Published January 15, 2013Wait…. what? It’s 2013?!?! Let’s celebrate turning a new leaf of a beginning of a new year and just the gift of seeing another year come with family and friends. There is just something purifying about a new start isn’t there? I celebrated with my friends and boyfriend near home. We kept it low key, but it did give me an excuse to make healthy treats! I chose my fruit & cilantro salsa and a fluffy pudding and berry dessert. Soon after the celebration was over, my vacation was over and it was back to traveling for me! I was thrilled to begin the year heading to Orlando for the AMTC-SHINE Convention for which I was invited to be a guest speaker. This is the convention I competed in back in 2010 to be scouted by FORD Models. Since then, my life has been forever changed.
Competing in the fashion runway portion myself of AMTC 2010
AMTC stands for Actors Models and Talent for Christ. The non-profit convention consists of several seminars to teach young and aspiring actors and models about ways to keep their faith while pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry. My job was to speak as someone who competed and is now working in the industry. I spoke in two different seminars where the students were allowed to ask various questions. I HIGHLY recommend this convention for anyone interested in modeling, acting, singling, dancing, or any type of job in the entertainment industry. Other people who are AMTC alums include the country singer Chris Young, Ben Davies of Courageous, Army Wives’ Noree Victoria, Megan Fox, and many more! Visit www.AMTCWORLD.com to find out more.
Fellow guest speakers Kya Haywood and Nelson Diaz(recognize the HILARIOUS dancing boy from the Will Ferrel movie The Campaign?)
Some of the questions I was asked included:
“What are you daily rituals to stay close to God? “ – I answered by describing my daily devotional – Jesus Calling (highly recommended!!!) which is tattered and torn from carrying it with me as I travel each week. However, I purposely bring it with me when I travel not to make myself look good, but in hopes of starting a conversation with a stranger in order to introduce them to Jesus. It has happened several times and gives me an easy opening on a subject that isn’t always easy to bring up. Another question was…
“Have you ever witnessed to other people you know became Christians?” – my response to this question was my story about a girl who was from another country who didn’t know about Jesus or Christianity very well at all. I met her while I was shooting for Kohls one day. She described how she didn’t like the rules it requires us to follow. I get very nervous when needing to witness to someone simply because I know my words could have a major impact on them. It is a lot of responsibility representing the Christian heart around people who have been turned off from God. I tried my hardest to explain that Christianity isn’t about just about “the rules,” but it’s about the relationship with Jesus and accepting his ultimate sacrifice. This reminds me of the song titled “The motions” which refers to Christians who get so caught up in the act of do this don’t do that that they forget the most important factor – do they know Jesus? For Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:21-23.
So yes! It is important do do his will, but he must also KNOW US as your best friend knows you. It’s important to have the relationship with him as you do anyone you care for and put effort into maintaining a relationship with in your life.
Although I haven’t seen that girl I witnessed to since, I just hope I made a difference. I am working on not getting nervous as I witness to others because God says to let him talk through you. He also says to let your actions speak the loud.
Another question someone asked me in the seminar was: “How do you stay pure in this industry when people push you so far?” – I described the importance of letting your agents know how far you will go and what you won’t do when it comes to shoots, acting, and anything else. I also spoke about having that one person you trust to guide you in the right path when sticky situations arise– because they will. I described my story of doing just this when I called my mother agent Nise Davies from Tennessee. After speaking with her I have had a clear understanding since about what I consider okay and what I don’t when it comes to work. (Any aspiring models/actors wanting further advise on where to draw the lines in such gray industry – find me on modeledbymaria FB page and message me! I’d be happy to help and supply further details of my story!) Overall, I have been truly blessed with FORD who totally understands me, and puts me as a person opposed to a source of income, first. I will never forget when I was competing at AMTC and the FORD scout – Shannon – said herself in a seminar “don’t let this industry become WHO you are, it is just what you DO.” I strive to never forget that, and I honestly think that is the reason why I have any success that I do have today.
