From a young age, sophomore Emilie Miller has been a natural in front of the camera. Professional modeling, however, is something she has grown very passionate about over the past year since she signed her developmental contract with West Model Management in St. Louis.

“I went to California this summer and signed with Two Model Management, a modeling agency based in Los Angeles,” Miller said. “While I was there I took a bunch of test shots since I had just signed and the trip will hopefully open up many new opportunities and make it more likely to get paid jobs.”

This past July, Miller took the next step in her modeling career by traveling out to California with her mom, Mendi Miller, for two weeks and signing with Two Model Management. She was nervous for this specific shoot in comparison to previous shoots, because it was so different than anything she had done before. This was her first time traveling for a photo shoot instead of staying local.

“The trip gave me hope that she has potential to pursue a career in modeling,” Mendi said. “I also enjoyed being with her for so long, because we had awesome one on one time which can sometimes be difficult with three kids.”

Emilie has lots of support from her family and friends especially her mom who encouraged her to start modeling. When her close friends found out about the trip they could not have been more excited for her, but were slightly upset when they found out that she would be gone for two weeks. One of Emilie’s best friends, Sophia Gabel, who she has been playing volleyball with since fifth grade, was especially excited for her when she found out about the trip.  

“I was so sad when she left, because we were together pretty much everyday,” Gabel said. “I couldn’t feel more happy for her, because she is pursuing something that she loves.”