Kicking To the Top

“I was just walking in Roosevelt Field Mall,” said 15 year-old William Benitez. “That's how this all began, and now I love it.” William is referring to being scouted by Nijah / New Faces Development, and the speed in which he began securing photo shoots. His official career as a model began in April and since then, he has booked clients that even seasoned models would admire, such as editorials in Family Circle and an ad for Puma.

“I didn't know what to expect. I liked sportswear, because that's what was familiar to me,” said Benitez. William is no stranger to sports; he's an accomplished soccer player, playing for the last four years. He plays two positions: forward and midfielder. “I'm open to anything now, but I wasn't always. I'm a shy person naturally, but the Nijah / New Faces Development team helped me break out of my shell. They've developed me into a model that agents want to book. I'm doing so well.”

William absolutely raves about the Nijah / New Faces Development team. “The Nijah / New Faces Development helped me take great photos and become a sought-after model. Now I'm meeting new people and experiencing everything that comes along with this.” He is currently working with two agencies and hopes his growing portfolio will catapult him to stardom like his heroes: Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. When discussing the coincidence that the three of them are soccer-playing models, William is well aware. “I know that, and it's so cool. I feel that with every opportunity, I'm getting closer to them.”