Hy Tyra,

My daughter is 7 almost 8 and we went to a ProScout meeting last night (9/25/07) in South Bend, IN and I am trying to do research on this company. Can you tell me if you know anything about them. They claim to be legitimate. Please advise.

Hi Tyra
Am writing you regarding my daughter who is considering modeling she have been in her first pagent and won,she has gone to boston with proscout and was asked to stay, when so many didnt make it that was there, but due to a slip and fall that I had she was not able to go further with the event. but since she has been into her modeling we have learned somethings and still learning its not easy, its heart breaking at times and it can be joyful at other times it can be overwhelming one
second and calm the next as a single black mother with 2 daughters it can also be that way for me because everything she gos threw I do also, but am willing too because its her dream to do this, and to go to college for journalism, my other daughter for fashion. Am writing to tell you this because I want to thank you for the advice you give to our young hopefuls out there keeping it real and letting them know that theres always hope and a chance to make it with hard work and determination, my daughter is 16,5'11,and growing and if modeling is not what she ends up doing I stick by her no matter what because she will have grown into a beautiful young women.
So keep doing what you are doing and hopefully it will be for a long time you have so much to offer, I dont think you know just how many young girls you reach your heart out to just by being tyra.
Thank-you and may God bless you always
JoAnne

I have a question in regards to modeling. I have always dreamt of being a model. Many things have prevented me from pursuing when I was younger. I am no 26 and was able to do a photo shoot for St. Louis Bridal Magazine. I had some much fun doing hard work. I would love to do this for the rest of my life. I had the opportunity to meet with pro-scout and they selected me to got to Chicago and meet with 40-50 different agencies. It will cost me $695 plus hotel and travel. I am only 5'2" and know I could do print and any other non runway items. Is it worth it to spend $1000 that I dont' have to pursue this dream?? Should I work on my toning and submit photos to agencies myself? What do you recommend? I watch Top Model all the time, and you talk about so many non model issues and makes me want to pursue modeling even more, I want to show you don't have to be 5'7 to be a model, you may not get to do runway, but you can do many other things. Please ADVISE. I have until 10-2-07 to pay! Thank you Tyra.

Dear Tyra, Hi I am a 21 year old mother of two who has had a dream of becomeing a model since i was 5 years old. I watch both os your shows all the time. I see all these beautiful girls that you have come on America's next top model and i say to my self all the time i wish that that was me. I would love to be able to become a model. I guess what I am asking is could you help me and direct me in the way that I could make my dream come true. And if it does not happen for me than maybe for my children. Tyra you are a Great person.
Love Bridget

If your dream is to be a model and you don't know where to beggin you contact:Mr Travis Johnson at the below e-mail:travisjohnson911@yahoo.com.
From tyrashow.

Thank You

tyra,
i watched that show and it is crazy how some people would go that far and completly expose themselves. i mean i want to be a model i have ever since i was really little i used to listen to my cousin tell her stories about how she was a model, and i used to get so jealous of her i have watched like almost every single America's Next Top Model shows... like i honestly idol you. i have wanted to write you an email but i can never figure out how. see i have a problem i want to be a model but i don't know where to get started and im really short 5'2 to be exact. but i am determined i have the biggest dream ever. i want to make a statement and be the shortest model to ever walk the runway and show everyone that short models can do it and wear high heels and still look just as good. i wanted to try out for America's Next Top Model till i came to the part about the height limit it really sucks i want to have a chance to prove myself but i have no idea how. you make me want to push more and want to prove myself more just cause i believe i could do it. that is what i wanted to tell you in the email.

thank you for helping me keep pushing toward my dream.

