By: Jennifer Baguss
From the robin’s egg blue walls in her room, to the new bordeaux Aritzia parka she just got, Rachel Brown seems like an average 18-year-old girl, except for the fact that on top of taking communication courses at Algonquin she is also a model with local modelling agency, Models International Management.
Discovered in grade five through a modelling workshop, Brown has maintained a steady local modelling career for over seven years.
“So far this year, I’ve done a runway show for the Richard Robinson Fashion Academy, and the Carlingwood Mall holiday catalogue,” said Brown.
Brown says that she wants to continue modelling and working with MIM in the future, and has a lot of interest in pursuing the business side of fashion.
Models International Management offers modelling courses, workshops and summer camps throughout the year. It was during these summer camps that Brown learned what it takes to be a model.
“Everything you learn is super helpful,” she said. “(The workshops) taught me everything I know about skin care, makeup, runway, movement in front of the camera and communication skills.”
Brown says all the courses that the agency offers would be helpful to anyone interested in modelling.
“They cater to all ages,” she said.
Renee Morra, new faces coordinator for MIM says that Brown has the potential to go as far as even working with larger agencies in Toronto.
“Her look is very fresh, and commercial,” Morra said. “She’s developed into a very beautiful young lady.”
Brown sites MIM owners, Sophie Beaudoin and Morra as fashion industry inspirations.
“They both have such amazing style, and they’ve been so great to me,” Brown said.
Last year, Brown did a co-op at the MIM office, performing administrative tasks such as filing and putting together portfolios for other models.
Brown is looking forward to her future in modelling.
While she was unable to take part in Ottawa Fashion Week this fall, Brown is looking forward to participating in the spring when her schedule will be a little lighter.
“(Balancing school and modelling) has been easy for me,” said Brown. “I’m 18 and since I’m only 5’6” I can only really do local stuff.”
Brown says that to be an international travelling model, one needs to be at least 5’8.”
Despite the limited options, Brown has kept very busy throughout the years, being featured in catalogues, pamphlets, magazines and even on the back cover of one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
Her parents are extremely supportive of her choice to pursue modeling.
“They have always allowed me to do whatever makes me happy,” Brown said.
Brown says that doing runway is her favourite part of modelling.
“I prefer it so much more than photoshoots,” Brown said. “It’s just so fun.”