The Models Studio Featured in Summerville Journal Scene

Modeling class molds young children

Image Provided: Karina Morazzi, Miss Charleston, signs an autograph for Pinewood student Caroline Byrd.

By Michael Tannebaum
Summerville Journal Scene

A group of forth- and fifth-graders at Pinewood Preparatory School took strides to become model students and citizens by participating in a nine-week modeling class, which taught them how to excel on the runway, in the classroom and beyond the school walls.

The non-graded class was part of Target Tuesday, a Pinewood enrichment program that allows students to enroll in a class of their choosing based on their interests and needs.

The class, which was taught by Avis MacLellan, director of The Model’s Studio in Summerville, instilled self-confidence and poise in the students, said Marilyn Davis, Pinewood Headmaster of the Lower School and Target Tuesday director.

“The element of getting up in front of a group and being able to confidently walk across the stage carries over into public speaking and how (the children) present themselves to adults,” Davis said. “They also learned about style and how to dress for success.”

The students, who were taught how to strut on the runway and held a fashion show during which they modeled clothing from the 1920s to the present, developed self-esteem through the program, MacLellan said.

“The program is not about modeling, but how to connect the dots,” MacLellan said. “It’s about having the students (look) into themselves to find out what they want to do after they finish school and what career choices they’re thinking about.”

MacLellan instructed the students on etiquette such as manners to use on the telephone, how they should properly introduce themselves and the importance of shaking hands with colleagues.

The lessons the students learned from the program will stick with them for a long time, Davis said.

“I hope they remember the feeling of accomplishment when they participated in the fashion show, the sound of the applause and that all of that hard work really paid off,” Davis said. “I also hope they learned that a lot of life is within their control in the way they choose to dress and look people in the eye.”

Teachers who had students in the program noticed transformations in the children as they progressed through the course, MacLellan said.

“I’ve had so many teachers say this program has brought shyness out of kids and that their grades have gone up,” MacLellan said. “It’s helped the students really shine and excel in their academics.”

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com / Reprinted in entirety with full permission from The Summerville  Journal Scene per Judy Watts.

June 18, 2009. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Miss Charleston SC, Modeling Classes, Pinewood Prep Summerville SC, Positive Reinforcement, SC, South Carolina Models, Summerville, summerville events. 1 comment.

How to MAKE IT as a Top Model – How to Get Discovered – watch the video

HOW you present yourself to everyone else in the world can make you or break you. Watch and listent to Avis as she explains how she made it as a Top Model and then give her a call today to discuss your dreams: 843-261-9696.

How to be a Top Model - Avis MacLellan Interview with The Sentinel News

How to be a Top Model - Avis MacLellan Interview with The Sentinel News

Avis MacLellan explains to the Senitnel News how she “MADE IT” as a Top Model. From being a young girl in Valdosta Georgia, to making it in The Big Apple, NYC, Avis recounts her experiences.

Learn from it. Avis has already walked down the road you want to travel.

Being a Top Model today is much the same as it was just a few years ago in that the Agencie’s that will hire you want you to be healthy in mind, body, and soul.

As Avis explains, “If you are out there making money for a Top Modeling Agency, they do not want you to jump off the deep end.”

Modeling Agancies are looking for more than just being pretty…they need you to be a well rounded representative of their company and product line. You cannot achieve the overall balance without the proper training.

The Model’s Studio is not geared “just” for those who want to be a Top Model.  Right now, there are over 132 areas in modeling that you can make a ton of money in…”if” you know what you’re doing.

Avis’s sound advice is something you really need to consider. If you want to be a Top Model, then you can call Avis and she will be happy to speak with you about your options. She will invite you to The Model’s Studio for an evaluation. Avis is more than “just” a SC Certified Modeling School Instructor.  Avis is a Life Coach.

If being a Top Model is “your thing,” then come into the Studio with Avis and get a free analysis of your particular skill-set. If you are interested in going into another field of study with your life, then come into The Model’s Studio and get set up for the classes that are going to prepare you to be, say, “the best doctor you can be.”

