Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma Bryan . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emma , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
When I was 14, I was watching the popular tv series America’s Next Top Model. As I watched these incredible models work and create, the thought “I could do that” popped into my head. Almost immediately, I shut it down. I could never do something like that? What am I thinking? You’re not pretty enough? Or skinny enough? Or tall enough? What is wrong with you? But, ever since that moment, I carried the secret dream of becoming a supermodel in the back of my mind.
I continued growing up with this dream in the back of my head. Throughout middle school and high school, I was so shy and lacked so much confidence that this dream stayed exactly how it was, just a dream. Then, I graduated from college with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry, ready for my well deserved year off from higher level education to rest and reset my brain and body from the constant stress of college. During this time, I started working at a local restaurant, doing some minor studying for the MCAT exam, and realized that I really needed to start seeking help from a counselor. Undergraduate schooling had a much greater effect on my mental health than I thought. Throughout this time, the 14-year-old who dared to dream of a modeling career was still there, patiently waiting for her time to shine.
After some time in therapy, I decided to take a leap of faith and get some images taken by a local photographer for a portfolio and started applying for castings I found online. All of a sudden, I receive a message in my inbox to work with a photographer from Greenville for a showcase. Chamcee Blackwell took a chance on me, which is all I needed in order to go for my dream. Just one chance. We did our shoot together, which was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, and while there he told me that I should look into the highly sought out Coco Rocha Model Camp. I had heard of the camp before and dreamed of being able to attend and learn from her. After my shoot with Cham, I told myself to just go for it. What’s the harm in applying? Who knows what can happen. I got some images that I took myself together that might work in a portfolio and sent in my application.
To my surprise, Coco had personally messaged me saying that she had seen my page and that she would love to host me for the in person camp in NYC. THE Coco Rocha saw potential in me and wanted to work with me. To say I cried was an understatement. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited, yet so terrified for something in my life. What a HUGE opportunity. The 14-year-old girl who dared to dream this dream was screaming inside me. I packed my bags and attended camp in October of 2023.
This camp was where I completely transformed and found my confidence and self-esteem. Coco and her team make a point to show the guys and girls involved in the camp that this camp is a safe space. Try something new. Cry. Scream. Do something out of your comfort zone. We laughed, we cried, we screamed, and, of coursed, we modeled our butts off. It was the most exhausting, magical experience. I walked out of that camp as a completely different person that I know the 14-year-old Emma is so proud of. Turns out, dreaming is just another form of planning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I like to think of myself as a “Jack of all trades.” Or rather, a “Jaclyn of all trades.” I am an incredibly hardworking and driven individual that is reliable, dependable, kind, and a damn good model. There are so many things that I am passionate about that I have had the opportunity to pursue because of this drive and need to succeed.
As far as my academic and nonprofit career goes, I have had the honor to serve as an AmeriCorps Member for 2 consecutive years since graduating from undergrad. I currently serve at a nonprofit free medical clinic in Charleston, SC where I scribe for one the providers, assist patients with their chronic hypertension and diabetes management, advocate for patients, and have worked on multiple administrative projects for the clinic, such as the Immunization Project and the Women’s Health Project. Both of which I am working on getting Journal articles published for.
Once my service is complete, I plan to continue to volunteer at the clinic as a general office volunteer and begin studying for my MCAT exam, which I will be taking in the fall. After this, I will be beginning my medical school application and interview process, where I have the end goal of becoming an OB/GYN.
In order to satisfy my need for creativity and to continue following my modeling dream, I have dove head first into the modeling industry. I have made so many amazing connections in Charleston through Facebook groups, Instagram content, and word of mouth self promotion. My instagram (@emmabryann) is definitely the platform I am most involved in, but I have also created a YouTube channel and TikTok (@emmabryanl) to document my progress in the modeling world. These platforms have also been a great space for me to have fun and scratch the creative itch my right brain constantly has. I also am consistently on the hunt for open casting calls and applications to find the right modeling and talent agency to represent me, which I have the goal to get signed by an agency by the end of 2024.
My next big event that I am super excited for is the “Elixir of Love” Showcase by Chamcee Blackwell taking place on April 18th and 19th in Greenville, SC where there will be a silent auction on all of the incredible images Cham and I worked on together so many months ago. I also am constantly posting content to my YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok with hopes that they will continue to grow and get my name out there.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the three qualities that were most impactful to me on my modeling journey is the courage to chase my dreams, my hard work ethic and determination, and my kindness and personality. Having a combination of theses things have allowed me to make incredible connections within this industry and I am so grateful to every photographer, make up artist, creative director, and stylist who took a chance on me and saw something special within me. My advice for those that are early in their modeling journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve their modeling career is to be a cup that is always half full. There is always more to learn in this industry and its important to constantly upgrade your artistry.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I have an entire village of people who have helped me overcome challenges and encourage me to grow. My family have been so supportive of me and consistently encourage me to follow my dreams. Having my moms, dads, and sisters support means everything to me. My friends have also been my backbone throughout this journey. I tend to be my own worst critic because I know my true potential and my friends always know how to snap me out of it when I’m being too critical of myself or are having a difficult day. Susan Luca, Audrey Sevin, Tia Murawski, Anna O’Shea, and Gracie McLeod are my biggest fans. I love them and all of the other amazing friends who support me more than words can describe and I am so grateful to have them in my life. I think the person to have the greatest impact though is Chamcee Blackwell. He was the first photographer willing to work with me and he has been such a fantastic resource and person to work with. I am forever grateful for his advice and wisdom as I navigate this industry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: emmabryann
- Youtube: Emma Bryan
- Other: TikTok: emmabryanl
Image Credits
Russ G Photography, Justin J, Coco Rocha Model Camp, Emma Bryan
