Weekly Reporter: Shailah Edmonds

As a former high fashion model who turned her talents into assisting others, Shailah Edmonds now shares her knowledge of the runway with models. Shailah spent most of her life traveling the globe as a couture model, working with Yves St. Laurent, Armani, Valentino and Versace, to name a few. Now retired from the runway, Edmonds shares her industry savvy with teens, developing their presence as top models.

What is the benefit of development?
I’ve been in this business about 30 years and I give the models the guidance I wished I had when I began.

What kind of services are you providing the models?
I work with girls not simply on technical skills, such as walking and projecting an image, but developing a personality of inner confidence and belief. As the models go through development, they transform. Even for the girls who have been signed by a major agency, I tell them even though they have experience in the industry, continuing to develop will only help them improve.

What is the biggest misconception about runway?
That all it's made of is knowing how to walk. It's more than that. It's your hair, your body position, your physical shape--there’s a lot of things to know, to get into and remain in this business.

How important is seeking out assistance when you're beginning in this industry?
It’s very important when you're growing as a model. Modeling experience is not something you are born with. I continued to look for development, even after I walked a few runways. It’s tough doing it on your own. It’s important to have someone tell you that what you are doing is right or wrong. Your errors are not something you can always see for yourself.

When looking at top models on the runway, most people only notice that their grace, confidence and energy are irreplaceable in the fashion world. High fashion models have an exciting, alluring presence that isn’t easily imitated. Rarely do people consider how hard the models work to develop those skills. It's far from natural ability. You have to be cut out for this business, and to walk the runway you need to have confidence and skills. It all begins with the right development and dedication.