February Child Model of the Month – Spencer Courtney Smalls

I can’t get enough of this adorable, stylish bundle of cuteness!

Clothing: 4–5T
Height: 3’3
Weight: 41 lbs
Shoe: 10
Based in NYC
Seeking Representation

Spencer Courtney Smalls posing like a pro

Spencer Courtney Smalls struts her stuff

Awesome ‘do!

Child Model Winner

Congrats, Lucy!

Lucy Roth strutting the runway, in clothes she designed, at Ellen Gang Design Studio

Height: 55″    Age: 9   Size: 8

Based in CT
Photo by Kerry Long

I saw Lucy in a fashion show recently, and her fierce strut worked like a jolt of caffeine on an audience placidly enjoying a parade of children modeling clothes they had sewn themselves. Lucy was a supermodel among amateurs. The graphic designer friend by my side leaned in and said, “I’d like to do a shoot with that girl.” My friend was not privy to the fact that Lucy normally sports a bald head, as a result of her struggle with Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. I knew this; I’d seen her bravely displaying her naked head on Facebook and thought she was an amazing, inspiring little girl. But on that runway, I caught a glimpse of something more, as did my friend: a model powerhouse of the Linda Evangelista variety with the entrancing glare of Stella Tennant and speedy gait of Tatjana Patitz. She bowled me over and I had to share her with all of you.

Lucy Roth modeling the jacket she made at Ellen Gang Design Studio and channeling Stella Tennant

In the show, for Ellen Gang Design Studio, Lucy wore a wig made by Children With Hair Loss, an organization located in Michigan that provides free human hair wigs for kids struggling with hair loss. Unlike other programs like Locks of Love, when people donate hair to Children with Hair Loss, it goes directly to kids who need it–with no thousand-dollar price tag.

Alopecia Areata is very unpredictable. Hair can fall out or regrow at any time. There is currently no cure for this condition, though about 1-2% of the population suffers from it at some point. Lucy had no hair during third grade but she powered through radiantly. She doesn’t normally wear the wig but rather opts for just a thin hat and sometimes nothing at all. I asked Lucy how she stays strong and confident. She replied, “I just put myself out there and take the risk.” She says she is thankful for her friends, who have been so supportive and kind to her.

There is much beauty in this story. Thank you, Lucy.

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Lucy Roth, an alopecia areata sufferer, celebrates her unique beauty. Photo by Kerry Long.

Lucy Roth looking askance in mirrors. Photo by Kerry Long.

Girl Model Search Winner

Congrats, Amalya!

Amalya, shot by Bjorn Wallander

Height: 4’1″    Age: 8    Size: 7    Weight: 50 lbs

Based in Manhattan
Seeking Representation

Amalya is also a budding actress so you are sure to find her on a stage, screen, or catwalk soon!

Cutest Eyes Contest!

Get Discovered:

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Child Model (Girl) Winner Congrats, Ameena!

She is the fourth of four November winners.

Ameena McMiller
Height: 39 cm
Age: 3
Size: 3–4T
Based in New York
Seeking Representation

Child model Ameena Miller

Ameena Miller

Boy Model Winner: Benjamin Dornstreich

Congrats, Benjamin Dornstreich! He is the third of four winners this month.

Benjamin Dornstreich
Age: 5
Height: 44 inches
Based in Philly
Seeking Representation

Child model Benjamin Dornstreich

Benjamin Dornstreich

Benjamin Dornstreich

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Preteen Model Winner: Sabrina Kirk

Congrats, Sabrina! She is the second of four winners this month.

Sabrina Kirk
Age 12
Height: 4’11″
Size 10/12
Based in NJ
Represented by Funny Face Today

Sabrina Kirk, shot by Dani Diamond, in AW19 for Pastel, Brooklyn. Styled by Dana Curtain.

Sabrina Kirk in swimwear

Sabrina Kirk, by Dani Diamond, for Pastel. Styled by Dana Curtain.

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Model Search Update

Drum roll, please . . . I’ve had so many great submissions in the last few months that I’m going to start posting winners in various categories! Look for FOUR posts this month showcasing a different beauty or cutie. I still have more models in my inbox that the world should see, so expect multiple winners next month also. If you’ve submitted in the last few months, YOU STILL COULD BE A WINNER NEXT MONTH OR THE MONTH AFTER!

