Clicking heels against the runway floor and outfits flowing in the slight breeze. Big smiles and perfect hair shine in the spotlight. All eyes are on her as she struts down the runway, confidence radiating from every point. For sophomore Aleksae Watson, this is just an average day at work.

Her interest for modeling started around the age of 11 when photographers started asking her to do photo shoots, reaching out to her after her first professional shoot in Houston. From there, other photographers saw her online profiles and portfolios and were interested in photo shoots, and other opportunities arose from there on out, Watson explained. Though she said she hadn’t really thought about modeling professionally, she decided to go for it and give modeling a chance.

“I went for it and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Watson said. “I forget about everything and enjoy the moment, have the most fun, and am able to express myself. [Modeling] has exposed me to experiences I would not have had otherwise, [such as] working with designers, photographers, hair [and] makeup stylist[s], and making friends in other states. It’s taught me how to apply makeup properly, prepare a resume, and appropriately address topics during an interview.”

Modeling became a more important aspect of her life when she was recruited by the Neal Hamil Agency. She has been working with them for about two and a half years now. Her future could also include her signing on with Discover Management and Mazza Models.

“It feels very honorable [to be a part of the Neal Hamil Agency], and my dreams of becoming a model have started coming true ever since I signed with them,” Watson said. “Without my agents, I wouldn’t be able to go to auditions and photo shoots like I have been going to.”

 So far she has had modeling opportunities all throughout Texas, in New York City and Los Angeles.

“I really like to travel because you get to see all these cool and interesting new things that sometimes aren’t here in Texas,” Watson said. “Being somewhere new makes life exciting and the adventure of walking and looking around is amazing. The way people dress, talk, and act is just fascinating.”

However, modeling isn’t necessarily all fun and games. According to Watson, it comes with a lot of responsibility and is very competitive. Sometimes it is hard to find a job and models, especially teen models, are always worrying about their appearance.

“Sometimes [not getting the job] makes me wonder what I’m doing wrong, but if I think about it, not every job is for me,” Watson said. “I won’t get every gig or job I audition for, that’s how it is in the industry. It’s not easy so you can’t let it get to you.”

Despite the issues Watson faces, she said she has learned to stay positive. She likes to focus on her strengths, which include, but are not limited to, posing, following directions and the famous runway walk. 

“[My strengths make me] feel proud and accomplished,” Watson said. “[They] make me more confident about what I’m doing, and the pictures or runway show turn out better. It’s an amazing feeling and just, in general, puts me in such a good mood.”

In the end, Watson said modeling is just another way to express what a person is passionate about. Whether one feels confident in their clothes, make-up, hairstyle, or heels, they are representing themselves.

“Modeling isn’t always about being the prettiest or who has the best figure,” Watson said. “It’s about what the designer or the people hiring the model are looking for. You’ll always hear more no’s than yes’. So for anyone aspiring to be a model, don’t give up and go shoot your shot. When it comes to choosing your agency, you can be as picky as they are. They represent you as much as you represent them.