I was supposed to be teaching aspiring actors and models about God and this industry, and I sure hope I did. However, I left the sunshine state being so inspired myself from all of them. My eyes were opened to how blessed I am to be working in this industry and having the job that I do have. I also was reminded of the importance of shining God’s light on other people in the industry, and to not take that lightly. “For who knows that you have not come to a royal position for such a time as this?”-Esther 4:14.
My friend Malone – who I met years ago from working for Tony Bowls – competed and got offered a contract with Click Models!
The new year continued on wonderfully from AMTC with several flight changes in order to go directly from Orlando to Dallas to shoot for JCP (JcPenny). I shoot swimsuits for their website. Although it may seem like the dead of winter to you, swim season is in full force here in the modeling world to prepare Spring ads. I love shooting there because the studio has the southern hospitality just like home back in KY, yet it still has the big city feel. I had to take a picture when I saw water served in Mason glass jars 
. From Dallas I went back north, bypassing home, to Chicago to shoot for one of my favorite and most family-like clients of all time – Sears. It is never a boring day in that studio due to how much the stylists, photographers, and hair/makeup artists make me feel at home. Finally, I flew back to KY after several days on the road in order to have a few more days at home before hitting the road again. Although many people would complain about days on the road, I simply love traveling and truly enjoyed starting the year off this busy. My hope is that it continues strong and that this is the best year yet!!
Dinner with AMTC Chairman Dr. George Dillard. One of the most moving preachers I’ve ever listened to.
Lastly – just so you can hold me accountable… my new year resolutions:
1. Blog MORE!!!!! (I haven’t decreased my traveling or photo-shoots… just let holidays and finals get the best of me and my time!)
2. Live slower – allowing more time before having to leave the house to not rush so much. I’m also only taking 2 classed for my online grad school this semester in order to keep my sanity with traveling. This increased tie included increased time before passing out in bed in order to get my personal-God & me & maintaining the relationship time in.
3. Be on time more – okay…see? I admitted it…. it isn’t always traffic’s fault
4. Attempt doing more yoga and eating more organically – going along wit my overall goal of slower/more relaxed living
5. Don’t let traveling be an excuse to not be more actively involved at church opposed to just attending Sunday services.
6. Never take a day for granted and remember life is all about relationships with those around me – it’s important to nourish them adequately!
For help meeting ay health related new years goals you have click on the sub-categories of entrees, desserts, and snacks to find indulgent recipes made healthy etc at http://www.modeledbymaria.com/health-and-fitness-2/
A friend who owns a dress store emailed me this Fashion Week advertisement being used in Miami. This shot was from last year’s show I did while living in Miami where the designer asked us to blow glitter at the end. I wish every show included glitter… Thanks for sharing Robin!
Published September 26, 2012
With a request from my mother agency – Advantage Model and Talent in Nashville, I was able to be submitted for an acting role in an upcoming music video. I was overjoyed with the fact that I was actually going to be available to be submitted for a music video! It seems like any request I’ve gotten for them from my agency, I’ve been previous booked or occupied in some other way and unable to audition.Even more… it was a video for the one and only, 3 time Grammy winner – TIM MCGRAW!!! He has always been one of the most classy and talented
of all country artists in my opinion for years. I’ve been a huge fan – especially of songs “She’s my kind of rain,” “Where the green grass grows,” “Something Like That” and much more. I first had to submit numerous videos of myself from photo shoots, videos of me speaking, unprofessional videos of me such as one taken on a cell phone, and photos of me in everyday attire. So, with help of Gary Moyers, I quickly pulled out some old videos of me interviewing some of the UK athletes that we create for vaughtsviews.com. Nobody was at home to record me in the the home-made videos, and they needed it quick. I opted to go to my mom during her break from work since she kindly offered to record me, despite how awkward that was to do during her break at her work!
