Featured Grand Rapids Model
Featured Model: Rhani Chardae
My name is Rhani Chardae, an entrepreneur from West Michigan with a deep passion for fashion and creativity. My modeling journey began at 16 with 616 Model Management, where I honed my etiquette and presentation skills within the fashion industry. Since then, I have walked in runway shows, appeared in commercials, and participated in promotional photoshoots, collaborating with industry professionals to bring their creative visions to life.
To further expand my expertise, I am currently taking online courses at Parsons School of Design. Recently, I signed with Core Talent, a newly established talent agency in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am eager to continue growing both in front of and behind the camera, pushing my creative boundaries and making an impact in the fashion industry.
Instagram @RhaniChardae
The Business of Modeling
The Business of Modeling: What Every Model Should Know
The modeling industry is an exciting yet competitive field where success depends not only on looks but also on business acumen. While many focus on the glamor of runways and magazine covers, the financial and professional aspects of modeling are just as important. Understanding how to navigate contracts, build a brand, and manage finances can make the difference between a short-lived career and lasting success.
Understanding Modeling Agencies & Representation
One of the first decisions a model must make is whether to work with an agency or pursue a freelance career. Agencies provide industry connections, secure jobs, and negotiate contracts on behalf of models. However, they also take a commission (typically 15–20%) and may have exclusive contracts limiting a model’s ability to work with other agencies.
How to Get Signed: To secure representation, models should build a strong portfolio featuring a variety of professional images showcasing different poses and expressions. Attending open calls, submitting digital snapshots, and networking with industry professionals can increase the chances of being signed by a reputable agency.
Reading the Fine Print: Contracts are legally binding, so it’s essential to understand terms regarding exclusivity, payment structures, and usage rights. Models should be cautious of agencies that demand upfront fees, as legitimate agencies earn money through commissions from booked jobs.
Building a Personal Brand
In today’s digital age, a model’s brand extends beyond their portfolio. Social media has become a crucial tool for self-promotion, allowing models to connect with brands, photographers, and fans directly.
Creating a Strong Portfolio: A professional portfolio should highlight versatility. It should include headshots, full-body shots, and editorial-style images that showcase a model’s unique look and abilities.
Social Media & Self-Promotion: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn can serve as digital portfolios, helping models attract potential clients. Engaging content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and collaborations with photographers can enhance a model’s online presence.
Networking & Industry Connections: Attending fashion events, working with diverse photographers, and joining model collectives can help models establish valuable connections. Word-of-mouth referrals and collaborations often lead to new opportunities.
Managing Finances as a Model
Unlike traditional employment, modeling income can be irregular, making financial management a priority.
Understanding Rates & Payments: Rates vary depending on factors like experience, job type, and location. Models should research standard industry rates and negotiate fair compensation. Common modeling jobs include runway, commercial, print, and promotional work, each with different pay structures.
Avoiding Scams & Unpaid Gigs: The industry has its share of fraudulent casting calls and scam agencies. Models should verify opportunities by researching the company, asking for contracts, and ensuring payment terms are clear before committing to a job.
Investing in Your Career: Expenses such as professional photography, comp cards, and travel can add up. Budgeting wisely and reinvesting earnings into professional development, such as posing classes or fitness training, can enhance a model’s marketability.
The Legal Side of Modeling
Contracts and legal considerations are crucial in the modeling world. Understanding model releases and usage rights prevents exploitation.
Model Releases & Image Rights: Before a photographer or brand uses a model’s image, they often require a signed release. Models should clarify how and where their images will be used, ensuring they are not unknowingly endorsing products or appearing in inappropriate contexts.
Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Contracts: An exclusive contract means the model can only work with a single agency, while a non-exclusive contract allows for more flexibility. Models should weigh the pros and cons before signing agreements.
Taxes & Business Structure: Since models are typically independent contractors, they should keep track of earnings, save for taxes, and consider setting up an LLC for financial protection and tax benefits.
Longevity in the Industry
The modeling industry is ever-evolving, and adaptability is key to longevity.
Adapting to Trends: Fashion and beauty standards change over time. Models who stay informed about industry trends and update their portfolios accordingly remain relevant.
Expanding Career Paths: Modeling can open doors to other careers such as acting, styling, brand ambassadorship, and entrepreneurship. Many successful models transition into business by launching fashion lines, skincare brands, or coaching services.
