Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Cole.
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started modeling when I was 19 years old. I signed with Elite Models in London and modeled all over the world for about 7 years. I loved the industry – I got to go to some amazing places and meet some really incredible people whom I am still dear friends with today. At age 26 I had my son so modeling and traveling all over the world became a little harder to do. That was when I decided to open my own modeling company in 1995 and that essentially was when MODELING CAMP was created. Modeling Camp was designed as a place for all girls to come and feel beautiful. At our camp, ALL girls can come and experience what it’s like to be a model and see how the exciting world of fashion works. The camp started off as a small, local day camp in the town of Fredericksburg, VA and then, as demand increased and people were traveling from quite far to attend, I realized it was time to expand. We opened a location in the DC area and then a few years later one in MD. Then in 2010, we made the bold and somewhat scary move to open in NYC. Thankfully it was a huge hit and was met with rave reviews so from there we went on to open locations in Miami, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.
Modeling Camp is not your traditional day camp. Rather, it is a series of experiences designed for campers to truly immerse themselves into the world of modeling. One day they have training with a guest star from America’s Next Top Model, one day they have their own professional photo shoot, another their own personal prep appointment. And on the last day, campers get to meet the top modeling agencies! It’s truly a whirlwind adventure!
Since 1997, we have operated year-round boot camps and summer camps to thousands of new, aspiring models. We also now offer co-ed camps and online camp options.
It’s been quite the journey these last 27 year but I have loved every minute of it! All our staff have a passion for fashion, love to give back and we all truly enjoy what we do here!
Alright, 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?
For the most part, yes, but just like any business, there have been good years and not-so-good years. Summer camps are always affected by the economy and people’s spending power so we have certainly seen that. One other thing we have met with along the 27 years is a series of copycats. Of course, when you are the original good thing, and people see you are doing well, there is always someone out there waiting to copy your idea. This has definitely happened over the last three decades. While frustrating, I think I learned from that, however. I learned that in business you have to be able to pivot and turn and always be one step ahead of the others. So, with that said, I always have a new idea cooking away in the back of my mind. In fact, I have one right now…
Then of course we have had to deal with Covid- 19 these last two years. Our response to that was to immediately pivot and turn our camps to an online format. This too taught us that we can very effectively coach and teach models in this new way and even though we are back fully to in-person camps now, we will continue to incorporate online training into our curriculum going forward.
So, all in all, there has been growth through adversity which I see as a good thing.
As you know, we’re big fans of MODELING CAMP. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What sets us apart from other similar camps is our longevity and also that only at our camp can people come and meet the world’s top modeling agencies! I am so proud that we can offer new models this amazing networking opportunity.
MODELING CAMP invites all campers, now boys and girls, to come ‘discover the model you’! Explore the world of modeling and fashion at this empowering camp. Each day, campers learn about the business from leading industry professionals, top models, and top agencies!
Featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA and NBC NEWS, Modeling Camp helps aspiring models learn about modeling in a fun, interactive yet non-competitive environment! Campers walk away not only with knowledge of the industry but with valuable life skills that they can apply to their everyday life! Campers learn about modeling from the pros and have the time of their lives! They also have the opportunity to meet with the TOP modeling agencies! Ford, Elite, Wilhelmina…all the top agencies have signed models at Modeling Camp!
Modeling Camp offers camps in New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, and Washington DC! And if you can’t leave home this Summer, check out our MODELING CAMP ONLINE option! It’s the perfect place and the perfect forum to learn skills which will help you approach your life with confidence and style!
From fashion shows to photoshoots, from personal style to the latest trends…Modeling Camp is the ideal camp for ALL fashionistas!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk is a reality of being in business. Let’s face it – opening a business is a risk in itself. It could succeed or it could fail. Luckily, we have been able to weather through the good years and the bad years but there has certainly been risk involved along the way.
One of the biggest risks I took was opening in NYC in 2010. For me, at the time it was a big financial investment and I knew if the camp didn’t take off there, I was standing to lose a lot of money. It was probably the largest professional risk I have taken in my career.
To ensure we didn’t fail, I also hired a publicist at that time. That too was a big financial commitment but ended up being the right way to go. Within just a few months she had us all over the press and the interview requests were flowing in. We were featured on NBC News, Good Morning America, ET, Fox News – Modeling Camp was even discussed on Outnumbered by Tucker Carlson! What started as a big risk ended up being a huge success!
Over the years I have pursued other business ideas – some have failed and some have taken off. Like I said, I consider taking risks as part of business so I am not adverse to taking it when it makes sense.
Contact Info:
- Email: modelingcamp@gmail.com
- Website: www.modelingcamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/modelingcamp/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ModelingCamp
