Today we’d like to introduce you to Isis Smith.
Hi Isis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi everyone! Well, I began modeling in 2021, during my senior year at King University. That year for winter break I went back home to Cleveland, Ohio, and my older sister demanded that I go to a casting call for an upcoming fashion show. During the casting I was completely nervous, but I made the cut! Which opened my eyes to a different side of myself, that I never knew I had. Shortly after graduating I decided to audition for more shows and once I began traveling to different states to walk the runway, meet more industry people, and learn the business side of modeling–I ended my first year walking the runway in; Cleveland (OH), Detroit (MI), and Atlanta (GA). With the quick opportunities and spontaneous recognition, I felt I should continue this journey, and see where it takes me.
My career took a huge leap forward in 2022. To kick off the New Year, I walked in the Gloria James All-Star Experience Fashion Show. Which was nothing short of amazing! There were hundreds of applications, and I was selected for this opportunity as a new model. This show alone changed my perspective of myself as an upcoming model. I decided after this moment I would become a high ranked runway model. Soon after this experience I became a known new model in not only my hometown, Cleveland, Ohio, but Detroit and Atlanta, as well.
2022 was a big seperation year for me as a new model. I was selected to walk for the pre B.E.T. Awards Event, hosted by NAAB Radio, out in Los Angeles, CA! I felt like a professional runway model during this entire experience. NAAB Radio treated me so well, they took care of everything I needed for my first trip to Los Angeles to be the best. Within a few days I experienced multiple cities within California, became a special guest host on the radio station with DjPonyboy, and even met a few celebrities along the way. In that year I started my “signature” lean pose, which is so frequently seen now. In September I decided to go to NYC for fashion week, which was a great idea. I walked in three popup fashion week shows, and rocked it! Soon after NYFW, I began receiving emails and calls for more shows, industry events, promotional and campaign shoots. While traveling, I was able to network with dozens of people who all shared the same goals in mind as myself. Collaborating with new models, designers, photographers, and entrepreneurs, all around the world became the new wave of creative thinking for me.
I’ve had so many opportunities come in such a short time span it is almost unbelievable! I often forget some moments I’ve experienced within these three years. This year I was blessed to have been invited as a VIP guest to “The Listed Celebrity Fashion Show”, which aired on modelsmayhematlanta.com. Where Trina Braxton and Mariahlynn Boss graced the runway, and Londynn B performed live, in person. In March of this year, I appeared on the Sisaundra show wearing a corset piece from FRISKMEGOOD newest collection!
My career sort of feels as if it has grown overnight, even though it has been three years, I feel as though I’ve done so much to move my status up, so quickly. My life has developed from tomboy activities into everyday hair and makeup for a show, event, or shoot.
My runway walk has gone from “the new girl”, who can barely walk, has terrible posture, and can’t keep her head up– to the “IT Girl.” At first glance, you could see I was a newer model, so nervous my legs and arms would be shaking as I walked. Then I started watching others walk down the runway to see how they were able to walk so calm. Now at glace, you can’t tell when I am nervous or not. My shoulders sit back now, head is always up, and I can pose as long as I need for the appropriate runway time. My confidence radiates off me. I am blessed to know I am walking on a path to success. My career has been a rollercoaster of spontaneous events, growth, emotion, and opportunities, but I am excited to see where God takes me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to becoming a model is just as intense as any other path to success. At first, I struggled with learning the proper body posture, posing, and eye contact for a successful modeling career. I believe a major struggle for all new models is learning how to separate yourself. In this industry, you have to cause separation between you and the next model in order to be successful. That doesn’t mean sabotage or be evil; it just simply means find out what you’re best at and stick to it. Models sabotage themselves trying to be like the next model, everyone has their own niche to get them to where they want to be. Some people are designed to demolish the runway, others are more editorial grounded, and etc. Grow it, and make it yours! That way, when you are in front of a casting panel, you stand out!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I enjoy walking the runway, however, I have been growing in my editorial style shooting. I am driven to learn how to pose like a pro model, which takes more practice than people imagine. Being in front of a camera is one thing, but to capture magic within little to no movements is insane. Runway is great but I also strive in commercial, campaign, and promotional shooting.
I began runway classes for newer and experienced models who are interested in growing their runway walk, and/or overall experience in the business aspect of this industry. I teach models nice posture, posing, and even portfolio building to attract the attention of larger companies or magazines.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am proud to call myself a graduate, I obtained my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from King University, in Bristol, TN. I gained numerous certificates in my field ranging from 9-1-1 telecommunications, CPR and First Aid, Child Abuse & Neglect, NIMBS, F.E.M.A, and more.
I’d like anyone reading to know do what makes you happy, even if it starts off by making you terrified. Do it! You only get one life, so make it your all!
I started off in 2021 as a new model, new face, with no experience whatsoever. Now, I am a veteran model, training new and experienced models on runway techniques and posing. Coordinating fashion shows, events, and more. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but possibilities do.
Thank you for the opportunity to share a quick version of my story!
Pricing:
- Runway Classes: $25.00 Per Person
- Portfolio Building Classes: $55.00 Per Person
- Posing Course: $25.00 Per Person
- Check out my linktree./_isisssmith
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/_isisssmith
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iisissmith
- Facebook: Facebook.com/IsisSmith
- Youtube: YouTube.com/modelmyminute
Image Credits
Muhamad Fawzi
Still Moving Creative Media
Ajay
Joderick Rackson
Trilogy production studios
