Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Palermo.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since the time that I was a young girl, I developed a passion for modeling and being in front of the camera. Although I have had this passion for years, I did not start developing it until May of 2020. A friend of mine asked if I could help out with modeling to jump-start his photography business, which in turn rekindled the flame of my passion for modeling. When he posted that photoshoot on his social media, I was immediately contacted by a local photographer looking to do some street fashion shots in the area. I am a pretty reserved person so meeting up with a random photographer that contacted me on Instagram was way out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, I took the leap of faith and met Santiago Traverso (@travers_photos). We instantly connected and became not only friends but a powerful duo in the modeling world. Since then, I have been contacted by many local photographers to do collaboratives and spokes modeling.
I never knew modeling would play such a key role in my life. I grew up in a conservative, Christian home and my parents did not want to expose me to the ways of the modeling industry. I also grew up with a lot of insecurities and self-doubt that I would never measure up with so many beautiful in the world. I have grown so much as a person and as a confident woman. I look at modeling to be my outlet to express myself and to create beautiful pieces of art with other creatives. Modeling has pushed me not only as an individual but also as an artist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
These last few months, even through the craziness of COVID-19, has been the smoothest this ride has ever been. My road has been a very rocky one. It has been filled with lots of highs but plenty of lows as well. I grew up with a lot of insecurities in myself. I struggled with a lot of self-doubt and self-worth but a lot of that was due to bullying when I was growing up for how I looked. I was bullied all throughout my middle/high school years. It was a really rough time being told that you aren’t beautiful or you won’t measure up.
I have also been through a couple abusive relationships. That double standard of, “Yes, you are beautiful but no, you are not allowed to express yourself with your looks or body.” It was hard trying to understand what was so awful about wanting to be a model, but I realized that it was a control tactic. But, if this road has taught me anything, it is that I am a strong, passionate woman. In May of 2020, I decided enough was enough. I was done putting my passions and dreams aside for people who could care less about my happiness or well-being. Modeling has always been a passion of mine that I never allowed myself to surface because of the lies that had been spoken over me and that I believed. Although it has been an incredibly hard road to finally get to being a model and expressing myself in this way, it has been a road well worth it because of what I have learned. I know what I want in life and I am running to it full force.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I am a freelance model based out of Central Florida. I have a growing Instagram account (@emmmpal) and an online portfolio that I have been working on since last summer. I am best known for my street photography, brand modeling, and spokes modeling. I have been perfecting my craft for almost a year now. Some of my best work would have to be with Santiago Traverso (@traverso_photos). I give all the credit to Santiago for making me a reputable model. We have been called the “Dynamic Duo” for our flavorful street photography.
I believe what sets me apart from the others is my personality and my willingness to work with photographers to create both of our visions. I am very professional and hard-working, but I will also allow my personality to show through my photos. I take life experiences and through them into a photoshoot so that real and true emotion is captured. I am proud of the growth that my modeling has taken over the last few months. Since starting in May of 2020, I have been contacted by many different photographers in the local area to do brand shooting or spokes modeling for different companies. Currently, I am looking to start diving into more fashion-driven photography. I am looking to make modeling my full-time career. I have been working hard to make this a reality for myself.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The way I look at this is simple. I have a three-year-old daughter who is passionate even at this young age about everything she does. Although she is young, I can see her watching me as a model and started to take interest. She is also passionate about dancing and singing. I would tell anyone exactly what I tell my daughter. “Be authentically beautiful.” This is the “catchphrase,” if you will that I live by and am now teaching my daughter. It is a rough world out there where everyone is trying to look like the person next to them, but if life has taught me anything, it is to be the most authentic, genuine version of yourself. That’s who people are going to notice and fall in love with.
I would also say the beginning stages are rough, not going to lie. There will always be someone more qualified then you, someone who fits the role better, etc. but that does not mean that there is not a role out there for you. You have to find you in this industry. Once you master being confident in who you are and what you have to bring to the table, the possibilities are endless. It might take a little bit of time and you might have to go through a long learning process, but that’s how you become the best. Absorb it like a sponge. Connect with people. Go to the free photoshoots. Trust me; if I could give any piece of advice, it would be to interact with as many people as possible. This industry thrives on connection-based relationships. Authentic, genuine relationships are what I strive for in my career as a model because one genuine connection will lead to the next. Don’t be fake; just be authentically beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Email: emilypalermomodel@gmail.com
- Website: www.emilypalermomodel.com
- Instagram: emmmpal
- Facebook: Emi M Palermo
Image Credits
Santiago Traverso
