Having What it Takes

“I've always thought of this moment. I always thought 'I have what it takes' to get here,” said newly signed Rachel Conefry, a mixture of celebration and readiness after receiving her first major modeling contract with VNY. Rachel will also be working with Elite Miami in the Fall 2010. “That is what this business is about: Having what it takes. Believing, and having confidence in, yourself.”

Rachel had an interest in modeling since the age of 18, but she also knew that she couldn't do it alone. Even while she worked a full-time job, modeling remained the dream. She knew that in order for her to make it, she had things she would have to work on first. “I'm not the average pretty girl, so I knew I might have a harder time than most breaking into the industry. I didn't have a clue how to start, but I became aware of Nijah / New Faces Development after they were highly recommended through a family friend. They were right about them, too, because Nijah / New Faces Development showed me what I was supposed to be doing. They improved my weaker areas,” said Conefry. “When I started improving, I felt like I really had a shot at making it. I didn't know about modeling events or the opportunities I should be exposed to, but they provided me with that, when I was ready.”

Now that Nijah / New Faces Development placed her with boutique agency VNY, the possibilities are endless. “I want to model Victoria Secret one day, and I'm ready to move to the city,” she said of her goals. Rachel also has an interest in acting and doesn't want to be limited to simply modeling. “Some of the women I look up to in this industry are natural beauties with many dimensions to them: Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts and Jessica Biel. Jessica is near to my heart because I know she got her start at the IMTA,” gushed Conefry.

“Development is about educating and challenging yourself to improve. It was just six months ago that I was nervous and anxious about navigating this industry, now I feel like there is nothing I cannot accomplish. Nijah / New Faces Development made this all possible.”