Conversations with MIEmmaB

Today we’d like to introduce you to MIEmmaB. 

Hi MIEmmaB, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My first experience modeling was when I was nine. I was at Midland Center for the Arts and one of their marketing staff asked if she could take my photo. That photo was used for the Center’s “Design Zone” social media campaign for the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art. I didn’t really think about modeling again until I was 14 in July 2020. A relationship had just ended, and I reflected on what I would like to do with my life and remembered the sense of curiosity and enjoyment I had modeling for the Center. That initiated my modeling journey. 

My first step was to get my photos taken to build a portfolio to submit to an agency. I got professional photos taken in early September and started a professional Instagram account. Because I was a minor, my mom initiated online safety rules for me, and we branded me as MIEmmaB across all media platforms – MI for Michigan and then my name. I had 43 followers before my first photos were published, and that first post with my portfolio photos garnered 200 more followers. People sent me direct messages of encouragement which had me submitting my portfolio photos to Productions Plus talent agency in Detroit. I was accepted. A contract was signed. 

Then in early November, a follower suggested I do a steampunk photoshoot. Steampunk? What would that look like? My mom and I did research, and I got clothing ideas from that follower, and my first photoshoot happened on black Friday. While everyone was out getting great shopping deals at the mall or department stores that morning, I was at home being anxious. The photoshoot was that afternoon. I had to go to a studio to get my makeup done at noon. Makeup? I had never worn makeup before. I was going to model. Modeling? I had never modeled before. I was doubting my abilities, doubting my worth, and doubting myself. This was a huge step for me. I was going to be dressed in steampunk attire and would be photographed at a local historical park that had a steam engine. With my freshly applied makeup, oversized goggles, sunglasses, top hat, bronze-headed bird cane, telescope, and compass in hand, I was ready for my debut. What a debut it was! I found it exhilarating. I was praised by the photographer for my “natural instincts” for my poses. I didn’t want the experience to end, but it did end. The photos were published, and I gained 1000 followers in December. 

New opportunities followed including another steampunk photoshoot for the purpose of a novel book cover. I now had 6500 followers in June 2021. And then I connected with Monjoa Likine at Fako Media. She saw my photos and thought I looked like Audrey Hepburn. She had a vision of Audrey Hepburn visiting Detroit in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” style and… I was all in! I decided to go ‘Live’ on Instagram during the photoshoot. My followers were engaging in suggesting poses such as hailing a taxi to suggesting an angle to capture a photo. I gained 2300 followers during my Live. Then Fako Media published the photos two weeks later, and my follower count doubled. There are several verified hidden gems in those 17,000 followers from all over the world. One of them is the ‘model guru.’ She’s an international modeling agency founder. She had founded her own international modeling agency in Paris, New York, and São Paulo. Her models have received assignments for runway work and have been cover models for Vogue, InStyle, and Elle magazines. And… she was following me on Instagram. Me! How surreal. Sixteen is when most models are recruited for “development” in the modeling world. I asked a fellow model who signed with IMG on her sixteenth birthday about the significance of being followed by this person, and she said, “she’s watching you and most likely talking about you xx.” So, I wonder… will my sweet 16 birthday on November 28 be extra sweet with an offer? This is my hope and dream. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Since I was signed to a talent agency in the midst of a pandemic, there haven’t been many paid modeling opportunities; so, I have focused on collaborations. My mom, my biggest supporter, became disabled this year and can no longer work; so, I look for trade-for-proofs with area photographers. Not having a modeling ‘mother agency’ to prepare and train me for my future career has been a challenge, and I can’t afford to take courses; therefore, I must rely on my instincts and research. I also have some neurological issues that could be related to drinking lead-based water during the Flint Water Crisis, but I look at that obstacle like it’s a superpower. And that’s what life is all about, right? The road may be bumpy, but sometimes you can just pull off on the nature scenic route, take some photos, eat a sandwich, refresh, and get back on the road. You have to get back on the road because at the end of the road is your destination of where you want to be. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My modeling journey has been comprised of commercial print photos. I’m known for my very distinctive blue eyes. People think their color is filtered, but, no, those are their natural color. My followers have called me the ‘Jennifer Garner of modeling’… the girl-next-door whose beauty is a trifecta of physical, social, and community appeal. I accept everyone. I don’t judge people because I wasn’t put on this earth to judge. And that quality shows in my posts, stories, comments, and direct messages. I’ve never had a ‘troll,’ and I think that’s unheard of on social media; and [laughing] that will probably be a troll challenge to people to see what my first one says. I’m also using my appeal to help local businesses who want to offer a discount or a free item to my followers who purchase from them. The business chooses one day to be highlighted in my story, chooses their own offer, I publish the story, and whoever wants to use the offer, just has to tell the business that day that “Emma sent me.” The offers vary and include free fountain beverages, discounts up to 20% off, free registration, and free trials. If you’re hungry and are not sure which restaurant to go to or get takeout from, maybe my story will help you decide. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to not take the answer ‘no’ to heart. Everything happens for a reason. It may just be a ‘no’ right now. There may be missed opportunities. There may be times a door opens right when you are in front of it ready to knock. Bridges are very important for traveling, so on my journey, I make every effort to not burn a bridge and make sure that it is well-maintained. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.MIEmmaB.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/MIEmmaB
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/MIEmmaB
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MIEmmaB
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/MIEmmaB

Image Credits
Fako Media
Forever Bella Photography
Rangoli Photography
MIEmmaBMom