It did take some time to get where they are today, both literally and figuratively. After modeling as a hobby in Detroit, while being signed to one of the city’s top agencies, the sisters wanted more. In this case, “more” came in the form of a more mainstream environment with palm trees, 80-degree weather and sunny beaches. Even though Miami is no New York or Los Angeles, the trio knew one thing for sure: They did not want to be too overwhelmed.
“We did not want to go to L.A. or New York where it’s like a little fish in a big pond,” says Creative Director Milan. “Miami was a smaller industry.”
Even in a smaller pond like Miami, the transition from one part of the country to the other was not as smooth as they would have hoped, but both Morae and Milan agree that it was easier, because they all had each other. After “dragging” their youngest sister and executive booker Nikki to Florida with them, they decided to make it work.
First up on the Paper Dollz checklist was working. The sisters continued to work as models when they reached Miami. They did not know many people, but connections to one modeling agency based in the new city was all they needed, says Morae, fashion and beauty editor.
Next up was networking. They made sure to go out and meet people. Morae quickly realized the importance of making connections. For instance, her work with different designers made it easier when she needed to conduct other business with that particular company, she adds.
Lastly, the sisters made sure to have fun, and they tried not to sweat the small stuff.
All of the above made it easier for them to transition into their own company, because the people they worked with trusted them and were already familiar with their work ethic, Morae says.
Around the office, Morae handles all things hair and make-up. Her experience working in a salon in Detroit comes in handy. Milan happens to be more hands-on with the clients. Nikki works one-on-one with the models.
Networking was not the only thing that made it easier to start a company. Milan has an additional theory: Some models may believe it’s easier to model and get booked for being pretty.
“It was easier to start our own business, because a lot of models don’t,” she says. “No one wants to start their own business from the ground up.”
Starting their own business from nothing at all may have created some challenges in the business aspect, but hardly any issues arise from disagreements among the sisters. Contrary to what some people may believe, the sisters get along well.
“We are all pretty much alike, and we’re interested in the same fashion,” she says. “It’s better than working with strangers.”
Although the sisters have and will work with strangers, the base of it all is family. With a book, The Model Stimulus Plan, and working in one of the top cities, they are just getting started. Morae says that this trio of sisters has a goal set for the next five years: “Our plan is to transition our business from styling into a beauty brand.”
Find out more about Paper Doll Productions by visiting their official website.You can also find the ladies on Facebook and Twitter @ThePaperDollzand and Myspace at /paperdollzproductions
Comment on this article in the Gloss Blog!
