6 minute read
How To Become A Model: Abbie Rose
HOW TO BECOME A MODEL WITH ABBIE ROSE
By: Jennifer Pucci Starr Photographer: Robert Rainbow (@portraits_by_rainbow)
First impressions are important, especially when you are a kid with big dreams! For Abbie Rose, @abbierose_chronicles, first impressions are a breeze. The young model/actress has won over quite a few casting agents with her kindness and beauty. Today, Abbie Rose is well on her way to success and KIDFASH took a moment to talk to Abbie and her mom Shannon for some inspiration for other aspiring kids.
Abbie found her love for acting when she was just 5 years old. Performing in her first kindergarten show, Abbie immediately took to the stage. Her parents had already seen that spark as Abbie performed at home. “I got Abbie acting locally at a young age because she naturally would put together skits,” says Shannon. “ She would gather kids in class to imagine play at recess and teachers would tell me about her ability to pretend and direct other kids at the same time. I think starting early allowed her to get comfortable on stage too.”
At just 11 years old, Abbie is said to have an old soul. “She is a kind kid and has a sincere interest in people and the world around her,” says Shannon. Everyone who meets her notices her kindness, and the unique combination of spunkiness and sweetness.” Indeed, she is unique and people are drawn to her when they meet her. “Abbie helps others, loves being active, is vivacious but not in an overwhelming way, and has a strong sense of compassion.” Abbie’s dream is to become a famous actress/ model, who can use her influence in a positive way, helping others achieve their dreams.
Be Open to Try New Things
Becoming an actress was Abbie’s main focus, and her mom helped her seek out outlets for her passion. However, in 2020 during COVID all of that came to a halt when theaters and really most of the world began to shut down. “we decided to use that creative energy modeling.” Abbie used her love for expressing her art and put her focus into modeling.
As many of us did, being social meant taking advantage of online platforms, and that’s just what Abbie and Shannon did. They began to focus more on building her Instagram and TikTok – taking advantage of the video aspect which allowed Abbie to shine in her acting and modeling simultaneously. “Social media is how we have built a portfolio of work during a pandemic year,” says Shannon. “She has gone from a model/ actress, to a working model/actress.”
Learning how to utilize these platforms properly to network has been very helpful for Abbie’s career. Networking with other aspiring models and actors, and forming relationships with brands that suit her look would have been much harder without social media. “It’s a tool, part of our strategy to help propel her forward by building relationships in the industry,” says Shannon. “That and working hard, taking every opportunity that comes her way, has helped her grow over this last year - it’s only been a year!”
A big part of that was also taking the time to research outside management and as Shannon reached out to a few agencies everything started to fall into place. “She is now managed by Nouveaux NY and agency represented by Click Philly and X-L-N-T Models,” says Shannon.
They Can’t Do It Alone
As with any career, it has its challenges and sacrifices, for both the child and their caregiver. Shannon says she and Abbie have daily responsibilities that can often involve a lot of work. A parent’s role can include updating photos, answering emails, helping your actor or model fine tune their skill, submitting tapes for job opportunities, and a lot of driving. There is also a financial investment to consider, especially when they are getting their start.
“The hardest part of this journey is navigating the waters of acting and modeling, ”says Shannon. “Trying to make the right decisions for the wellbeing of your child and her career, while surrounding yourself with the right people- people who are routing for her to succeed.” Shannon constantly checks in with Abbie to make sure she is happy continuing her work. “We communicate openly about what she likes and dislikes about work to ensure that she is on the right path for her career.”
Abbie has sacrifices too. Being 11 means sleepovers and sports and play dates. Oftentimes she has to choose work over all of those things, but there are benefits to the hard work. “Most days I love working with Abbie, and seeing her try new things and doing them well,” says Shannon. “With every new adventure she learns something that helps her better prepare for the next thing that comes along. It’s rewarding as a parent, but also hard work. And those skills can be transferred into the real world, so it really is a benefit to her.” It’s Not All Hard Work
Even though all the effort can be challenging, Abbie and Shannon believe one of the most enjoyable parts of all of it is being able to meet some amazing people along the way. “There are so many talented people out there with a myriad of skills and getting to work with them is exciting and fun,” says Shannon. “Abbie has made many model, acting and even photographer friends that she never would have met if it wasn’t for her work.”
The jobs can be a lot of fun too! Some of Abbie’s most memorable shoots were shooting with Spirit Halloween, and working with Atlanta-based photographer Robert Rainbow. She also loved filming and shooting a commercial for a local photographer, Kelly Mayer Photography, and has been featured on many brand websites including: MyHannahbanana, and JB London.
Most recently however, was what Abbie says was her best experience so far— the youngest model to walk down the runway at New York Fashion Week for designer Elie Balleh. “Abbie rocked her very first professional catwalk at New York Fashion Week, while showcasing a white blazer bejeweled with the most beautiful crystals,” says Shannon. “Walking that runway was always a goal of hers, and she achieved it!! As a mom I was so proud to see her out there living her dream and being fierce and confident for all the world to see.”
Setting and reaching her goals has also been achieved lately as Abbie surpassed 100,000 followers on Instagram. However you won’t hear any bragging from Abbie on that. “She is beautiful inside and out and has a great head on her shoulders,” says Shannon. According to Abbie "I’m proud of the growth I’ve achieved this last year as a model and actor… and it’s just the beginning!"
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