We were lucky to catch up with Alex Follas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive through downtime and new experiences. I find that taking the time to be creative for just me is the most important. I don’t have to share it with anyone. I get the freedom and comfort to go at my own pace or switch it up. Sometimes it looks like putting my headphones on and dancing in my room. Other times it is singing or self-portrait photography. There is no agenda and I have complete control. I just go with what I’m feeling at the moment. I also tend to feel inspired when I experience new things. I love learning new skills and meeting people. Every new thing adds a little more perspective and understanding of the world around me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a runway and fashion model here in Southern California. I have been modeling for about seven years now. I started my modeling career when I was 16 years old. Etirsa Inniss, a runway and empowerment coach helped to ignite my passion for the runway. My first runway lessons were with her. After that I joined acting and modeling classes at Tower Talent Studio West. I was fortunate enough to train with Jim Crawford there for a few years to fine tune my runway walk and skills. Being a freelance model has taught me a lot of important lessons about advocating for myself and my abilities. It has also provided me with a sense of control over my schedule especially with my academics. In 2020 I received my Associates Degree from San Diego Mesa College. I am currently on track to graduate SDSU this spring with a Bachelors in Business Administration. My studies have brought a lot of understanding of the business side of productions, and as a result I have a greater appreciation for the inner workings of every show.
I also teach runway classes at Tower Talent Studio West. It is such an honor to come back and teach at the studio that helped me get started. I coach a wide range of ages, from kids to adults. Every age group has its own special aspects. When coaching the younger kids and teens, you not only get to watch them grow as artists but you get to see them grow as people. It is so rewarding to see them gain confidence in themselves and to form friendships with each other. They are just starting to get a sense of themselves and their passions and it is truly wonderful to be a part of that. With my adult class, everyone has a different background and various levels of experience in performing arts. With life experience comes different approaches to the runway, and I love it. They are so supportive of each other in and out of the classroom.
I find the most exciting thing about the fashion world is the people. In this industry, you are constantly working with new people and each photoshoot and show has its own unique and irreplaceable dynamic. You also see a lot of familiar faces at events as well. There is a sense of assurance and confidence when you go to a new casting or booking and your favorite people are there. It makes you feel at home and excited to be there. I find that people in this industry are extremely supportive, passionate and inspired. It is so much fun because we all feed off of each other’s creativity; that is what makes each show or photoshoot unique.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three skills that have been the most impactful in my journey are networking, organization and motivation.
In any industry, but especially this one, networking is key. It can be daunting if you are someone who is reserved or shy, but the more you do it, the more confidence you will gain. Taking public speaking or communications classes will definitely help build and strengthen the necessary skills for networking. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or nervous when talking to new people. I’ve learned that pretty much everyone else is just as worried about making a good impression. Which means they are likely to understand you more.
Organization is so important to be physically and mentally prepared! I like to keep all of my things in a central area. Since I am always on the go, I keep my model bag in my car. I have a variety of basic heels and undergarments in my bag at all times so that I am prepared for any outfit. I also try to keep my business card or a comp card on me in case a potential opportunity pops up. Keeping an updated calendar is extremely helpful to prevent overextending oneself.
Motivation is necessary to move forward. You get used to hearing more no’s than yes’s and that can be discouraging. It takes time and experience to build your success and if you are not motivated, it is hard to move forward. I have found the meaningful moments in my work come from artists motivating and uplifting each other. The encouragement makes a difference in the art that we create.
My advice to others is to put yourself out there. Don’t give in to self-doubt and don’t hold yourself back from doing what you love. If you are like me, there are times that your inner critic can bring you down and keep you from reaching your full potential. Learn to control your inner critic. Let it out just enough to learn and improve your skills, but don’t let it take control. Build yourself up, you are deserving of it!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents have supported my dream from the very start. I am so thankful to them for that. This industry was completely foreign to my parents when I first started, but they believed in me and have been an incredible support system for me to this day. When I was first starting out, my dad would drive me to the studio for classes after school, and to auditions and castings on the weekends. After every audition, whether I felt it was successful or not, we would talk about how it went. Even to this day there are times when I am frustrated, and my mom reminds me that everything that is meant to be happens in its own time. She is 100% right but sometimes I lose sight of that and need their perspective.
Before I was 18, my mom had to be with me backstage for the runway shows. She was right there with me learning all of the things that go into making a show spectacular. She quickly became a pro backstage with quick changes. She still accompanies me to those shows and helps everyone backstage. I think in a way we have become a package deal for those shows. The fact that she still enjoys being a part of the backstage excitement makes me really happy. It made me realize she didn’t just accompany me early on because she had to, she also wanted to be a part of that journey with me.
My parents try to make all the shows they can. I know not everyone has parents who are local or are interested in seeing the runway shows, so I am extra thankful to have their support. They really mean a lot to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @alexfollasmodeling
Image Credits
Louie Gonzalez Dena Meeder Jim Sullivan Eduardo Daniel Ramirez Krista King Kevin Cole Portraiture By Christopher Xi Zeng Betty Chavira
