Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zelda Polk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Zelda, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
If I could go back in time, I would have started my creative career as a Model sooner. Modeling was something I’ve always wanted to do but never pursued for several reasons. Low self-esteem was the number one culprit. Growing up I was picked on. I was told I was ugly, called blacky for being darker than most of the girls in class and crack baby due to being extremely skinny. One day while in college, a Model Scout approached me. She invited me to a casting call. I went but lacked the confidence needed to complete the casting, so I left and never thought about modeling again until age 41. At that time, the world was starting to open back up after months of lockdowns. I saw a Facebook ad for a runway show in Orlando. Since nothing else was happening, I decided to finally go for it. Went to the audition; got selected and did the runway show on February 6, 2021. From there the flood gates of opportunities opened. I met a photographer, Max Austin, who built my portfolio and taught me a lot about the modeling industry. The portfolio he created helped me secure jobs as a brand ambassador, magazine editorial model, promo model, and out of state runway shows such as NYFW and Via Moda in Arizona. I also won the 2021 Best Standard Model Fashion Gala Award. All of that is one year; I can only imagine how life would be if I became a model earlier.
Zelda, 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?
I started modeling during a very difficult time. In addition to the stressful pandemic, things in my personal life changed. I lost a few loved ones, lost my job, and almost lost hope. However, Modeling gave me an outlet. It became the tool I used to avoid depression and facilitate self-care, self-love, confidence. and creativity. After all, you have to take care of yourself, keep up your appearance and be creative in this industry. Modeling also provides a social network. I’ve met so many people who are now my friends or partners I work with. There are several services I offer.
Model Coordinator
If you need professional models for your fashion event or project, contact me. I will secure the models, handle administrative task such as email communications, contracts, waivers and manage the models during the event. My job is to make the Fashion Director’s job easier by taking on the logistics pertaining to the models. I am the Florida Model Coordinator for Bella Faire Event Productions. I also have experience working with Fashion Designers and Boutique Owners. I am prompt, professional, positive and passionate about what I do as a coordinator.
Model Mentor
If you are an aspiring model in need of guidance, contact me. Through a network called theBrand, I help models define their why, establish career objectives, and connect them to resources such as photographers, trainers, and local opportunities. I also provide monthly group calls. These are virtual empowerment sessions that cover an array of topics pertaining to modeling.
These roles have given me a chance to build up others. I am most proud when I hear testimonials from models, see their pictures in magazines or witness them grace the runway. I am proud because I know that I played a part in their journey be it small or significant.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’ve done well as a freelance model, but I want to get signed with an agent/agency. This will give me access to many more opportunities. I’ve gone through a few interviews. I am very close to signing with an agency. However, there was one interview that almost discouraged me. During that interview the woman told me I was too old and too short to be a model. She cut me off each time I tried to respond to her questions. She spent the majority of the time telling me all about what I cannot do. As she spoke, I thought to myself, but I’ve already done everything you’re saying I cannot do. I left that interview annoyed and furious. Nevertheless, I told myself these words. “When people tell you what you cannot do, show them what you can do.” Since then, I’ve made an international debut as a runway model in Cabo Mexico for the GGOVAN Fashion Week. I also have other shows lined up this year, and more models reaching out to take advantage of my mentoring program through theBrand. One has to be resilient in life and this industry. You will get a lot of NOs. You will invest more than you get back at times. If you really want to do something, let nothing stop you.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I wasn’t a heavy user of social media. I had to quickly adjust and learn how to leverage social media as a model. It’s important to your career just like any other business. It’s free advertisement and the quickest way to connect you to people in the industry. My photographer taught me a lot. Plus, I applied some of the tips learned from my husband and others who were knowledgeable. Today I use mainly Instagram and Facebook. Here’s a few tips. Create business pages on both platforms. Connect the 2 so that your post on Instagram automatically show on the Facebook page. Only share professional content on your modeling pages. Post pictures from photoshoots, runway shows or other modeling jobs. Avoid using filters. It’s cute but not a true representation of the original photo. Use positive and engaging captions. Respond to every single comment with at least 5 or more words. Emojis are fun but words show engagement which helps keep your post refreshing in the algorithm. Use trending hashtags. Tag the brands and all collaborators for each photo such as the photographer, MUA, hair stylist, etc. All of this attracts people to your page which helps to build your audience. There are lots of services out there claiming that they can build your audience organically. Be careful and do your research before paying for such service. Always network and invite people to follow your page when you’re at events. Use stories and reels. Video reels get more engagement than still shots. Try to post at least 3 times per week. Remember, it is social media so be social and have fun as you promote your modeling brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zeelynetteservices.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeelynette/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeelynettemodel
- Other: https://www.avon.com/?rep=zpolk
Image Credits
Photographers: Pose By PX Photography Mad Antics Photography