On Saturday, September 14, Top Choice Models launched their latest ad campaign “Be You.” This campaign aims to spread the message of self- confidence by encouraging everyone to love themselves and pursue their dreams.
The campaign was started as a way to help people overcome the pressures of the industry and everyday life. The constant need of “fitting in” can be damaging to one’s self confidence leading to a negative lifestyle of anorexia, bulimia, drugs, and/or suicide; taboo issues that at times are overlooked. Top Choice Models states, “Our campaign aims to inspire those that have doubt, insecurities, and extreme disbelief in themselves. We desire to motivate the masses to take action, think outside the box, and connect with their inner self.”
The creativity and energy on set was at an all-time high. To reflect different personalities each model played their own character from, hipster to glam girl. Model Katt Montel rocked a colorful mohawk, while Renata Bolotova sported a trendy floral print blazer and matching shorts. The photo-shoot incorporated stereotypical personalities to represent everyday people. The message behind the photo-shoot was to stay true to who you are. Whether you are that hipster guy or the glam girl, it is important to “ Be You.”
Founder and CEO of the agency, Syrah Scott, reveals the importance of knowing who you are and empowering yourself. In 2006 this former engineering student made the switch to fashion, choosing to pursue something she loved. “We really have to look within ourselves and ask, what is my purpose in life? Why am I here? What should I be doing? What will make me happy?” said Scott. “I looked within myself and found that fashion was my passion. It was a struggle. [...] but Now I am so happy. I am doing what I love and helping people while doing it.” She is able to help people not only pursue their dreams, but also encourage them to love themselves for who they are.
Top Choice Models’ #BeYou campaign provides a platform for those who want to express themselves and share their story. Model Lina Weiss describes her personal battle with anorexia and bulimia stating, “I was going through a period where I had to love myself again.” She goes on to explain that there’s a lot of pressure within the media and that magazines display a false idea of how women should look. “Don’t think about what others want you to be, just be yourself. If you’re confident you will be beautiful,” said Weiss. Lina reveals that getting back in touch with her body through yoga helped a lot, but therapy and support from friends and family were also important key factors.
In a world of “photo-shop and airbrush”, it is hard to remember that super stars and supermodels are regular people just like you and I. Learning to accept yourself for who you are can be challenging, especially in a scrutinized world where everyone is constantly aiming for perfection. As part of the campaign, Top Choice Models will be visiting high schools to speak with students and share their inspirational stories and spread their message of accepting and embracing oneself. This seminar will give students a chance to hear real stories and encouraging messages from people in the entertainment industry. These worldwide seminars will start in Coney Island, New York at “Liberation” High School.
Top Choice Models has developed a scholarship fund called the, “Be You” Entrepreneurial Scholarship, in which one student aspiring to be an entrepreneur will be given a $50,000 scholarship to attend a college of their choice. The student will be selected based on their academic and/or artistic achievement and overall character.
Top Choice Model’s will present this award at their “Be Discovered” Gala event taking place on February 11, 2014. To follow Top Choice Models on their “#BeYou” journey visit the Top Choice Models Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook pages. Always providing a platform to help dreams come true, we can’t wait to see what Top Choice Models has in store next!