Today we’d like to introduce you to Pearl.
Pearl, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 15 years old, in Miami, I was stopped at the mall by a scout representing a modeling school. The scout convinced me that I could be a model. I took the modeling school pamphlet home, and my parents decided to invest in the school. At the school, I learned how to walk the runway, how to apply makeup and dining etiquette. It was a transformative experience.
While in college, I began modeling professionally, and right after graduating college, I sign a contract to tour with Ebony Fashion Fair. A typical year of touring with Ebony Fashion Fair includes about 200 cities, doing runway shows in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. I gained a tremendous amount of experience. Shortly after that experience, I decided to pursue my MBA and climb the corporate ladder. I was blessed to work for a top Fortune 1 company, and make six figures, yet, my intuition began tapping me, telling, there was more for me. I left my corporate job in 2011 and pursued music. I released an album called ‘Transformation,’ but it did not do very well. In the same year, I took on a job as a Leadership Professor in the School of Business at Clark Atlanta University.
In 2014, I had a meeting with an entertainment attorney regarding my music. She told me to meet her at a place called ‘Club E.’ When I walked into the building, everything in my existence told me to open a modeling school in the building. I went up the director managing the building and told her I wanted to open a modeling school, and she told me ‘yes’ on the spot.
In October of 2014, in Atlanta, GA, Pearl School of Modeling was founded. We have three locations (Atlanta, Miami, and Ohio), and classes online serving students worldwide.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. There were some financial struggles on the way. Also, finding ways to make your program more effective and adaptable to changes in the environment.
When COVID-19 occurred, we were not sure how we were going to move forward, yet, we stayed positive and decided to move our classes online, and because of it, we now have an international student body, with students from Africa and Jamaica, and we are continuing to grow.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pearl School of Modeling – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Pearl School of Modeling’s mission is to shape the confidence of girls and women to become future leaders through modeling, leadership and entrepreneurship training. The modeling industry is often narrow-casted as just about physical appearance and presenting only the façade of the person. However, we have discovered a new way to upend the old modeling industry to become a tool to help shape future global leaders of all sizes, gender, perspectives and mindsets.
We are most proud of making a difference in the lives of over 1000 girls and women. Several of our students have received modeling contracts. Moreover, 50% of our students have participated in our Entrepreneurship program, and we are excited about the businesses our models have opened and managed. We are also proud of our partnership with New York Fashion Week, where we received a sponsorship from IMG Models for several of our students to attend each season. Furthermore, we are proud of receiving 2019 Best of Atlanta Award in the category of modeling schools by Atlanta Award Program.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about Atlanta is its culture and the entertainment industry. I love music and the arts, and Atlanta has a lot of it. I want to make my mark in the entertainment industry, so this is the perfect place for me. I have some amazing mentors from DJ Hurricane from the Hollis Crew to the legendary Kool Moe Dee. What I like least about the city is the traffic.
Pricing:
- 6 Week Online Classes – $299
- 12 Week Online Classes – $599
Contact Info:
- Address: 1606 Peachtree Park Dr
Atlanta, GA 30309 - Website: aladynamedpearl.com
- Phone: 404.378.2837
- Email: info@aladynamedpearl.com
Image Credit:
Skyy Wonders Photography
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