sincerly,
leslie

Hey tyra,
whats on my mind? well right now its modeling and how the industry is changing. thanks to people like you plus size models are really getting good exposure. i know there is still a long way to go but i think its great how we are slowly changing our image of what "beautifull" really is. im just a little confused as to the direction its taking. im not saying that plus sized women aren't beautifull and dont deserve the respect they are gaining. i just don't understand why people, society, and even you tyra, are embrassing traits that can possibly be changed. there are always things we can do to loose weight or to tone our bodies. granted they aren't always easy but modeling isn't an easy career to get into no matter what your size. my point is why are you sending the message to love yourself as you are to the people who, for the most part, can improve thier bodies with some hard work but those of us who are putting in the work still have to deal with "not being the right size"? i know this sounds harsh and im not saying that "thick = lazy" i just don't know how else to make my point. im talking about the "vertically challenged" people. this is not something we can work hard to improve, its impossible to change. tyra why is all the focus of "breaking the mold" going to plus sized women?
i hope im not offending anyone, thats not my intention, im just so frustrated. tyra i hope you understand where im coming from and i'd love to hear what you have to say. please, im 5'1" and one day i hope to have the same oppertunities as the plus size ladies. when they hear sorry you're to big for this type of modelling but you are beautifull and should try plus size; i would love hear sorry you're to short for this type of modelling but you should try...... tyra can you fill in this blank? please any feedback would be great... even if you're not tyra... netty707@yahoo.com share your thoughts please!

Tyra,
I have an 8 year old that is very interested in modeling. I recently put her picture on the internet with an agency called NewFaces. Within one day I started recieving calls from a local agency in Raleigh NC by the name of John Casablanca, she was refered to the agency by another. I was told they are a division under Elite modeling. They called me constantly that whole week until I called them back. An audition was set up. At the audition there were a lot of people auditioning. She went through a photo shoot, run way walk, and had to read a commercial script. They chose my daughter to come back and sign on. When we returned for our "call back", they told us about the agency and explained the cost expecting us to make a payment and decide that very moment. Why did they not tell us sooner that we needed to bring between 300 and 1800 dollars for the appointment? Is that the way things go with modeling? Please let me know before I get into something I will not be able to get out of. My daughter cried so hard for hours because financially we are unable to support her dreams. I felt so bad because whatever she would like to try we let her, so this was the first time we were unable to do so. Please, Tyra, give me some advice on how to help my daughter. I know you get millions of emails about modeling and fashion, but could you please help us.
Thanx a million, Tarsha.

I WAS VERY YOUNG WHEN I MOVE TO A AMERICA AND I'M ONE THEM WHO HAVE BEEN USED BECAUSE I DIDN'T ABOUT THOSE BAD AGENCIES OUT THERE.

Heyy Tyra I just wanted to say your a big inspiration to so many and i love watching your show!!
I am 17 years old and my dream is to be a model I'm in the right direction I have photoshoots and a meeting with an agency called orange model. I just wanted to know if you could help me find out what steps i have to take to pursue my dream? and just incase i don't get into this agency do you happen to know any others in scarborough? or toronto?
And what are somethings you have to watch out for in agencies? i'v heard so much good and bad about some of them and i just dont want the bad to happen to me.
Your my role model because your so beautiful not shy and because you struggeled through modeling just like half or all of us do.
Take care and please give me advice it would mean the world to me and i would be for ever thank ful :)
God bless you your an angel!!
love ya

dear tyra this may seem a little crazy but i am a 13 year old girl who want to pursue my dreams in becoming a model the reason why i want to become a model is because i want to overcome peoples critizem on my beauty i have been doing research onmodels and what it is i now have a perspective u are my role model because u were the first black women who doesnt play a sport who graced the cover od s.i also u started modeling at 17 and i seen your movie life size it is very inspirotional and i want to follow the same foot stepa as you so if you can can you please help me i dont have anyone to guide me in the right direction so thats why i came to you. pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love u

dear tyra this may seem a little crazy but i am a 13 year old girl who want to pursue my dreams in becoming a model the reason why i want to become a model is because i want to overcome peoples critizem on my beauty i have been doing research onmodels and what it is i now have a perspective u are my role model because u were the first black women who doesnt play a sport who graced the cover od s.i also u started modeling at 17 and i seen your movie life size it is very inspirotional and i want to follow the same foot stepa as you so if you can can you please help me pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love u

Hi Tyra,
My dauhgter has been to barbizon and most recently is taking classes to go to a competion in Florida in January. I have paid out alot of money for Tylor to model. She has 5 agents in Chicago and 3 in Michigan.
There has only been two who did not want us to get new pictures. The one wants Tylor to have an edgier pic so they can take it to New York..Tylor is only 14. It's been very frustrating with the whole thing.I can not even imagine letting my daughter go at this on her own. We have both learned a lot!!!

