The world of teen modeling often shimmers with allure—fashion shows, photo shoots, and the promise of fame. For many teenagers, it’s a dream career that promises glamour and creativity. However, the path to success is far more complex than it appears, fraught with challenges and risks that accompany the potential rewards.
For aspiring teen models, the appeal is undeniable. Modeling offers opportunities for creative expression, travel, and exposure to the fashion and entertainment industries. It can also serve as a platform for building self-confidence and connecting with like-minded creatives. Success stories of young models landing major campaigns or becoming household names fuel the dream, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
The journey to becoming a successful teen model is anything but smooth. The industry is fiercely competitive, with casting calls often bringing rejection after rejection. Many teens struggle to balance school commitments with the demands of modeling, including travel, photo shoots, and fittings.
Additionally, the industry’s strict beauty standards can be mentally and physically taxing. Constant scrutiny of one’s appearance can lead to insecurity or unhealthy habits as teens try to meet expectations. The pressure to maintain a specific look while navigating the formative teenage years can take a toll on self-esteem.
Teen models are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Scams are common, with fraudulent “agencies” preying on young hopefuls. Even within legitimate spaces, teens may face inappropriate requests or unsafe working conditions. Without proper guidance, they may sign unfavorable contracts that limit their control over their careers.
Furthermore, the industry’s demand for perfection can contribute to long-term mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. Families must be vigilant, ensuring their children are supported emotionally and professionally.
Despite its challenges, modeling can offer valuable life lessons. It teaches discipline, professionalism, and resilience. For those who succeed, the rewards can be significant—financial independence, global exposure, and the chance to influence industries beyond fashion. Many models leverage their platforms to advocate for causes or launch secondary careers in acting, design, or business.
For teens considering modeling, preparation is key. Research reputable agencies, involve parents or guardians in decision-making, and set clear boundaries. Prioritize education and personal well-being, and never compromise integrity for success.
Modeling, like any career, comes with risks and rewards. For those ready to navigate its highs and lows, it can be a transformative journey—but only when approached with caution and care.
Anna at The Plaza Hotel. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2004
Last Days at The Plaza Hotel
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As We Once Knew It
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Anna and I checked in to the Plaza Hotel on the last day it was to be open in 2004 for several years. Its mystique would change forever. I booked one of the iconic rooms to test shoot several dresses designed by a friend in the fashion industry. The style of the clothing was most suitable to the grandeur that exuded history and class.
The Plaza Hotel, perched at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in New York City, is one of the most storied landmarks in hospitality. Since its opening in 1907, the Plaza has stood as a symbol of opulence, hosting world leaders, celebrities, and cultural moments that shaped its legacy. But even icons must evolve, and in the early 2000s, the Plaza underwent a significant transformation that changed its history forever.
When the Plaza opened on October 1, 1907, it redefined luxury. Designed in the French Renaissance style by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the 19-story hotel featured crystal chandeliers, lavish ballrooms, and unparalleled views of Central Park. Its suites catered to royalty, business magnates, and stars of stage and screen, while its Palm Court became synonymous with high society gatherings.
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2004
Over the decades, the Plaza became a cultural touchstone, immortalized in literature, film, and television. From its role in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby to its portrayal in Home Alone 2, the hotel remained an enduring symbol of glamour and sophistication.
By the late 20th century, the Plaza faced challenges as newer luxury hotels emerged. Maintenance of the historic building became costly, and ownership changed hands multiple times. In 2004, the Plaza closed its doors for a major redevelopment under its then-owner, El-Ad Properties. The plan was controversial: the iconic hotel would be partially converted into luxury condominiums, with only a portion remaining a hotel.
The decision sparked public outcry, with preservationists and New Yorkers mourning the loss of a beloved institution. Still, the redevelopment moved forward, balancing modern demands with the building’s historic charm.
After a three-year renovation, the Plaza reopened in 2008 with a new identity. Of its 805 original rooms, 282 were transformed into private residences, while 282 remained hotel rooms. The redesign preserved iconic elements, including the Palm Court and the Grand Ballroom, while introducing modern amenities to attract contemporary clientele.
Today, the Plaza Hotel remains a blend of its historic past and modern reinvention. Its transformation in the early 2000s reflects the evolution of New York City itself—a place where tradition and innovation coexist. Though its role has shifted, the Plaza continues to captivate, reminding the world of the enduring allure of Fifth Avenue’s crown jewel.
When I checked out of the hotel the next day a bellman came up to my room with a tearful eyes. I asked him what was wrong. He said, “Ive worked at this place for the last 50 years. It will never be the same.”
Text and Cover Designs by Tony Ward, Copyright 2024
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The Selection Process
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In the world of print and digital media, a magazine cover is more than just an introduction; it’s a bold statement. A cover serves as the magazine’s handshake to potential readers, a visual ambassador that communicates the essence of the issue. Choosing the right image is a critical decision that can determine whether a magazine gets picked up or passed over. This is true for online webzines like TW as well.
A magazine cover has less than five seconds to grab a reader’s attention. On social media or even the internet even less. In that fleeting moment, the image must convey a story, evoke emotion, and spark curiosity. It sets the tone for the content within and defines the publication’s identity. Whether it’s a striking portrait, an artistic still life, or a dynamic action shot, the image must resonate deeply with the target audience.
Equally important is the alignment of the image with the magazine’s theme. For example, a travel magazine may choose an expansive landscape to inspire wanderlust, while a fashion publication might highlight a model wearing bold, trend-setting attire to reflect the latest styles. The image must seamlessly integrate with the coverlines, typography, and overall design that’s been evolving over the years creating a cohesive visual narrative.
Beyond aesthetics, the image must also provoke an emotional response. I have discovered over the past 10 years of publishing homepage covers, they often feature elements of surprise, intimacy, or drama—elements that compel readers to take a closer look. A captivating gaze, a powerful moment frozen in time, something erotic or controversial can intrigue our viewership and encourage them to explore further.
Practical considerations also play a role. The image should be high-quality, with a resolution and composition that accommodate text overlays without losing impact. It must stand out on crowded google searches and in digital previews, where competition for attention is fierce.
Finally, cultural relevance and sensitivity are paramount. A cover image should reflect the sites left leaning societal values and avoid misrepresentation or controversy that alienates readers. Striking the right balance between boldness and respect ensures a positive and lasting impression.
Choosing the perfect magazine cover image is both an art and a science that I’ve practiced diligently over the years. When executed thoughtfully, it becomes a gateway to the stories within—a visual promise of inspiration, insight, and discovery. In the end, the right image doesn’t just catch the eye; it captures your memories and inspires you.
I have written multiple posts here about my professional life. The summary if you’re new here, and to my ramblings, is that I have a lengthy nonprofit fundraising background. In 2019, I landed what seemed to be my dream job. But just like an actual dream sometimes does, after a while if became more like a nightmare. I landed on my feet, in a position where I’m doing great things, being valued for who I am, what I bring to the organization and being fairly compensated for it all. However, again, just like flashes of nightmares rear their ugly heads during waking hours, my old job pops in to haunt me every now and then.
When I left my previous role, I can count on one hand – actually, one finger – the number of people I chose to give permission to contact me personally. We occasionally send messages to check in, say hello, catch up. It had been months since I last heard from them. Until a few weeks ago. “Kat, I miss you. There is so much to tell you, can I call you after work today?” You bet I cleared my plans for the rest of the night to take that call. I am so glad I did.
Let me back up quite a few paces to when I was still working for the previous organization. In many companies, a change in leadership often leads to some staffing changes, people leave, new people start, positions change, structure changes, policies changes. It’s not at all unusual. However, when the changes start to feel heavy and unnecessary, and good people are forced out, it’s hard to stay positive. That’s what happened to my dream job. The chosen replacement for the individual who hired me, encouraged and trusted me, and built an incredible team of passionate talented people, was abruptly removed from the position.
Shortly after the beginning of that end, one of the newer members of my team suddenly took an interest in me and my role. They often came to my desk to talk about my work, my workload, and unprompted by any of my words or actions, expressed that I must be stressed and overwhelmed with it all. That became the frequent theme of conversation; and it was odd. Something about it, just wasn’t sitting right. I kept asking myself, are they trying to make me feel stressed? Should I be responding to my job in a way other than I am? What is the point of this repeated conversation? It was enough for me to keep them at a distance and stay wary, while still working together as needed.
It was right around this strange time when the new boss was announced to replace the one I had built such a wonderful working relationship with. I tried to stay open minded. Within the first few weeks, each person was scheduled for a one-on-one introductory meeting. Mine was the last on the agenda. I came prepared with everything about what I did on a daily basis, prepared for any questions they might have. We had an hour. The first question I was asked threw me for a bit of a loop. It was about the organization I worked in prior to this one, and one person in particular from that team. The tone of the question made it feel like my answer would set the stage for not only the rest of this meeting, but my position with the team. I carefully acknowledged, yes, I knew that person, but we never worked very closely and they left before I did. I left out my feelings relating to the absolutely unhinged series of accusations and comments lodged at me by this person regarding someone else’s inappropriate behavior toward me! I also watched in absolute horror as the indicators on my new boss’s smart watch flashed over a dozen new text messages from the very same person. Yikes, not a good start.
Life over the next few months in and out of the office wasn’t great. Home repairs and family stress on top of increased pressure and unvoiced expectations from my new boss were making me ill. The colleague I had kept at arms length had been given a wildly unexpected promotion within our department. It was abundantly clear that the role was by far outside of their scope of experience. It wasn’t my call but I congratulated them all the same. Work that had been done by the person in that role previously, though, suddenly was finding its way onto my desk with no instruction on how to complete it or the technical access needed to do so. I made it clear that this had never been a function of my role. I would be happy to learn it and eventually adopt it, but needed time to learn and understand it. That statement was met with the ultimatum of do it now or don’t work here anymore. By the time I walked the dozen or so steps from the boss’ office to my shared cubicle space, there was an email message to HR summarizing and documenting the discussion about my failure to meet the expectations of my job. There was nothing constructive, there were no official action steps, progress improvement plans, or even consequences stated. I was in panic mode. I pressed the newly-promoted colleague for assistance as the new to me tasks were formerly theirs. I got very little help directly. I found out quickly that they couldn’t help because they didn’t know how; which explained how it got onto my desk in the first place. A consultant eventually provided the solution and I carried on with my newly assigned work.
