Ava B.

 Measurements: 

Waist: 26”

Hips: 35”

Bust: 31.5”

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 126 lbs.

Hair/Eye Color: Blonde and blue/green

Tell us about yourself:

I am Ava B. I am 16 years old and I am from Colorado. As much as I love Colorado I am a Iowa girl at heart. My parents are from there and we go back every year once or twice. I love the scenery. Most people say its just corn, but the sunsets I have seen when we go back are unforgettable. All of the towns are so small, the shops are cute, and they sell really adorable clothing. Before recently joining the modeling world I was a dancer. I did ballet for five years and had to quit due to a hip injury and surgery that prevented me from being able to do or love dancing anymore. This year I found cheer and I am absolutely enjoying cheering for my school and all of the cheer competitions I attend. 

Tell us about your modeling experience:

I have just recently joined the modeling world. My aunt, who is professional photographer in Iowa, has given me some experience with  taking my pictures over the years. She has given me some pointers on posing and facial expressions. I recently had a photo shoot with a professional photographer in Denver for my comp card and she also helped me with posing. Learning to be long and pose in ways to keep the onlooker engaged has helped me find the style of model I would like to be. 

 What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream used to be to become a professional ballet dancer. I now would like to try and make it in the model industry, get jobs and, hopefully grow my portfolio. During my time as a model, I would also hope to go to college for cheer. I want to do cheer for as long as possible. I absolutely enjoy this sport. To be on a college cheer team for the Iowa Hawkeyes, or at Concordia University. Concordia University was actually an option someone at church had said to me and I did research and found it has an amazing cheerleading team. My dream would be to be a cheerleader for the rest of my life.

 What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

To me to be your own kind of beautiful is to let your inner beauty shine. None of the outer beauty matters when the inside is rotten. The inner beauty shows your true self and can get you much further than a nice smile or shining eyes. A sense of humor, intelligence, sense of self can get someone so much farther than looks alone. I have found in personal experience people who rely more on their personality are the ones I get along with better. Those are the genuine people and their inner beauty is so much more outstanding than the rest. 

 Describe your fashion style:

My fashion style is professional mixed with new fashion. I love a good turtle neck with a pencil skirt, but I love to wear bell bottoms and crop tops. It usually depends on what I feel like or the weather. I usually wear more turtle necks and skirts with tights and heels during winter. Its usually bell bottoms during spring and fall. I usually get new clothes every two or three months because I love fashion and I believe you can overwear an outfit. 

 Who or what inspires you?

Usually myself or my mother inspires me. I have never had a role model or someone I look up to. I never found that I wanted to be like another person. I inspire myself and want to be the only me. Usually when I feel inspired to do something, I do it myself or my mom hypes me up and helps me do it. She is my support and is honestly the best mother. I have never found a person or aesthetic that inspires me, so I try to create it myself. Usually music is my hype or my mother. I feel inspired by nothingot her than myself. If I think of something I'll do it myself or buy it. 

 What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in modeling?

My advice is to just do it. Listen to people and always have someone by your side to help you think things out. Failure is okay and sometimes it's for the best. There are always better options or something better out there for you. Do not get stuck on one rejection or loss. There is always another company or employer that will want you. 

 What are some obstacles you have overcome and how have they changed you?

I have overcome a lot very recently, overcoming sexual assult by a boyfriend, a toxic relationship, and heartbreak. It has shaped me to become more observant and closer to my family. Now that I have ended that toxic/abusive relationship I am willing to move forward and continue my close relationship with my parents like before. I am also relearning the importance of self care and mental health. It has changed my mindset on self love as well. Without it, it breaks you mentally. Now with it I am able to love myself again. I am taking care of myself and I can now focus on what I want rather than what the other person wanted or needed. I am in therapy and that will help with so many mental obstacles. Don't let others wants and needs overcome your own wants and needs. Take care of yourself and love yourself. 

 What makes you beautiful?

What make's me beautiful is my ability to see the positive side of everything and my willingness to help others. Though it can get in the way, I am learning that it is something that can be a blessing and a curse. I am learning that I can't always help, but I can at least be there when someone or something needs me. I also think my sense of humor and fun side is a great trait I have. It makes times with friends more fun and it makes it easier to help people too. 

 What would you say to someone who is struggling with self confidence?

I would tell them that they need to see themselves the way others see them. How their personality shows through and how their presence can change a whole room. I would also tell them to take time for themselves, journal and find parts of them that they love and write about them. Overtime this would help them to love themselves more. Embrace what makes you stand out and shine in a room. embrace your beauty and your personality. That is you and if people don't like it then that's on them. That's not your fault. Love yourself.

Kristi Trelegan