We recently connected with Paige Dauphinais and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Paige thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge to profitability in the modeling industry is inconsistent work due to high competition, short career spans, and the costly investments models must make in their appearance, portfolios, and agency fees. Also the fact that models are extremely under payed or not getting payed at all and expected to work for “exposure”.

I feel we get very used and underpaid in the industry.

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 have over six years of rich experience in the modeling industry. My journey began with three transformative years at a modeling agency. Despite the structured environment, I found it stifling for my mental health and bravely transitioned into freelance modeling. Establishing my own business under Paige Victoria Modeling has been my most fulfilling career decision, proving that a successful modeling career is achievable as a freelancer.

Proud of my Native American heritage, I’m a proud enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band in North Dakota. My early experiences within an agency were marred by instances of racism, challenging my resilience. However, since embarking on her freelance journey, I have collaborated with a host of renowned Indigenous designers, finding her niche and celebrating her cultural identity.

My extensive runway experience spans numerous fashion and bridal shows. My talents have taken me internationally, with a highlight week in London, and have walked in the prestigious New York Fashion Week runway twice. Throughout my life and career, I have navigated diversity challenges with grace, maintaining a positive outlook even when the industry’s demands seem overwhelming.

My dream is to open my own modeling agency in North Dakota to support aspiring models and artists in an area with limited resources for artistic development. I’m determined to be an advocate for my talent, using my confidence and passion to secure the necessary resources. For me, modeling transcends career aspirations; it is a beloved art form, and I continue to immerse myself in its creative beauty.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what helped build my reputation within the fashion industry was simply the way I carried myself and being consistent within the industry. I learn confidence, resilience, patience and how to speak business. I carry these principles with me wherever I go even outside of my career. I am very outgoing person, I love getting to know new people and hearing their stories. I believe being good with understanding and conversing with people can really help you in life overall.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I began my journey in modeling under an agency, they asked for money and you had to put in a lot of money for different things. At first I went with everything. I picked up two extra 9 to 5 jobs, working three jobs, being a single parent to be and starting a modeling career.

I had to stay focused and resilient.

After time, I realize the amount of money & time I was putting into the agency wasn’t adding up to the amount of money I should be getting for jobs. That’s when my resilience had to kick in the most. I had to make the brave decision to terminate my contract and continue my career on my own.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Paigevictoria00
• Facebook: Paige Victoria
• Twitter: PaigeVictoriah
• Other: TikTok: Paigevictoria2010

Image Credits

Tira Howard
Stuart James
Veronica Huerta