questions

1. How did you meet Mary?

She approached me in a bar when I was in college and asked me if I wanted to be a model.

2. What did it feel like to be "discovered"?  Had you considered being a model before?

I had never thought about modeling before. In fact, it was so far from my consciousness, I didn't even know that guys modeled.

3. How long did you work with Mary and Jeff?

I worked with Mary for 6 months in preparation for NYC,  then another year as a mother agent - she placed me at agencies throughout the world.

4. How do you think your career would have progressed without them?

I don't think it would have.  I provided the dream, they provided the resources.

5. What is it like working with them?  Is it different from other people you've met in the business?

 They cared.... that's the big difference.

AshtonKutcher

Coming soon...free resources for aspiring models...

1. How and when were you discovered??

I was discovered in July of 2006 when I was 13. I was just shopping in a mall with my parents and good friend when Mary and Jeff approached me.

2. How did MARY and JEFF prepare you for entering into the international modeling world? They taught me how to have confidence and carry myself. When I met them I was a middle-school student with bangs, braces, and a basketball. They really took the correct amount of time to prepare me for the international market. I would do practice photo shoots, runway shows, and meet with Mary and Jeff on a regular basis over the three years I was in development. They prepared for me to meet with Next last year and I have been non-stop since!

3. What lessons have you learned in the process of modeling?

Modeling has taught me to believe and have confidence in myself, no matter what people say or do to me. I have truly grown into my own person this past year through the various adventures I encounter on the job.

4. What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about the modeling industry?

I think the biggest misconceptions in the modeling world are that the girls are "catty", you have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to get started, and that everyone is just rude and full of themselves. I have met some of the coolest girls I know through this business from all over the world! I think it's so great that I can say I have friends from so many different countries. How many 17 year-olds can say that? Also, I was so fortunate to have Mary and Jeff as mother agents because they kept me from being scammed into modeling "schools" ect. I never had to pay for scams. Mary and Jeff always told me that if you have to pay upfront, it's not a legitimate opportunity. Finally, while the people in the business are definitely characters, we are all there to do a job, and they are kind, respectful, and always inspiring.

5. 5.How has being managed by Mother
   

benefited you? Personally and professionally.

Being managed by Mother has forever changed my life for the better. I now have another little family that just happens to be my mother agent. I know that they are always there for me if I need their support or advice. I know for sure that I NEVER would have pursued modeling had it not been for that fateful day in the mall! They know me so well that it really is like having another aunt and uncle. They set me up with the PERFECT agency for me, Next, and work with them on my career. Plus, they are just the most caring, thoughtful pair of people in their line of work! They truly care for each person they manage and push them to be the best they can. Encouragement and love drive their business in a unique way that is MOTHER.

KATIE FOGARTY