Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Maddox.
Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my life as a baby model and did a pageant in my hometown of Decatur, IL. I was really shy but loved having my picture taken. I liked it so much all of my family got a kick out of making me call myself a ham. I then went into dance, and that became my focus until I was about 14 or 15 when I was asked to model in a local hair show. From that point, I realized I enjoyed performing and signed with an agency in Chicago, IL. I moved to Chicago as soon as I was able to and started pursuing my dream. It wasn’t until I was about 23/24 years old that I hit my stride and started working consistently. I eventually moved into acting, casting directing, and producing work. I was even a full-time personal trainer at David Barton Gym for 4 years somewhere in there. I am now utilizing all of my skills I’ve learned over the years to have a well rounded and lucrative career.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has in fact been the opposite of smooth. It has been broken, cracked, full of weeds, and lots of broken bridges. My biggest struggles when I was the first beginning, was confidence. Modeling is a tough business. It’s a business that requires you be a specific shape, to have basically perfect skin, and honestly a bit of luck. I’ve always been really lucky to be tall and skinny naturally. But for me, because I danced for so long, my hips and legs were more defined. I struggled with having more “curve” and often felt self-conscious when people (clients, agents) mentioned it. I also struggled with having acne, which is normal. To be honest. I had normal acne, but I would work with girls who had flawless skin, and it got to me. So, I spent more time and money trying to clear my skin to achieve this “perfection” and it ended up just making my skin worse and causing me to over time develop rosacea and extremely sensitive skin. I also struggled with finding an agency that liked me enough to make me feel “adequate.”
My best advice is, if you are good at some time or if you find yourself wanting to something so badly, go for it. Do not allow what other people have or what other people look like, dictate your outcome. Their story is different and so is yours. Embrace every single part of you and know that you are absolutely enough. You will never be anyone else, so if you show up, and be the best person you can be, continue to learn and grow, and love yourself. Your confidence will shine through. I wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t keep pressing forward. I wouldn’t be modeling and acting full time if I didn’t have thick skin, and an insane drive to defy what most consider impossible. Anything is possible!
Please tell us about your business.
As a professional, I wear a lot of hats. I like to do many things because I feel it enables me to be creative and work on many cool opportunities. For the most part, I do professional modeling and acting. What exactly is all of that??? A typical project you will find me on is packaging for a Travelon purse, a Walgreens social media ad, a lookbook catalog for Mata Traders, Kohl’s E-Commerce, or On Camera for brands like Moon Pies, CDW, TriStar Healthcare, Mugsy Jeans, etc. I have also Co-Producer a web series called Purity Squad which I also starred in, and assisted with casting. I have also been hired to be casting director for projects with Live Nation (Bud Light, BP,) a fitness app, hair modeling events and photo shoots, and many more.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to multi-task and passion for learning new things. If I can help out in many ways on a project, or even help create, I feel I shine!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Sometimes a mentor exists in places you will never expect. I was really lucky about 9 years ago I worked with this wonderful photographer Jean Sweet. I went to a live casting for a photo shoot and she booked me. After that shoot, Jean and I really connected creatively and she helped me build my portfolio. Since then we have worked together on many personal projects and client work. She has given me some wonderful advice and helps to build my career.
Be kind to everyone and really cherish every interaction. When you show up for a job, don’t look at it as just a job, but a new opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Every person you meet could help guide or influence your path, and vice versa. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions of people you look up to. I help young and new talent constantly. If I can help guide someone in the right direction or answer any question, I am happy to!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daniellemaddoxmodel.com
- Email: daniellemaddoxsp@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/danisuewho
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleSMaddox
Image Credit:
Jean Sweet Photography, Emily Gouldani Photography, Mata Traders, Duende Boudoir
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