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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 29 "It's been a lot of fun meeting new people and making connections in the modeling world, getting paid to take nice pictures and working together as a team with my mom," Calvert says. Calvert balances her modeling as best she can with schoolwork, running track and cross country and hanging out with family and friends. So far, her introduction into the modeling and fashion world has been mostly a positive one. "There are a lot of stereotypes about modeling, that people are mean and rude, and they put you down or body shame you, but that is not the case," Calvert says. "I thought all that too at first, but everyone I've met has been friendly and we all work together so that everyone can succeed." Calvert's mother agrees. "I've met so many interesting people that I never would have otherwise met and have learned a lot about an entire industry that was foreign to me previously," Becelia says. "I was afraid that other moms or models might be overly competitive or cutthroat and catty, but we have not found that to be the case. In fact, almost everyone we have come in contact with has been helpful and encouraging." Calvert has worked with agencies as well as on her own to gain exposure and obtain modeling gigs. Her mother has turned to other modeling moms for guidance. "Fredericksburg is not exactly the hub of the fashion world, so it took me a while to find some mom mentors, but the two I have leaned on the most have been great sources of information and advice and networking," Becelia says. Becelia typically accompanies her daughter to interviews, auditions and shoots. She's also created social media pages to help advance Calvert's budding modeling career. "I've devoted much of my Instagram to promoting her and helped her start a professional Facebook page called Katherine Calvert, Model," Becelia says. "I discuss opportunities with her, vet photographers and I went with her on interviews with agents." Deciding which modeling agency to sign with, if any, can be challenging. "You don't want to rush to sign with an agency unless they are absolutely, clearly in love with your child," Becelia says. "You should research agencies and realize that if you want to stay in the D.C. area, it is a much more limited market than New York or Los Angeles, but there are opportunities." Modeling can be a beneficial job for teens. Teen models learn important life skills such as how to handle competition and win or lose with grace, how to overcome shyness and speak in public, and how to follow instructions and deal with stressful situations. Modeling also helps boost confidence and teaches time and money management skills as well as how to work hard to achieve a goal. That's the biggest thing that Calvert has taken away from her experience as a model. "I've learned that if you really want something, you really have to be willing to work hard to get it," she says. "You also have to be willing to put yourself out there and not give up on yourself. You are your own best advocate." Perseverance is another life skill both mother and daughter have learned through their experience. "There's always that occasional 'overnight success' story you hear about in any industry; however, in most cases, the successful people kept putting themselves out there, taking risks, taking chances and growing toward success bit by bit," Becelia says. Becelia suggests those starting out fresh in the modeling world should find photographers who want to do TFP shoots, or free shoots, so your child can build their portfolio and hone their posing skills. Networking is key. "Instagram and Facebook are very helpful sources for finding photographers and networking with other models and moms," Becelia says. "And do be prepared for rejection. Your child won't appeal to every agency, client or photographer. There will be rejection and if you think your child won't be able to handle it, maybe wait a year or two to jump in." Perseverance is another life skill both mother and daughter have learned through their experience.