Teen Model Starts Learning Life Lessons Early
Like many 13yr. old girls in Valdosta Georgia, Avis became
interested in modeling and started taking lessons. Unlike many 16yr. old girls
Avis became an instructor at that same school!
She was so successful, that by 18yrs. old she was
giving private lessons as well as working as a professional model. She was asked
by SEITZ Modeling Agency to relocate to Atlanta, Ga. There she took a position as
both model and assistant in Production. In that capacity, Avis soon learned all
the behind the scenes knowledge of the modeling business.
Avis Learned "The Business" Inside and Out
Scheduling, bookkeeping, selecting models for Clients such
as, IBM Coca-Cola, AT&T, Macys, Lincoln Mercury, J.C. Penny's and
various
Catalog Houses.
During this time Avis realized that many models may have
the beauty but not the rest of the skills to become truly successful. So she
created “The Model’s Workshop”. Here beginning models were taught how to move in
front of the camera walk on the runway, apply professional makeup and develop a
personal style and professional look.
The “Model’s Workshop” was so successful that many of
Avis’ students went on to work for major agencies such as Ford, Ellen Harth,
Legends, and Elite in New York.
Avis has modeled for clients such as the Atlanta Apparel
Mart, Arnold Helmann and Van Grack Sportswear in Washington D. C. She has done
Print, Runway Modeling and Catalog Fashion work, appearing as the
cover girl for various magazines, Avis has
been featured in music videos, and several TV. Talk Shows.
Avis has never lost her interest in the “Behind the Scenes”
aspect of the fashion business. She also found time to stage various benefit
fashion shows, raising funds for Battered Women, “Black Student Alliance Fund”
and Kids with Cancer, “Fight Inner City Poverty in New York”:
Always in search of new challenges this dynamic young
woman moved to New York in 1988 and
continued a successful career working as a
runway and print model.
Modeling Behind the Scenes and Model's Make-Up
After many years of working with top fashion photographers,
(she eventually married one of them!) Avis learned the secret of make-up
design and application.
Moving to work more behind the camera, Avis' interest
in make-up and hair led to a successful business as a freelance hair and make-up
artist. Now working with her photographer contacts doing make-up, hair and
wardrobe styling for fashion shoots, video and movies.
In 2000, Avis launched “Modelsmakeup Cosmetics”.
This
is a total lifestyle system, working with cosmetics and nutrition, to develop an
awareness of the relationship between beauty and health, both inside and
outside.
Now, wanting to raise her two daughters closer to her
Southern roots, Avis has re-located from the hustle and bustle of New York to
the charm of Summerville, South Carolina.
Here she will continue to do what she loves most, share her
knowledge and experience to help young people achieve their dreams of success in
the fashion industry, as a professional in business, or any other career choice!
