MTAM Chronicles Pt 1

When I tell you things are moving full speed ahead, that in itself seems like its too slow. Last week I was truly overwhelmed by how quickly GOD could make things happen.

Here's a little recap of what's been going on in my world and why I have coined the slogan "More Than A Mannequin"

THURSDAY 
Cusp
The first was a very intimate fashion show held at Neiman Marcus. Stylist Erica Hanks showcased the top ten fashion trends while guest enjoyed an open bar and catered hors d'oeuvres to nibble on. Models wore my favorite trend, leather and black and white. Colorful ensembles in ox blood and deep enchanting purples were also a favorite of mine from the show. Animal print which is another trend showed us some trendy ways to mix and match. Aside from the leather collection I have to say my favorite was the menswear trend.

After the show my fashion friend Jennifer and I tried some of the delicious desserts and played around in the photo booth as the event ended.

To learn more about Erica Hanks visit her website.

Style Night Out
Once again Effie Loukas and her team put together another major fashion production. The Fourth Annual Style Night Out was a presentation of 35 designers/boutiques and 140 models.

Alexis is one of my favorite models!

This was my first year attending as a member of the press/media world. I have to say it was a major difference sitting front row at the end of the runway and not walking the runway.

The model and model coach in me fought hard to resist yelling instructions to the models. I cringed from time to time as I watched models struggle to make it to the end of the runway.
Then...then there were those moments when a model stepped onto the runway full of confidence with a graceful stride and poised that made me peacock proud.

Enough of the model "coach" talk.

For a full recap of my front row experience click here. 

Special shout out to Josh Sherrill for capturing the night in pictures. 

FRIDAY
Just in case you missed it, Roshanda Pratt scored a brief write up of me in Friday's Charlotte Observer Newspaper. Here is the link for the Media Movers section.

Friday evening I booked another fashion production job. I will be producing a fashion show in Greensboro, NC on December 14. This is a fundraiser and I will need everybody from Rockingham, NC to Richmond, Va and beyond to show your support. Stay tuned for more details and prepare to be fashionably entertained!


SATURDAY
Saturday morning I just happen to stumble upon the official YouTube trailer of Homeland Season 3. Wouldn't you know that I was spotted! Yep, me, Jennifer Michelle was sitting behind Saul which is one of my favorite actors at the 2:38 mark. Don't worry, here is the link for the Homeland Trailer too.
And a still shot!

Contact me to book Joy!

Saturday evening I booked my client Joy and myself for a major fashion event on Thursday. When I tell you this is going to be one of the best shows and opportunities to date..wait until you see the photos from this exclusive event.

SUNDAY
What a day Sunday was!! Fitting with the team Joy and I will be modeling for was easy breezy. We didn't want to take the clothes off but gave in and started practicing for the show on Thursday.  Coaching and practicing never stops.

Sunday night I attended the HOMELAND watch party!!! A group of us met up and enjoyed some food, drinks, and Homeland drama. It was absolutely surreal to see my face on one of my favorite shows! Just make sure to keep up because I'm scheduled for at least another three episodes.

Well that's all I have for you now. Until my next update, remember to live life on purpose.

Honorable mentions to these people just because . . .
Gregory Lawrence
Jennifer Keen

Alea Sherrill

Keith Cradle

Roshanda Pratt

and my Momma Jennie

Jennifer Michelle, MTAM.

For the complete "More Than A Mannequin" experience lets connect on these social media sites.
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Be sure to tune in October 8 at 8:35 am to WCCB News Rising for "Everyday Runway"

Sherena Ramirez, The Greensboro Model from ChurrVille

When most people think of modeling they immediately think of runway modeling. Ok, maybe that is just my mind set. However, modeling is so much more than tall, statuesque women and men walking on the runway.

Promotional, print, and lifestyle modeling more are other options in the modeling industry. 

At five feet four inches Sherena photographs showing legs like those of the fashion giants. She has spent the past six months working with me to learn the art of finding the light, dressing and styling to accentuate her body and more. 

Since we started working together Sherena has completed two major photo shoots and has become a regular model for local makeup artist, Feletia Fullwood, in Greensboro. Sherena's most recent accomplishment was celebrated on Friday, September 13 as she was the featured Beauty Model for Greensboro Live magazine. 

Photo by 7545 Photography

Enjoy this quick chat session I had with Sherena while we were attending her feature party.

Jennifer: Sherena tell me about your family.

Sherena: My husband Miguel is wonderful and I am in love with him. My daughter Nadia is my joy. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister. My mother is a very strong woman and I am very proud of her.

Jennifer: What's your modeling dream?

Sherena: My dream is to model wedding dresses. I love dresses!!

Jennifer: Really?!! Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

Sherena: Vera Wang. I love how elegant her dresses are. 

Jennifer:  What motivates you?

Sherena: My faith and my family motivate me.

Jennifer: What does family think about your modeling career?

