Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Allen.
Hi Carrie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story starts at Auburn University, where I graduated with a Fashion Merchandising degree. My first job out of college was with Rich’s as an Assistant Buyer, but I soon realized that was not the direction I wanted my career path to take. Luckily, an Assistant Stylist position opened up at our photo studio, and that’s where I feel as though my career began.
Macy’s acquired Rich’s, and more opportunities opened up for me to explore different positions within the company. In this experience, I knew I loved styling, but I also discovered a love for the production side of our industry. From buying and styling to production, I wanted to learn as much as I could.
I absolutely loved my job. But with the job came a lot of traveling, and after having kids, I decided I wanted to be at home with them as much as possible. I was a stay-at-home mom for four years and loved every minute of it. Any mom reading this would probably relate — being a stay-at-home mom is the hardest job I have ever had, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!
After my boys were a little older, I decided to get in touch with one of the agents I used to work with and step back into the industry as a freelancer. Because of my previous experience, I was able to work as a fashion and product stylist and take on production jobs.
One day, my agent called and said she had a client who was in need of a baby wrangler and asked if I would be interested. I had no clue what that entailed, but I said, “Sure, I can do that!”
Let’s just say it’s a much harder job than one might think!
As a baby/child wrangler, you are the liaison for the child to the Director and Photographer. You are there to make sure that the child feels comfortable, relaxed, and has fun on set. Your job is to ensure the Director gets the shots they need for each shoot.
Lucky for me baby wranglers were in short supply in Atlanta in 2011, but in high demand. With each job, I grew more confident and found my technique, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be one of the top wranglers in Atlanta.
Being on set with talent and seeing exactly what my clients were in need of, is where C2 Kids Agency began. I started C2 Kids 12 years ago, and honestly, I never could’ve dreamed it would have grown to where it is today.
I still wrangle, as I love to be on set with my kiddos, but most of the time you will find me at my desk, trying to find the perfect talent for my clients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting your own business will always come with challenges, but when you love what you do, you look at those challenges as opportunities for self-growth.
I would say one of my biggest downfalls is not being a risk-taker. I never wanted to grow C2 Kids so fast that I couldn’t keep the personal relationships I had with my clients. That’s my top priority and one of the things that makes C2 Kids special. It’s always a balance of being careful and pursuing growth and next steps.
My husband is my biggest cheerleader and has been a huge help in pushing me along the way. If it wasn’t for him, I’m not sure C2 Kids would be as successful as it is.
COVID added many challenges to our industry. For one, try wrangling and getting those cute smiles from a child with a mask on. There were many protocols that had to be added.
As an agent and a wrangler, I had to ensure my talent was safe and my clients were happy. Fortunately, I work with the most amazing production companies that always put the talent first and make sure every safety measure is in place for not only the talent but the crew as well. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges, we kept our time on set both safe and fun. That’s the important thing. We really do have fun, and that definitely shines through in our talent and results for the clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about C2 Kids?
C2 KIDS is a modeling agency in Atlanta, GA, representing talent for print and video and specializing in babies, kids, teens, and real people + families.
Navigating the modeling industry can be overwhelming with preparing a portfolio, castings, agencies, contracts, and opportunities. You need a guide with industry experience and connections to help you grow in confidence and pursue the opportunities available to you and your child.
At C2 KIDS, we offer a personalized approach that serves our talent and clients with top-notch communication, connections, and experience. Our process is unique and not based on limiting contracts. Our focus is on supporting and guiding our talent into the modeling industry and opportunities to support their confidence and success.
We all want our children to thrive and take on opportunities with confidence. When we see our kids thriving, we know that the foundation and experiences we provide for them prepare them for success as they grow in confidence. At C2KIDS, we believe in creating opportunities for children to grow in confidence and thrive in new experiences. With years of experience in all facets of the industry, I love discovering talent and successfully guiding them and their families into new and exciting opportunities and experiences in the modeling industry.
I love seeing our talent and their families worldwide, in signage, online, TV, magazines, websites, YouTube, product packaging, and social media.
Check out our website on the FAQ page and Current Castings page. It will tell you more about our submission process and how to submit for future castings.
Happy Casting at c2-kids.com
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It’s not so much of a memory as it was a season in my life…
In my early childhood years, I was raised in the panhandle of Florida. At the beginning of my sixth-grade year, we moved to California. While most of my family was nervous about the move, I remember driving through Oceanside, CA, excited about the new beginnings ahead.
I wasn’t scared of the changes; I was exhilarated.
I saw so much opportunity in that change.
It was those next two years in CA that really helped define who I was and who I wanted to be.
I feel that is a metaphor for life. Change is inevitable. Be open to it. Don’t let it hold you back from an opportunity to grow.
“Change is inevitable; growth is optional.”
I chose to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.c2-kids.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c2_kids
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c2kidsmodels
