Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Breshears. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
My first modeling job was for a bridal brand called Avery Austin! I had just turned 17 and was still in high school, attending classes virtually due to Covid. I was so excited—I had been signed as a model for a couple months and hadn’t worked yet, and suddenly, here was my first job.
After spending a couple years as a blonde, I had just returned to my natural hair color and updated my portfolio. Almost immediately, I booked my first job. It felt surreal, and I was ecstatic. When I arrived on set, I went to hair and makeup and instantly felt at home. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, especially when they learned it was my first job. Their excitement for me made the experience even more special. It was a great introduction to the industry and a moment I cherish.
Hannah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely! I first got into modeling when I was 16. I always loved taking photos with my sister, but never really thought I could make it a career since I live in Texas. I had no idea there was a market here. One day, I was scouted in a mall, and with my mom’s help, we started looking into agencies in Houston. We set up a meeting at Page Parkes, where I attended some training through their school, and I signed a month later!
I attended an event they hold called “Agent Review,” which helped me gain representation with Wilhelmina in NYC and LA, Next in Miami, and now One Management in Chicago. Through these connections, I was placed in all the major markets in the US before I had even booked my first job. Being signed in New York was my end goal, but I quickly realized I needed to aim much higher, and it was all more achievable than I once believed.
I booked my first job a couple of months later and worked maybe five or six jobs before spending a few months in Los Angeles to gain more clients. Upon returning to Houston, I started modeling full-time. I now model consistently in Houston, New York, North Carolina, and Los Angeles. Curve modeling is still a relatively new development in the industry, and I was one of the first curve models out of Page Parkes. Luckily, the market for curve models is growing, and I have the opportunity to live in Houston and travel for work!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Absolutely! This absolutely does not apply to everyone outside of a creative field, but it is important to address. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard something along the lines of “the model understood before you- you must feel dumb” or other cliches questioning the intelligence of models and other creatives. Creative fields are incredibly competitive and can be difficult to monetize, so assuming someone is less intelligent because they work in a creative field overlooks to amount of effort and strategy required to succeed in this field. Career choice does not define intelligence.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I understood how much you can do with so little. If you’re a model, and you want to showcase your personality and everyday life online, you don’t need an $800 dollar camera to start. I personally use a point-and-shoot camera from when I was little, my iPhone, and a reusable film camera. Don’t feel like you need expensive equipment to create art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannahbreshears.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahbreshearss
