A collaboration of Detroit’s foremost industry experts provided an intimate, hands-on professional guide to the model business.

The Detroit Fashion Community sponsored an intensive Model Bootcamp at Executive Studios in Royal Oak, Michigan. The one-day event provided 20 attendees with career-heightening tips on essential Model Basics via interactive discussions and collaborative workshops facilitated by an elite squad of Camp Leaders. Equipped with key tools to any model’s success — professional presentation, technical skills, ways to identify worthwhile opportunities, and a signature DFC Model Bag— survivors of the very first DFC Model Bootcamp posed for digital photos taken by Gabriel’s Loft Photography to submit to agencies and potential clients.

MEET THE SQUAD LEADERS— A collaboration of Detroit’s foremost industry experts.

Model Commander, Sabrina Athena, accomplished international Model, and Actress walked attendees through the “Model Business model” and then got attendees moving with an interactive posing workshop. Known for her piercing eyes, illuminating smile and ambitious work ethic, Ms. Athena has most recently graced the pages of several international publications, gained IMDB credits for speaking roles in three film festival nominated, independent movies, and launched the education/talent enrichment platform The Goddess Werkshop, LLC.  As an additional nod to her passion, Ms. Athena was hand selected for personal coaching from world renowned model, Coco Rocha, and holds a degree in Marketing and Advertising Communications at her beloved alma mater– the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City. 

Follow @thesabrinaathena

Code of Conduct Captain, Lauren Mari (aka “Access Lauren”) kept campers in line with very strict Do's and Don’ts for Model Behavior. Lauren is a Model, Entrepreneur and Content Creator, and native Detroiter who has decades of experience in the fashion industry. Known as one of Detroit's top Beauty Influencers and referred to as a master collaborator, Lauren has partnered with over 150 small businesses in over 15 countries providing modeling, content creation and influencer marketing services. Professionalism is at the forefront of Lauren’s business acumen.

Follow: @accesslauren

Head Walk-Drill Coach, Audra Butler gave step-by-step instructions for how to execute a fierce runway walk. Audra is a fashion model, brand ambassador and model mentor.  As one of Metro Detroit’s most renowned fashion models, Audra attributes her rising success to her relentless work ethic, professionalism, spunky personality, and unique appearance. Whether it’s modeling swimwear, couture fashion, club wear or beauty shots, Audra delivers jaw-dropping photographs and a fierce runway walk. Audra is the owner ModelFlow, Inc. – an organization focused on mentoring youth with a concentration on self esteem as the key component. Audra visits high schools in underserved neighborhoods and advocates the importance of college education and career goals. ModelFlow Inc. also supports Autism and Breast Cancer awareness initiatives throughout the city of Detroit participating in walks and fundraisers, and donating to special causes.

Follow: @modelflow

Walk-Drill Sergeant, Keyra Denise is a model, actress and runway coach who specializes in unique turns. Keyra started her career as a model at the age of 10 and now has her hands in many creative endeavors from producing artist showcases, to event planning, talent management and lifestyle coaching. When she is not walking in high level fashion shows in various fashion capitals like New York, Chicago, Atlanta and her hometown, Detroit, MI., Keyra devotes a lot of her time to serving her community by mentoring youth.

Follow: @keyra.denise

Style Officer April Sutton-Dudley, set the stage for a perfect first impression with tips on what to wear (and bring) to a model casting, featuring The DFC’s signature ‘Model Bag’. April is a fashion image consultant, makeup artist, and the owner of Cover the Chaos Beauty. April provides people of all backgrounds with exceptional image consulting services. April has worked with industry professionals and is proficient in red carpet and day-to-day styling, pageant preparation, airbrush make-up and traditional make-up application, and male grooming.

Follow: @coverthechaosbeauty

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MODELS WHO SURVIVED

THE FIRST DFC MODEL BOOTCAMP!

Thank you to our sponsors Executive Studios & JK Charcuterie!