Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Baresh.
Ivy , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started modeling at a young age with the help of my mom. She really saw something special in me and I got my first runway experience when i was 11-12 years old. I remember how much fun it was getting my hair and make up done and getting to walk the runway in different clothes! The whole experience left me with a huge desire to continue. I was featured in a Sportswear magazine in high school but after that I took a hiatus to focus on playing collegiate volleyball and finishing college. After graduating with my masters degree in 2019 and returning back to Arlington, TX I began exploring modeling once again. I started working with a dear friend who is a videographer, Charles Meyer, and we had so much fun creating stories together. He is one of the most creative people I have met and I’m very honored to have worked with him early in my modeling career. I remember one time I was skateboarding around the cultural district and a photographer stopped me and we literally did a photoshoot right there on the spot! I ended up getting published with that same photographer a few months down the road. When 2020 hit it became extremely hard to work with anyone due to COVID and the lockdown.. But it was a great time to practice posing in front of the mirror! In 2021 I was back collaborating with photographer friends around the DFW area for fun, wanting to get back into the creative groove. For the next few years I would work on and off again and then in 2023 I decided to take my career more seriously and more intentional. I had a goal to get signed with an agency to pursue more paid work! I landed a few jobs doing promotional work and began to build my portfolio. I made a modeling Instagram account at the end of 2024, ivypayton_modeling, where I started networking heavily and publishing my portfolio. I met so many amazing people through that page by sending out DM’s to great photographers who were excited to work and bring a vision to life! Fast forward to April I reached out to a local modeling agency and expressed my interest in being a part of their team. We met on a zoom call for an interview and I’m ecstatic to say that today I am represented by Brooke Modeling Agency Group! What a dream come true and I’m so proud of myself for never giving up.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the big obstacles I faced was more of an internal struggle – “Am I good enough?”. I think most models hit this roadblock from time to time after continuing to cast themselves for jobs and getting told no. It can wear on your self-esteem. I believe I got lucky after having such an extensive background in athletics being a former D1 athlete that it taught me so much about being resilient and never giving up. You get back up when you fail or fall down and you keep going. I know that the only way I could fail was by giving up and that wasn’t in my vocabulary. I read something really beautiful from another model that said If someone else can do it, I can do it. That gave me a confidence boost knowing that someone else out there was living my dream, why couldn’t that be me? For such a competitive field in the modeling world, I’m glad to have the practiced mentality that it’s me vs me, not anyone else. I want to be the person to cheer someone else on when they get their win! Not the one seething with jealousy. My time will come and I’m cheering everyone on as they win too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As I worked towards my masters degree from 2017-2019 I also worked as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the women’s volleyball team at Angelo State University. I had the most amazing experience working alongside Chuck Waddington and coaching incredible women for two yars. However after my tenure, I decided to step away from coaching volleyball at the collegiate level and I began my professional career, I’ve worked in property management, financial sales, logistics, and global supply chain. I’ve learned so much with each career and mentors I’ve been blessed with along the way. I currently work for Lockheed Martin as an Material Analyst for the last 2 years. I’m definitely known around the office for having a bigger than life laugh and a positive mindset! I’m most proud of how hard I work on a day-to-day basis and my ability to develop relationships with our suppliers as well as internal cross collaborations with different functions. My mom says I have never met a stranger due to my ability to connect with others so easily. I believe that and my grit separate me from others.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy… Personally I believe there is a difference between being happy and having joy. Happiness in my opinion is something that is temporary and circumstantial. I’m happy when the sun is out and I am walking my dog along the trinity trail. I’m happy going to the gym and working on my fitness and mental health. I’m happy going to see a new movie at the theater and snacking on buttery popcorn. These things are great and bring a smile to my face! however what brings me joy is helping others by volunteering with Meals on Wheels every week and bringing a smile to my clients face, hearing about their week and what brought them happiness. Joy is connecting with my partner by making dinner together after a long work day apart and laughing together. Joy is being with my family. Joy is my connection to my higher power. I am not a religious person but I do have a deep spiritual practice that allows joy in my life even when my circumstances may be glum. Happiness is a choice, joy comes from within. Both can exist at the same time and for that I am grateful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookemodelingag.com/ivybaresh
- Instagram: Ivypayton_modeling
Image Credits
Stephen G. Guillory – @stephgleng
Rachel Sakakeeny – @rachelsakakeenyphotography
Phil Harvey – @philharv3y
Yvette Sausameda – @Vetted_beauty
Vardhan Dydaka – @vardhan_clicks
Jasmine Sanchez – @jazziluxebeauty
Manuel Beza – @manuelbezaphotography
Alanna Bell – @lannas.photography
Mother Agency Brooke Modeling Agency Group – @brookemodelingag
