Singer and Model-in-Training

To 11 year-old Long Island-native Emily Kosiczky, walking the runway isn't just time away from school, but an opportunity she takes seriously. “My favorite thing now is to walk the runway. I really like trying on different clothes and making new friends, but I haven't always been interested in fashion. Now I appreciate it. I like working in fashion. I want to keep trying to get better at it,” said Kosiczky.

Emily and her family were at Roosevelt Field Mall when she was scouted by a member of the Nijah / New Faces Development team. Instead of the natural skepticism some parents feel, Emily's family encouraged her. “When we signed up, it was all or nothing. We went full throttle. We support her career,” said Emily's mother. Aware of the challenges, her parents looked into vocal and acting lessons. Emily was just as passionate. “The experience Nijah / New Faces Development gave me allowed me to discover I want to model and act.”

The Kosiczky's have enjoyed a considerable amount of success with Nijah / New Faces Development. After taking some great photos and getting online exposure, Emily was offered the part of young Jennifer Goodwin in a feature film called “Something Borrowed.” Emily could be seen in two episodes of PBS' kids' series “The Electric Company,” and she has also done print-work for a major toy retailer. Emily's mother said of the experience, “it's exciting and surreal. To see your child enjoying an industry that you're told is so brutal and competitive. It just means it's possible.”

Emily has performed for a long time and will be traveling to Los Angeles for pilot season. “I've always loved to sing and I've write my own songs. I enjoy all of it, and I want to follow it through to the end.” As for not getting every casting or gig, she doesn't get discouraged. “There is another side of it, I know. Sometimes you're the wrong size or your hair color won't work. But I don't let that get me down.”

With Nijah / New Faces Development's continued development and support, Emily has lofty goals. “One day I'll be Miley Cyrus or Amanda Bynes!”