Conversations with Abigayle James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigayle James. 

Hi Abigayle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My career in modeling began in January of 2020 when I was given the opportunity to attend a convention called IMTA (International Models & Talent Association). To sum up this event, about 200 representatives from agencies around the world traveled to Los Angeles to attend IMTA in hopes of finding more people to sign to their agency. Everyone was placed in a division based on age and what career they wanted to pursue. Every day for a week we all competed against each other in hopes to get call backs from some of the agency representatives that attended. The environment was so amazing, it didn’t feel like competition at all because everyone was so supportive of each other. At the end of the week, one day is strictly dedicated to callbacks, this is where you and the agency representatives would have a chance to talk directly to each other and figure out if you’re a good fit for the agency. I was blessed enough to have the 2nd highest number of callbacks out of everyone at the event which is still so surreal to me though I’m proud to say I had 39 callbacks to go to! Shortly after the event, I signed with my amazing manager & 5 modeling agencies across the United States. I’m so thankful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve been given, all I can do is thank God.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It doesn’t seem like a lot of work but there’s a lot of behind the scene work that you do alone that no one talks about. I’m constantly checking emails, doing on-the-spot auditions and so much more. I remember there were times in high school where my friends would have to help me record auditions in the school bathroom. No audition is the same either, sometimes you’ll be reading lines for a commercial, movie or sometimes they want you to act something out & sometimes the audition is as simple as a couple selfies. I haven’t had too many struggles other than COVID-19 making it hard book jobs but that is getting a lot better so I can’t complain!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional model! Being 5’11, I get picked for a lot of fashion shows. Fashion shows are always so fun because there’s so many different people from different backgrounds & by the end of the night everyone is your best friend. I’ve also been doing more photoshoots for different companies which I absolutely love. My first fashion show & photoshoot will always hold a special place in my heart but I have to say I’m most proud of walking in Color of Fashion. It was just such an amazing experience because there aren’t a lot of black models in Colorado and to see a show full of so many beautiful black women making their dreams a reality was so inspirational.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to quite a few podcasts. I’m not much of a reader but reading at least 3 books is one of my goals this year so I’m trying! Two of my favorite podcasts are “Crime Junkie” & “ONE | A potters House Church”. I listen to “ONE | A potters House Church” in the mornings a few times a week because it just puts me in a good mood. It’s good for the soul. “Crime Junkie” is the podcast to keep you awake and get your mind thinking. I listen to this a lot when I’m driving home at night from shows or anything really.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/abigaylejames_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/AbbyRose03

Image Credits:
Caroline Miller
Sarah Khan