I Almost Made It To America’s Next Top Model

Growing up, I always wanted to become a model and make a name for myself in the industry, but I never knew how to start getting into the swing of walking in heels.

My Mama

The person that inspired me to become the model I always wanted to be is my mother. My mom modeled a lot growing up and even as she got older, she was asked to do a lot of shows. My mom started watching “America’s Next Top Model” when I was around 6 or 7 years old.

When she started watching this, I was so intrigued by the different acts that was being asked of them. The show really pulled me in and that is where I started gaining the love for modeling.

There was a time when my mom took me to one of her rehersals for a fashion show, and she had put me on the spot, and said “Tone, show them your catwalk”. I was extremely shy, but I still did it.

Became A Consistent Viewer Of The Show

Even at a young age, I was consistent with keeping up with my favorite tv shows, that aired. It was a statisfying pleasure of mine to know that every week, the same day and time, this show was going to come on.

I remember when the time hit, I would go running and sliding into my mothers room and sit in front of the tv. Then as soon as a commerical came on, I would go practicing in my mama’s heels, strutting up and down the hallway.

Core Values It Taught

Watching this show, has taught me important and core values, ones that were already instilled in me, but was expanded on. The top core values, is never losing yourself, don’t be afraid to step outside the box but with that don’t compromise yourself and lastly confidence is what will carry you even when No’s present themselves before you.

These three values, are not just helpful in the modeling industry but can be applied to everyday life situaitons. You have to have confidence, you can’t be afraid to be different and try new things but you also can’t allow greed to compromise who you are as a person.

Once you drop one of those things, then it will be hard to get back to the person that you once was.

Auditioning

I followed the show on social media and saw that they were casting for the next season and all you had to do is follow the steps:

• Name, Age, Location, Citizenship
• Upload 3 pictures (one full body, swim wear picture, profile)
• Upload Video ( Talking about yourself and why you should be on the show)

The process was not that that hard, it was a once and a lifetime experience and a bit nerve wrecking because the chances were very slim, but my hopes were pretty high. Here is one of my favorites shots that I submitted.

Everything Happens For A Reason

When I submitted my work to them, I didn’t hear anything from them and then, one day I got a phone call, asking me if my name was Toni……. confirming my information and said you are interested in being casted on the “America’s Next Top Model”.  I was speechless at first and then we spoke and I was told the next steps, I called my mother and told her and we both couldn’t believe it.

To say the least we were skeptical about it and didn’t know if it was true so we didn’t proceed with the audition.

Imagine being contacted by “America’s Next Top Model” and turning it down because you are unsure. Comment below if you ever had a life changing opportunity and shut it down.

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