Hi Tyra,
My daughter Tylor has been through Barbizon classes for modeling and classes to go to competition in Florida in January 2008 . I can say I have paid for alot. I really do not know how to further her modeling career. Tylor has 5 agents ,2 in Chicago and 3 in Michigan. There has been very litte work . When she goes to Florida, "If" she gets a call back from an agent in a state a long way from us,I'm not sure how we will be able to get her to them if they do not offer a really good deal... what do you do??? Her one agent did tell us we would not have to get more pictures till there is some sort of physical change. However the other agent wants us to get edgier pictures to take to New York. It's a very tough bussines, I'm just happy Tylor is at an age where I get to go to all of her calls.

Tyra,
Thanks for this information....it's funny because I just took my 15 year old daughter to meet with this agency....Barbizon...they wanted $1795 in full or $595 up front and 5 Pre dated monthly installments of $280.00...and they still could not guarentee her a job after she graduates. They also made a comment about you Tyra! Can you believe that! They said you were turned down 30 times before someone said yes to you....I told my daughter if she was turned down 100 times look what her hard work and determaination got her! My daughter wants to be a model very much but I told her that it should not cost so much to become a model. With this information you have posted this should help get us started! Oh Tyra....watch out...when she turns 18 she's tring out for your show 'America's Next Top Model' So look for her on your 11th or 12th season! When you see her good attitude, poise, self confidence, runway walk and how she photographs...you too will say..."That's America's Next Top Model!" :) Luv ya Tyra...Continue to Be Blessed!

Tyra,
Thanks for this information....it's funny because I just took my 15 year old daughter to meet with this agency....Barbizon...they wanted $1795 in full or $595 up front and 5 Pre dated monthly installments of $280.00...and they still could not guarentee her a job after she graduates. They also made a comment about you Tyra! Can you believe that! They said you were turned down 30 times before someone said yes to you....I told my daughter if she was turned down 100 times look what her hard work and determaination got her! My daughter wants to be a model very much but I told her that it should not cost so much to become a model. With this information you have posted this should help get us started! Oh Tyra....watch out...when she turns 18 she's tring out for your show 'America's Next Top Model' So look for her on your 11th or 12th season! When you see her good attitude, poise, self confidence, runway walk and how she photographs...you too will say..."That's America's Next Top Model!" :) Luv ya Tyra...Continue to Be Blessed!

Hi Tyra, You are such an inspiration to my family, especially my daughter. Here name is Cierra and is almost 14 yrs old, is beautiful, and of course she would love to be a model. She practices the walk all the time. Is always taking pictures of herself, which comes out so pretty. Then i have two sons, 8 yrs, and 3 yrs.. Everywhere i go people say that my three yr. old should be in some kind of modeling. And i would love to, just don't know where to look.
So if you could help me out, by finding some where to go, or a phone number would be exciting.
Maybe even have a show on the cutiest kid. That could be a good show.
I have done a few pagents, but that to me is all about how money you spend. Which is horrible, my youngest son came in third place. Which was shocking, everyone there was like WOW he going win. And i know its up to the Judges, but it was a big shock.
So i would rather have them in modeling, it seems like it would be better.
Just let me know what ya think. Sorry this turned out so long. Just get to typing and it doesn't stop.

Well thank you
Sincerely,
Laura

hi tyra! omgah! just wanted to tell you how much i look up to you!! i wish there were more people in the world like you :) im 21.. 5'1 but petite and i was trying to get into modeling..i was wondering if you had any advise you could give me haha or phone numbers !! haha its soooo hard for me cuz im short! BUT ive been doing Hawaiian Tropics contests! wooohoo! and im doin pretty good in those! im going to Hawaii in like a week to represent IDAHO!! yeah! but i really really really would LOVE if you could help me in any way! im just trying to make my dreams come true and ive been put down so many times cuz im so short and ive been told to get over my dreams and find something else to do but i just cant give up like that! Any advise you have would be great! ahh i wish i could send you some pictures of me! ahh id love that! and id love critisizm !! xoxo God bless you! heart you forever!

i have a 7 year old son, that eveyone keeps telling i should put in modeling. but i dont know where to start. please help. thanks in advance.

