Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Marie Edwards.
Katie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my journey when I was 12 years old. I started at Barbizon USA in their Modeling, Acting and Self Development program. When I went in, I did not enjoy it and never thought I would be pursuing this career. Growing up, I was bullied for my looks and not being pretty enough. It tore my confidence down to the skeleton but when I discovered my passion and love for the fashion industry and saw everything I was capable of, nothing could stop me. I started in their marketing program being a promotional model and would get a few gigs here and there for runway work and photoshoots. Growing up in Tyler, TX there weren’t a lot of opportunities, but once I found the runway and fashion planners for Tyler we became great friends and this sister duo gave me opportunities to polish my talents and skill. I was 13 when my mom overheard their fitting in Dillards and she went up to them with excitement and stated that her daughter was a model and would love to audition for them. Of course, when a desperate mother is in front of you, you can not say no. So they allowed me to walk for them and I booked my first runway show! From there, I made connections with other people and began doing any work that came my way, building my reputation and portfolio. I had found my passion and would never let it go. Now in college, I am working towards a degree in Fashion Merchandising while being a Director of Education for Barbizon USA, where my journey started. I love supporting those kids in their dreams and watching them grow to their fullest potential. I am currently seeking bigger opportunities also to challenge my skill set and will continue doing so for as long as I can!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My Journey has been anything but smooth. When I began, I developed an eating disorder to try and obtain perfection. It was something that not many people noticed and I never got professional help for it. I have spent a long time finding balance between staying healthy in the gym and healthy in the kitchen. I love to work out, but I have to be sure that I am nourishing my body properly. I encourage all young women to delight in the pleasures of sweets and find a balance for themselves. Although my resume and past experience is filled with runway time, I had a hard time finding where I fit in the industry. I have tried all different avenues, and what I find is my specialty and niche is portrait photography and editorial styled shoots that allow me to be creative and show a different composition. Although I’ve found this, I have not found the perfect representation for myself. I was with one agency for a while and it turned out to be a bad decision. The contract was questionable once I got to know the in’s and out’s of the industry. If I could go back and give myself any advice, it would be to have patience and spend time reading about companies before you get stuck in a contract. Trust your instincts and don’t allow the industry to starve you of food or your spirit.
Please tell us about your work.
I found my niche to be in portrait photography and editorial styled shoots. I focus a lot on emoting and interesting angles while keeping myself elongated. I believe I bring professionalism and reliability to the industry as that is my reputation. I bring a light, fun environment to the stiff nuance’s of the fashion industry while keeping it professional. I have a passion for the modeling and the fashion industry and I radiate that through my work.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I have to give all credit to God for pulling me up when I was weak and guiding me through all the tough times. But I do have some favorites I go to for inspiration or a good laugh. A book that inspired me to accept my journey and was fulled with truth is ‘So Sad Today’ by Melissa Broder. It is insightful and a little cringe-worthy at times which makes it perfect! I love the Vogue app to keep up on the current trends along with Women’s Wear Daily for fashion-related news updates to keep me in the loop. I also strongly suggest a cookie a day for sanity.
Pricing:
- $50/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: katiebee0121@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katie.marie.edwards
Image Credit:
Rebekah Cummins, Tim Bracey, Lyndon Maristela, Stephen Hill, Jamie Maldonado, AAfotos, Drkweather Studios, The Glitter Dahlia, Backstage HMUA
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