Featured Model: Allyssa Hernandez

What got you interested in becoming a model?

I have always had an interest in fashion and clothing trends and saw models walking the runway. I never really thought it was something I could pursue, but after I did some research, I was determined. 

How did you get your start in modeling?

I started modeling by doing some research, finding a local agency, and proceeding to send some photos of me and fill out the application. I was then contacted to have an interview with the owner and within a week I signed a contract with my agency.

Do you have anyone that you look up to in the industry, – model, creative or otherwise?

Some of the models I look up to are the Hadid sisters and Kendall Jenner. They are all very confident and powerful women that inspire me to better myself.

What would you say are some of the challenges that remain untackled or are still being stigmatized in the modeling industry? 

One very prominent challenge in the modeling industry is definitely body positivity and having a diverse group of models with various body types. The “ideal model body” has made people think that having curves or not being super skinny is bad, which is completely false. The modeling industry has come a long way in the past couple of years, making all body types prominent in their own unique way. Lots of women and girls struggle with body positivity, including myself. It can be hard to see only the “skinny” models walking the runway when you don’t look like them. Thankfully, the modeling community has gotten a lot better about this, but there is always room for improvement.

What’s one piece of advice that you would give to anyone interested in modeling?

I would say the biggest piece of advice I would give is to never give up. Modeling is a tough industry to get started in and being rejected is a part of the job. The key is to not stop trying even if one agency is not interested in you. There are a lot of agencies out there and it’s also important to find the right fit for you.