Mode Models 'The Face of the Future' Model Search

This is me when I was fifteen, post-braces and spiral-permed hair. A long, long, (long!) time ago my older cousin Lisa suggested I try to get into modeling to make a little money so she set up an appointment for me with Edmonton's top modeling agency, Mode Models. At this time I had just finished a not-so-fun summer working at McDonald's as a cook - my very first job - for $4.25 an hour. I spent my shifts heating buns, cooking meat and dressing Big Mac's and Arch Deluxe's. I should mention here that this was before I became a Vegetarian. Modeling seemed a wee bit more lucrative than flipping burgers (and plus - you get to have your picture taken and wear fabulous clothes!) so I was all for it. After the somewhat (?) successful meeting the agency director suggested I take some 'test shots' with their photographer to see if I had any 'potential' in front of the camera:

(My cousin did my makeup by the way.) As you can see, in almost every shot I have the exact same expression on my face! I was so BORING. And Mode must have picked up on that because they didn't sign me : ( They told me my look was too "girl next door-ish" which I guess wasn't edgy enough at that time when models like heroin-chic Kate Moss were dominating the runways. But I was okay with it because a few months after this shoot I landed an amazing talent agent and started doing something I was really passionate about - acting. So it all worked out in the end : ).

This past Saturday I attended the finals for Mode Models' 'The Face of the Future' model search at Edmonton City Center. Approximately 90 young, fresh-faced aspiring models lined up that morning in hopes of becoming (cue Tyra Banks) "America's Canada's Next Top Model."

Here are the five lucky finalists, L-R: Mikayla, Olivia, Milli, Breann and Karly. If you're in the Edmonton area you can check them out on Breakfast Television on City TV Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning of this week where they will be showing off their modeling skills with photo shoots and runway walks. On Thursday the winner will be announced. And that winner will not have to work at McDonald's because they will be awarded a contract and development deal with Mode Models, an editorial in Parlour magazine, a $500 gift card for Edmonton City Center and a career that will most likely emulate that of Ford model Anna Carter's who was discovered at a Mode search just like this one in 2005 and who acted as one of the judges on Saturday.

 Anna Carter 
photo's via

Good luck to all!

I hope you all had a nice weekend. I have a giveaway coming up this week that I'm reeeally excited about and think you're gonna love so check back soon!

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