A must read interview with the gorgeous “Hannah Sobisky” by Amna Bou-Azza

SOMW : How did you get into modeling? Tell me how and when everything started ?

Hannah: I started getting approached by scouts a lot around the age of 13. I met Erin Olson of Echo Models a friends BBQ when I was 14. She introduced me to DNA Models in New York and I signed with both agencies and things have taken off since then.

SOMW : Now that you're signed with DNA do you believe that Echo models made things easier for you and helped you to get into such a well known agency ?

Hannah : Echo Models definitely helped to make everything a smooth transition. Erin is very careful and concerned about her models. She is knowledgeable in the business which is huge. People in the industry trust her and respect her.

SOMW : Did you always know that you wanted to be a model?

Hannah : I never really thought a whole lot about becoming a model until I started getting approached.


SOMW : If you hadn't become a model, what would you see yourself doing?
Hannah : If I hadn't become a model I would definitely see myself continuing my dance career.


SOMW: Who’s your favorite model if you have one ?

Hannah : I don't really have a favorite model as of yet.


SOMW : How do you spend your days Hannah ?

Hannah : Besides school, I spend my days dancing, hanging with friends, reading, and being with my family


SOMW : What has been your best trip as a model? Is there anywhere you would like to travel that you haven't been to yet?
Hannah : My best trip so far is definitely New York. Every time I go I learn more and more about how to improve. I eventually want to travel all over the world. But I want to take it slow. I want to enjoy being a teenager too. I am about to go to Paris this summer to model with Viva agency. I am so excited to go and learn and work.

SOMW : How do you feel about the media trying to influence the perception of models and their 'ideal' size?"

Hannah : I don't like that the media has such a strong influence on body image. I do understand the need to advertise and sell things, and you want to use people who make the product look good. But I also think that we don't have to fall into the ideal image trap. Thanks to good genes and my family, I have usually had a positive body image. But I am not perfect either. I know I will be told I am either too tall, or too thin,or not thin enough, or not soft enough or too soft by certain clients or jobs. I won't get every job I go out for. But I have a responsibility to remember that I am still good enough inside and that is all that matters in the end. I hope other teenagers can learn and understand that as well.

SOMW : Do you have a secret that you can share with us ? (laughing)

Hannah : A secret that most of my friends don't know about me is that I still love to watch the princess Disney movies every once in a while. I guess I am still a little girl at heart.

SOMW : What do you enjoy the most about the modeling world ?

Hannah : What I enjoy most about the modeling world is the powerful feeling of walking down a runway and the fun you can have behind the camera. I love photo shoots

SOMW : Who's your favorite designer ?

Hannah : I have so many favorite designers but the 2 that stand out to me are Renzo Rosso of Diesel and Betsy Johnson. I love the funky but casual style of Renzo and the quirky yet beautiful style of Betsy.


SOMW : What would you like to be known for at the end of you fashion career?
Hannah : I would like to be known for 3 things: -Being an amazing runway model -Being an example to other women by being as modest and appropriate as I can in an industry that doesn't always want that -And last but not least, I would like to be able to help other teens learn to love themselves no matter what body type they have and to learn to let their inner beauty shine through.


SOMW : what do you think about SOMW ?

Hannah : Well I haven't known too much about SOMW until now but if these are the kinds of interviews and information people will be able to get from it, I am definitely all for it. How exciting! Thank you for being interested in my answers and in me.

SOMW : Thank you Hannah! And thanks for the amazing pictures , SOMW loves you too ! All the best for your career!

Interview with Erin owner of Echo Models

Interview by Amna Bou-Azza (SOMW) with the owner of Echo models “Erin Olson”

SOMW : What was your overriding inspiration to get into the business and create “Echo Models” ?

Erin : I’ve spent 15 years in various aspects of the fashion and modeling world. Over time I realized my passion was finding potential models, developing and managing them. I was inspired to start my own management company because I wanted to provide a safe and honest way for people to get into the industry without getting scammed or paying unnecessary fees.


SOMW : Can you tell me about your role in “Echo models” ? What do you do exactly?

Erin : I founded Echo Models in May of 2009. I personally scout, develop and manage all the models I represent. My motto is: If I can’t place a girl with one of the top ten agencies in the world, I don’t waste my time (I don’t waste their time either).


SOMW : Give me one word that defines the modeling industry for you?

Erin : Exciting Why? Because there is so much potential for lives to change for the better in this industry. For example, one of my models literally just barely left her high school graduation in the tiny town of Fillmore, Utah and flew straight to Singapore to begin modeling with Ave Management and shooting with the world famous fashion photographer “Chuando”.

Another girl that I sent to LA literally had only been a model for 4 days when she was cast as the only girl featured in a 10 page editorial in “Harper’s Bazaar”. You just never know how this industry will affect your life, it may happen really fast or slow. And not knowing what's going to happen from one day to the next is always exciting!


SOMW : Any tips for a model to make it big in this very competitive industry ? Any advice ?

Erin : The 3 P’s: Be Persistent, Passionate, and Professional

Persistent: You won’t last a single day in this industry unless you are able to get up every time you fall down. There is a lot of rejection in modeling, so you have to keep smiling, put on those high heels, get back out there, and believe in yourself if you want to make it.

Passionate: YOU have to be the one to want to model, not your mom, not your friends and not your agent. If you don’t have passion for it, you just won’t last.

Professional: Your main priority as a model is to make the client want to book you again. Never forget that as a model you are running your own business. As with any business, the key to success is getting and keeping clients. If you’re difficult to work with, late, rude, or unpleasant in any way when you’re on the job, most likely you’ve lost a client and lots of opportunities for jobs down the road.


SOMW : There has been a trend of using skinnier female models in recent years. Are designers in some way responsible or is it the casting agents ?

Erin : Designers have every power to change the sample sizes they make. But if they do, they or the casting agents have to find models that fit those sizes, that’s a hard job. That’s why most designers book the walking mannequins (models) from already established agencies. Perhaps the agencies are responsible.


SOMW: Is the modeling profession something that provides financial stability? Does the agency take care of the financial aspects?

Erin: It can, but there’s definitely an investment in the beginning from both the model and the agency. The agency should pay for flights, books, comp cards and test shoots, etc. and the model should invest her time, energy, interest, and making sure she looks amazing!


SOMW : What do you think about SOMW ?

Erin : Not only an incredible resource for models but also an inspiration to many who think modeling is for girls with no personality. SOMW puts soul into the modeling world!


SOMW : Any quote that you could leave us with ?

Erin : “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. {Eleanor Roosevelt}

SOMW : I love this quote ! Thank you Erin for this great interview, SOMW wishes to you and” Echo models” the best of luck !