Erin Leigh
Occupation: Model
Education: “I received my bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, my major was sports management with a focus in marketing. I am now studying for my master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.”
What inspired you to model?
What inspires me to model is the fact that I get to be the soul and essence of someone’s vision. There are not very many opportunities in this world that allows you to become live art and to channel that type of energy. Also the experiences that come with being a model, and the amazing people I meet on shoots, at events, and from exposure. Modeling is a lifestyle not a hobby or fad. You have to be committed and sincere. Its filled with obstacles that a lot of pain and sadness at times but the end result is always worth the time, effort, those painful, uphill battles, and the “I’m going to quit and join my family business” thoughts.
Who are your role models in the entertainment industry?
• Dorothy Dandridge
• Josephine Baker
• Vashity
• Basquiat
• Andy Warhol
• Tyra Banks
What type of acting experience do you have?
I have done plays, commercials and monologues.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is obtaining your desired intent, without focusing on the results.
What has been your biggest challenge getting into the business?
My biggest challenge is being taken seriously. In the recent years competing or trying to get from under the shadow of being considered a “Facebook or Instagram model” has been a big challenge for me. As well as working with and doing business with other individuals who have the strong work ethic that I have.
What has been the most challenging obstacle you have faced?
The biggest challenge that I have faced is discrimination with designers because of my Coca-Cola bottle shape. Not necessarily meeting the “norm” requirements for a model. But I like to tread my own path.
