Coming to the End, or Starting the Beginning

So the end of the semester approaches quickly, with only one day of classes left and then exam weeks. I only have 2 exams to write but will be keeping busy over the next few months. I will be in this years Carnival Of Beauty as a Redken model, it was unfortunate that I have an exam the night of the 14^th or I would get to be apart of the show too but being in the finale Sunday night is always the best as there are so many other events occurring within the hours. There will be a few designers showing off their designs in mini runway shows as well as other hair companies putting on their event during their time slot. A great thing about Redken is we team up with the best professionals, like L’Oreal Paris fashion for wardrobe and MAC makeup. The products used are all Redken as well as the team is Atlantics Canada’s top hair stylists. Many of them travelling and teaching internationally, it is an honour to work with them, as well as having a guest star attended I have managed to make some great connections.

            I will also be walking in the charity fashion show on the 23^rd at G-lounge supporting SOS Children’s Villages. The event coordinator is a fellow City Model as well as a friend of mine Sarah Harrison who is a candidate for Miss Universe Canada 2012. Her show includes many local sponsors from spas salons, designers and models who will all be helping her raise funds for her cause as all the proceeds of the shows will go to the charity.  I really do love to model and it does not get any better if it is for a good cause which is why I will also be involved in this years IWK princess tea party which is for the children’s wish foundation. I have gotten to be a princess for the past two years and sign autographs to all the little girls who come and get to see a fantastic show as well as get active in some activities and receive beauty treatments. It is adorable watching all of them dressed up in their gowns and just enjoy themselves and their time with their mothers usually as this happens on mother’s day.

            The final show that I have already been booked for is Atlantic Fashion Week season 6, I have participated in 5/6 seasons and each year they get bigger and better. Last years shows took place at the casino and snatched the attention of the media, being shown on blogs, newspapers, and magazines. The event is suppose to be great as the talented designers and City Models collaborate once again to create the biggest fashion event in Halifax.

            I will not just be doing runway as I have been booked for a few photo shoots. The concepts and ideas behind the shoots are great and I can’t wait to be behind the camera, being in university has limited my time for modeling so it feels so good to be getting back into it. Although not all my free time can be dedicated to the industry as I will be taking a marketing course in the summer. This is to be able to have all the necessary courses completed before my co-op next summer.

            Overall I have had a great semester but am looking forward to the future and being busy and involved with other aspects of life other then school. I wish everyone a great and safe summer and if you see me around remember just because I’m a giant doesn’t mean I’m not one of the friendly ones, so smile and say hello.

Why Hire Me?

     Last week was our final speeches of why hire me? As usual I got somewhat nervous and forgot a few details in which I think were important so I decided I would write out my speech so everyone can know how it was suppose to sound.

   Good afternoon,

             My name is Adrienne Henley and I am currently a student here at Mount Saint Vincent University. I am working on my degree in public relations with a double minor in marketing and cultural studies.  I grew up in Bedford, Nova Scotia, graduating from Charles P. Allen High School with honours in 2011.

            A quote that has put me in the right direction in life is “while your busy trying to fit in, I’m going to stand out”. This was said by the artist Wiz Khalifa who was an average kid from Pittsburgh who made it big in the entertainment industry. I would say being unique is my biggest factor that sets me apart and by being unique has set me up with many challenges that have all been achievable.

            Such example would be starting as young as 8 years old when I first enrolled into the sport gymnastics. I was always a tall child so when I would attend classes they would always recommend me to change sports to something more suitable and useful for my height.  Sports such as Basketball or volleyball, however I liked gymnastics so I stuck with it achieving all my badges and being place in the advance class. This shows that if you are dedicated you will be rewarded as well as my flexibility.

            Eventually when I got to junior high I did quit but not to have more free time instead I signed up to be a model. I always wanted to be a model or actress growing up however had a massive overbite. When you are almost 6 feet but not even 100 pounds your proportions are off making you look awkward and gawky. Not considered your typical beauty especially not having the straight teeth, but my parents put some braces on me and I did a few fashion shows and got a contract with Halifax’s own City Models. It was shocking at first and I never thought I would go as far as I have already. I was originally meant for runway but was scooped by an international designer Katrina Tuttle. She not only used me for images but also allowed me to be apart of her trunk shows which was huge since she has her own boutique, and has been apart of Paris and Toronto LG Fashion week. Once working with her many photographers took an interest in me, as well as being the opening or finale for most designers because my height made a statement and caught the attention of the audience.  Modeling has taught me a lot of my work skills and ethic, as being independent at such a young age and being in a profession where you’re working with people of all age range, one must be mature. You must be punctual or you will be replaced or not be asked to work with again, as well as have tough skin because the industry is based off of looks and attitude so both are being critique and compared constantly. It prepared me for job interviews as casting calls are similar and prepared me for charity work as city models works with the IWK and other charities throughout the year. Modeling has taught me to be grateful but also patient, as also being part signed with Redken those are long days of sitting in the chair. I remember one year they had to crimp my hair for texture so I just had to sit there for 5 hours, it isn’t anything to complain about just a long process that goes on behind the scenes before the final product.

As I continued my journey through life I arrived at high school where I joined the girl rugby team. Slightly to prove others wrong that I could play and to prove to myself that I could play without being crushed and I could play well. I was second row, flanker and jumper, as well as a substitute back when needed. I loved rugby it was a great sport that got my blood pumping and it was exciting, sometimes very rough but I never seriously injured myself thankfully. So it showed that even when I was being persuaded in high school to play basketball, volleyball or even do track and field I still did what I wanted to do and because of my attitude succeeded.

            Another successful time in my life would have to be the day I got my drivers license. My family and friends are usually very supportive in my life however they saw my driving skills from the beginning and I don’t think they realized how much progress I had made. No one thought I would pass my test, even my father thought I should reschedule to a later date but I had confidence. I got in the car and it was my first time ever driving in the rain as my parents did not trust me in their vehicle, I did not even know how to turn on the windshield wipers at the time. Obviously my skills were good enough because I passed and have not been in any accidents meaning I had my N removed and I am fully licensed. This makes transportation to and from work much easier.

Overall I would say that I am an independent worker as modeling and gymnastic represent that aspect of my life however I am a social being. I work in retail as an assistant manager in mens fashion and am also the Health and Safety representative. I first started working for the company when I was 16 and it was my first job and I have stuck to it showing my loyalty. I take great pride in my work and believe in myself. I do not confuse my ego with my skill because as long as I can back up what I am saying then it is just stating facts. I feel that I am beneficial to most organizations and will be looking for a job after graduation. So take me into consideration and trust me, you want to hire Adrienne Henley.

Thank You.