Today we’d like to introduce you to Genevieve Effa.
Genevieve, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started modeling because people kept telling me that I should and that I looked like one. So I gave it a shot. At first, I was searching for auditions and representation, getting scammed out of my money constantly hitting a dead end but at least ending up with photos. I started posting those photos on my social media and ended up finding a community of creatives and models just like myself looking to get to the next step. One thing led to another and I signed with a mother agency out of Akron, Ohio. From then, I competed in IMTA, was callbacked by 18 agents and managers and got signed in New York and LA literally that same week. Fast forward four years later, I have more representation, I’ve worked with brands like DSW, Micheal Khors and Express, billboards, print work, fashion shows, I’m truly blessed I’ve come a long way! Now my focus is on perfecting my craft as a print model and being represented by agents that will go to bat for me. Unfortunately, I will be dropping my LA agent, leaving me with representation only in the Midwest. My Midwest agent has set the bar for what I expect from an agency and I want to find an agent that can keep me booked and have my back like they do but in LA. I’m confident I will only time will tell when.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I have been scammed so many times out of money because I really want this. I want my name in lights and my face everywhere and people will take advantage of you if you’re not careful. I thank God for failure because through those moments I’ve gained discernment and now I help several models with avoiding those scams. For example, one famous scam is that you’ll receive an email asking for models in your area. Then the “director” will proceed to tell you they’ll be sending you a check and part of it they want you to forward to the stylist for your shoot. Red flag!!! That check is fake. In this industry as a model, you don’t pay anyone. They can pay the stylist themselves.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a commercial print model. I work with brands, business owners, etc to help create the marketing materials for their company. Sometimes that entails content for social media other times, it’s a commercial or print work for their magazine or in store displays as well. That’s what I specialize in because of my height and also because of my look. What I am most proud of is that I can bring almost any feeling to life. I recently just shot a wedding registry campaign for Bed Bath & Beyond and I had to sit in a cold tub filled with bubbles. It was so cold but you couldn’t tell that from the photos. Literally, the team was telling me when they saw the photos they thought I was in a hot steamy bath. Being able to convey certain feelings through my photos even if the environment is the complete opposite is skill that I’ve learned to develop and is vital to my booking jobs.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Sacred money don’t make no money. In life, I’ve learned one must take risks. I think it’s so important and really shows yourself what you’ll fight for and what you won’t. I want to be a model so bad I spent thousands of dollars on photos, coaching, travel and I don’t regret it at all. It’s all paid off even if it wasn’t an immediate gain I don’t question my passion and my agents and people on my team know that. It also helps your community go to bat for you too! People want people with passion about what they do. People with passion take risks.
Contact Info:
- Website: genevieveeffa.com
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/genevieveeffa
Image Credits:
Photographers : Kenny Harris @youkenlook Dame Lee @art.life.six Christa Kimble @christa.shoots Jalil @jb.via.jb Jay @jaypexvisuals
