We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful E’niah Anderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with E’niah below.

E’niah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

E’niah was “discovered” at the age of 5 years old while both her and her parents were volunteering at a Christmas Charity event in Charlotte, NC. During this event there was a fashion show scheduled that day, and instead of “volunteering” E’niah was playing on the runway, pretending to be a model. This caught the attention of a fashion designer who asked us if E’niah could participate in the show, of course we said. Jump ahead 5 years later, E’niah has participated in over 30+ runway productions (including the elaborate New York Fashion week), has been published in numerous fashion publications, and countless photoshoots and interviews.

So, how did this child learn the craft? Simple…by constantly being involved in productions, model workshops, and networking as much as possible. Have there been some hiccups? Of course! There were a few times where instead of smiles, there were tears, but with constant practice, reassurance and most importantly self-confidence, she has grown to become one of the most prominent well known child models in Charlotte, NC.

Of course, with every success there are learning curves, and obstacles that were presented. One obstacle that we have found to be a deterrent is attempting to find a “reputable” modeling agency to work with. We have learned that not everyone or every agency has your best interest at heart, with that we strongly encourage everyone who is new to his industry to thoroughly research all aspects, and if it sounds too good to be true…then it most definitely is. There are a lot of scams out there, and unfortunately they prey on new faces and especially parents of child models who promise them the world, and of course never deliver.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

E’niah has been a child model for the past 5 years, has participated in 30+ fashion runway productions throughout the Southeast, published in numerous fashion magazines, photoshoots, and brand ambassadors for various clothing lines.

In addition to modeling E’niah is also a competitive cheerleader with her team “Charlotte Ultimate Cheer” based out of Charlotte, NC. She has been cheering for over 6 years, and along with her teams have won numerous championships throughout the US.

What sets E’niah apart from other child models is that she has a passion for modeling, and actually enjoys it. While she is only 11 years old, E’niah prefers the fashion style of teenagers compared to the style of the younger model. While she can rock a style for a young child, she also has the look of an older “pre-teen” that a lot of designers and production companies look for.

While she loves the camera, runway, lights and designs, what she loves the most are the long-lasting relationships she has built with others in the industry who look out for her best interests. When she walks into a room, she instantly pans the room to see who she knows, and who she can run up to for one of her “hugs.”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my goals is to walk into any department store or large retail outlet and see my smiling face on one of their advertisements!

How I go about achieving that is by participating in as many photoshoots, fashions shows that I can so that I can constantly increase my social media followers (instagram), and who knows who might be searching for a bi-racial young girl to be their next spokesperson! I believe social media is huge in this industry, as many agencies, scouts, productions etc…are reviewing social media to possibly find that “diamond in the rough!”

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Earlier in my career we wish someone explained the “modeling scams” to us. At first, we thought it was “normal” to have to pay to be in a production. We thought it was normal that we had to pay hundreds of dollars to be in a show. WHAT?

Think about this, in a symphony concert are the musicians paying a fee to present their music? Are actors paying a fee to be in a movie? So why are productions/designers requiring models to pay to be in their show? Without the models, there is no show! However, on the flip side, if we do come across something that would “benefit” both parties, then that is something that the model needs to determine for themselves. Education and training are vital in this industry, no one is “born” a model, no one gets “discovered” overnight, it takes practice, patience, and money in order for a production or agent to take you seriously.

Another thing we wish we had learned earlier in her career was to watch for modeling agencies who are not “legit”, some agencies just want to increase their “look book” vs actually finding you work. Our advice (based on experience) is to thoroughly research any agency that approaches you. Do not be so quick to sign an exclusive contract without vetting them first.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: IG: eniahanderson

Image Credits
Radio City/NYC Photos: Photographer: IG- tdvisualarts Designer: IG- houseoflaruefashions Yellow/Blue Checkered Photo: Photographer: IG- michaelhull2020 Light Blue Spaghetti Strap Photo: Photographer: IG- jw3.photos Designer: Honey and Rosie at Dillards 2 other photos were taken by personal camera.