Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Duswalt.
Natasha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story started out with some challenges that I did not realize would teach me some of my most valuable life lessons going forward. Prior to opening a business, I was a model booking in the LA, Miami, New York and International markets. The modeling industry is filled with different projects and rates. Many models declined certain bookings to hold out for the higher pay. I wanted to keep working so I was the model that booked the $50.00 fashion show because it was a paid job. My willingness to work no matter what came out of having no one to fall back on. My mother passed away on my 10th birthday. Ending up in a foster care situation for a year until my grandmother could move and take over was another part of life that taught me to always be flexible. I went from a life with my family to a foster care situation to finally landing in Hollywood with my grandmother. I was thankful to find the Boys and Girls Club in Hollywood which became my refuge where I was able to take dance classes with my best friend Jennifer. I am forever grateful to the Boys and Girls Club for being there for the kids who just needed a spot to be kids.
At a very young age, I learned that I needed to step up and take care of myself. After high school, I went to a couple of semesters of community college but quickly found that needing an income and a place to live was something I had to figure out. I know firsthand what it means to not have anything or anyone to fall back on. Hunger is a great motivator which fueled my work ethic.
Growing up I always loved all things fashion and beauty. After modeling from the age of 17 into my early 30’s, I realized that there were other models that needed help navigating the rates and details of the industry. I have always enjoyed helping people and having a company that can book models and talent on their dream job has inspired me on a daily basis. Believing in myself enough to start a business was something I had to literally talk myself into. Peak Models & Talent was born out of the desire to help others. When thinking of starting a company, I made a written list of the reasons why I should start the agency. I also had a short list of fears… well let’s be completely real… it was longer than it should have been staring at me daring me not to take action. When I decided to focus on the positive list, the longer list of reasons to start, I was inspired!! I stepped out of my fear and into my faith and created Peak Models & Talent.
Peak Models & Talent is a full-service modeling and talent agency booking in the LA, Orange and Ventura County areas. Peak Models & Talent started booking fit models for clothing manufacturers along with catalog and print models. The agency grew and now books print, fit models, showroom models, e-commerce, runway, commercial print, advertising campaigns and broadcast commercials for TV and internet purposes. Peak Models & Talent is a SAG franchised agency representing a broad range of talent. Our goal is simply to connect outstanding talent with amazing clients! We are extremely proud of the work we do and we love telling a visual story on our instagram account @Peakmodels
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My life was busier than ever between the agency, my husbands business and three small children I was swamped. Our kids were 1, 3 and 5 and we could not take on another thing. I was so overloaded that I literally was falling asleep while reading to my kids. I was exhausted. I did not feel well… ever. Overwhelmed was my daily life. I was struggling and did not tell anyone. I kept feeling something deep in my chest. I was told by friends that it was probably stress. I went to doctor after doctor complaining that something was wrong. My fatigue was escalating. After seeing every doctor, I could find and almost a full year of being told it was stress and to just relax I finally found someone who listened. On a Friday night in the fall I ended up in the local urgent care with a dry cough that would not go away. It was going on three weeks. The doctor decided to look a little deeper and do an x-ray. That day everything changed. I went to 4 different doctors late in the afternoon on a Friday. Offices were staying open and waiting for me to come in. At one point I heard the doctor calling the hospital saying “There is a young mom here with three kids and it looks really bad. Can you run some tests tonight?” As the sun was going down so was my whole reality. I was slowing being devastated but I did not know what exactly was going on.
The realization that I was the person he was referring to was the precursor to what came next. With a team of people around me and needles being put into my neck to do a biopsy, I was about to get a shock that changed my life completely. The words coming from the doctor were surreal… The bad news is “You have cancer”. The good news is there an effective chemo for what you have.. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma blood cancer.
At the moment my mind rejected everything. I did not want any part of this nightmare. I was not participating. Denial became my friend. I did not refer to myself as having cancer. I simply agreed that something was not right and they had the protocol to turn it around. I agreed and went through with the 12 rounds of chemo. With each chemo, I was getting weaker and the road was getting harder. I had to step up. I decided that cancer was a word… not a sentence. I had to take my life back and I had to refocus on living. I had to plan to see my children grow up. I had to refocus my attention on all of the things I wanted to do once I was well again. There is a saying which states “You will have to see it to believe it” … When it is quite the contrary… “You will have to believe it to see it”. This became my new mindset. I would see my future and step into my life with a willingness to live like I had never imagined.
