North Carolina Fashion Week Experience

For my first fashion show in North Carolina, it was an amazing experience!

"Dreams don't work unless you do".

Never hear people talk about the work of being a fashion model. How much time, effort, sweat, tears, and dedication it takes to be a model. I went through some major life situations that are normal while trying to attend each rehearsals to practice for NCFW. I have been able to work from home Monday-Friday of my 8-5 job as I have had nothing but unexpected car troubles for the last 2 months. I thought to myself, now how will I make it to rehearsals, this is my dream to be a fashion model full-time. So much overthinking to the point I was mentally exhausted trying to find solutions to make it happen. The day before the Fashion Show, I had a mental breakdown about constant debt from bad choices I made in my past that has finally caught up to me. Due to COVID-19 a lot of people not just me have lost jobs, receiving lower income to be able to pay off past and current debt. I set my pride aside and asked friends for a ride to get to the Mixer and right then is when I realized sometimes I meet so many people that aren't meant to be in my life permanently.

"People come and go. It's life!"

I was devastated that I couldn't make the Mixer. I said "I don't want to do this anymore." In reality, I knew that my stress had got to me and I worked too hard to quit.

"Never Give Up!"

I wasn't happy one bit the day before the show but soon as December 12th came all of my tears were gone. I was so excited for the big day to join the genuine models I have been practicing hard with these last months for NCFW. When I arrived to Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Raleigh-Crabtree, NC I didn't expect any of the set ups to look the way it did. As it was time to line up with our all black attire my nerves started to kick in, now mind you we had to be there at 10:00am but the show didn't start until 5:00pm.

I had the impression that I was only walking for one designer and I thought to myself if I can walk for more I'm going to put my pride to the side and ask if any of the designers has any clothes that I can model that fits me. Next thing I realized; I walked for three designers (Mark Taylor, Marcellus Walters, and Iamclothingline) and one accessories brand. The holiday theme, I wore a long sleeveless red dress from Blushmark. The sweater weather theme, I wore an olive green sweater from Rue21 and indigo blue high-waisted jeans from Topshop. My shoes were from Shoe Carnival in Garner, NC.

Can you imagine the changing scene for each designer and theme?! I mean I would have to say that was the part I was trying to get a hang of because I brought all my earrings to match each outfit well. When you walk up and down the runway, you are selling the outfit as well as jewelry. Now, my jewelry came from Paparazzi Accessories vendor in Maryland. When I was getting my makeup done by Laura (IG: @militarymakeupartist) I noticed that the same vendor that was in Maryland was at the show! I was beyond excited cause I just knew I was getting more cute earrings!

The excitement and nerves of being next to walk but then thinking to myself that I made it this far, give it all I got on this runway. Who is annakthemodel also known as annakalene. After the first thing, I was just walking almost like I was comfortable at any music playing for each designer. I kid you not that I have absolutely no rhythm LOL! But during the show, each walk was different while maintaining a professional face. It was so much fun getting to walk with genuine models each theme. I received exposure, networking, model agency gig, photographer Willie Miller card, an outfit to take home from Mark Taylor as a gift! When I say this is my best show yet and really enjoyed my experience.

I say all of this to say if you wake up one day or think you want to be something. Stop thinking about it and do it! Get out there and show the world who you are and what you are capable to do.

"Get up and Chase your dreams!"