As sophomore Gretchen Gambill nervously walked down the runway for Kansas City Fashion Week on Saturday, Oct. 5, she remembered to look engaged in the show, but not too animated, upon the designer’s request. She arrived six hours before the show to begin her makeup and hair, and then the designer fit her into her yellow ‘50s inspired dress.

“I really liked Kansas City Fashion Week,” Gambill said. “I just liked walking and it was fun because I got to meet [a lot] of designers and models [while making] connections with people.”

Gambill began modeling after going to a photography class to work as a model where she made connections with local designers and photographers. Gambill’s mother, Kristin Wagner, said Gambill took steps to start modeling on her own.

“She researched classes, agencies and set up appointments,” Wagner said. “I love that she took the initiative to take steps to pursue her dream.”

After researching different agencies, Gambill thought she would to sign with Hoffman International Model Agency, but then decided against it. After that, she started practicing her modeling from the jobs she booked.

“[Hoffman International] kind of taught me how to walk, but their agency walk is a lot different than the walks that I do for Kansas City Fashion Week, so I learned [to model] through experience,” Gambill said.

Along with runway, Gambill booked photo shoots with designers, including a photo shoot on Sunday, Jan. 19 for designer Nikki Fizer’s line No Human Intentions. Gambill said she liked doing this photo shoot because she was shooting purposely for being in a magazine, not just for a portfolio.

“I liked everything [about the shoot],” Gambill said. “Everyone brought their ‘A’ Game, and I think the common goal [of being published] brought us closer than what normally happens.”

Gambill said the hardest part of modeling was the prejudgments from her peers and the competition for jobs.

“Modeling is competitive and I’m always afraid that people are going to take me as super snobby and rude just because I model,” Gambill said. “So I guess the stereotype [is the hardest part].”

Even with the difficult modeling jobs, Wagner said Gambill’s modeling changed Gambill’s life for the better.

“Everyone should have a chance to chase their dreams,” Wagner said. “The world needs more strong, confident women and no matter what she chooses to do down the road, I think modeling has already helped her in several ways.”