Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Mia.
Hi Elena Mia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been interested in modeling since I was a kid. I got started by working as a hostess at a family friend owned restaurant wearing folklore outfit from a different country, a women came in and spotted me talking to the family friend explaining what she did as her career and was holding an exhibition for costumes and outfits and thought I should definitely be a part of it. I took interest immediately, turns out I was modeling as a statue in this exhibit, right then and there I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to do. It took years for me to get to where I am today, no agent no agency, just me holding myself down as a Model.
I have always dreamed of modeling and experiencing different experiences while doing it, working with different models photographers including a few brands that I have tried out. Doing this alone has taught me it’s not easy but it’s truly worth it and you have to show everything that you got in order for people to take interest in working with you. I have experienced working with photographers who were not professional or who tried to step out of professionalism which where I have remained professional.
How I determine my type of shooting it would depend on the look that I am going for, I would look at various different shoots that people have done and see what catches my eye. I put a lot of work when it comes to me doing photoshoots, I take care of the clothing, accessories what I want and looking for. I’m always very communicative when it comes to shooting and allow other people to come if they have interest in modeling and want to get a taste on how it happens or how it runs. I have various experiences in modeling to where I assist amateurs who are new and getting into it but are to in their shells to express themselves. There are times where people reach out to me to help them with being a model to shoot their clothing lines or to help mentor and assist on walking or posing. Teaching myself has taught me a lot but also has helped me where I have the tools to help others succeed and uplift them to keep going.
When it comes to my work, I take it very seriously due to me being passionate about it, I give it my all, it’s all raw and authentic, there is no background in my work no photoshoot, I travel to these places physically to make the shot work, even to help photographers update their portfolios I volunteer to model for them. This is just a brief story on how I started and where I got to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Modeling is like any other job, you gain work, you lose work You have to put in the effort to make it show that you’re serious. Of course there are times where there are struggles but it also depends how professional and if you’re willing to make it work in the end or just walk away. The struggles I would say is by if people take you seriously or not, if they don’t take you seriously you’re ending up with nothing, you show them the determination they will take you seriously and give you a shot. Struggles that I have learned is that not everyone is going to pick you, I have been rejected by small agencies and even bigger ones, my next thought was to do it completely on my own on social media and see who will take a chance on me. Mind you it’s been almost a decade but I haven’t stopped yet, Modeling on your own is very difficult especially with no connections whatsoever, so you’re %100 on your own for everything unless a talent agent or scout looks at you and says “we need you, we want you”. Modeling? you’re always going to find or deal with struggles in that industry the question is how are you going to deal with it and can you handle it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When it comes to my work, I tend to get very creative I have a very artistic personality, my looks change etc, I do all kinds of style photoshoots, could be: street style, high fashion, Punk, Alternative etc.
I would say I’m known for my hair style, I have Blue and Purple hair and when I am out in public people are always complimenting on it. I love to stand out and be different and just be me, I love having a unique look. What I am most proud of is my work, when people see my work and they look stunned or impressed I feel the most proud because I am the one in the shots besides the photographer taking it.
What sets me apart from others is that I would say– I don’t stop, I keep working. If I am done with one shoot and a different photographer wants to shoot with me I am already in the stages of doing another shoot and planning it out and in touch with that photographer.
How do you define success?
I define success by always keep working and making things happen, but also being professional and humble that people want to work and collab with you. If you are easy to get along with, they enjoy working with you, there is no doubt you are good at your work and people will recommend working with you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Elena.mia29
