May I Have Your Attention, Please?

Before signing with a prominent New York children's agency, the talented thirteen-year old was just an every-day kid at Roosevelt Field Mall. Even though Noni has “been interested in taking pictures and modeling since I was seven,” she had to first get through her skeptical mother before her career could ever begin.

The story is all too familiar: a budding entertainer attends a local modeling event and it sparks their interest. When Noni told her mother Tanya, the first reaction was less than positive. “I thought it was foolish, and Noni was devastated,” said Tanya, “but I think it planted the seed to get more information for both of us.” 

On that faithful trip to the mall, the opportunity presented itself in the form of a Nijah / New Faces Development scout. After meeting the professionals at Nijah / New Faces Development, Tanya gave in to her daughter, but Noni was surprised by what it took. “I liked the attention of it all. I thought it would be an easy thing to just take pictures or walk around. I discovered how much hard work it is. You're not just going to be able to walk on a stage or star in a movie. It takes hard work and practice,” said Noni.

Does Tanya think she made the right choice? “Thank goodness for everyone at Nijah / New Faces Development. They really pushed and motivated her. They did so much for her. She's come out of her shell, and they saw her potential.”

Noni, who is a Justin Bieber and Sienna Miller fan, still dreams of pursuing a career in journalism and modeling as a career. Her singing dreams are beginning to take flight as she was recently tapped to join an all-female group called the Love Jonez Girls. We expect exciting things from her in the future!