Friday, June 12, 2009

3rd TIME'S THE CHARM

Well it happened. It finally happened. Sandhurst Miggins is a signed model and with the agency that gave him his first rejection no less.

It's funny to think that a year and a half ago I walked into New York Model Management not knowing a thing about the industry trying to fulfill a dream. I had no pictures and no book and I was dressed in some of the most ill-fitting clothing that one could wear to an open call. Let's just say I wasn't a model that day. My hair had grown out of its borders and to tell you the truth I don't know what I was expecting them to say, all I know is on that morning of January 7, 2008 I was politely rejected by NYMM. Now some people may have gotten the attitude of "I'll show them" or "How dare they reject me" but the way they did it was so professional, almost kind, like they knew I wasn't ready and knew it was up to me to do my homework and prepare myself to try again. I left the agency that day determined to come back, well that was if the other agencies in NYC felt the same way. 

Most people know that it was when I left the building that morning, I first saw the promotion for Make Me A Supermodel season 1. Did I suspect that this new show would have a life changing effect on my life in just 6 short months? To be honest. No. I just thought it would be a great learning tool for me about the industry. I mean the male side of the business had mostly gone undocumented compared to the various shows promoting the women. Anyway after watching the first season it was time to try again. This time I was sporting a fresh cut. my clothes were perfectly fitted and my pictures were existent, though amateurish, but then again that is all I could get. I sat waiting in the reception area for the open call to begin, confident that today was the day that I would be signed. Out of the corner of my eye a figure entered the waiting area. It was David Ralph the head of the men's board, I had recognized him from the first season of MMASM and knew I had to impress him in order to get anywhere. He stopped for a cool second, looked at me for a moment and then returned to to the back where all the agents worked. At that moment I thought to myself "I had this." 

Two seconds later the agent conducting the call came out to meet me and the three other models who arrived earlier in the morning. I looked at one of them and thought he looked like me from January. He was Indian, his clothes were so baggy that it was hard to tell what his frame looked like. His hair was all over the place and he had no pictures and as he was politely rejected as I had been 6 months earlier I thought to myself  "Go home and do you homework" That day I had finally cracked the first barrier. They liked me. The liked my look and wanted to take more shots.  "This is it!" I thought. It was going to happen. As we began to take more pictures the dreaded question was asked. "How tall are you?" Now I knew I was taller than the standard but I had heard stories about the exceptions so I said it "6'3." That's when my second rejection happened. "Well we like your look but, we are going to struggle with your height but we will keep you on file if anything"

What was I supposed to do now? I couldn't change my height. This is the point where most would have given up but I just knew that somehow it could work for me. It would work for me. Later that month came the open calls for MMASM season 2 and I thought to myself "Why not and if this doesn't work out for you then it really wasn't meant to be" Well it was, Even while competing on the show I knew I had to perform well, just to impress Cory and David because if I didn't win the contract from the judges I knew I would be making my final trip to NYC after the competition ended to try one last time with the exposure from the show. 

Well I did it. I walked into the agency for the third time and had proven my abilities to the board. I had shown perseverance, maturity, and brute determination and it was finally time to give me a shot. 

Now today I rejoice as it has finally been made official but signing a piece of paper does not mean anything more than I am represented. It is time to get to work, to actually build a career and live the dream. Signing on the dotted line ended one phase of the process but commences another. Looking back on this past year and a half you really have to think that the saying is true 

3RD TIME'S A CHARM


15 comments:

Donald Alonzo Miggins said...

Keep pressing. There is no free ride. Work hard and smart and enjoy the sweet rewards.

Reginald Harris said...

Congratulations! Keep on Keeping on. Wishing you every success

C said...

Good luck Sandhurst!!

Gia said...

Congrats! I am so happy you stuck with it. I Hope the road ahead is a good one.

LisaBinDaCity said...

Good for you! I watched the show religiously, and had a feeling there would be wonderful things in your future.

Oh and fyi? You can WRITE, Sandhurst! Are there no end to your talents? ;-)

Unknown said...

You are an inspiration to many Sandhurst! Don't ever stop giving it all you've got 'cause you've got so much to give ;) Much love...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Sandhurst! Please keep us posted about your go-sees and bookings (because we know you'll get many of them!). Can't wait to see what you do next!

malik m.l. williams said...

many congratulations, sandhurst! this is an excellent story for all those who are discouraged or, worse, who think that someone is just going to walk up to them and beg them to sign. kudos to you for making your dream a reality...

BestMan said...

Well Congrats Sand Man... Keep up the good work. In the Bible it says if a man does not work, a man does not eat.

Stay encouraged and blow your competition out the water.

Sandra said...

Congratulations! You are true testament to the fact that if you have a dream, keep trying, even if you hear the word no. Best of Luck and May all your dreams come true.

Wayno said...

Good luck dude! You deserve greatness! From one West Indian to another (St. Kitts in the house!), I wish you the best of luck with your new gig. Bless.

Wayne A A.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS! Inspiring to learn of your determination, and even more encouraging that you know the work's not done, and you're willing to work. Much success to you in all that you're going to do!! Many blessings from this end and I'm sure others who've never met you are rooting for you as I am. Bless, Tiff.

Justin's Blog said...

The Most GENUINE Congratulations. Honestly, The Show Was Interesting, But I Didn't Even Watch It Consistently. HOWEVER, I Did Catch The Episode Of You Carrying The Calf, And I Said WOW ... Check This Guy Out. LOL

After Immediately Bursting Into Laughter From You Talking About Your Thighs Being So Big, I Instantly Quoted The Devil Wears Prada Line "I said to myself, go ahead. Take a chance. Hire the smart, fat girl." lol And What Did Andy Sachs Turn Into? The HOTTEST Chick In The Movie! lol Good Stuff Bro. Sorry For The Short Story. Just Excited For You!

"Pops" said...

Sandhurst,

Congratulations on signing. You were always my favorite on the show. I'm happy for you. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you in many ads and runways.

If you ever get a chance check out my blog, www.bryanpayton.blogspot.com. I'm into fashion and many other things. I'll continue to read your blog always.

Bryan

Ronald Gray said...

Mr. Sandhurst....I see you there doing your THING!!! I'm VERY proud. It was a pleasure to shoot ya and work with you in the past. Perhaps our paths will cross again when we're BOTH doing BIG things!!!
-Ron Gray
http://www.ronaldgraythephotographer.com/