Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paige Searles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Paige, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

Yes, I am currently signed to 4 different agencies across Atlanta, New York and Tennessee, but it all started with one connection that changed everything. At the beginning of 2023, I was looking into getting signed by an agency, but knew nothing about the modeling industry or how it works. By this time I had been independently modeling for about a year or so, mainly doing unpaid gigs for independent fashion shows and brands.

I was researching and came across a model casting call hosted by Model Makers Group. The profile intrigued me because they were not an agency or a management company, but consultants who both had 50 years of combined modeling experience. Now they work to help get models signed and develop them to start their own career. I applied and forgot about it and a few weeks later I received a phone call from them. This was the beginning of our relationship and I am still in close contact with Tara today.

The main reason I decided to work with them is not only their extensive experience, but the values they use to run their company. During our call, they made it clear that they only work with individuals they believe that they can help get signed. It was clear the passion and confidence they have in their work. It also comforted me knowing that they weren’t just willing to take on me or anyone just for the sake of money. I believe they were interested in working with me because of my enthusiasm and prior efforts regarding modeling. They value their clients time as well as their reputation within the industry and that has never changed.

After our initial introduction, we had many calls going over what to expect when attending casting calls, how to take measurements and digitals, proper etiquette when meeting with agents; the whole nine yards. They provided me with a wealth of knowledge and after I got the staple requirements done, they began to submit me to local agencies through their extensive network. 3 months later, I signed with my first agency, 180 Talent, based in Tennessee. I was ecstatic because the idea of becoming a professional signed model was turning into a reality. This was just the beginning because over the course of the next 8 months, I signed with 3 additional agencies and the real work of building my modeling career began.

Paige, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Paige Searles—an Alaskan-born, multi-signed model, artist, and content strategist. I am also the founder of Passion Fruit Studio, a creative consultancy dedicated to helping ambitious business owners infuse their authentic stories into their marketing. Through a seamless blend of creativity, strategy, and storytelling, my studio provides end-to-end digital marketing and creative support for brands and small businesses.

My Journey into Modeling

Growing up, people often asked if I had ever considered modeling. Whether at school, work, or out in public, I’d constantly hear comments about it. At the time, I never saw it as a real possibility—it felt distant, like something meant for someone else. I was focused on other areas of my life and never took the time to explore the industry. But looking back, I now realize those moments were little signs of what was to come.

During my freshman year of college, in the midst of the pandemic, I did my first photoshoot with a friend on campus. It was my first time taking professional pictures just for the sake of it—no sports, no graduation, just me. I remember feeling so nervous as people watched us curiously, but when I received the photos, I was shocked.

“Woah, that’s really me?”

It was the first time I had truly seen myself in that light. As someone naturally reserved, stepping into modeling felt uncomfortable at first. But I loved how it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and forced me to embrace my presence.

From there, I started collaborating with other creatives, working on independent commercials, fashion shows, and photoshoots. These experiences taught me how to pose, get comfortable in front of the camera, and develop a strong sense of how I wanted to show up in this space. Over time, I refined my skills, expanded my portfolio, and signed with multiple agencies.

My Work as a Creative & Strategist

Beyond modeling, I am deeply invested in creative storytelling and strategic marketing. As a content strategist, I focus on crafting impactful, narrative-driven campaigns across social media, video, and web. My work spans video production, scriptwriting, art direction, creative concepting, and digital marketing—all with the goal of bringing stories to life in a way that resonates.

I believe in challenging myself often, which is why I embrace both creative and strategic roles. My background—growing up in a military family, competing as a collegiate athlete, being raised with Southern hospitality, and solo-traveling to multiple countries—has shaped my perspective in invaluable ways. These experiences allow me to pull unique insights, fueling my creativity and adaptability.

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.

Creatives often possess a unique ability to wear multiple hats, and that versatility is one of our greatest strengths. However, I’ve found that many non-creatives or those on traditional career paths sometimes struggle to understand this. To them, working across industries or having a diverse skill set can appear unfocused or even less “skilled,” when in reality, it’s quite the opposite.

Creativity thrives on cross-disciplinary thinking—the ability to pull from seemingly unrelated experiences, experiment with different techniques, and generate out-of-the-box ideas. Being confined to one rigid career path often leaves me feeling uninspired and stuck. I’m grateful to have worked with companies that recognize the value of my varied experiences rather than seeing them as a distraction. They understand that my unconventional path enriches what I bring to the table.

At the end of the day, we’re all multifaceted beings. Whether you’re a nurse with a passion for trucks, an educator who sells produce at a weekend farmers’ market, or a marketing professional who also models, you don’t have to limit yourself. Exploring different interests—whether as a career, a hobby, or how you spend your free time—deepens your sense of self.

One of my former bosses, whom I also consider a mentor, lives by the mantra: “You can have whatever you want.” The way I intentionally design my life is a testament to that belief.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to bring ideas to life and make people feel something—whether it’s through storytelling, visual art, or modeling. Creativity is a powerful tool that allows me to connect with others, challenge perspectives, and inspire emotion.

As a model, I love how I can embody different narratives, transform into various personas, and contribute to a larger vision through movement, expression, and presence. It’s fulfilling to see how an image or campaign can resonate with people, shift perceptions, or even boost someone’s confidence in their own beauty and self-expression.

On the strategy and business side, I find joy in helping brands and entrepreneurs translate their passions into something tangible and impactful. Whether it’s crafting a compelling marketing campaign, producing visuals that elevate a brand’s identity, or guiding a client toward an authentic storytelling approach, I love seeing the transformation that happens when creativity meets strategy.

Ultimately, being a creative means I am never confined to one way of thinking or being. It allows me to constantly evolve, explore new disciplines, and find inspiration in the unexpected. That freedom—paired with the ability to leave a meaningful impact—is what makes this journey so rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.passionfruitstudio.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigesearles

Image Credits

Freshdew – @freshfx.visuals
Isis – @theeyeofisis
Eli Searcy – @elisearcystudios
Carl Simmons – @carle.photo
James Cookson – @fotosfromjames