I didn’t know exactly what they were looking for – whether it be a girl for a sad role, a girlfriend role, or an energetic role. So I decided to personalize the video as much as possible, play Tim McGraw music in the background, and just walk, smile, and of course add a few moments of my goofy personality. It seems like the auditions that I think about the least, or the auditions I mess up in, are the ones I get selected for (for the Josh Groban music video-I completely messed it up and left the audition thinking I totally wasted a trip to Nashville!)
Almost immediately my agent called and said as soon as I submitted the home-made videos, that they chose me for the job! I was ecstatic! Music videos are my most favorite type of jobs to do. I absolutely love acting, and what better ways to get to do it than for one of my all-time favorite musicians. The video was for Tim McGraw – who’s “Where the Green Grass Grows” song has been my ringtone for some time now. Needless to say, I was almost speechless that I was going to get to be a small part of a product of his work.
The video was shot across 2 days in Tennessee. I left around 5 am in the morning to make it there in time to have hair and makeup and be ready to shoot. I was cast as the “lead-girl” and honestly had no idea what exactly I would be doing until I was ready and placed on set. I tried my hardest to follow the producer’s instructions. I was having the time of my life because throughout my previous jobs, I haven’t ever been assigned a country-rock character. The first scene was what appeared to be like a field party with a lot of people standing around their trucks. Tim was placed on a tailgate along with Garrett Hedlund (who co-starred with Mr. McGraw in movies such as The Blind Side and country strong). I was instructed to drive up Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s personal truck to the party. When I stepped out, it was the cue for the approximately 100 extras to part down the middle. As they did, all eyes turned my way as I walked toward Tim on the truck. It took me a few takes to really get into this role because it was the very first one of the entire shoot. I hadn’t met any extras yet, Tim, or Garrett. After a few takes, I was warmed up and feeling better about my role. At one point between takes, I simply walked over to Tim and Garret to introduce myself and have small talk. I figured that was the best way to break the ice!
We did this scene several times and eventually moved on to other scenes. I was shot sitting on the front of the truck, walking beside the truck, leaning on the truck, and of course driving the truck! And yes!! That is really me driving the truck in the video. Most of the smiles were also very genuine because I loved it! After the director asked me to be more aggressive, I dropped all of my guards and drove it like I stole it 
! I laughed as we hit bit bumps as I bounced the videographer who sat in the seat beside me around. I was trying to control this major truck (thank goodness it was automatic transition), while avoiding the other truck which literally had another videographer strapped to the front to record the external views of me driving. Wow… definitely the most dangerous, but most fun shoot I’ve ever had! I felt like I really got in the role after Time told me that “I handle that thing well!”
We wrapped the shoot with some amazingly artistic and mysterious film of me walking through smoke in the barn. Although we shot backup,
GORGEOUS girls sitting on their trucks, choreographed backup dancers, and scene of me walking through the party, it wasn’t included in the final cut. However, the way the video ended up being edited made it appropriately match the song since it is all about trucks and just simply loving the country life. Those girls nonetheless were the sweetest people and really became good friends of mine over the 2 days of shooting. They couldn’t have done a better job and I’m sure the company leaving them out wasn’t personal, just a change of storyline for the video. Thank you all for you endless support and excitement through this blessing. I can’t help but to smile when I hear each of your comments!
Please watch for Truck Yeah on CMT and vote for it to keep climbing up the ladders! I believe the video and song can also be purchased on Itunes. For more on what Tim McGraw is up to, check out timmcgraw.com, follow him on Twitter as TheTimMcGraw, or catch more videos on his YouTube channel under “Official Tim McGraw YouTube Channel.”
