How To Become An Model Parker & Gia

from KidFash Magazine Together Issue

Featured Designer: Kid Raq

HOW TO BECOME A MODEL WITH YOUR BESTIE ParkerGigi & Written By: Jennifer Pucci Starr

Photography: Anya Allen (@anya.allen)

“We began the journey as an interest as Gigi wanted to bring products and fashion ideas to her age group, ”

Any business is more fun when you like who you work with. For modeling duo Parker (@parker.annabelle) & Gigi (@giadaonthego) they take besties to a whole other level. These girls live on the same street, go to the same school, cheer on the same squad, so why not model together too? KIDFASH took a minute to talk with the girls and their moms to find out how working together just works!

Both relatively new to modeling, Parker and Gigi have eased into it separately and then together. Each with their own natural beauty, they have a look and style that compliments the other and an energy that just draws the audience in. "I had my first photoshoot in 2020 just to try to get started in modeling." says Parker, "Then I received my first modeling opportunity with Kid Fash Magazine in June of 2021. Once I got in front of the camera, I knew I wanted to pursue more modeling opportunities." Gigi got her start with some modeling exposure as a tween influencer for Instagram. “We began the journey as an interest as Gigi wanted to bring products and fashion ideas to her age group,” says Gigi’s Mom, Nicole. “After months of begging I caved and started the Instagram journey with her.”

Working together just naturally fell into place and today the girls both typically have worked for nearly all the same brands. “We also recently, started a social media channel together called P & G Besties on @zigazookids,” says Parker. “This type of social media is more about us showing off our true personalities and with no filters needed. It is kids just being kids and interacting with each other from all around the world.”

FRIENDSHIP FIRST

A good friend can be hard to find, and when you find that amazing connection it needs to be protected. Just like with any career there will be times that your co-workers challenge you. Doing this with a friend could threaten the friendship if you are not careful. Parker and Gigi both say the best advice is to take breaks from time to time, but always be there for each other when they need it.

“We fight like sisters but also make up like sisters. Even if we have a disagreement, it does not last long,” says Parker. “If someone's feelings get hurt the other is always quick to write a sweet apology note and drop it off at the front door. Then next thing you know we are hugging and right back to where we left off. We have never let a silly disagreement come between our friendship and know that no matter what we love each other and will do anything for each other.”

“We fight like sisters but also make up like sisters.”

“We always have lots of laughs, but sometimes tears too,”

For young models it is especially important to have mom there for support and navigating the tough stuff. “I think the girls are a great compliment to each other with their personalities and the way they both view life,” says Nicole. “While they spend a lot of lot of time together, they do genuinely cheer each other on, bring a homemade card if one is sick and are there for them if they need a hug.” “We always have lots of laughs, but sometimes tears too,” says Parker. “Then we always have fun talking about the memories we got to make together.”

BEING INFLUENTIAL

Finding out what it means to be an influencer can be unique to the individual. Look at the audience you are trying to influence and make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. “We talk daily how to be perceived as a positive influence and she really has a huge heart to stay positive for friends and bring the fun and positivity to her audience daily,” says Gigi's mom, Nicole. “It means to help share messages, inspire others, share positivity, and to be a role model for others my same age or maybe younger,” says Parker. Parker and Gigi may influence others, but they also influence each other "We may like the same outfit, however most of the time it is styled differently," says Parker, "We also like to watch each other's videos and like to see each other's creativity." Gigi agrees, “We love following each other's page, seeing what they are each up to that is different and cheer each other on,” says Gigi. “She loves interacting with her community,” says Nicole. “She sees she is growing into a role model when someone tells her they love following her page.”

THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT

Doing modeling jobs together is fun, but of course there will be times that they have separate interests and opportunities and that is okay. Togetherness does not mean they must be the same, but they are still committed to being there for one another. “Now that I'm getting older I truly love showing off fashion and style,” says Parker. “My favorite posts are when I get to show off new outfits or looks. I love following other positive and fashionable content creators.” Gigi also loves working on the beauty and fashion aspect of the industry. “Skincare is big in our home, so she really loves seeing what's happening for her age,” says Mom. So far though it always comes back to being together. “We definitely think it is always more fun to do them together,” says Parker. “We are both very strong willed and not afraid to speak the truth or hold back. We both have our own ideas we want to do for projects and we don't always agree which is the hard part. However, most of the time we eventually find a way to incorporate both ideas, so we contributed to the project. It is also easier when one of us isn't feeling very creative but the other is and has lots of ideas.

“We definitely think it is always more fun to do them together,”

FUTURE INTERESTS

As the girls say they are “together for life” and their future goals say just that, whether working on the same job or just cheering each other on as they continue taking their modeling career beyond the social outlets. “I'm really interested in print/ad modeling right now,” says Parker

Parker and Gigi aren’t just there to support each other, they hope to encourage and inspire other young models to follow their dreams. “Just go for it! It's always good to try,” says Parker. “Sometimes you try and fail but that's ok because not everyone is perfect. If we don't fail we will never learn or grow and get better. And don't try to be something you're not, just be you. If you just be yourself, your true colors will shine!” “Be true to yourself,” says Gigi. “Create a positive community. Have fun along the way. You make so many amazing contacts and friends and get to hear, know and experience things that can be quite different. We don't take ourselves overly seriously, and view this journey to have fun and live the life we want to live.” The girls encourage their fans to reach out and ask questions or for guidance whenever they need it.

Finally, Gigi says, “Take the leap and try it. You live one life; we are living it fully and loving what has come from it.” One thing is for certain and they both agree “everything is always better when we are together.”