Planning for the Future: Since modeling careers can be unpredictable, models should have a long-term plan. Investing in education, learning new skills, and preparing for career shifts can ensure financial stability beyond the runway.
Conclusion
Modeling is more than just looking good in front of a camera; it’s a business that requires strategic planning, financial awareness, and personal branding. By understanding industry dynamics, protecting their rights, and continuously evolving, models can turn their passion into a sustainable career. Whether aspiring or experienced, every model benefits from treating their career with the same professionalism as any other business.
What It Means to Be a Brand Ambassador
What It Means to Be a Brand Ambassador and What It Takes to Succeed
In today’s digital landscape, the role of a brand ambassador has evolved from a traditional spokesperson to a powerful influencer who helps brands connect with their audience on a personal level. Whether it’s through social media, events, or content creation, brand ambassadors are the faces that represent a company’s image and values. But what exactly does it mean to be a brand ambassador, and what does it take to succeed in this role?
What It Means to Be a Brand Ambassador
At its core, being a brand ambassador is about becoming a trusted representative of a brand, promoting its products or services, and embodying its values. Brand ambassadors serve as the bridge between a brand and its target audience, creating genuine connections that resonate with consumers. They aren't just models or actors; they are influential figures whose opinions, lifestyles, and content can sway purchasing decisions.
Being a brand ambassador means endorsing a product you truly believe in. You’re not just paid to wear a logo or post a promotional image; you’re invited to share your authentic experience with the brand and its products. You’ll often be involved in creating content for social media, attending events, or even offering feedback to help improve the brand's offerings.
What It Takes to Be a Brand Ambassador
While becoming a brand ambassador might sound like a dream job, it requires more than just having a large following. Here are the key ingredients for success:
A strong and engaged social media presence is crucial for success as a brand ambassador. Brands are looking for individuals who have the ability to influence and engage their followers. You don’t need millions of followers, but it’s important that your audience is active and genuinely interacts with your content. Regular posting, sharing relatable stories, and engaging with your followers create a solid foundation for brand partnerships.
Authenticity is the cornerstone of brand ambassadorship. Brands want ambassadors who genuinely love their products or services. Your connection with the brand should feel natural and aligned with your personal values. Audiences can sense when endorsements are inauthentic, which can damage both your personal brand and the company you’re promoting.
As a brand ambassador, you are representing the company in various settings. This requires professionalism in both online and offline interactions. Whether it’s communicating with the brand’s team, attending events, or collaborating with other influencers, maintaining a polished, respectful, and reliable presence is essential.
Your ability to create compelling, high-quality content is key. Brands are constantly seeking creative ambassadors who can produce engaging photos, videos, and stories that highlight their products in an authentic and appealing way. Whether it’s a product review or a lifestyle shot featuring their product, being able to craft captivating content is a valuable skill.
To truly be effective, a brand ambassador should be passionate about the brand they represent. Genuine enthusiasm for the brand will shine through in your posts, videos, and interactions, making your endorsement much more persuasive. Passion creates trust, and trust translates to loyalty from your audience.
Brand ambassadorship is a dynamic role that can evolve as the brand grows and new campaigns emerge. Being open to learning about the company’s products, its messaging, and industry trends is crucial. Staying adaptable and willing to try new strategies ensures you remain valuable to the brand long-term.
Strong relationships are the backbone of successful brand ambassadorships. It’s not just about promoting a product; it’s about establishing a connection with the brand and other ambassadors. Building a community around the brand and fostering positive interactions with followers can help reinforce your status as a reliable and relatable ambassador.
Consistency is key to maintaining a successful ambassadorship. Brands want to know that they can rely on their ambassadors to deliver quality content and uphold the brand’s message over time. A one-time post won’t cut it—ongoing, consistent promotion is essential for driving long-term success.
Becoming a brand ambassador can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires more than just popularity—it requires authenticity, professionalism, creativity, and passion. As a brand ambassador, you become more than just a promoter; you become a storyteller, a connector, and a trusted voice that audiences turn to. If you’re looking to succeed in this role, focus on building strong relationships with your followers, staying true to your values, and producing high-quality, engaging content. In the world of brand ambassadorship, authenticity and passion are your greatest assets.