We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Megan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Megan, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am more of a hands-on type of learner so I learnt a lot of posing and catwalk techniques by practicing in front of the mirrors and taking feedbacks from others. When I first started, I’d spend a lot of time reading how-to books, Vogue magazines, and watching America’s Next Top Model. Actually the latter helped a lot because after a few episodes I realized that judges were always talking about the vibes that the model in the photo was giving. That’s when I learnt that as models, we are story tellers. Knowing how to angle our body is the foundation but knowing how to communicate the vibe in a still photograph is really what sets a better model apart from the rest.

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?

I go by “Dr. Megan” in the modeling/fashion industry to distinguish myself from other models with the same first name, and hopefully, to be more memorable. I’m often asked what kind of doctor I am-I’m a Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Accounting.

Perhaps similar to some of you, my childhood wasn’t the best. Growing up, I was told that everyone else was smarter or prettier than me, which did not boost my self-esteem. Therefore, it was not surprising that I got really confused when a model scout approached me at Costco and asked me if I was a model. Thankfully, she left me with her business card and some space to question my own self-doubts. A week later, I gave her a call and she became my first model manager.

After a few years of modeling, I joined the United States Marine Corps and stopped modeling. I was honourably discharged 8 years (and 3 days) later from active duty, though never thought about modeling again because just like most people would think-I was a little bit too old. I thought that until one of my photographer friends asked me to be his model and immediately, I laughed and did not think that I still got it. After a little bit of convincing on his part, I gave in and I’m so glad that I did because it reminded me of how much I enjoyed creating in front of a camera.

This leads to the perfect time to share with you my definition of “models”: Models are professionals who communicate vibes using their body language and facial expression.

And this is why I love modeling-it is a creative outlet for me. I enjoy studying the vibe that my clients (designers, brands, etc.) want to portrait and communicate it to their potential customers by interpreting it through my own way, whether it is on the runway or in photographs or videos. This mentality, or dare I say, modeling secret, is essentially what took me to the runway of many prestige Fashion Weeks such as in Paris, Milan, London, New York, and Miami, on the cover of and in magazines such as British Vogue, on billboard advertisements in New York Times Square, and in many television shows or news segments.

There are certainly many other tips I’d like to share and that’s why I am a model mentor. I actually never thought about coaching, even though I have an extensive teaching background. It was so many inquires later that I decided to become a runway and posing coach. I pride myself to be a one-of-a-kind coach because I do not just teach everyone the same way. In my runway lessons, you will not see me counting “1-2-3-4, left, right…” please save this for your dance class! I’m a strong believer that everyone is different, and therefore I do not give all my models the same cues. In my posing lessons, I talk more about the vibe that you give than where you should position your body. I’m not just another coach because I work with what you have, I work with your body, more importantly, I work with your goals.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, softly, in a low-key way, I want little girls out there who went through similar childhoods as mine (or not) to be inspired to become what they want to be. Please don’t let anyone tell you that you are not good enough or you cannot become who you want to be. I also want to be a living example of someone who is in the age group that others think it’s too old to be a certain thing, such as a model. You are never too old to set a new goal and start a new project. Life’s too short to be dependent on what other people have to say.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I feel very fortunate to have a sizeable following on Instagram because I understand how difficult the initial growth is (as it was for me). Since I am both a Doctor and a Model, I make sure to let my audience know who I am through my profile grid. I alternate between modeling content and intellectual quotes for my posts not only because it is aesthetically pleasing, it also helps so much with algorithm because my quotes are the most saved and shared contents! (You’re welcome! *wink*)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.modeldrmegan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modeldrmegan
• Other: linktr.ee/modeldrmegan