Today we’d like to introduce you to Zelda Polk
Hi Zelda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I stumbled into modeling quite unexpectedly. In 2020, my life took a dramatic turn. I was grappling with some of the most challenging times in my personal life, battling depression and other high-stress situations. Adding to my grief, the world was in the midst of a global pandemic. As lockdown restrictions began to ease, I looked for something positive to focus on. I came across an ad for a fashion show casting call. Modeling had always been a dream of mine, but I never pursued it due to being bullied in school and having low self-esteem and confidence. Despite my doubts, I convinced myself to attend the casting call. To my surprise, I was selected as one of the models. We trained for three months to prepare for the show. On February 6th, 2021, I officially launched my modeling career by walking in that show “Drip the Runway”. It felt like a divine date of destiny. From that one show, I started receiving inquiries from photographers and companies wanting to book me for modeling jobs.
I never imagined it would go this far. However, it became the catalyst for my self-healing journey. It also became the vehicle that led me to discover my purpose: to educate and empower others through self-love and self-care. Today, I inspire others as a Model Coach, teaching them to love themselves and training them on various aspects of being a freelance model.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel truly blessed that most of my modeling journey has been smooth. I’ve had a lot of support and key people who have taught me about the red flags and how to avoid scams in the industry. I also believe that entering the field as a mature adult has been beneficial. With age and life experience comes wisdom, which has helped me to be less impressionable than younger people just starting out. Of course, I’ve faced some struggles along the way, such as working on projects with unprofessional people, dealing with platforms that expect models to work for free, and being overlooked for jobs simply because I wasn’t tall enough, despite being just as or even more talented than the selected models. But that’s okay. I’ve learned how to handle rejection. What is meant for me will always find its way to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ZeeLynette Services?
Zeelynette Services is my professional modeling brand. Through this sole proprietorship, I offer Model Coaching, Model Coordinator Services, and Virtual Assistant tasks. As a Model Coach, I provide individual runway training sessions or group classes, teaching students how to walk the runway using industry-standard techniques. As a Model Coordinator, I assist production teams with casting and managing models for their events. As a Virtual Assistant, I handle various tasks such as creating Model Comp Cards, Media Kits, Resumes, and drafting documents.
I am known for my professionalism and commitment to excellence. What sets me apart is I have over 20 years of corporate experience, which allows me to deliver services in a highly administrative yet customer-friendly manner. I also have over 10 years of stage performing which I incorporate in runway performances as well as I teach stage presence to other models. This home-based service has grown over the years, and I am proud to have served clients such as Bella Faire Event Productions, VMAX For One Community, Lake Square Mall, and UTG Agency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zeelynette.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeelynette/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zeldasbeautychannel
- Other: https://a.co/d/7UP24V5
Image Credits
Personal Photo by: Josephy Massey Photography
Image 1. RJ Nelson Photography
2. Battle Tested Photography (JJ Battle)
3. Joseph Massey Photography
4. Personal photo from Runway Ready Training Class taught by Zelda Polk
5. Battle Tested Photography (JJ Battle)
6. PX Photography
