We get many emails each day, but there are always those that stand out – ones from our clients, from our managers, or from family. And then there are those that just reach out and grab you for so many different reasons.

This initial email from Edythe was one of those. Here is a young model who has started her own foundation, Project Model Tee, and was asking our help to spread awareness and invite you all to their next event May 9th. Learning about her initiative I was taken aback by how someone so lovely on the outside could be so beautiful on the inside. Visions of ethereal beauty poured into my mind and I asked her if we could create a series of photographs inspired by just that and accompany it with an interview about this very endearing project.

How long have you been modeling?

Six and a half years! It’s crazy to me. I was scouted at a mall in a small town in Ohio and three weeks later I was in New York City.

What inspired you to start Project Model Tee?

At first it was personally inspired – I’ve been given so much by this industry, and I wanted to give back. All these opportunities have been given to me, and I am so grateful.

So the idea that came to me was giving models a platform to showcase their art. Modeling involves being creative and artistic, but in addition to that, many models are artists outside of their jobs. Unfortunately, a lot of them devalue their own creative skills because they feel they don’t know enough or couldn’t make a living from it.

We wanted to create a place where they could learn, develop their art, and eventually show it. I’ve been so inspired by my peers and I want to give them that safe space to develop their own creative outlet.

When did Project Model Tee start?

The idea came 3 years ago, and we officially launched in October 2012.

The great thing is the shows are possible to do with very little money – we have a lot of community support, so we can get food donated and drinks donated. Last show we had twelve model artists that donated work. This upcoming show is nine fine artists and three musicians. It’s so exciting!

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