Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Rose.
Hi Marissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my career as a runway model when I was 17 years old. My first modeling job was at New York Fashion Week. I saw a casting one day, and I figured I minus well try, right? I didn’t know anything about the modeling world, but I knew I loved acting and singing, and that those worlds somewhat intertwined with the fashion industry. I also grew up watching America’s Next Top Model, and I would practice my posing and runway walk, so I guess it was destiny!
Fast forward to me seeing the NYFW casting, I eagerly told my mom about it, and she said “Marissa I love you, but you’re 4’11.” My mom is my absolute biggest fan, but in 2018 you just did not see short models on the runway. My mom didn’t want me to be heartbroken about not being accepted. I went on to submit myself for the casting because my thought process is “if you never try, you’ll never know.” I had booked my first job at 17 years old and 4’11… New York Fashion Week!
I remember the day like it was yesterday. My show fell on my mom’s birthday that year, and wow did she tell me that was a birthday to remember! I had so many emotions I didn’t know really what to do as this was my first job as a model, not only a model but a PETITE model in a not-so-inclusive fashion industry.
After that day, I realized just how stubborn the fashion industry was/is. I knew I needed to be the voice that pushed for inclusivity within the fashion industry. I’m so proud to be the First 4’11 Petite Runway model, but I’m even more proud to be creating a space for petite individuals to feel seen and heard within the fashion industry. I want to fight for us petites now, so one day there won’t be an argument as to why petites aren’t accepted in the fashion industry.
Today, I have walked in 13 seasons of Fashion Week, and I don’t plan on stopping. I have walked in NYFW 7 times, PFW twice, Miami Swim Week twice, and both London and LA FW once. As well as I am advocating for positive change in the fashion industry through Height Revolution (@heightrevolution), where I am one of the Founders leading a Revolution in fashion. Through Height Revolution, we repost inclusive castings, we share tips about the modeling industry, we highlight petite brands/models, and we call out performative modeling agencies and casting directors. But most importantly, we are a community. We are standing up and speaking out about just how ridiculous it is to base “standards” on uncontrollable factors such as one’s height.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road particularly because I’m 4’11 in an industry that’s dominated by having to be tall. But I love a challenge, and when I have a dream no one in the world can stop me. I know I can achieve all I dream of, do I maybe have to work harder than others to get there…. absolutely! But that is something about myself I truly admire, my resilience. I also love proving people wrong, so to all of those that said I’d never make it in the fashion industry…I’m so proud to be the First 4’11 Petite Runway model, but I’m even prouder to be advocating for petite individuals. I want everyone to feel seen and heard.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most known for walking the runways worldwide and teaching others how they can do it too! I am also a modeling coach, where I share my tips and experiences with those who are looking to break into the industry.
I also studied Fashion Design at FIDM in LA, and I am currently studying to get a second degree in Fashion Marketing and Consumer Behavior in London.
I am most proud of breaking all of the “standards” the fashion industry has- along the way of getting there I have been bullied, told I was never going to make it, belittled by casting directors, and in some cases not taken seriously because of my height. Nothing ever broke my spirit, and nothing slowed me down. I am proud I never gave up, and that I am pushing the industry in such a positive direction. I might be petite, but I am so unbelievably strong.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was very outgoing. I was very much into acting, but unfortunately I got really sick with Lymes Disease as a child, and I had to stop acting because at one point I couldn’t even walk. My mom would have to carry me off the train after castings. That was really upsetting because I really loved acting, and that is possibly an avenue I will explore in the future. But through acting, I realized I liked modeling. I remember so vividly getting my acting headshots taken, and I loved it! As mentioned growing up, I was so outgoing- always singing, dancing, and performing something. As I got into middle and high school, I turned a bit more shy, as well as I got bullied in high school for attempting to follow my modeling dreams. During this time, I began to “post as an influencer/model” on social media. I would have my friends and family take “modeling” photos of me, and I would post them on my Instagram tagging brands and modeling agencies. I even went as far as dressing the part in high school. I lived and breathed my dream life, and I guess people in my school didn’t like that, but frankly I didn’t care because I believed in myself.
Pricing:
- My modeling classes cost $45 for a 35-minute, 1-on-1 session over Zoom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://calendly.com/marissa-modeling-classes
- Instagram: marissa_rose_a
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@marissa_rose_a?si=zf5-gjtlxDF2uUx6
Image Credits
The 2 images of me on the runway in the orange bikini and black tube top and pants were taken by Patrick Cox.