Below are links from Tim McGraw’s website that show the video and behind the scenes:
Truck Yeah Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf7GfUORHtw&feature=bf_prev&list=FL2mK990tp7umnN6Y-DEGpDg
Behind the scenes of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tyYSziKtPg&feature=bf_prev&list=FL2mK990tp7umnN6Y-DEGpDg
TruckYeah Preview via Tim’s Twitter: “Ready for a new McGraw video? http://bit.ly/O9KsBp #TRUCKYEAH”
Published August 19, 2012I arrived back in Atlanta for my fourth year of m0deling in runway shows for Tony Bowls at the Atlanta market, where buyers from stores across the nation come to pick out this coming season’s newest styles to sell in their store. Needless to say, Tony’s gowns were remarkable, classy, and just drop dead gorgeous! This year was a bit different than previous years as Tony was aiming for a sleek look. All our hair was pulled back the same into buns or ponytails and the makeup was centered around simple dark eyes. Double lashes placed by our hair and makeup artist, Joel Green, pushed this edgy look to the top! We were asked to have fun on the runway and let the music inspire us as every other year, but this year Tony wanted to increase the edgy elements in our choreography. So, there was much more still posing at the back of the runway and some not so smiley walking compared to previous years. Additionally, during the line of “Tony Bowls Collection” there was simple violin music that really set the mood for this breathtaking line of pageant and red-carpet gowns! You would have thought you jumped right in NYC fashion week! There is nothing like it when the audience goes wild and cheers for your gown – although it makes it very difficult to keep a straight face. I particularly loved my collared, black, jersey dress with huge crystals around the neckline. It provided a perfect means for getting me into the edgy vibe. The other girls and I even joked that with my straight hair I was wearing during rehearsals, I was able to play up the vampire vibe . Our smiley, approachable, and sometimes dancing on the runway selfs reappeared for other lines that were more geared to the prom girls age group. Showing ever color option of each dress this year and a decreased number of models made for 44 or 45 gowns per model for the 2 hour show. Therefore, the composed walking on the runway and super face jetting into and out of dresses I considered adequate for daily workouts. We had an average of 3 shows per day. I calculated that I walked the runway approximately 720 times that week! Whew!!! But I absolutely love it! I can’t be more honored to work for such a talented designer who knows each model personally. It truly is like a family when I come to work for them. Who would have thought when I first met Tony when he was designing my Miss USA gown that we’d still be so close as we are today? Great crew, great guy, great dresses!
Top 10 Fashion Show where Tony Walked away with the trophies and awards his gowns deserve! Congrats!
This year working at market was just as fun as any year as I met up with some of my best friends from across the country. I’m starting to learn that except for some close friends from KY, most of my friends are relatively spread out across the nation! Therefore, I love week long jobs such as these to get to see them. The only (major) difference was that my roomie from Miami, Chicago, best friend, and girl I dreamed of “one day modeling in a big city with” wasn’t there due to her foot injury. We all missed Ashley greatly! Nonetheless, two new girls became close friend – Sarah Liz Carter and Liz Cardillo. Additionally, I’m really looking forward to spending time with Liz because she lives in LA! Which by the way… I may be spending some time there soon as I signed with Wilhelmina Models back in May of this year! This news is just now coming out as I’m just now going to have time to devote to working there. Not only that, but Ashley Durham (the roommate I was just speaking of) signed with them as well! She called to give me this good news while we were in Atlanta. I almost screamed!!! These major modeling agencies, only accept a few girls per agency from across the world. Therefore, it is just nothing but “a God thing” that we are both with the same 3 agencies (FORD Models – Chicago, Miami & Wilhemina LA). Especially because no sweet talking or name dropping from either of us was involved when the other signed with the agencies!
