The Wylie Growl visited with Wylie sophomore and model Karishma Tweedie about appearing in New York Fashion Week, modeling in real-life, her inspiration, and more.
WG: How long have you lived in Abilene? How long have you attended Wylie?
KT: I have lived in Abilene and gone to Wylie my whole life.
WG: How did you get started in modeling?
KT: I started modeling by creating a portfolio of digitals. Including headshots, portraits, full length, etc. From that point you’re kind of left on your own! You have the option to go to open castings, send your portfolio into agencies, or let someone scout you themselves. I chose the option to send my portfolio into agencies because I am still in school and traveling for open castings is harder to do! Then, if an agency is interested, which in my case my agency was, you can start working with them. The process to start modeling is long, it took me 4 years to finally get out there and be signed with an international agency.
WG: How long have you been modeling?
KT: I first started modeling when I was 12, I am now 16. I did a couple quick photoshoots for boutiques and photoshoots to keep updating my portfolio as I got older.
WG: Last fall, you had the opportunity to model in New Your City for New York Fashion Week. What was that like?
KT: This experience really opened my eyes up to the modeling world; especially in New York, where there’s models walking around the streets everywhere. This was my first-time walking for a brand and on a runway. As a petite model it’s very unlikely to be seen on a runway. So, participating in runway modeling was intimidating, but it was something I’ll never forget. This was also my first-time walking in front of a big audience; there were cameras, scouts, designers, etc.
WG: I also understand you have recently been offered the opportunity to model for an agency whose reach is global. Who is it and how does this change modeling for you?
KT: I currently work with IMD Model and Talents agency. I applied to this agency recently to expand my modeling; I didn’t expect IMD especially to respond. I ended up getting a call during school that the head of IMD wanted to invite me to a zoom meeting. This was where they would see if they wanted to sign me or not. I attended the zoom meeting, and they called me the next day saying they would like to sign me as a model/ talent with them. Now, I work Saturdays with multiple other models on acting, modeling, and how to become successful in this work area. This changes modeling for me in many ways. The agency will send my portfolios out and get me the best suitable jobs of modeling, and this means anyone who wants to book me must go through my agency.
WG: What are your goals in the future? Do you plan to model as long as possible?
KT: My goal for the future is just to be the best I can be and go as far as possible to become successful. I plan on modeling long term.
WG: Everyone sees models and thinks it’s an easy task, but it is not. What is the most challenging part? What is the most fun?
KT: The most challenging part about modeling is the mindset and backlash you get as a model. Eyes are always on you which can become intimidating and having to compare yourself to other models. Agencies are also blunt when saying if they want to sign you. It’s a very harsh process, but I will say the most fun part about modeling is being able to express yourself and make designers and others happy. Also meeting new people and becoming part of a family.
WG: How have you seen yourself grow from modeling? How has it benefited you?
KT: I have definitely seen myself grow in front of the camera and definitely as a person. This has benefited me in so many ways. I’m definitely a lot stronger minded, determined, and independent.
WG: Do you have any experiences with modeling that stand out to you when you think about modeling over the years?
KT: Modeling in NYC was always my dream as a child. So, modeling there was something that I’ll always remember. It stood out because of how sweet the environment was. I met some of my best friends there and learned so many new things.
WG: What/who inspires you to model?
KT: My mom inspired me so much by teaching me to love myself and be proud of who I am. She taught me how to be confident and how to be determined in situations that don’t go my way.
WG: What would you tell another person who wants to start modeling?
KT: If I were to tell another person something to know before starting to model it would be, make sure to love yourself first and be tough. The modeling world is straight forward.
WG: How does being from a small town in Texas make you stand out in modeling or in the culture often connected to modeling?
KT: Being from a small town definitely makes it harder to be known, but having that little bit of twist from being from a small town definitely catches scouts’ attention
WG: Is there anything you would want readers to know about you that I have not asked a question about that helps them understand who you are as a person?
KT: I love math and everything to do with having an A+. I also love to do volunteer work with hospitals and things to support the healthcare system.
WG: What is your favorite subject in school? What other activities do you enjoy that are not related to modeling?
KT: My favorite subject in school is math! Other activities I enjoy outside of modeling are cheering, sewing, shopping of course, and designing new clothes.
By Kristen Johnson