We were lucky to catch up with Samie Burnett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samie, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

The first client I got was through word of mouth. She was interested in modeling and wanted to start somewhere. When she contacted me I was hesitant to tell her the price because a lot of people seemed to have found it too expensive. After I told her the price for the Model Bootcamp that I offer she did not hesitate to send the payment. She did so with no problem due to the experience and what was included in the whole experience. She definitely motivated me to not give up and to keep my price as is.

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 started within the modeling industry as a new model for a brand called NV Couture. I had just graduated college and finally wanted to do something that has always been an interest to me. From that first shoot until today I have been modeling. That led me into creating my own agency (alongside a failed experience with a model agency). I provide the total modeling experience from: model bootcamps, to 1:1 modeling sessions/ group sessions, headshots and comp cards and so much more. What sets me apart from others is my discipline and unique use of social and emotional skills help me to connect, understand, and integrate all aspects of a community to create a business and experience that helps to mold and grow while invigorating one’s self confidence. The main thing I am proud of is executing the Agency’s very first and successful fashion show only using the models signed. It was a beautiful and proud moment. What I would love for everyone to know is with me I see that in the industry there is room for everyone to win. Room for everyone to eat. I don’t see any competition because the only competition is with myself. The only outcome I want is to grown my business while securing the bag for myself and all my models/photographer that works with me.

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

After launching my agency and advertising my bootcamp I had no one commit. I did the test run making sure that it was possible for me to even maneuver. When I realized that I had the potential I outlined, drafted, finalized all that I needed to make what I wanted a reality. After months of no commitment, just conversations I was ready to just stop. I had no intention or interest to continue but when I got my very first client 6 months after launching I felt that spark come back and the drive to finish what I started.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Not everyone who say they want to model or get into the industry wants to do the work.

Simple story about this is a lot of models or people interested in modeling would come to me asking about how can they get into the modeling world etc. when I would give them the information they would bypass the juice and ask about the satisfaction. To drink the juice you have to get it, pour it into a cup, put it away, then drink the juice. You cannot by pass the work and effort to jump into the finish line. Unlearning that everyone was like me was the best thing and it helped with choosing the right models for the Agency.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.samiebtalentmodel.com
• Instagram: badgyalsambam model_boot_camp
• Facebook: Samie B Talent&Model Agency

Image Credits
David Kenyon