Every young woman “out there” is on a stage. It’s the Stage of Life.

HOW you present yourself to everyone else in the world can make or break you. Do you know how you are supposed to act when you on your first college interview?

Do you know what is proper dress, hair and makeup for your first REAL job interview…really? The first impressions you make can and will affect the direction your life will take. What Avis invites you to do through The Model’s Studio is “BE” the very best YOU you can be; whether it’s Top Model, Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher, or Business Owner.

Those self esteem and competency skills are not something you are born with, they are skill sets that have to learn. You are invite to learn them with Avis at The Model’s Studio. Give Avis MacLellan a call to discuss what your dreams really are and where you can take them!

Watch Avis explain how she made it as a Top Model and then give her a call today: 843-261-9696.

March 10, 2009. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . A Message From Avis, Arts and Entertainment News and Events, Fashion Industry News, How to Eat to Be Healthy, Modeling Classes, Positive Reinforcement, South Carolina Models. 1 comment.

You Can Be Miss America! Karina Morazzi from Summerville Won the Miss Charleston Pageant 2009

Karina Morazzi Miss Charleston SC- 2009

Karina Morazzi Miss Charleston SC- 2009 | Photo by Roddy MacLellan for the Model’s Studio

Congratulations to, Karina Morazzi, formerly Miss Summerville, who was crowned Miss Charleston this past weekend!

As Miss Charleston, Karina will go on to compete for the title of Miss South Carolina…and you know what that means? Miss South Carolina will go on to compete for every girl’s dream, the crown and title of Miss America.

I have a history with the lovely, Karina.

When she won the title of Miss Summerville, she received a Gift Certificate for runway walking lessons, how to apply makeup professionally, and over $300.00 of FREE Model’s Makeup Cosmetics from the The Model’s Studio.

I am also proud to say I picked Karina’s winning song for her, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. She used my studio whenever she needed to practice. My heart and soul goes out to her with JOY; because I know how hard she has worked for this title.

I will also be working with the new Miss Summerville 2009, Donna Sellers. Her resume is quite impressive. She’s beautiful and smart. We shot fabulous photos of her last weekend and we’ll be posting those photos for you soon.” – Avis

Miss Charleston, Karina

Karina Morazzi - Miss Charleston SC 2009 - Photo by Roddy MacLellan for the Model’s Studio

In addition to winning funds for school, the Miss South Carolina title comes with a lot of notoriety and civic responsibility.

The Miss America Organization is a non-profit organization that has maintained the tradition of empowering women to achieve their personal and professional goals. During competition, they get to display their talent, express their opinions, and show their true beauty through intelligence.

  • The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarship assistance for young women in the US.

You can be Miss America, too! We live in a new era where making your dreams come true can be a reality for anyone…but that comes with a lot of hard work, and that work usually starts very early in age.

If you are interested in pageantry and presentation to become the best you you can be, to prepare for academic excellence, and to pave a way for future success in all you do…call and speak to Avis at The Model’s Studio, learn about the “BE Campaign,” and register for your free headshots. The Model’s Studio is looking for top models!

Learn the poise the etiquette you need to walk the Red Carpet one day, just like Karina Morazzi, our reining Miss Charleston!
The Model’s Studio is proud that she has now moved on to win Miss Charleston and will be competing for Miss South Carolina.

January 24, 2009. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . A Message From Avis, Arts and Entertainment News and Events, Charleston Events, Fashion Industry News, Imaging and Photography, Miss Charleston SC, Miss Summerville SC, Modeling in Charleston SC, Positive Reinforcement, SC Events, South Carolina Models, Summerville, summerville events. 21 comments.

How to Get Through the Holiday Treats

Turkey and Dressing Holiday Dinner

Turkey and Dressing Holiday Dinner

If you are one of the lucky ones who can eat anything they want and not gain weight, well, you are blessed. And you make up only 2% of the population in North America.

Fact of the mater is, just like everyone else does, models have to watch what they eat and “how” they eat very carefully. Food is fuel for our bodies.

Around holiday time the unhealthy treats and goodies abound…and then some.

