Today we’d like to introduce you to Skylar Witte.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Skylar. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a small community in Northern Wisconsin. In high school, I submitted some photos to a dress designer on a whim who was looking for models. His 2014 and 2015 campaigns launched my modeling career. I flew to Dallas for the shoots and had to convince my father to let me miss school, he thought I was crazy. Those photos appeared in Seventeen and other national publications. They started a journey that would eventually lead me to a career modeling for Mac Duggal one of the premiere prom and pageant gown designers in the world. My career with Mac allowed me to twice grace his New York Fashion Week shows. In 2016 after facing rejection in the industry I decided to attempt a run at the Miss Wisconsin USA title, with the knowledge that it is often the springboard for success for many in the modeling and entertainment industry. I became one the youngest contestant to win the title of Miss Wisconsin USA and was the youngest contestant at the 2017 Miss USA pageant. Before competing my end goal was to graduate with a dual degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison and go on to receive my law degree. The experience changed me, in ways I couldn’t have predicted. My platform as Miss Wisconsin USA was a program I produced called “Sky’s The Limit” it was an empowerment presentation that I gave to over 9,000 middle school students throughout my reign. The program concentrated on goal setting and achieving your big dreams by taking small and concrete steps to produce your end results.
After passing on my title I decided to take my own advice. My big dream was always to become an actress, a goal that seemed an impossibility for a small town girl from Wisconsin. But a year of inspiration and pure motivation gave me a renewed sense of purpose and drive. I managed to finish my undergraduate degree in only three and a half years. One month upon graduation I packed up my little Toyota Corolla and drove cross-country to start my quest in LA. It has been nearly a year in Los Angeles and I’m happy to report my plan of taking small steps to achieve the dream has been paying off. I have an agent, a manager and a network of supporters who have helped me create a sustainable career. In November I became SAG eligible and in July was able to secure my first Los Angeles lease after living with friends and planning for my future here. I came with a small savings account that I knew would get me through my first few months. After that, I was not sure if I would be able to survive. When not auditioning or onset like every new actor in LA I have a job. However, the job keeping me afloat is very different than most new actors. I work for a subsidiary of the Miss Universe Organization.
Future Productions is a company that produces seven state pageants under which the titleholders go on to compete for Miss USA. After my time as Miss Wisconsin USA, I interned as an event planner and social media coordinator for the company who then offered me a position helping to prepare the titleholders for nationals, planning the state pageants and recently the job has evolved into co-hosting several of the state pageants. The job meshes seamless with my ability to launch a career here as it offers maximum flexibility and the company I work for supports my acting dreams. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all cultures and backgrounds and empowers them to realize their goals through experiences that build self- confidence and create opportunities for success.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Even with successful opportunities with designers, I struggled as a professional model. At 5’7” I have been turned down by every major modeling agency because I simply do not meet their height requirements. In the Midwest, my choices in the modeling industry were extremely limited. Committing to life in Los Angeles and transitioning into acting has presented many unique challenges. I have found that I didn’t know, what I didn’t know. Part of my transition has been a dedication to learning the craft. Some of the best decisions I have made are investing in acting classes and finding wonderful mentors and coaches. Anybody who believes they can move here and make something just magically happen is fooling themselves. There are a million ‘pretty blondes’, I realize setting myself apart means learning, growing and evolving every single day. Competing for the title of Miss USA at 19 was a long shot, I did not go into the event with the illusion that I was more accomplished or better prepared than women who had more life experience than I.
The true surprise of my time has come with what I have experienced with the organization the past three years. The transformation of women competing in pageantry is truly amazing. I have witnessed young women who have gone on to the completely transformative journey. Even for a first time contestant who has never publicly walked on a stage, the amount of confidence I have watched bloom is unmatched. That confidence is something I feed off of and it has given me the drive to keep my dreams alive.
Please tell us about your work.
One of the things that set my journey apart from most aspiring models/actors is the fact that I have shared it from the very beginning. In 2016 I started a blog to answer questions about how a 5’7” girl from a small town in Wisconsin was finding success in the modeling industry. That blog turned into a journey through my year as Miss Wisconsin USA and has now transitioned into life and learning in LA. I have followers from over 87 countries and continue to share the realness of a 22 year old just trying to make her mark who certainly has a long way to go and much to learn. People seem to enjoy my candor.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am excited to see what the future holds. As of right now, I am excited to continue my career within the Miss Universe Organization and help other young women find their most confident self. As for my life in LA, I am looking forward to the future and chasing after my dream of acting. I am grateful for the team I have established out here and know that the universe will guide me in the direction I was meant to travel!
Contact Info:
- Website: skylarwitte.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: skylar_witte
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