Today we’d like to introduce you to Maisie Lay
Hi Maisie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve wanted to model my whole life. When I was 12 I started my own photography business and began learning how to take photos of myself if I couldn’t find any subjects. In 2019, I started my sustainable clothing business on Instagram. There was a rather large community online for that, and I stood apart from most accounts by curating themed drops and I would model each themed/creative photoshoot for each drop. I did that for about 4 years and got very comfortable in front of the camera. For years I tried to get into modeling in Indiana, where I lived. I even worked with an agency who trained me every week but drained thousands of dollars from me.
When I moved to Utah almost 4 years ago, I was scouted by a company to shoot their fall campaign. This photoshoot really inspired me and helped inspire me to try modeling again here in Utah. I was amazed at how much bigger and accepting the modeling industry was here! Only having Indiana to compare it to, it felt like the most amazing thing to me. Because of all my self portraits, I have a pretty large portfolio to show.
Fast forward to now, I am 8 months pregnant and bookings have slowed down since my belly started showing, I’ve had time to reflect. I am a little bit disappointed of the very little maternity bookings I got, especially in Utah of all places. But I hope to continue down my path of growth when I recover from Labor and Delivery. Modeling is all I’ve ever wanted to do and I will be so happy when I am healed. I pull inspiration from so many things which fuels my motivation down to my core. I will continue to chase my dream! I am so grateful to everyone that’s worked with me and given me a chance here, and allow me to show my talents of what I can and love to do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Rejection is inevitable. You must have some sense of self love or a tough exterior with the amount of rejection models face. You are judged on your looks and your body for a living. This is another reason being pregnant and continuing to model has been hard. My body has changed significantly and with the very little jobs I’ve been booked for while pregnant has been a blow to the self confidence. However, I persist nonetheless. My height has not helped much either even before pregnancy, I sometimes feel I have a lot working against me and there is nothing I can do about it, especially in the height department. But I try to makeup for it anyway I can! With my talents, my positivity, kindness, and being a trustworthy and reliable model.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do mostly commercial work, that’s what pays the bills! Even though my heart is mostly in high fashion, I am forever grateful for every opportunity and love to do any work. I’m proud that I don’t put myself in a box and I show that I can specialize in any style instead of just one or two. I think what sets me apart from others is how reliable I am, I will always be early or on time, and promise to give it my all. I will try any ideas and I will maintain a professional and positive/fun manor. I also try to communicate and understand exactly what the client wants from me during the shoot. I truly am on cloud nine with every booking I get. It never gets old. I don’t think any client would regret booking me and I am proud of myself for that.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I REALLY hope to see the industry accept more body types, shorties included. Especially in the Runway/high fashion world. Most modeling agencies seem to have a minimum height requirement of 5’8″ or so which I really hope lowers or evaporates completely. Even if I may never be a pregnant model again, I think every body can be a model body and pregnant women deserve more than they’ve ever gotten in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.maisie.ing