So, how are you supposed to keep your lovely figure with upsetting Aunt Mary, who took the time to load the sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping?

A Guide to Daily Food Servings

A Guide to Daily Food Servings

Moderation is the key. Whether it is holiday season or not, anything you eat out of moderation is too much.

Try to stick to lean turkey meat, and modest amounts of the sides that are not healthy. Remember that you don’t have to be stuffed to the gills before walking away from the table. Eat until you’re full, then that’s all.

But what about the desserts? If you must have super sweet treats around holiday time, make it count. Only, have the slice of pie or cake in moderation. If you deprive yourself all together, it could make a cake binge more likely later on.

Balance your holiday treats with fresh fruits and vegetables and a healthy dose of exercise and you’ll be just fine!

December 23, 2008. Tags: , , , , , , , . A Message From Avis, A Model Holiday, Diet Matters, How to Eat to Be Healthy, Positive Reinforcement. Leave a comment.

High Expectations – Be Your Dream

“It is the nature of a person to rise to greatness
IF greatness is
expected of him.”

John Steinbeck (1902–1968)
Novelist and Nobel prize winner

What one thing do you expect of yourself today?

How can you start to develop high expectations for  yourself?

Be your Deam

Be your Dream with Self Esteem


You can start by learning how to present a positive image
, through grooming, etiquette, make-up  and hair.  Developing poise, posture, walking with style and confidence, and positive body language.  Learning wardrobe styling and garment selection for job interviews, social events and  professional business appearance.

I believe these are all necessary skills in today’s competitive environment, and are a perfect compliment to strong academic achievement.

The Principals of Positive ReinforcementA Message to Parents

The Model’s Studio courses are based on the principles of Positive Reinforcement. Positive words spoken in a young person’s life, enhance their dreams and desire for success in all things.

October 18, 2008. Tags: , , , , . A Message From Avis, Inspirational Quotes from Avis, Modeling Classes, Positive Reinforcement. 22 comments.

Charleston, SC Job Fair: How to Dress for Success and get a SC Job


First trade show!
Originally uploaded by The Model’s Studio

BEFORE THE CHARLESTON JOB FAIR…”BE Prepared”

Find out what businesses will be there. Spend time doing research about them. What types of jobs do they have open? What kind of people are they looking for? What skills do these people need to have? Develop some questions you’d like to ask employers. List some questions you would like to ask the company representative at the job fair.

Proofread your resume – at least twice. If you don’t already have one, it is a good idea to put a resume together for a job fair. Be sure to proofread your resume before the job fair to find any spelling or grammatical mistakes. Don’t let errors overshadow your qualifications for a job!

While Visiting the Charleston JOB FAIR
Dress the part. As with a job interview, first impressions at a job fair are important. You should leave the jeans and t-shirts at home. “Business Casual” is usually the most appropriate at a job fair – nice slacks and a collared shirt for men and nice slacks or a skirt and a blouse for women are appropriate. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or clothing that is too short or revealing.

Dress for Success in all you do. Present your confidence to the world. "Be Your Dream"!

Dress for Success in all you do. Present your confidence to the world. "BE Your Dream"

Take time to talk to employers.
Don’t just drop off a resume and move to the next booth. Take time to get additional information and
make an impression.

Try to avoid approaching employers when they are crowded by a large group of job-seekers. This makes it difficult for employers to answer your individual questions, and they are less likely to remember you when they return to their offices.

Do your homework! It works to your advantage if you can tell employers how your skills match
what
they are looking for. These practical job-seeking tips are from The Models’s Studio and the Lowcountry Goodwill: http://www.palmettogoodwill.org/newsline/1Q%202007.pdf

With your skill, some positive thinking reinforcement, etiquette, and fashion sense, you can land the position of a lifetime! Remember, Fall Session at the The Model’s Studio starts soon, too! Call Avis.

September 23, 2008. Tags: , , , , , , , , . A Message From Avis, Modeling Classes, Modeling in Charleston SC, SC Events, South Carolina Models. Leave a comment.