Hey Tyra! I wish I could say that I am a fan of your show and watch it often, but sadly I am a busy student with a full schedule and I don't have time for TV! But I do love what I have been able to see and I love America's Next Top Model! Anyway, I am 18 and I have been a tomboy ever since I was little, but my cultural background, as well as my social background, does not approve of how I am and I have always gotten criticism about not being beautiful enough or for being too short, and I am often compared to my cousins. I've even had many instances where my own "friends" have told me what they don't like about my image and what I need to do to fix myself up. One memory that bugs me sometimes is that for one of my birthdays, they tried to give me a makeover! My self-esteem is always under fire...so the point is, I've never believed in the conventional or stereotypical views of beauty. I'm not tall, slim, and "with" the fashion trends all of the time. I see beauty in a different sense than most of the people I know and I would rather just be myself and dress how I want. And I would love to model! I want to be a top model at the height of 5 feet. And I am absolutely determined. Modeling is an art to me that I want to be a part of. I want to feel beautiful, not just inside, but out. I want to prove that I don't need to be like everyone else to be a model for the definition of "beautiful" or "fashionable." I want to go out there and prove something, not only to myself, but to other people, and society. I'm tired of stereotypes and biases. What kind of advice or words of wisdom can you give to this determined young woman?

Hi Tyra,

I need your help!! I am interested in hand modeling, but I keep running across modeling agenices that want $475 for photos and $275 for comp cards in order to model with their agency. Now, for years I have always heard if an agency wants you they will pay for your photos. I only want to hand model, and the ladies in Saks Fifth Avenue here in Atlanta, GA are even trying to help me (the ladies at the Bond no.9 counter were trying to think of the photographers who come to their counter in order for them to get in touch with me. If they have their way they would love for me to hand model with Saks Fifth Avenue). For years now I have always heard I have beautiful hands and should hand model. Please shed some advice on how to go about finding a agency to show off my beautiful hands.

Hi Tyra! I love your show! You're a breath of fresh air on today's television!

I remembered a show you did about phony modeling auditions. Could you help steer me in the right direction? My 2 children want to model or act. I've spent a bundle for photos from a photographer that an agent recommended. Then I saw your show where you said you shouldn't have to pay to be a model/actress. We also paid the modeling agency to get the kids listed on their website for a while. At least the kids thought they were models because they were on the computer.

My children are 7 and 10 and love reenacting their favorite tv shows. They're also cute (of course I think so). People always tell my daughter how pretty she is and that her eyes are beautiful. Her eyelashes are so long it looks like she's wearing mascara. Anyway, I've been unsuccessful finding an agent that represents young children especially near us. We live in NC one hour south of Virginia Beach, VA.

Tyra, would it be possible for you to help my children find an agent?
Thank-you! You rock!
LeAnn

Hi, Tyra I love your show. You have helped and informed a lot of people including me. I do have one question for you though. I am trying to get my son into modeling and a model agency called us in and wants to sign him up but they want $2000 over a 8 week period. I know on one of your shows you mentioned that if a modeling agency wants you, you shouldn't have to pay them anything. Is this true in all cases? Have you heard of the Byron Sanders Advertising Agency? They use you name on their website. It would be great to hear from you and for you to let me know what I should do? Thanks.

Tyra I just wanted to say i luv your show you are a great role model for women of all ages. I have a twelve year old daughter who is already 5 6" and very slender and beautiful. Can you give me some information or even advice on getting her started in modeling because i think she has the look and i hope someone else would see this to. Thank You for all u do and always stay sweet and blessed!

hey tyra...first off let me say I LOVE YOU and I THINK YOUR GREAT.tyra i want to be a model so bad i can almost taste..im a honers student been on the national honor role for 2years now..and when i finish high school i want to be a model...but the thing is i dont know where to start...so thats when you come in i need your help tyra i see u helping people everyday on your show and maybe today will be my lucky day...please help me tyra
-love
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