MEGAN GRAYBEAL knows all about the dream many girls secretly nurture of seeing their image stare back at them from the cover of a glamorous magazine. She has pursued that dream herself.
Now, after 15 years as a professional model and a talent scout for a major New York modeling agency, Graybeal, 26, is sharing her secrets of success with aspiring models through her program, MG Modeling.
Graybeal started MG Modeling in Eldersburg because she believed Carroll County has an untapped market for "talent" (the word used in the business to refer to models or actors). She concluded this through her experience judging competitions and state pageants.
"Nine out of 10 times, the winners were from Carroll County," says Graybeal referring to statewide contests. "Girls from Carroll County are like little hidden treasures."
MG Modeling's program is designed to prepare aspiring models and actors to present their best image -- and modeling is all about image. Her models must know about nutrition and working with their hair and makeup. They also learn how to walk, pose and dress.
"I teach them to be professionals," says Graybeal.
She also works on building confidence in the fledgling models because they will have to handle rejection. It is part of the business, Graybeal says. To break in, girls have to be persistent and able to continue auditioning even after hearing "no" numerous times, she says. It also helps to have strong support from family and friends.
Graybeal works with girls ages 6 to 25. The younger girls can hope to work in print modeling, where they might be featured in a magazine ad, or as an actor in commercials. They might work as extras in television or film.
Models age 15 and older can aspire to those goals, and also might participate in live fashion shows held by major department stores, or pursue traditional runway modeling.
Graybeal says the Baltimore market is more of an actor's market, but Washington, Virginia and New York offer lots of opportunity for models.
On Saturday, Graybeal was preparing her models for the first step toward getting work: building their photographic portfolios and "comp cards." A comp card is a model's business card, filled with images of the model and featuring her important "head shot."
Makeup artist Heather Shulski and photographer Ken Dworkin worked all day with the models scheduled for a photo shoot. Victoria Holniker, 9, was with her mother, Lisa, prepared with two or three outfit changes for the shoot.
"She loves to look in the mirror," said Holniker of her daughter. Victoria sat comfortably on a stool taking direction from the photographer, easily changing expressions and poses, while he took about 15 shots for her to choose from.
Holniker said the program has taught her daughter poise and helped build her self-esteem.
Stephanie Riley and Brittney Pullen, both 15, also had their photos taken. Stephanie wishes to be a runway model, but says she is open to whatever area of work opens up first.
Brittney and Stephanie plan to participate in a fashion show at Fashion Bug in Carrolltown Center.
Live Nativity
Faith Lutheran Church will hold its annual live Nativity at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of the church in Eldersburg.
This year will mark the 22nd event, which can be viewed by motorists along Liberty Road. Each year, more than 1,000 people stop to view the live performance depicting the birth of Jesus. A storyteller will describe the events, accompanied by music. The performance usually lasts a half-hour.
Afterward, visitors are invited to a free supper with homemade soup, bread and hot beverages.
Information: 410-795-8082.
Scout tree sales
Boy Scout Troop 719, sponsored by Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church, is selling live Christmas trees from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. this weekend on the parking lot of Carrolltown Center in Eldersburg.
Douglas firs, Scotch pines and Fraser firs are available, ranging in price from $15 to $55.
The tree sales have been an annual fund-raising event for the troop since 1968. Some extra-large trees also are available.
Debra Taylor Young's neighborhood column appears each Tuesday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.