We recently connected with Debbie Abazia and have shared our conversation below.

Debbie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Modeling came as a complete surprise to me. When I first connected with an agent, all I did was send in everyday photos for review. I wasn’t taking it too seriously and had zero expectations, yet I was soon invited to meet with my first agent. I’ve never believed you can truly learn how to model. Maybe runway training helps with walking and posture, but everything I knew came naturally. Early on, I was told I had a strong look and the ability to express a range of poses with both character and grace.

Adaptability is key in this industry. Most modeling and acting castings are last-minute, and if your schedule isn’t open, you’ll quickly be passed over. Tough skin is just as important. You’ll hear it all “not the right type,” “not pretty enough,” “not tall enough,” “too young,” “too old.” It’s a business full of criticism, and if you walk away in tears, you’ll never land a job in entertainment. Believe me, I’ve heard it all.

In truth, the only real obstacles I faced were the ones I created myself letting others make me doubt my worth and convincing myself I didn’t belong. But over time, I’ve learned that I can do anything, regardless of my age, appearance, or background. There is room in this industry for all of us.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began modeling long before Photoshop and airbrushing were used to perfect images. Back then, our photos came straight out of the camera, ready to go no AI tricks, no filters, no social media platforms to promote ourselves. Instead, we carried a physical portfolio filled with real photographs to present to casting directors and agents. The internet was just starting to emerge, but Instagram and online galleries didn’t exist. Most of the time, they wanted to see you in person.

When I met my first agent, he told me I had a natural ability to pose and looked completely at ease in front of the camera. Over the years, I took breaks from modeling, but as long as people continued to reach out and offer me projects, I knew I was still on the right path. Eventually, I expanded into background work and acting, adding a whole new dimension to my career. That versatility has allowed me to help others navigate this industry, drawing on the years of experience I’ve gained.

It’s funny back in school, one of our projects was to describe what we wanted to be when we grew up. I created an entire scenario about modeling, never imagining that years later I would actually be living it. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with top photographers across the country, modeling everything from apparel and jewelry to gowns and swimwear.

What I’m most proud of is the professionalism and elegance I bring to every job. When I step onto a project, I give it 100% of myself. I aim to make each experience fun, exciting, and memorable not just for me, but for everyone involved. One of my greatest passions is vintage fashion, especially styles from the 1950s and 60s, which I’ve always been fascinated with.

What sets me apart is my drive and energy. Once I arrive on set, I’m fully committed until we’ve created something we’re all proud of. Nothing excites me more than being part of a team, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve accomplished along this journey.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Aside from working as part of a team and seeing the final product come to life, the most rewarding part of this journey is connecting with people. It’s not just about having a happy client it’s about meeting other creative minds, hearing their stories, and sharing in their experiences. There’s nothing more inspiring to me than collaborating with new people, learning about their hardships and triumphs, and then channeling all of that into something creative.

What I love most is the unpredictability of it all. Sometimes you walk onto a set with a clear mood board and a solid plan, only for the project to take a completely different direction once everyone starts creating together. That shift the transformation of an idea into something unexpected is thrilling to me.

I’ve always said that when a photographer sends over the final images from a shoot, it feels like receiving a gift. For me, it’s like Christmas morning opening something you’ve been waiting for, full of excitement and anticipation. Seeing the finished product, knowing the effort that each person contributed, is pure joy.

Any artist or creative, whether they’re an actor, musician, author, or designer, would agree: there’s nothing quite as rewarding as seeing your vision come to life and knowing you played a part in it.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I’ve said before, the entertainment industry is no joke. You need tough skin and the ability not to take rejection too personally. Even The Beatles were told “no” countless times before they made history. I’d say they got the last laugh. My point is this: rejection should light a fire in you. People will always say you’re not pretty enough, not good enough, not the right type. Sometimes clients truly are looking for a very specific look, and that’s okay. But other times, the delivery can be downright cruel. I’ve heard it all.

If I could offer advice to anyone chasing a dream in this industry whether modeling, acting, music, or anything creative it’s this: don’t let “no” break you. Let it fuel you. Use it as proof that you’re still in the game, and push harder for what you want. Some of the world’s greatest artists were told they weren’t good enough, and they proved everyone wrong.

Would I be lying if I said rejection didn’t bother me, especially in the beginning? Absolutely. It hurt. No one likes being told they don’t measure up. But I’ve learned to turn that pain into passion, to let it spark the drive I need to survive and thrive.

You are good enough. In fact, now more than ever, the industry celebrates a wide range of looks, voices, and talents. There is room for all of us. The key is resilience, compassion, and unshakable drive because without those, this industry (and life itself) can swallow you whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dabazia.kavyar.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiedawnabazia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieAbaziaModel/
• Twitter: https://x.com/dabazia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GourmetAdventuresWithDeb
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@debbiedawnabazia

Image Credits

Kalibri Photography to credit for all images.

https://adelekalibri.com/aboutkalibri