Today we’d like to introduce you to Halle Deneen.
Hi Halle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi there! Thank you for having me! I am a signed plus size model, professional model coach, and CEO of HD Model Management. My story starts right here in my hometown, Baltimore, MD! As a plus-size model in Baltimore, getting started and trying to get my foot through the door was extremely difficult. While plus-size modeling is extremely popular in today’s society, it wasn’t always this way. I’ve been told that I was “too fat” to model and some photographers even tried to charge me extra money because of my size. I knew deep down that if I wanted to make it far, then I had to learn how to trust God’s plan for my life despite what others thought of me. You see, I never imagined that I could make a career out of modeling, I just knew that I had a deep passion for it. I’ve had an amazing career thus far, from being signed to a top modeling agency, to working with amazing brands like Target, Ralph Lauren, and Rebdolls, to working alongside celebrities like Kylie and Kendall Jenner, to even walking in major runway shows! I soon noticed that there were so many women and men who wanted to become a model but didn’t know how. This inspired me to launch my own model coaching and mentoring services. I fell in love with teaching and empowering models! I’ve held sold-out classes in Baltimore, D.C, Chicago, and LA! I’ve helped models get signed to top agencies and working with their favorite brands! There’s honestly no better feeling than knowing that I helped someone win. I’m sure you’re wondering what made me want to open my own modeling agency right? Well, throughout my career as a model, I noticed that the modeling industry needed a SHIFT. One thing that the industry needs more of is REPRESENTATION. I believe that people want to align with and identify with models that look like them. I know the younger Halle wanted that! I didn’t see any black plus-size models on the runway or in major editorial magazines when I was first getting started in modeling. This inspired me to be a vehicle of change, offering the industry models of all shapes, sizes, gender identities, and ethnicities. I want to not only be an agent but also my model’s model coach… ensuring that they are adequately prepared for their castings and modeling gigs as well as equality in pay no matter a model’s race. I truly believe that this is my calling and I’m extremely excited for what this year is going to bring!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I was younger, I use to get so upset when things didn’t work out for me… or when I had to struggle. However, now, I truly understand the value of challenges. Struggle builds character. Nothing worth having comes easy, and while that often sounds so cliche, it’s the truth. This journey has been full of struggles, both internal and external. One of the biggest struggles was grasping who I really am. I believe that everything starts with your mindset. Your attitude determines your altitude. There was one time in my early stages of modeling when I was cyber-bullied. A girl posted one of my modeling pictures on social media and it gained over 1,000 likes and comments of people making jokes about how I would “never make it as a model.” I immediately fell into a deep depression that took MONTHS to get out of. I doubted my entire value as a model based on ONE person’s projections and insecurities. Fast forward to about two years ago when I did a collaboration with a brand and The Shade Room posted the video from the collaboration. What did I see when I looked in the comments? You guessed it! People saying that I’m “too this,” and “too that” to be a model. However, this time my response was different. Instead of allowing what other people thought of me change the way I think of myself, I began to thank God for growth while praying for those people. I already knew who I was by then. I’m worthy and unstoppable. While it took a long time to master protecting my energy and knowing the power that I hold, it was by far the biggest struggle. There is so much power in our thoughts because our thoughts shape our beliefs. I’ve completely changed my life by changing my perspective on life and creating my own reality. Now, there is no obstacle and struggle I can’t get through because my outlook on everything is different. I’ve learned to understand that not every storm is sent to destroy me… storms are meant to teach me a lesson. Storms allow you to plant seeds from those lessons! In order to be successful and to withstand any struggle, you have to master your mindset!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about HD Model Management, LLC?
HD Model Management is a modeling agency based in Baltimore! We specialize in representing models of different shapes, sizes, and gender identities… showing the true beauty of ALL types of models. Amongst diversity and having a family dynamic at the core of our foundation, one thing that sets us apart is the CEO being a model and model coach. HDMM’s models have full access to a model that knows the ins and outs of the industry. This includes having access to model coaching, on-set posing coaching, digital resources, live masterclasses and guides to overly prepare them for success! While we recently launched late 2020, we have already had 2 major model calls with over 2,000 submissions in 3 months! In addition, we already having an exceptional board of models that are already getting bookings in less than a year in business! HD Model Management is the future of modeling by providing true diversity and inclusion in the industry. For all models interested in joining the HD Model Management family, please visit: www.hdmodelmanagement.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. Luck is defined as: success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions. I’ve prayed and worked extremely hard for everything in my life. I don’t want to give Luck the credit for all of the hard work I’ve done. I truly believe that everything in my life is ordained by God. Everything that is for me is already mine. However, having faith and understanding that what is for me has kept me in a place of gratitude and expectancy! Having faith in God and understanding the power of “when it’s my time, it’s my time” has not only kept me optimistic but also in a great place to receive blessings and opportunities! So, no.. this wasn’t luck at all, it was all God.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@hdmodelmanagement.com
- Website: www.hdmodelmanagement.com
- Instagram: Personal: @halledeneen Business: @hdmodelmanagement
