| |
 By Steve Cook
“At first, I was nervous,” says Josiana Avila. Josiana, a 19 year-old model enrolled at Cameo Modeling Internationale, a Richmond-based modeling school and talent agency, continues, “Then I had my opportunity (on the runway). Once you hit the stage, everything happens so quickly.”
I asked Alicia Austin the same question I had put to Josiana: “What has been your most exciting experience since coming to Cameo Modeling?”
The 16-year old Chesterfield County high school student tells me, “I was able to participate in an international modeling competition in New York, and I got to stay in the Waldorf Astoria.” Is that living the dream, or what?
What the young woman, who is as personable and modest as she is attractive, didn’t say was that she won five awards at the recent Modeling Association of America International’s 48th annual modeling/acting convention, held in March at the famed hotel. She also achieved nine major agent callbacks. During the summer, she is studying acting in New York.
Lindsey Berry, another attractive teen, from Petersburg, says the most exciting thing so far, for her, was acting in a Tiffany Bridal commercial.
Each student with whom I spoke was quick to give the credit for their successes to Cameo’s Executive Director, Renee Lacy. Now, maybe it’s just me, but Renee bears a striking resemblance to TV star, Jackée (Harry). In fact, if anything, Renee has an even more vibrant, effervescent personality than that portrayed by Jackée on the screen. Maria Acors, who goes by the nickname, “Pepa” is a 32-year-old Latin-American beauty. “I modeled in Ecuador (her home), before I came here,” she tells me, “but, I’ve learned so much here at Cameo.”
“I like photo shoots,” Pepa continues. “I love to be in front of the camera.”
Six-year-old Savannah Lee, says she “got to ride in a limousine to Charlottesville.” That was one of the perks she enjoyed when she was chosen for a part in a TV production. She credits that role to the efforts of Renee, of whom she says, “Mrs. Lacy talked to some people.” And, in agreement with what Pepa has told me, Savannah says, “Mrs. Lacy taught me a whole bunch.”
Bryan Heinitz, age 14, says the thing that most excited him, also scared him. “I had to change wardrobe between appearances on the stage. It was scary knowing you might not be there (back on stage) on time.” Renee added that he was successful in making the change and getting back on stage…on time.
Michael Rezek, 24, from Richmond’s North Side, describes an exciting moment: “I had to appear in front of a thousand people…all the lights are on you. But, once you get into it, you open up.”
Besides the thrill of riding in limousines, appearing in commercials, and walking the runway, the up-and-coming models told me of additional, often even more important benefits they have derived as students of Cameo Modeling. “It has given me self-confidence,” says Stephanie Knicely, 21, who lives in the West End.
Savannah says, “I believe in myself. Mrs. Lacy tells me, ‘Believe in yourself…just believe and do it.’”
Savannah’s mother, Tammy Lee, who had accompanied her daughter to our interview agrees, “She has gained self confidence and not just on the runway.” Tammy Lee says that the biggest benefit has been for Samantha at school, in helping her deal with other students. “She is definitely not afraid of a crowd now,” she says.
Arlissa Washington, whose son, Wallace, is one of the models gathered on this evening, says her son is “more well rounded as a result of the instruction he’s received at Cameo. Wallace, a third grader in Chesterfield Country public schools, tells me how he has benefited, “I know how to walk. I’ve been walking (the runway) for a long time. I know what I’m supposed to do.”
Dave Davis, who at age 43, is the senior spokesman for the group, says of his experience with Cameo, “For me, it’s been about personal growth. At my age, I have discovered that everyone can still learn and grow. Cameo has made my life so much more positive.” He pauses, then concludes, “No one can call me an introvert anymore.”
Virtually everyone with whom I spoke echoed these sentiments. All of the young men and women exuded self-confidence and poise. Interestingly, none of them demonstrated any self-centeredness or egotism, which, I must admit, surprised me quite a bit. I believe if I were as lovely and talented as these folks, I’d also be insufferable.
With so much self-confidence filling the room, I was interested in where these young people saw themselves in ten years.
“In New York,” says Channing Bowles, a 17-year-old Matoaca resident. “I want to be on the fashion runway, doing photo shoots, commercials, everything.”
Such confidence! I could understand the comments made earlier in the evening by Channing’s mom “After just a few weeks (at Cameo), I could see her confidence had grown. Others noticed it,” Judy Bowles said. “They would tell me, ‘Stand back. She looks confident.’ I’d reply, ‘She ought to. She practices all the time.’”
I continue to pose the same question to each model: Where will you be in ten years? Wallace Washington tells me, “I’ll be 19. I see myself performing in front of live audiences, in magazines, in movies. I’ll be living in Hollywood.”
Josuani Avila, Josiana’s twin sister, says, “I like to travel. It would be great to be an international runway model, living in California.”
Bryan sees himself as producing and directing films in ten years. “I will be living in Los Angeles, or maybe Germany.”
Dave says, “I like Richmond. I see myself continuing to be a part of Cameo. They’ve done so much for me.”
Michael, on the other hand, has goals and dreams that take him far from Richmond. “I want to be an international model or actor, or maybe a film producer, or business owner.” He says he would like to live in Chicago, Australia or the United Kingdom.
Pepa, like Dave, plans on staying close to home. “In ten years,” she says, “I’ll be the mother of two kids. I’ll be bringing them to Cameo. I know my kids will have discipline here. They’ll learn to work together.” Pepa, unlike some of the other models, doesn’t dream of a home in Beverly Hills. “I’ll build a house in Varina,” she smiles.
Whether their dreams take them to Beverly Hills or Varina, and regardless of whether their goals involve stardom or simply increased self-confidence, countless young people, as well as adults, have benefited from their association with Renee Lacy and Cameo Models. From everything I’ve seen, she accomplishes this in a caring, nurturing way. Cameo Models Internationale, contrary to my original expectations, seems to be a place where egos are checked at the door. The philosophy is well expressed by Renee, herself, who tells me, “Everyone is beautiful.”
With so many teens, and younger (Lacy accepts students as young as five years of age), it was interesting to listen to the many parents with whom I spoke. They offered nothing but praise for Renee Lacy. One mother, perhaps expressed it best. Referring to Renee’s influence on her daughter, Lindsey, Jane Berry said, “She put the polish on my diamond.”
Whether you’re five, or fifty (Renee says senior models are in great demand these days), if you would like to know more about Cameo Modeling, give Renee Lacy a call at 355-5077, or visit the website: www.cameomodelsonline.com.
|
|