Child Model – Boy – Winner

Congrats, AJ Vaval!

I had quite a few super dashing young gents in my inbox this month, but this adorable toddler wins for the first spot in October. (Expect to see a few more boys posted in November!)

• Amari James “AJ” Vaval
• Brooklyn, New York
• Clothing 18-24 months, 2T
• Shoe 6, 7
• Height ~35″
• Weight ~30 lbs
• Seeking Representation

AJ Vaval, October Model of the Month 2018, Child Model – Boy Category

Child model AJ Vaval

Irresistible AJ Vaval

AJ Vaval, going places!

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Congrats, Chloe!

Child Model Chloe Guy-Martino for JCPenney

Age: 27 months   Height: 33″   Size: 18 – 24 months
Based in Jersey City, NJ (NYC)
Represented by Elen’s Kids and Funny Faces

When this little cutie hit my inbox, I just couldn’t resist! I’m sure a bunch of modeling clients won’t be able to resist either. Chloe is already a JCPenney kid!

Chloe Modeling for JCPenney

Chloe’s Winning Model Smile

Your submissions are still eligible for future months. There are more beauties and dashing gents in my inbox, so stay tuned!

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Congrats to Model of the Year Alexa Kissling!

Pretty…

Alexa Kissling, by Charles Martin

Commercial…

Alexa Kissling commercial headshot

Editorial…

Alexa Kissling channeling Courtney Love

Alexa Kissling or… Marilyn Monroe?

Beach Babe…

Alexa Kissling swimwear

Striking…

Alexa Kissling headshot

This girl’s got it all!

Stay tuned to see where Alexa lands in 2018. I have no doubt that she has an exciting career ahead of her!

Congrats to People’s Choice Winner… Pierce Kang!

Adorable…

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Bookish…

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Sporty…

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Cool Kid…

Pierce Kang, shot by Bonnie Nichoalds

Another versatile model with a great future ahead of him!

I can’t wait to see your 2018 submission. Send ‘em in! Enter the Modeling Mentor Model Search

So what’s it really like, working as a mini model? I’ve written a lot of posts on the subject through the years, using my kids as guinea pigs. You can read those posts here: Child Modeling (scroll back for more posts within that section).  This particular post will focus on working with our new favorite client: The Children’s Place.

Back-to-School Shoot, The Children’s Place

Model Fun On and Off Set

This team really knows how to turn work into play. For this shoot they had a skateboard park built on the set! A game room at Dune Studios is the kids’ hangout and they run from studio to studio, playing in packs, like kids on a playground. Child models tend to be outgoing, so they all bond quickly and Natalia and her friend Naya were begging for a playdate after shooting together their first day (never mind the 3-year age difference)! The catering for breakfast and lunch offers a smorgasbord of food items, plus too many desserts (of course the kids never touch that stuff—ha!).

Natalia Mann, Childrens Place 2017

How Long Is a Kid’s Modeling Shoot?

The models are usually booked for at least 4 hours and days can run as long as 8 hours. They will go in for a fitting, usually about an hour long, before their actual shoot day(s). That way the stylist can ensure the outfits fit perfectly and pin and tuck here and there as needed. At the shoot, the models go to hair and makeup first—the girls usually love that part! Each kid shoots an outfit every few hours, so it’s a pretty leisurely pace. (I remember catalog shoots where I had 16 outfits in one day—now that’s work!). There is plenty of time for playing, and hopefully some school work!

Zack Halabi and Natalia Mann for The Children’s Place

Model Guardians

A parent or chaperone needs to be present for each model, but all we do is sit around and chat, eat, scold our kids for eating too many sweets, coerce them into doing homework, write (me), and help them get in and out of outfits—the young kids, anyway—especially if a neckline has been pinned tightly. It’s a role I much prefer to criss-crossing my suburban town 5x a day, driving kids to soccer fields and dance studios!

Here is an awesome peek behind the scenes (look for the super cute non-kid model in this video!): CHILDRENS PLACE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOOT

Enter your cutie in the Modeling Mentor Model Search!