DYSMD v3 Interviews: Driven Beauty - Love is the intensity of Passion

Interviews

JOlie Benoit
Driven Beauty - Love is the intensity of Passion

Hit TV shows like "America's Top Model" hosted by Tyra Banks are opportunities for woman to be discovered and has leveraged the runway to be noticed or discovered. Opportunities on reality shows like fashion runway and your favorite reality series have opened the doors for hundreds of hopefuls to break into the industry. Yet, there are countless stories of defeat and disappointment in one of the most difficult and competitive industries to successfully make it to the top.

Some take there chances with agencies and photographers that sell them dreams into nightmares of failure and then their are some who were born to move on that runway or elegantly and fashionably seduce in front of the camera. JOlie Benoit is just one of those hidden gems to be blessed with this talent and destined to sit at the round table with the world's most beautiful models and projects.

With her elegant and light hint french accent this African/French model began from a young age and has now expanded her personality franchise into her own model management company, business ventures and soon to be cosmetic line and book publishing. You will experience the truth about will, drive and intensity to support and encourage other models to be the same. Read well and enjoy this personal and exclusive interview with JOlie Benoit and discover her accomplished dreams and model to success.

DYSMD: I've known you for almost 2 years. I know you model, fly around the world and quite frankly are highly sought after for your talent. How did you get started?

JOlie Benoit: I was never into modeling, never dreamed to become a model, never cared about modeling until I bumped into it by accident. I was 16 years old at the time and an agency signed me on the spot, I think it was at the mall. I ended up staying with the agency for 6 months then decided to explore bigger and better agencies.

DYSMD: Did you have any doubts in what you were doing and did you have any guidance. If so, who?

JOlie Benoit: I was clueless when I started but I have always been extremely driven. Once I saw that the agencies saw something in me I took off with it. To be honest I was not sure what they saw in me at first. I was really young, extremely skinny and had been made fun of for being too skinny. At first I was confused by it all especially because people would call me "Dancing Manson". I think that's what you call it. It’s that super skinny insect that moves as if it was dancing?

Did I say that right? You know that insect? Its green, long legs and an ugly little thing! Yeah, that was my name and it was horrible. LOL

Once I landed with the first agency I left after 6 months and pretty much launched my career through networking with other agencies. I started making the connections myself.

DYSMD: I think its a "Para-mantis" something like. that...LOL!

JOlie Benoit: Yes, you are right. There goes my English when I need it most. So many words to still learn. Isn't that an ugly insect?

DYSMD: Its a funny looking insect. :) I would have never thought someone would think of you in that way.

After 6 months you did it all yourself through networking and building relationships. What have you accomplished and what would you say are the qualities that supported you achieving this success?

JOlie Benoit: What have I accomplished? More than I could ever dream that I would. As far as qualities...Drive, drive, drive. I am an extremely driven person and I don't like to B.S. I get straight to the point to get things done and accomplished. I'm hard working but that goes hand in hand with being driven.

There is a standard that I have in my head. So until things are done, according to that standard, I continue to make sure that it is accomplished. At the same time being professional is also extremely important along with having manners (thanks to my Mom and Dad).

DYSMD: What are a couple of the assignments that you have been on and which was the most memorable? Including why?

JOlie Benoit: France Magazine because it was a fun shoot, Neiman Marcus; "The Book" opened more doors and 944 Magazine because it was in San Diego. Others include San Diego Magazine, FHM, Maxim and oh, I had this extremely fun shoot for Rockstar energy drink in Hollywood. They blocked the entire street..haha that was fun.

There are so many memorable moments. The billboard for Pink Corset, Essentric Cosmetics... honestly, I cant list them all. Every job adds something new to the experience of being a model. Good and bad that is...haha...and not all jobs are fun and glamorous.

But if I had to pick the top 5 here you go:

Riviera Magazine, Bill Blass Print Ad, Neiman Marcus "The Book", Geigo Print Ad, San Diego magazine, 944 magazine, Toast magazine, Hotel Solamar promotional video, Sobe Gold Ad campaign, Stuff Magazine , Revolt Magazine, Who's your Johnny Print ad, FHM Magazine, Bestique Encore catalogue and BUnique Magazine Alhambra ad

You choose but these are my favorites. The rest of my assignments were OK. Oh yeah, also working for you was fun.

LOL

DYSMD: Seriously, now I have to really think about it. Your portfolio is quite long.... :)

I just have a couple more questions when you are ready to answer them. What do you plan on taking your career from here?

JOlie Benoit: Hpnotik Models Co. is my first baby (www.hpnotikmodels.com). It’s a model and talent management company booking models and talent from fashion print work, runway, TV, film to spokes modeling work and special events.

It would have been great to have someone walk me through it all when I first started in the fashion industry. So that is what I do for my girls. I also opened Glam Hair Solutions (www.glamhairsolutions.com) the best fashion and hair solutions for today's women and men. A place where every woman and man can experience the luxury side of hair. Everything you can possibly think of that deals with having fabulous, gorgeous beautiful hair.

I have so many projects and many things that I will be working on. I'm excited and looking forward to them all. I wish I could split myself to get everything done. I'm getting ready to publish my poetry book as well working on establishing my cosmetic line which will be sold exclusively at GlamHairSolutions.com

If you don't stop me I will keep going. :)

DYSMD: Okie dokie.....at the least lets finish the interview with one last question. What kind of advice would you suggest to aspiring models who have no clue on how, when or where to start?

JOlie Benoit: I still have aspiring models wanting to get info on how to get into the modeling business. My advice is to go straight to the agencies and stay away from all of those modeling classes that are only after your money including those modeling companies that require monthly fees. Using a straightforward approach by going directly to the agency will save you time, money and give you a clear path of direction. If five agencies say no try the 6th and 7th agency. Each agency is looking for something specific and just because one is not interested in you, doesn't mean that you don’t have what it takes.

However, be realistic and honest with yourself. If they all give you the same response and you've seen over 50 agencies, re-evaluate yourself and see if you even have what it takes to be a model. People have these unrealistic dreams about becoming models and fail to understand that just like not everyone can become a doctor or a lawyer, not everyone can be a model.

So stay focused and try something like promotional modeling which is more forgiving on body stats.

I am sorry if I'm a bit harsh but I see so many people walking into my office but refuse to understand that modeling is not for everyone. It is also crucial to have a backup plan. Don’t quit school to model, that’s not smart at all. If you are valued by your agency they will also value your schooling.

Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable doing and do not feel pressure to do anything. Money should never be your motivator with something you don't feel comfortable doing. Stay focused, professional, never show up late to any booking and have a great personality with no diva attitude....haha!

Always remember that everything in the fashion industry is not glitz and glam.

DYSMD: This all makes 100% sense. It is work ethic, experience, hard work and relationships. I see this is as valuable knowledge. Thank you, JOlie!

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