Meet Cole Woods of The Modelpreneur Bootcamp in Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Woods.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Cole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born and raised in NJ, I grew up the daughter and protege of a women’s professional basketball player. Following in my mother’s footsteps, I became one of the best basketball players in the state and country. I went on to become a professional basketball player myself and continue my career in Europe.

That career ended with an extensive knee injury that kept me from walking for 3-4 months. After surgery and much rehabilitation, I was back on my feet. It was at this time that I decided to pursue a dream of modeling. It was something I had always had an interest in and didn’t want to live with the regret of not trying. I hopped on a train to NY and crashed on a colleagues couch while I went to several open calls and castings around the city. I received callbacks which placed me in New York Fashion Week having no portfolio and little experience. Through networking and sheer will, I had made my way into about five different showcases in my first season as an independent model.

It wasn’t long after this that I would take my first trip to LA that forever changed my life. In just a weekend I was convinced that had to make the move. That whirlwind of a weekend concluded with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs himself showing me exactly what hard work, passion for your craft, and dedication could get me.

Within the year, I had packed up my things and was headed to LA on faith. I landed my first fashion show through a Craigslist ad by an LA-based couture designer!

With many ups and downs, I struggled to find my place like most models do. I was turned down by modeling agencies that told me that I was “too tall”. As it turns out, all of those rejections were pushing me into the direction that was meant for me. They literally made me who I am today. Because of those rejections, I had to work harder and smarter to make my own dream come true.

As an independent model, I managed to hustle and network my way into major campaigns, events, and television shows/commercials. I’ve had the honor of working for Tina Lawson (Beyoncé’s mother), Nike, Paper Magazine, Shae Moisture, and more.

I learned quickly that there was no rejection that could outmatch my perseverance. Thus the Modelpreneur was born. It wasn’t until after my first appearance in fashion week, Paris that I realized that I could help other models do the same.

I now own a company called The Modelpreneur Bootcamp which is a consulting and mentoring based service that develops Modelpreneurs. I teach models the art of networking etiquette, brand building, runway 101, and Pose & Movement among other things. Not only do we provide guidance, strategy, and tools for success but we also create experiences where they can actually exercise those learned skills. We’ve partnered with major productions in both Paris and LA to provide more major opportunities to Modelpreneurs (independent models).

In our last season, we took eight models from all across the US out to Paris to participate in showcases, editorial and beauty shoots, as well as receive pose and runway training from me personally. This coming season in September we will have participants from around the world joining us on our Paris Experience! We also have a very unique Modelpreneur Experience in Los Angeles coming up in October.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road for me to reach the current version of myself. At times I questioned if I was even on the right track. One of the struggles of being a Modelpreneur is having to regularly take on so many roles and having to work much harder than my agency signed colleagues just to get in front of the same client. Despite the struggles that it took to do so it only made the victories that much more worth it.

The Modelpreneur Bootcamp – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Modelpreneur Bootcamp is a model development and consulting company that empowers and educates models of all experience levels. We provide tools, tactics, and knowledge for our clients to be successful. What sets The Modelpreneur Bootcamp apart from any other model coaching business is that we provide both the education AND the work experience. We teach models how they can work for themselves and brand themselves into a business. We develop models to think bigger than only being a model by showing them ways to create longevity in their career.

As a company, I am most proud of the many connections we have in our network to be able to provide amazing and exclusive opportunities to our clients.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as reaching a point where you are able to duplicate that success for someone else. To me, success is when you are able to change the lives of others by simply sharing your knowledge and experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themodelpreneurbootcamp.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/modelpreneurbootcamp

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