Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Leskey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from Duluth, Minnesota, I moved to Atlanta about a year and a half ago with my younger sister Erica. I, originally, was supposed to come down and help her transition from Minnesota to Georgia because she was moving here for grad school… so the idea was that I would help her move, stay a week or so, then go back. It didn’t end up that way. When I got to Atlanta, I was filled with inspiration and felt like the world was screaming at me to stay. All I had with me was a backpack of clothes; all of my possessions were back in Minnesota including my car. At first I lived off of savings to get by, eventually, I got a part-time job. I had always dreamed of modeling or acting and when I got to Atlanta people asked me if that’s what I do and if I would like to be in a shoot for their clothing designs and brands. My first modeling gig was with a lady named Beatrice who is actually the founder of the Honey Pot Company. After that shoot, I realized maybe I really could do modeling and acting for real. Every gig I did, thereafter, I would network with the people I met and then more often than not they would ask me to shoot with them or put me onto a project with someone else. Eventually, I built a network of fellow actors, models, photographers, makeup artists, dancers, designers, and local business owners. We actively look out for each other and support each other’s causes. A friend from my acting class had gotten signed with an agency and told me to go their curve open call for models. I went and they signed me. That was one of the proudest moments of my life hands down. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the network of support from other creatives and without having the guts to go for opportunities that come my way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Truthfully, it is still an ongoing process for me. One issue I always struggle with is self-confidence. We tend to compare ourselves to other people then pick at ourselves. For the longest time, I wanted to look like everyone else but then I realized that my curly red hair and curvy figure helped me stand out and tells my unique story. That being said, if you work in the film/tv/modeling industry you can’t take critiques on your looks to heart (I’m super sensitive and my feelings get hurt easily). I have had to deal with people telling me im not skinny enough, I’m not plus-sized enough, that my hair needs to be straighter, or that I need to tone up. Trust me, everyone will have something to say about your looks. I have learned to focus on appreciating who I am every day when I wake up and to not let their opinions dictate my sense of self-worth. I have also had to deal with rejection. I have gone to movie auditions and not gotten parts, I tried to get signed with a modeling agency and got turned away. Do not give up, persevere. The modeling agency I went to the first time didn’t sign me, but then about a year later I went to their open call again and they signed me the second time around. I never would have gotten signed if I had given up after being turned away the first time. Do not give up on yourself, try and try again until others see what you see in yourself.
We’d love to hear more about Ursula Weidmann Models – Curve Division.
I am a signed model with Ursula Weidmann Models in Atlanta and am so proud to be on their curve board. I am most proud to work in an industry that has historically been very hard to break into. I feel that by being a curve model I am apart of the body positivity and natural beauty movement in America. It is my goal to help other women love and accept themselves and to see that beauty is not a number on the scale or pants size. For so long, we [as a society], were being forced to fit into a one size fits all category when it comes to beauty and fashion. Now, we are seeing so much positive change in the industry because of women fighting for their voices to be heard. We want real women represented in beauty and fashion, we want there to be diversity and celebration of what makes us uniquely us; that’s what is beautiful and interesting to me and what I am excited to be a part of in this industry and time in my life.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
In whatever career you choose to be in, I feel that you need to have clear goals; create step by step action plans to achieve them, and then execute it. Create a network of support with people in your field and find a mentor who you look up to and can learn from. Be bold, relentless in your pursuits and be brave; don’t let fear stop you from trying new things. I always tell myself to feel the fear and do it anyway. Even if you “fail” at something, you are still learning by experience and can try again after you have taken time to understand where you went wrong and then take steps for success the next time. Success comes to those who earn it with hard work, determination and who have the guts to go for it until they achieve it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ursulawiedmannmodels.com/portfolio/women-curve/women/1450424/emily-leskey
- Phone: Ursula Weidmann Models: 404-378-1804
- Email: emily.leskey@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/emily_lareina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.leskey
Image Credit:
Symone Seven, Ty Pleas, Crisean Rose Studios, Alexis Fagan-Daniel MUA, Honey Pot Company, The Leg Glove, Aunt Jackies Curls and Coils, Harold Greaves Photography
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