I made decisions to get out of my fear and back into my faith. My faith kept me focused and gave me the power to keep going even when I could barely stand. Some people talk about the fight against cancer. I did not find that to be the case. Cancer does what it wants. My story was a complete surrender. I had to surrender to the fact that this was happening. I had to surrender and know that God had my life in his hands. I believed that there was more for me to do and I kept my faith on the darkest days and during every scare, every doctor’s appointment. I knew that I would rise out of this challenge. I could see myself on the other side of cancer living a healthy life.
With over 13 years of cancer free, I am now focused on a life of purpose. To this day I still make plans. My recent books” Women Who Rock” and “Women Who Rock 2 “ are collaboration books of inspirational stories by successful extraordinary women. I also authored a book to help aspiring models navigate the modeling industry. ‘Modeling Secrets Revealed”. And yes there are other books in the works!
After my year of treatment, I realized that every single day someone gets a cancer diagnosis. I am living proof that there is more to life and that no matter what… you are capable of more than you can ever imagine!
My message is a reminder of what is possible and what we are capable of achieving. There is no limit once you realize that you are here for a limited time and that you were born with everything you need to fulfill your purpose and passion. Every single person has something they dream of doing. Each of us has unique talents and gifts. When we partner up with others we can tap into a magic that is not possible alone. Whatever you dream of creating , a book, a movie, a clothing line, or business there are people all around you willing to help you create that in your life. Make a decision today on what you want and start a list of what you need to do to get started now and watch the magic unfold as you take action.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Peak Models & Talent – what should we know?
Peak Models & Talent specializes in booking lifestyle models and talent. We are known for our amazing roster of fit models servicing the clothing manufacturers along with a diverse roster of print and commercial talent. Between designers and production, Peak Models & Talent finds the fit and size that retails. Our team at the office sets us apart from other agencies. We keep our focus on finding great people whom you would love to have back on your project. www.peakmodels.com
At Peak Models & Talent we believe that being nice is truly a superpower. Our team at Peak Models & Talent all seem to keep their superpower on display daily. Call us and set up a casting for your next project! 818-889-8800.
One of the things I am very proud of is the foundation we started called “Band Together Foundation” – We are all the same on the inside. www.bandtogether.org
We started the foundation to help where it is most needed. Recently we were able to help during the California wildfires. We have partnered with other charity organizations to bring needed supplies to disaster victims during emergencies.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Thankful to God for giving me more years to live!! There is something truly amazing about life when you are faced with mortality and then you get a new chance and realize … “I get to stay!!” YAY!
My husband Craig Duswalt of Rockstar Marketing and Rock Your Life has always been an amazing inspiration. Craig has been a wonderful support for Peak Models & Talent. His vision to help others and to share stories of determination, hope and strength have been instrumental in the writing and publishing of many of my books and his “How to write a book in 30 days” program takes the overwhelm out of the process. If I can write a book so can you.
Our kids who are all basically grown ups now have always been our reason to thrive! As they have grown they finally realize that we book with clients and brands they know and love. When a music video was casting with their favorite band, everything changed and suddenly they realized that we book some pretty fun projects!
The team at Peak Models & Talent has been the backbone of all that we do. Our team is there to help our models and clients navigate the daily castings and bookings. Everyone at Peak Models & Talent actually cares and it shows daily.
The models that have been booking with Peak Models & Talent over the years are the reason we do what we do. Every time we book a model we get to cheer for their success.
The clients who book with us…without them we cannot keep the models busy which in turn creates a win/win for everyone!!
My grandmother who was always reminding me to look for the good and to always go above and beyond.
My sister and brother for watching out for me while we were kids growing up in the LA area.
My nieces and nephews for brightening up my life before I was lucky enough to have my own kids.
My mom, whom I only spent ten years with, teaching me the true meaning of kindness and what it looks like on a daily basis.
Contact Info:
- Address: Peak Models & Talent
280 N Westlake Blvd # 110
Westlake Village, CA 91362 - Website: www.peakmodels.com
- Phone: 818-889-8800
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @peakmodels
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/PEAKMODELS/services/
- Twitter: Natasha Duswalt
Image Credit:
Elijah Star, Val Westover, Estarfashion
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