Meet Zelda Polk

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zelda Polk. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zelda below.

Hi Zelda, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I’ve learned to embrace being the only one in the room who looks like me. At times, I actually welcome it because it pushes me to perform at my highest level. I want to stand out not because of my skin color or gender, but because of my work ethic, professionalism, and the value I bring.
These environments keep me sharp and drive my ongoing growth and development. I recognize that access to certain rooms requires both qualification and connection and connections to people willing to say your name. That’s why I prioritize networking, building genuine relationships, and continually developing my skills. By doing so, I ensure that opportunities continue to open, and when I am in those spaces, I’m prepared to excel and leave a lasting impression.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a Model Coach, but my expertise extends far beyond teaching runway and posing. That’s why I call myself “The Business Model” because I bring both the corporate and creative sides together in one skill set.

With several decades in corporate America, primarily in mental health–focused organizations, I developed strong administrative, managerial, and team-building skills. At the same time, I spent over 15 years in the performing arts singing in church choirs, providing background vocals for bands, performing in stage plays, and modeling for five years. These dual experiences shaped the foundation of my coaching approach today.

In 2022, after leaving my corporate role, I pivoted into entrepreneurship and fully embraced my path as a Model Coach. I now work with both individual models and companies. For models, I provide industry education and hands-on training in runway, posing, and professional development. For companies, I serve as a Model Coordinator, assisting with castings, model management, and event execution.

My collaborations include brands and organizations such as Belk, Lake Square Mall, ML Events UK, UTG Agency, VMAX For One Community and Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs. Through these partnerships, I continue to merge business acumen with creative artistry, empowering models and elevating events with professionalism and vision.

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?

Consistency has been essential. It’s easy to get discouraged or feel like giving up, but I’ve learned that persistence is the only way to achieve meaningful goals. Staying the course, even in difficult moments, has carried me forward.

Letting go of perfectionism has also been transformative. No one is perfect, and striving for it only creates unnecessary stress. Instead, I focus on doing my best. If my best isn’t enough in a particular situation, I either reassess or move on, knowing that opportunity wasn’t meant for me.

A commitment to ongoing learning keeps me sharp and relevant. The world is constantly evolving, and stagnation is the enemy of growth. While my core values remain steady, I intentionally leave space for improvement, embracing new knowledge and skills to continue developing.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal clients are aspiring models who are eager to learn, and grow in the industry. I specialize in educating and empowering those just starting out or looking to strengthen their skills in posing and runway.
I offer several coaching options to fit different needs:

Self-learning: Clients can purchase my Freelance Model Guide, which provides step-by-step instruction on building a portfolio, branding, booking jobs, and managing the business side of being an unsigned model. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Direct coaching: For those who prefer hands-on guidance, I offer online coaching sessions and in-person classes throughout the year.

Clients can connect with me by email at [email protected] or by phone at 321-430-8585.

In addition to working with models, I also support fashion show producers and brands by assisting with casting and managing models for events. This allows producers to focus on other aspects of the show while I ensure the models are prepared, organized, and professionally managed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zeelynette.com
• Instagram: @zeelynette
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zeldasmodelingchannel

Image Credits

Main photo by Dstewart Productions
@dstewartproductions

Other images by:
RJ Williams (pics 1-2)
@shotbyrwj

Joseph Massey (pics 3-4)
@josephmassey_photography

Model of the Year Award Pic 5 by:
PX Photography

Group pics with modeling students are personal cell phone images