Teenage Models And Confidence

Our Teenage Models Interveiw with Jene' Editor Tall Women Revolt!

We all know that teenage models are tall and from a very young age. Most of our girls are 5'9 average height starting at l4. So we asked Jene' what being a tall teen was really like!

Renee'- Share with our girls how tall you were as a teen - how did your height fit into who you were?

Jene'- I was 5'11" at 14. It was awkward for me, while many of the other girls where starting to talk about boys, make-up, and other girly things - I was still playing with Barbies! (LOL) I guess I could identify with Barbie with her long figure, and was looking for a role model, some identity that I could emulate and call my own. I know in some circles Barbie isn't appreciated, and I respect that, but to me she was fabulous. In the 70's and 80's we had the "we girls can do anything" Barbie's, she was inspiring! Shoot, give me a mechanic Barbie, a doctor Barbie, you name it, I believed she could do anything! I mean Barbie went to college in 1964, so we know she's no fool!

Renee'- At what age did you think that you would like to try modeling - did you think about it first or was it because someone had asked you to be a teen model?

Jene'- I really wanted to try modeling when I was 13-14. And trust me, I was quite the tomboy growing up. Being tall, many times you get the comment "Do you model?" or "You should model!" I had no idea what it was... but heck, if Barbie could do it!?! My husband often tells me, "You could be a model, your exquisite!" (of course he's biased, I think ;-)

Renee'- What was it like growing up in the "hollywood industry"?

Jene'- The stars sparkle high above your head where ever you live. And no matter how tall you are! Growing up in Hollywood was fun, but sometimes lonely. I was a tall girl in a short world. While everything was larger than life around me, I was lost in it's shadow. I felt ostracized and very different than all the other little petite girls around me. I met plenty of glamorous little girls, and used think what the heck am I? I see the serendipity of it all now, and I laugh. What a beautiful thing life is! ;-)

The confident and tall actress, Geena Davis who also started her fab career as a model with Zoli Models has a wonderful website for promoting women role models in film and television, the times are surely changing.

Renee'- Did being tall help you to become more confident in yourself?

Jene'- Not at all. Just the opposite. Many of us tall girls go through this same thing. It took me a long time to learn how to stand tall, and be confident. In any society it's not always good to stand out from the crowd. In my case, it was a purely incidental physical trait. Being tall. Sometimes the crowd will do whatever they can to knock you down. Whether it's a verbal assault or whatever. If you veer from the norm, they'll take their shots!

One of my favorite songs growing up was "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar. I used to kick up that song on my Hello Kitty Radio, grab my Barbie hair brush, and sing it like I was the only teenage girl in the world! (LOL)

But seriously, education is one of my primary goals in life. The accomplishments give me confidence. And knowledge is power. Jene' we luv that line Knowledge Is Power!!

Renee'- What were your first thoughts when someone asked you if you would like to become a teenage model - what did your parents say?

Jene'- I was like, who? Me? Are you kidding? But once I figured out what people were talking about ... it was a great boost of confidence. I sometimes think it could have been the thing to send my life in a different direction, than the misfit teenage years I had. I can see how, with proper guidance, from my parents, and the wonderful advice you give here Renee', it could have given me the confidence I really needed at that age.

To tell the truth, my Mom said, "Yes honey, that sounds like a great idea!" - but she gave me the "Hollywood No" in the end...;-)

*A few tips
*Stand Tall
*Shoulders back
*Head held high
*Smile
*Teenage modeling is the 2nd largest market for a model. Juniors known in the industry can work as a teenage model from l3 - 24 depending on your height and look!

We had so much fun chatting with Jene' about teenage modeling she has a great wit and personality and she is a Tall Beauty! Oh and Jene' Barbie was a big fave here too!

Visit Jene's COOL website: TallWomenRevolt.com, where all the tall girls hang out. They say there's some Revolution going on over there, but I swear I've never seen Jene' in one of those white wigs. She promotes open discussion about being tall, and being a woman. Look for her Tall Girl Shopping Revolution, a new way you can shop for tall women's clothing.

 

Visit Jene' at Tall Women Revolt Here

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