Sherena: I am so blessed to have their support. Every time I post a new picture from one of my shoots or event, I am amazed by the number of likes and comments.

Jennifer: Biggest challenges you see in the modeling industry?

Sherena: The biggest challenge for me at this time is being too short.

Jennifer:  Being too short doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. There are many areas where your height can still get you work.

Sherena: You're right....we are all tall in heels!

Photography by 7545 Photography of Greensboro, NC

View more photos of Sherena here.

Email us to book Sherena for your next fashion project. 

To learn more about Jennifer Michelle and the services provided, visit our website. 

Not Rick James' Fire and Desire. This is MY Fear and Desire.

There's a sadness that came over me the latter part of the week, right before the Labor Day Holiday. I originally blamed the sudden change in mood on hormones or working the grave yard shift filming.

As I tried to find sleep throughout the day last Friday I began to think about all the things that were happening in my life. I thought about the good and the not so good. I thought about the challenges and  the blessings. I thought about how much my life had changed in the last twelve months.

I'm sitting here now thinking about what I was doing this time last year and again, a sadness fills my heart. 

This time last year I was coordinating a runway show for Style Night Out. As the coordinator I was able to meet some new faces and train them for the runway. I styled the models, bringing to life the boutique owners vision. I walked like I was the best and only model hopping on a plane to audition for Fashion Week Brooklyn the next morning. 

Ah yes, the trip to New York City. My first trip alone to the Big Apple. I was scared but this time the fear was different. It was the feeling of fear I have now causing this current mood I'm in. I was afraid. I was afraid of not being able to live my dream of blazing the runway. 

For so long all I've ever dreamed of was walking the runway. My goals are to walk in the Victoria Secret show, New York Fashion Week and travel abroad to walk for Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen (just to name a few of my favorites). 

Walking last year for Fashion Week Brooklyn was the experience that cemented in my heart that it could be done. I auditioned. I attended the casting calls. I was selected to walk for 14 designers. At one point during the casting the lead stylist commented "Jennifer you're popular today!" 

I have to admit it felt pretty damn good to be selected. I was standing in this room, in a circle of at least one hundred beautiful women all hoping for the same thing...for the designer to say one word. YOU.

It made the days of playing kickball and waiting to be picked seem like child's play. All the days of being overlooked by the guys in high school or college didn't matter anymore. The men and women in the fashion industry that said "no Jennifer you're to big or no Jennifer you're to small" couldn't even imagine how satisfied I felt hearing that word 14 times. 

One designer I was praying to walk for overlooked me a couple of times. I remained calm but on the inside I was screaming. He came back in the room the third time and I stood up and stretched this giraffe neck of mine out as far as I could. He started to scan the room and spotted me and said words that were music to my soul. He said "you know I want YOU".  

Jennifer Michelle with Canadian Designer Franz Albana, Fashion Week Brooklyn

Inside I was doing the running man and praise dancing at the same time but I knew to keep my composure. I remained calm and said thank you. 

Now here we are today. I'm laying on my moms couch wondering when I will be able to, excuse my expression, make love to the runway again. 

I love being on the runway. I love the adrenaline. I love the feeling of walking to a beat I hear in my heart with every step I take. I love the pain I feel standing in six inch or higher stilettos for hours waiting for my turn to walk for a few seconds. 

I'm in a special love relationship with the runway. My heart aches when I can't be on the runway. Any chance I get, I take it and walk it out. 

I was recently cast for some filming work and the production team said to just walk.

I was asked to WALK!

It was as if he told me to...wait let me keep this PG. I felt as if my lover was waiting for me at the end of my stroll. With every step I felt alive. I could feel my confidence returning. I could sense the crowd watching me. I heard them oh'ing and ah'ing.

I was able to express my love again. 

I just want to walk. I want to live my life doing what I love most. 

I want to love and be loved, on and off the runway. I want to build and grow. When I leave this earth, I want people to remember how I walked what I talked. 

Like I tell the students who attend my workshops, life is my runway. There will always be an isle or sidewalk to remind me that I have to keep walking. 

This cloud hanging over my head right now, it has to keep up with me because I'm going to keep walking. 

I have to keep walking! 

Keep walking, when it's not so good. When people or businesses stiff me, keep walking. When those close to me betray me. I have to keep walking. 

I have to keep walking when I finally sign with an agency. I will keep walking when I meet a man to share this journey with me. I'm definitely going to walk for all of the world to see on Tuesday mornings when I'm hosting "Everyday Runway". 

I'm walking towards my future. I'm walking in my destiny. I'm walking because my life depends on it. 

"If you must walk, walk with purpose." Anonymous 

Photo courtesy of Kyle Murray, Stylist

Jennifer Michelle is available for runway shows and other high fashion projects in the United States and abroad. To book Jennifer email booking@jmichellemtam.com or call (347) 619-2183. 

www.jmichellemtam.com/model.html