💚My Experience as a Runway Idol Contestant💚
Where do I even begin!?
One day I was scrolling through Facebook, when an ad for Runway Idol popped up. I wasn't really sure what to think of it. BUT, I made a promise to myself at the beginning of this year that I was going to stop overthinking things, take chances and just GO FOR IT! Plus, I had answered an ad for another reality TV series before, and it turned out to be the BEST experience of my life. So, I figured, Why the hell not with this? I decided I was going to go all in at this point, even if I had my doubts, up until I actually arrived in Miami and reality sunk in that this was really happening.
Fast forward to my Zoom casting audition, and omg, I thought I totally bombed it. I barely had any room to walk, and halfway through my runway walk, my heel came off! I got off that Zoom thinking, well, there goes that opportunity. So, imagine my surprise when I got a callback. The funniest part? They didn't even notice that my heel came off. Only I did. Lol.
Off the bat, Denise and Jeremy were AMAZING! Their kindness, patience, encouragement and calming personalities immediately helped put my nerves at ease. From our initial Zoom meetings, to arriving in Miami and throughout filming, I always felt welcomed and supported by them and their whole team.
Of course, being the very first season, there were some kinks to work out, particularly with scheduling and production timing. There were moments when things took longer than anticipated, but I also think that, as contestants, we don't always realize just how much work goes into producing a reality TV show. There are so many moving parts and things happening behind the scenes that we don't see. This experience definitely gave me a greater appreciation for everything involved in putting a production like this together. From what I noticed, I truly believe the team did their best and they should be proud of what they accomplished in Season 1!
One of the BEST parts of this whole experience was the PEOPLE!! Meeting so many amazing individuals from different backgrounds, hearing their stories, sharing laughs, supporting one another, and making friendships along the way was something I'll never forget. We came to Miami as strangers but left with memories and connections that made this experience SO much more special.
And something I never expected!? The opportunities that have come from being part of Runway Idol. The connections I've made have already opened new doors for me in the modeling and fashion industry, and I'm excited to see where those opportunities lead. As someone who only returned to modeling a little over a year ago after putting that dream on hold for more than 30 years, this means so much to me.
Overall, I'm incredibly grateful for my Runway Idol experience. Was it smooth sailing the whole way through? No, but I wouldn't expect a first-season production to be without a few bumps along the way. What stood out to me most was the dedication of the team, the people I met, the growth and confidence I gained personally and professionally and the opportunities that have come so far from taking this chance.
A huge THANK YOU to Denise, both Jeremys, and the entire production team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of something so special. I'm proud to have been part of the very first season and can't wait to see how Runway Idol continues to grow!
So, would I do it all over again? Abso-****ing-lutely!! In a heartbeat.
And to think, I almost counted myself out because of a damn heel!
If you want to know what really happens on Season 1, then tune in on Amazon, Roku and AppleTV this Winter to find out!