Besides that, other good news came in this week – my grad school professor accepted my externship request for this upcoming semester. This is another praise because most externships aren’t allowed to have alternating schedules week by week. However that is exactly what mine needed due to my unpredictable schedule with working for the agencies. You gotta take work as it comes! I have 3 externships I must complete as a student clinician providing speech therapy in 3 different locations to graduate with my Master’s degree. The supervisor at this location in Lexington was wonderful in accepting my idea of submitting my schedule to her on a week to week basis. Lastly, I simply can’t tell you how good it feels to finally be home! It seems that this year has been one short-term move after another for modeling and for school: Miami for 3 months, home shortly, Chicago for a month, vacation for a week, then Bowling Green for my graduate school intership. Regardless,I wouldn’t trade a second of those moves for anything!!! I loved every minute of them and especially living with my best friend in those cities and doing what I love. Additionally, I’m grateful to have got my one and only time that I’m required to be on campus for my Speech-Language Pathology online program complete (my internship in Bowling Green at Western Kentucky University’s Campus in July). From here on out for a while, I will be living in KY. attending my externship for an average of 3 days a week, and just fly out once or twice a week or as needed for jobs! I started my time of living back in KY right with throwing my friend a bachelorette night out with going to a concert and dinner (who is the Miss KY USA I crowned, didn’t know at the time, but became best friends with and later EKU roommates). The concert featuring Rascal Flatts in Louisville, with Eli Young Band and Little Big Town, made this night one to remember forever!
You betcha we sweet talked our way back stage last night! I’m loving being home to be able to do things like this
Published June 3, 2012
Upon my dad telling me one of his coworkers asked him if a photo was of me in Elle Magazine, I darted to Walmart to pick up my own copy. The ad that he mentioned – Cordova jewelery – was in fact a campaign I had shot for. I just didn’t know where it was going to be printed. I was sooo excited to hear it was in a major magazine such as this. I flipped through the pages, and sure enough… it was me!! This is a job I drove to Nashville to audition for, got very lost and frustrated, and then realized the place I couldn’t find was a studio I had been to before when I shot a Covergirl / Taylor Swift short film for Comcast… so I was even more frustrated that I was lost going some place I should have known. Regardless, I suppose the audition went well since I was accepted for the job! It was a fun one to shoot. The guy in the photo was from LA and is actually the stand-in for Ashton Kutcher in “Two and a Half Men”. So, his stories kept us all entertained! Thank you Advantage Model and Talent – my mother agency in Nashville who also got me the lead role in 2 music videos and was who placed me with FORD Models – for this outstanding job. You all have been a wonderful outlet for me and a major inspiration to teach me how to keep morals and values while working in this industry!
Besides finding this campaign, I’m still in Chicago spending my month here and enjoying it while living with Ashley Durham – my good friend/Miss USA sister/ and previous southern roommate from Miami. We are staying pretty busy with work, so this trip isn’t allowing as much casual social concepts as our Miami trip. Nonetheless, the local malls and outlets are keeping us busy for sure!
I only have about 
another week here in Chicago and then I plan to come home for about a week – although I anticipate having to go out of town at least some of those days to work in Chicago or Milwaukee as I typically do once a week. Plus, the only time I have to be on campus for my online graduate degree is coming up along with the start of my summer course. So… it seems like I don’t have much of a summer as far as free time. But, that’s okay… I’m learning I don’t do very well with free time anyway. It seems like when I have a rest that I only use it to feel guilty that I should be doing something else productive! Please stay tuned and follow me on twitter at MariaKY09 to see my next few productivity projects
AND DON’T FORGET!!!! Miss USA 2012 is TONIGHT!!!! Be sure to cheer on our own Amanda Mertz, Miss Kentucky USA 2012!! She is a girl with an amazing combination of spunk and sweetness who could honestly bring home the crown to KY! She did OUTSTANDING in preliminaries, and via our text messages, I’m finding out her interview went great as well. She is a hard worker and could do great things during a year as Miss USA.
Go Amanda !!! Miss Kentucky USA 2012!
