Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Varner-Warren.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a signed model and modeling coach from South Bend, Indiana. After graduating with my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I started modeling in Los Angeles in 2014. I have walked the runway in New York fashion week, LA fashion week, and Miami swims week as well as in Guyana and The British Virgin Islands for many designers including Michael Costello, Sergio Hudson, Carmen Steffens, Mister Triple X & Hale Bob. I have also worked with brands such as Nike and Walgreens.
After I became a stay-at-home mother, I decided that I wanted to give back to my community by helping models improve their runway and posing skills. With my 9 years of industry knowledge & experience, I became a partner in my business called Michiana Modeling Workshop located in my hometown of South Bend, IN. The workshops are designed to focus on model development for aspiring and current models in the community to become industry ready as well as serve as a mentor for upcoming models.
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?
With anything, there are always some challenges! Starting in Los Angeles as a model I learned very quickly that I have to work extra hard to be seen and booked for work. It required a lot of great networking skills and practice.
Even as a signed model, I continue to work on building professional relationships with creatives that I come across as you never know what other opportunities can come from it.
When I became a mother, it brought along another set of challenges. Such as not having the flexibility to make every casting, show, or modeling workshop. It has made me really focus on managing my schedule better and also being okay with saying that I need the time to take care of myself. Because I am a mother and my family is very important to me, I have to be more selective of the jobs that I take on as a model as well as have a good balance with my business as a model coach.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a sports and lifestyle model, but I absolutely love being on the runway! Because I have 9 years of experience and knowledge to share, I decided to start a business of modeling workshops once a month to help aspiring and current models improve their modeling skills. I am absolutely known for my runway walk and being on the runway for fashion weeks.
I am most proud of my work during fashion week and landing on the cover of a local bridal magazine in my hometown. I am also proud of my work modeling for Nike which was in stores across the world and Walgreens holiday collection! I think what sets me apart from others is my experience and my passion for creating beautiful art!
It truly makes me so happy to create and I’ve gained so much respect for the industry because throughout the years I become more and more confident within myself!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would like to share how passionate I am about helping our youth! Even though my business is helping models improve their skills in the industry, I also focus on helping the models build confidence and self-worth because the modeling industry can be a tough one to handle.
Michiana Modeling Workshop is great because even if someone decides, while at the workshop, that modeling is not for them I believe that they will still walk away learning something about themselves! I also believe it is important to have programs and mentors for our youth other than sports to help them decide what their interests are and keep them busy outside of education.
Pricing:
- $75 per modeling workshop
Contact Info:
- Website: Modelashleybriana.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/missashleybriana and www.instagram.com/michianamodelingworkshop
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/michianamodelingworkshop
Image Credits
Emily Werner @Obrella_images, Myriam Nicodemus @mnphotofilm, Steven Nitz @campnitz, @284bvi Theo @theoxthomas, Bella Abel @Belamatrix, Michael Montiel @Michaelmontielphoto, and Taylor Pearl @TaylorPearlphotography
