Ann Baker

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Becoming Resilient

2025-03-07 18:45:33

Welcome back! It is good to see you here. Let’s jump right into what modeling taught me about resilience - The world of modeling often looks glamorous from the outside—flashing cameras, stunning designs, and the thrill of walking the runway. But behind the scenes, it’s a world built on resilience. For every picture-perfect moment, there are countless auditions, rejections, and lessons learned. Modeling has tested my patience, my confidence, and my ability to keep going even when the doors seemed closed. But more than anything, it has taught me how to be resilient. * Rejection Is Part of the Job - One of the first lessons I learned in this industry is that rejection is not the exception—it’s the rule. On average, I book one job for every 25 auditions. That means 24 times out of 25, I hear “no.” Sometimes, it’s a polite email. Other times, it’s silence. And occasionally, it’s a direct critique of my look, my age, or something else entirely out of my control. * Early in my career, this was tough to accept. Every “no” felt personal. But over time, I realized that rejection isn’t necessarily about me—it’s about the specific vision a brand or designer has. Just like an artist choosing the right shade of paint, casting directors are looking for a specific element to fit their creative puzzle. Once I separated my self-worth from the audition outcome, I could walk into a casting, do my best, and walk out knowing that whether or not I got the job, I was still growing. * You Can’t Fit Every Mold—and That’s Okay - One of the most challenging experiences I faced was when a designer, who had initially shown interest in me, told me in person that I was “too athletic” for their designs and sent me home. I had prepared for that casting with excitement, imagining how I’d bring their vision to life. Instead, I was dismissed before I even had the chance. * In that moment, I felt like I didn’t belong. But as I reflected on it later, I realized that my body—strong, athletic, and capable—wasn’t the problem. It simply didn’t fit that particular aesthetic. The same build that one designer rejected was the very thing that made me perfect for fitness campaigns and commercial brands. * The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all in this industry. The more I embraced what made me unique, the more I found opportunities where I truly belonged. * The Challenge of Being “In-Between” - Another common struggle in my career has been finding my place in terms of age. I’ve been told I’m not old enough for senior woman roles, yet not young enough to be cast as a mother of young children. It’s a strange in-between space—one where I don’t quite fit into traditional categories. * For a while, this frustrated me. But instead of seeing it as a limitation, I started seeing it as an opportunity. As the industry evolves, so do the roles available. More brands are embracing diversity in age, body type, and representation. Instead of waiting to “fit,” I learned to position myself in a way that highlights my strengths. I focused on building relationships with brands that appreciate authenticity, and I stayed ready for the right opportunities to come my way. * The Power of Persistence - If there’s one thing modeling has taught me, it’s that persistence matters more than perfection. The models who succeed aren’t necessarily the ones who never get rejected—it’s the ones who keep showing up. * Every “no” I’ve heard has made me more determined. Every door that closed led me to a better one. Resilience isn’t about never facing setbacks; it’s about how you respond to them. Do you let rejection stop you? Or do you take a deep breath, adjust your posture, and walk into the next audition with even more confidence? * For me, resilience means knowing that my worth isn’t defined by a single job. It’s in the way I keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing that the right opportunities will come. And they do. Because for every 24 rejections, there’s that one job that makes it all worth it. * So if you’re chasing a dream—whether in modeling or any other field—remember this: rejection is not a dead end. It’s just part of the journey. Keep going. Keep showing up. And most importantly, stay true to who you are. That’s where your power lies. * Thank you for reading this blog. It means a lot to me. * Until next time, keep your chin up and your shoulders back and own the room as you enter like the Queen you are. * Ann * www.AnnBaker.com * Photographer: Pat Ventrello IG: @patv1955