I have to admit watching the girls and simply hearing how Amanda is feeling is bringing back an overwhelming amount of memories that I felt when I was announced in the top 5 of Miss USA in 2009. It is hard to believe that just the year before I competed for the KY title, as I watched the Miss USA telecast, how I held each state representative as inhuman super-stars because of how much I looked up to them! Now, I use watching the pageant annually as a time to sympathize what they are feeling as they are all just simple girls as I was too – in extraordinary positions. What happens tonight can not only positively change their lives forever, but can change the impacts they have on other people’s lives as well!
Please tune in tonight at 8 central time on NBC to watch the most exciting pageant of the year and to see who’s life will be changed forever overnight – by getting that Diamond Nexus crown placed on her head!
Published May 16, 2012
Credit: Joseph Anthony Baker for the Summer 2012 Cordova by Ron Rosen campaign
Am I in Spain??? Madrid??? What do you think??? Maybe I’m in Nashville with a great photographer and technical skills to make us look like we are anywhere in the world??? (Hint: The last guess is your best guess!) This advertisement was emailed to me by my booker Misty from Advantage Model and Talent in Nashville. This is a advertisement for Cordova – a wonderful jewelry company. The shoot took place in Nashville with a crew that was just as talented as they were hospitable. The makeup artist and studio location was familiar from shooting the Taylor Swift Comcast TV Segment for Covergirl advertising. This should have paid off while driving to the casting – but due to my lack of directional abilities…. I still managed to get lost! However, once I was confirmed for the job, I got to hear stories from the other model in the photo about his new lifestyle in LA was also interesting – he is Ashton Kutcher’s stand in for the show Two and a Half Men – so you could imagine the humorous stories! These stories, great food, and the kind crew made the day very fun! Plus…The jewelry was stunning!! No technical skills needed in that department! They sparkled and shinned naturally! If only I got to keep them as my payment!!!
I thankfully now have time to post a bit more since I have my first year of grad school behind me. It was truly the hardest semester EVER!!!! I honestly don’t know how I will make it through the fall semester with the same amount of credit hours, externships, and traveling for work…whew! Traveling and online grad school classes was enough to handle! It will take a miracle! But, this semester ended with a miracle… All A’s!!! That rounds off my current 4.0 so far for my first year of grad school… I expect you guys to keep me accountable to maintain these grades as my schedule only gets more busy in the next little bit!
Now that finals are behind me, another new chapter of my life is starting! Many of you may remember reading of my adventures in Miami with one of my best friends – Ashley Durham – as we both work for FORD Models. We decided to make our next short stay be in Chicago! I spent a month here last year and this is overall where I am based out of, so this stay is more familiar for me as I know what more to expect. But this time is a little different, and more fun, having Ashley here. It is crazy looking back to where I was this time last year with my stay – just trying to build clients after having graduated with my undergraduate degree in Early May. I was so excited to finally have the time to model after putting it on the back burner for a year of school (FORD signed me on Aug. 2010 right at the beginning of my last year of college. I am so grateful they were patient with me only being able to take a few jobs here and there during that year so that I can be where I am today!!). It is hard to imagine it has almost been 2 years that I’ve signed with FORD Models. Time really flies!
These short stays near where the agencies have offices are often requested in order to gain new clients, go on castings, and simply stay current with your portfolio and etc. Thankfully we have my cousin’s home open and welcome for us to stay in during our stay – You’re the best Peggy!!!! Having this home is really very comforting and keeps us feeling like we’re at home. The area is perfect - the right mixture of farm land with various outlet mall distributed throughout Best of both worlds! The consistent homemade wheat bread is obviously an even better bonus!
Our schedules have so far seemed packed to the max, but we’ve only been here 2 full days! It has consisted of driving the 7 hour trip from KY on Monday and then going in the office to introduce Ashley to everyone on Tuesday (this was the first time she met them as she was with the Miami office prior to signing with the Chicago office). I have to admit I really like showing Ashley around Chicago. She was the one familiar with the agency the Miami area before I got there. So this time our positions have switched!