I wish I could say that was the end of it and I continued happy along with just an increased workload. But sadly, that’s not even close. Human Resources never even acknowledged receipt of the “failure to perform” email. I had no follow up meetings about it. In fact, it was never again mentioned. Meetings with my boss were rare, and rarely longer than five minutes unless the boss had strong feelings about a project, and by that I mean absolutely disagreed with everything I had done and demanded it be redone. I felt ignored and unsupported unless I was being reprimanded. Yet, every project I led was successful, raising literal millions of dollars.I was confused and stressed, preparing every day to be fired. The only upside was that the strange conversations stopped. My concerned colleague was ignoring me too, but was always in the boss’ office. My gut was screaming at me that something wasn’t right. People all around us were resigning, often being escorted out of the building instead of working out their two weeks’ notice.
I confided in the one trusted person I mentioned previously. They absolutely agreed with me that something had shifted. We commiserated daily about how much of a downhill slide morale had taken and took every opportunity to make one another laugh through the frustrations. When even those laughs weren’t enough, I began to look for a new position and soon I announced my resignation. The sheer relief on the boss’ face that day was off-putting, I had never seen them so happy. The joyful congratulations given to me by the other colleague I was wary of was equally disturbing. They were chatting animatedly, and very quietly and privately, for a good portion of that day. They even arranged my farewell happy hour, strangely insisting on a particular place I had never been and couldn’t enjoy much offered on their menu due to dietary restrictions. I went, and was for the most part ignored by them which was fine by me. I made it out. And very shortly after that boss was gone too, though I didn’t much care.
Back to present day. When the phone rang that night, I immediately picked up. After exchanging all the normal pleasantries one would expect of former colleagues who haven’t spoken in months, we dove right into it. The colleague I was wary of resigned but not before letting slip something extremely interesting. Back when that ‘new’ boss had been announced, this colleague reached out to them on a professional networking channel to unofficially welcome them to the organization. They met for dinner prior to the official start date informing and inviting no one else from the department. They discussed, at length, the weaknesses of the team. Guess who topped that list? Guess who, coincidentally, thought they would be great at the job if given the chance? I suppose this person felt a sense of “what are they going to do fire me?” once their resignation was tendered especially since neither I nor that boss were working there any longer. They held this knowledge in for nearly three years. I wonder if it was relief or pride they felt in finally expressing it to someone else.
I sat on the phone absolutely dumbfounded for a minute after the story (and a few intersecting stories, because you know a proper catch up session is never a linear occurrence!) ended. And then it all just came spilling out in an expletive filled rant that I can sum up in four words: I F*CKING KNEW IT.
From the first strange conversation, to the introductory meeting centering on my relationship with a previous colleague, to the already drafted email that went to HR immediately after an unplanned meeting about my failure to perform tasks that were never mine, my gut was warning something wasn’t right. As paranoid as it seemed, I felt as if there was a plot brewing against me.Every day the feeling progressively grew, intentionally fostered by two other people, until I had to remove myself from the situation. And I wasn’t paranoid or crazy. I was right. My gut was right, I am so glad I trusted it. I can’t imagine that I wouldn’t have been fired if I didn’t leave on my own. They were actively setting me up to fail. I don’t have to imagine to what end.One person believed another’s made up claims about me and I was in the other’s way.
I never wish ill on anyone. I just hope that one day, the way they treated – and mistreated – others in the act of self-service is delivered back to them and they get everything they deserve, nothing less. Do unto others and all that…
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Kitchie Ohh. Photo: Michael Bann, Copyright 2024
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Kitchie Ohh is a full-time professional fundraiser who has worked with a number of health and human services nonprofits in the Philadelphia area over the last 20 years. She found her passion for modeling after a pinup-style photoshoot in 2013. Since then, she has worked with many talented photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists in a variety of styles. She has been featured in- and on the covers of – multiple print and digital publications. Over the years, she has branched out from pinup studio modeling to serve as a figure model for live sketching, walked a runway, and was part of two campaigns for Philadelphia designer K. Vaughn.
In addition to her philanthropy-focused career, she has volunteered with art, historical, and community organizations, and even the events team of a local brewery for a while, pre-pandemic.
You’re just as likely to find her whipping up something deliciously plant-based in her kitchen or knitting a sweater as you are to find her on a photography set. Her motto is “be both.” The model and the homemaker, sultry and sweet, serious and silly. All the things, all at once. To access additional articles by Kitchie Ohh, link here:https://tonyward.com/kitchie-ohh-overwhelmed/
