She’s smart, beautiful and a model who, at sweet 16, is one talented young woman.
Paige Krejci, who lives in Akron with her family, was booked in an impressive seven shows during New York Fashion Week, which concludes today.
“She’s living the dream,” said Paige’s mother, Debbie.
Though Paige remains with the Docherty Talent & Modeling Agency in Cleveland for local gigs, she needed a New York agency to branch out. So she went to the Big Apple at the end of January to find an additional agency she and her parents (dad is Stow firefighter Thad Krejci) liked, and one that liked her.
Direct Model Management signed her, resulting in shows in the Plaza Hotel and other locations during one of the most exciting weeks of the year for fashion.
“Being in seven shows is very exciting,” Paige said Wednesday from New York. “It’s a little nerve-racking, but once you get out onto the runway, you don’t want to leave. It’s just like an adrenaline rush.
“Since I am a new face ... most designers would not like to take a chance on a new girl, and they want more experienced models working for them. I would have been happy booking ... one show,” she said. “I am so grateful.”
Her talent was apparent immediately.
Paige was “discovered” by Greg James, a photographer in Los Angeles with local roots. He noticed her on an online modeling site and, because she’s a minor, gave her parents a call.
“She didn’t have direction,” he explained, noting that he was able to get her headed on the right path to success.
James, a former model himself, said he is working with a few models from Ohio who are all doing well. It seems agencies like girls from the Midwest.
“Specifically Ohio. There’s something in the water there,” joked James, who is from Holmes County. “Agencies like that the girls have really good upbringings and are very down to earth. They [agencies and photographers] deal with girls all over the world … and it’s really nice to get some girls in the fashion scene in New York who are sweet and easy to work with.”
Paige, who is 5 feet 10½ inches tall, has been modeling for about a year, including in places like Hong Kong. As a Firestone High School student, she played varsity volleyball during her freshman year. Paige is now enrolled in online school so she can keep up with her education while traveling.
Though Paige’s mother said her daughter isn’t making a remarkable amount of money modeling on the runways in New York, it’s the exposure at such a venue that’s so valuable.
Paige has eyes on modeling in such markets as Paris and Milan, said the modest mother, excited about her daughter’s success.
“The possibilities are endless for her,” Debbie added. “We will see what the future holds.”
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.