I can already tell it isn’t going to be a boring trip. Today is a perfect example – I stopped in the office today to do ‘Polaroids’ which arephotos taken by the agents without special lighting or backdrops to have in my file to show clients what you look like on a typical bases. During the shoot (which was surprisingly in the stairway – which actually turned out to have great lighting – great job calling that location Steph ) another one of the bookers (David – one great guy who always keeps me laughing as we work together to manage bookings) poked his head around the corner to ask if I could work for Carsons Pirie Scott today. So of course I said yes! To my benefit, a girl from NYC missed her flight to the studio so they needed someone to fill in last minute. It wasn’t that big of a deal as they are a consistent client of mine which you may recognize from my posts with their commercials and print ads that I do. Therefore, it wasn’t like learning what a new client is like and etc. Before you knew it, Ashley and I were headed North to Milwaukee for a minor road trip to shoot for the day. It was a quick day with only three outfit changes as they were simply testing new backdrop and lighting ideas they may use for back to school ads. I was grateful and more than willing to take the opportunity.
Ashley, Mary, and I at Carsons Pirie Scott / Bon-Ton / Elder-Beerman Studio
I’ll keep you updated as I continue my stay in Chicago by various blogs on here – but the most up to the minute posts are on Twitter under MariaKY09 or on the FB Fan Page- ModeledByMaria. I would expect new recipes on here as well since whenever Ashley and I get together, a lot of cooking and good eating goes on!! I thought I’d share how my updated comp cards that FORD selected and ordered for me upon my arrival. These have been updated which was needed since my old ones still had photos from my very first shoot with Ford back in Fall 2010! These are like model’s business cards to pass out to clients on castings. On the front side you have one large photo, and the back are a few small photos and you stats to make sure the client knows your measurements in order to have the right clothing sizes selected. I’m grateful for attending the shoot very last minute in Miami which is where the front photo came from. You may remember my early EARLY tweets about this shoot – I didn’t mind one bit to be at the beach that early… I wouldn’t trad watching that sunrise over South Beach for anything!
New Comp Cards - Photo by Jose Amigo
Posted in Uncategorized | 
advocate messenger, Ashley Durham, Bon Ton, boyle county high school, Chicago, Danville, eastern kentucky university, eddie montgomery, Ford Models, grad school, Kentucky, Maria Montgomery, Milwaukee, Miss Kentucky, Miss Kentucky USA 2009, Miss Tennessee USA, MIss Universe, Miss USA, Miss USA 2013, Modeling, Pageant, photoshoots, speech - language pathology, western kentucky university, zac record | 
Leave a commentPublished January 23, 2012Congrats to Miss Kentucky USA 2012, Amanda Mertz! Although I wasn’t able to make prelminaries Saturday night, it was a pleasure being able to come home for a few days from Miami, especially to watch this year’s pageant. I love getting to see all the sponsors and those who became like my second family for the year that I was Miss Kentucky USA 2009. Congrats to the runner-ups: the 1st runner up was the sweet Paige McKinney. I knew when Jefra Bland (the Miss KY Teen USA the year I was ‘Miss’) and I first met Paige years ago, that she would be perfect for this pageant. Congrats also to Katrina Giannini who was 2nd runner-up and a previous KY Teen USA. It was fun walking around the whole night being mistaken as Katrina! We are both often told how much we look alike that it’s crazy! I’d also like to say congratulations to Gabriela Castillo and Melissa Raisor as the other two runner-ups at the prestigious pageant last night.
There is also a new Miss Kentucky Teen USA, Tiffany Cline! Congratulations to her as well to the runner-ups: Wesley Ware, Allie Leggett, Madelyn Myers, and Maleah Boisture. I am so excited for these girls and the life changing experiences that are coming their way. Believe me, their lives will never ever be the same after receiving the crown last night!
And congratulations to all the other contestants as well, placement received or not. It takes so much courage and poise to compete as you each did. Being involved in pageantry will be a major blessing you’ll begin to realize at the present moment as well as years down the road. I hope you each had fun and made some lifelong friends!
