Muzny.
Michele, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a model. Growing up, I would only wear dresses and would throw fits when it came to wearing pants (yes, I was a little diva)! I would walk around and put on a show for anyone who would watch. Living in a small town there was little to no opportunity to do what I wanted but I would still participate in what was available which included modeling for the local mall, acting in school/college performances and church events. I was first discovered in Austin, Texas in the mall by a producer who gave me the opportunity to train and work with some major models. However, after my mother passed away my senior year of high school it seemed to be more of a dream to be a model so I concentrated on my education. After a number of years, I was introduced to bodybuilding and became a bikini competitor and fitness model. This was a great opportunity for me to get back into what I loved most and to pursue it to the fullest this time around! I started as a brand ambassador for a supplement company, was featured in RX magazine and a few other fitness magazines. But it was important for me to truly branch out to where my real passion was… in fashion modeling, commercial modeling and acting.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to walk in many fashion shows with some of Houston’s top designers such as MzGwen Davis of Alexandria Lee Designs, Ruben Isaza of Ruben Isaza Designer, Meye Label by Mimi Irving and Rocky Boston~ She only wears designer. In addition to walking in runway shows, I have done some commercial work that includes commercial with ABC 13 to promote the use of hashtagging the local news with breaking news around the city, local artist commercials and a few music videos for local artist like Clever Means to be released this month. I also have done some face modeling for Stila Cosmetics and currently work as a promotional model for a few agencies. Modeling is my passion, it is my life! I study, practice and continue to brand myself every day in this field. It is hard but worth it! In addition to modeling, I own my own business Posed and Poise with Michele ~ Hold My Hand which I work with bodybuilding competitors and get them stage ready! I work extensively with them on stage presence and posing which I utilize my modeling experience to teach proper form and how to highlight the best parts of their physiques with great poses and assist as a creative director with photo shoots. This allows me to combine the best of my worlds and help others achieve greatness as well!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anything you are passionate about and really want to excel in will have bumps in the road to success. I believe it makes you want it more. This process has had its challenges for me. First starting over after so many years was a process. Once you put your dream on hold to pursue something else it becomes a challenge to get back to it. I often times think society teaches you incorrectly. It pushes education and working for someone so much that we tend to forget our dreams and passion and settle on doing things we were never really meant to do. Education and work are important but if you are doing something that you are not passionate about or does not align with your purpose, you will eventually grow to hate it. Modeling is a hard field to get involved in from the start. There is so much more than just being pretty or handsome. You have to be so much more. You have to be able to adapt to all situations, willing to learn and grow and take directions, you have to be smart, educated and versatile. I came from an acting background because that is what I had growing up and by most standards, I was not a standard model due to my height. I am 5’6″ and the standard is at least 5’7″ but generally 5’9″. I met all other requirements being a size 0-2.
Additionally, when I started modeling again I was not in the traditional age range. Most agencies and even designers want younger models (15-24). They are easier to mold and their look is more marketable. However, things have changed considerably in the industry. Age is just a number and more and more models are older. One of my biggest secrets to doing so much modeling and having success is I do not look my age and I am versatile. I can adapt to my environment. I often model with young ladies twice as young as me and I blend in with them nicely! There are shows or opportunities I do not apply for due to my age but I have learned that I am only limiting myself. Be bold, be you and go for everything you want. At this stage, I would rather give it my all and be turned down than to live with regret wondering if I could have done it!
Posed and Poised with Michele ~ Hold My Hand / I am Michele Lavon ~ Model – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is Posed and Poised with Michele ~ Hold My Hand and has two parts. I am a model and posing coach. My specialty is providing personalized posing and stage presence techniques for a variety of clients. From bodybuilding competitors to models, actors, photographers and even working women who need extra confidence on how to present their selves in the workforce. I am known for being one of the best posing coaches. I have assisted 17 (both men and women) with earning their Professional Card as a bodybuilder with top rated posing and nutritional guidance.
In addition, I am known for my posing, being poised and stage/set presence in the modeling realm. They go hand and hand and I get to use them both interchangeable in what I do. What I am most proud of is stepping out on faith to do this full time. I have spent the last four years working part-time with clients and even modeling as time allowed and I decided in 2017, that it was time to do what I prayed for, what I had sowed into for so many years and what was truly my passion. What sets my business apart from others is I believe in speaking life into those I get to work with. There really is no right or wrong way of doing things but doing it to the best of your ability and finding what works best. We limit ourselves by saying something is wrong or that you cannot do something, instead, I guide others to get the best results. I have a master’s degree in Psychology and my professional background has aided me in knowing how to talk and work with a diverse background of individuals. Additionally, utilizing my modeling, posing and education enables me to help my clients, as well as myself, achieve great results.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Proudest moment in my career so far has two parts. To be in the top ten running for JetSet Magazine cover model; to just be considered was an honor in itself. But truly my most proud moment is every time I get the chance to do what I love and what comes most natural is truly a blessing. I take none of it for granted. There are lots of beautiful women, a lot of talented models and each time I am selected, each time a photographer, director or producer selects me I am proud of myself and of what I am able to accomplish. I am a firm believer what you want, wants you. If you have dreamed of it, it already exists. Therefore it is up to you to pursue it.
Pricing:
- Posing and model practice $40 a session
Contact Info:
- Address: 445 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477
- Phone: 832-598-4482
- Email: lavonbland@gmail.com; posedandpoised@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iammichelelavon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/posedandpoisedwithmichele
Image Credit:
Photographers: Jamal Williams, Paige Baker, Steven Robinson, Victoria Fry
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
