How did you first get started in the modeling industry?

Karrie: I thought about it for awhile. I came to the Pro-Model and Talent Management Agency to audition for a national convention they participate in and from that point, things happened very quickly for me.

How has your life changed as a result of working with Pro-Model and Talent Management?

Karrie: My entire life has completely changed for the better. I have opportunities I would never have had otherwise. I travel overseas, I have been to countries I would never have seen if not for modeling, cities throughout this country, and feel 100% confident; that in itself, is a wonderful feeling. I have also put myself though college with the money I earned modeling. I am now working as a CPA in Georgia and take on 3-4 very lucrative modeling jobs a year in exciting locations that I love to visit. Last year alone I traveled to South Africa, Germany, and the Canary Islands for catalogue work.

Did you ever think you would be doing what you are doing now?

Karrie: No, I would have never imagined working in this environment. I work with the professional staff at Pro-Model and Talent Mgmt. in the tri-state area when I’m in Ohio; locally I have been booked for Macy’s, Shade Tree Catalogue, and a television commercial for the Designing You Clinic, just to name a few. I also did a huge fashion show for Macy’s in Pittsburgh with Pro-Model & Talent Mgmt. When in New York City and Europe, I work with top international agencies in their plus size divisions.

Do you feel you would have the career modeling and/or became a model without the training you received at Barbizon of Akron?

Karrie: No, you have to have training to work in the industry and make the kind of money I make now. You need training for most things you do in life, and modeling is no different. My first day in New York City I was going out on major auditions. If I did not know what I was doing, I would not be where I am today. Because I was prepared and knew what to expect, success has happened very quickly for me. Pro-Model and Talent Mgmt. was responsible for me signing with a top international agency in New York City. Now, I have 4-5 agencies in various European countries. The first time I was in Paris for an assignment it was supposed to be for two days, but it ended up being seven days as they sent another model home who did not know what to do.

What type of jobs have you done?

Karrie: Mostly catalogue and print work. I love catalogue work because I’m able to travel, and it pays really well. My day rate is a minimum of $4,500.00 a day, plus all expenses paid. I’ve also done some large fashion shows for Macy’s and Grace magazine.

What is your favorite job so far?

Karrie: My most favorite jobs so far has to be the Gianfranco Ferre campaign in Paris, when I was fortunate enough to work with an incredibly talented fashion designer and photographer. I also loved the print job I did in London for the Espirto catalogue; the city was beautiful and the people there were absolutely wonderful. It was also great spending time in Germany shooting for the catalogue See Kamps. When I travel all expenses are paid so I have seen many countries and someone else has paid for it; It’s a great way to see the world as a top model!

Have you met any really interesting people?

Karrie: Yes, I personally met Tommy Hilfiger!

How do your family and friends feel about you being a part of the modeling industry?

Karrie: All of my family and friends are very supportive and excited for me; they love to visit me in New York City. Plus, they enjoy seeing me in the catalogues and magazines.

What advice would you give to people who say you don’t need training to become a model?

Karrie: Some people think they can just “wing it” and that it’s easy ... They can’t. You need to know everything— all the little secrets and tricks of the trade, so to speak. Agencies and clients are not going to teach you. If you don’t have the training, the agency will let you go, or the client will send you home. Either way you won’t be successful. Because of the training I have had, I make it seem easy and effortless. Most good models and actors have worked very hard to make it appear easy and look natural. Someone without training cannot compete against me nor any other professional model(s).

What other advice would you give to the people who want to get started in the modeling industry?

Karrie: I have had a great experience with the Pro-Model and Talent Mgmt. Agency. The industry builds character and self-esteem. I’ve become a more mature, responsible person because of Pro-Model and Talent. You have to be able to take constructive criticism and be willing and open to work on whatever it is you need to work on. Pro-Model and Talent has been instrumental in helping me every step of the way to pursue my modeling career locally, nationally and internationally.

Any last tips or words of advice you would like to share with someone who wants to become a model?

Karrie: Follow your dreams - don’t stop until you reach them!

Karrie has appeared in ads for Sears, Macy’s, Dupont, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lane Bryant, JCPenney’s, and Neckermann, in Glamour magazine, and the plus size magazine Grace, to name just a few. Karrie has worked in New York City, Miami, Milan, Germany, Austria, Spain, Turkey, The Canary Islands, South Africa, and London. Karrie is represented by top agency in New York City, Miami, and in 4-5 European countries, and Pro-Model and Talent Management when in Ohio.