Now I must get back to figuring out how I am going to be in Milwaukee Thursday and Friday, and back to Miami that night. It’s a bit like fitting together a puzzle – Ashley (my Miami roommate) has to fly out Thursday and we were hoping she could leave her car at the airport and I could pick it up when I arrive, but we’re not sure if that is possible. I was requested to be in Miami Tuesday and Wednesday, but only found that out after arriving back home. Although I tried to make flying to Miami, then Milwaukee, then back to Miami a possibility, a minor family emergency occurred which is requiring me to just have to say no to the first Miami trip. Regardless, I’ll be happy to be back in Miami Beach Friday!
Published December 27, 2011
If you’re one of my website visitors from Kentucky, you may have heard about the remarkable salon/boutique called Voce in Lexington. Word about Voce made it’s way to me a while back when I noticed their edgy advertisements in Tops in Lex. These advertisements increased my curiosity and made me want to find out about this up-town boutique in a southern Kentucky town. Come to find out, the owner Mickey Binion, is an amazing stylists who moved here from LA. He left his previous lifestyle of styling celebrities such as Britney Spears to come to the bluegrass. Not only is he experienced, but Mickey is simple one of those people who can make anyone feel like a million bucks. I can see why people are continuously drawn to his salon and why Voce was voted third runner up by “Salon Today Magazine” for Salons of the Year 2010! When clients walk out, whether they are pampered by Mickey or any of the other sweet stylists, they walk out feeling just like the Hollywood stars Mickey is used to working with.
Feather necklace can be found at Voce!
Almost half a year ago Mickey contacted me to model the quality brand clothing Voce carries in their boutique. However, this request came right during market season for prom/pageant dresses when I was almost constantly traveling from state to state doing shows or shoots for Tony Bowls. Therefore, we had to patiently wait until our schedules matched up. I’m thrilled to say we have finally made it work and I’ve shot with the photographer Karl Schroeder for the boutique several times! I plan to make the drive to Lexington again Friday in order to visit them again! I always look forward to shooting with them since they let me relax and be myself, which often means picking Karl while he is shooting me I have to admit, I am pretty impressed that he has been able to get many serious photos since I am often laughing hysterically the entire day!
I am incredibly impressed by Mickey’s styling, his taste of quality clothing, Karl’s talent, and also the hospitality of each member of the Voce family. Even though it’s been a short time since I’ve met them all, they have truly made me feel at home. This is a place I highly recommend checking out whether you’re aiming to leave with celebrity-like hair or with the exact same clothes the celebrities wear! A beautiful-chic boutique like this is not a common find here in the South, so check it out!
You can find everything you need to complete your look from jewelry & shoes to hair and makeup at Voce. Some of the brands carried at Voce include J Brand (you’ve gotta try their jeans, they’re awesome!), Free People, Funktional, Rory Beca, Walter Baker, Cynthia Vincent, and much much more!
Since it’s the season for online shopping, which is what many of my photos have been used for, please visit: http://www.shopvoce.com/.You may also find me in Voce’s advertisements in local magazines such as Tops in Lex, LexScene, and more!
Check out the most recent clothing and accessory additions at Voce by checking out their facebook page called ‘Voce on Clay.’
Voce is located at 124 Clay Avenue in Lexington, Kentucky. You can also call at 859-252-8623. Hope to see you there!
My favorite dress I own from Voce!
Posted in Uncategorized | Beauty Queen, Cynthia Vincent, Dresses, Fashion Trends, Free People, Funktional, J Brand, J Lo, Karl Schroeder, Kentucky, Kentucky Fashion, Lexington, Maria Montgomery, Mickey Binion, Miss Kentucky USA, Miss USA, Miss USA 4th Runner-Up, New Years Dresses, Pageants, Rory Beca, Voce Salon | Leave a commentGalleries
Recent Comments