Emma Booth

Why did you want to become a model?

I’m not sure that I ever really thought about becoming a model! It just seemed to happen.  I was already 5’10 and half at age 12. At 14 years old I was playing in my front lawn when I was « discovered « . I had never even considered modeling but my parents thought that perhaps it would help my confidence if I gave it a shot. I was very shy and conscious of my height and freckles. I quickly met Elmer Olsen and he entered me in The Elite Look of the year at 15. I won for Canada and came 2nd in the international competition later that year. I just went with the flow from there! I spent my summers accompanied by my Mum in New York and Europe. I moved to Paris the day after I graduated high school and stayed for 26 years! Modeling internationally until I was 38. I stopped for a couple of years to teach Art and English and be home for my daughters. We recently moved to Canada and I decided to give modeling another shot! Why not?! I definitely miss working with creative, passionate people and I miss traveling! 

What makes you special?

I think what made me special in the modeling world was my professionalism. I always took my job as a business and was always on time and prepared. I have always been gentle and soft spoken and treated people with kindness. I also think that I looked at modeling as my « job » and not as my identity which has meant I have had an easier time having room for lots of other passions in my life. It also made it easier for me to try other careers (even though now I’m back!) I don’t think I ever let modeling change me as a person. 

(The whole interview, here : https://www.modelsofcanada.com/models/emma)  

What are you passionate about?

My first passion is my family. I have a very loving and supportive husband who I met in Paris when I was 20.  We have 2 daughters Mona is 18 and Mila is 12 -they are my world. I am so blessed to be closer to my parents and sister after so many years living abroad. I am also passionate about my friends. My best friend and I have known each other since we were 3! The greatest thing to come of my modelling career is meeting my core group of friends in Paris when we were young. Although we now live all over the world and have very different lives, they are my forever friends. The older I get the more I value true friendship. I am passionate about being kind and always try to be honest and truthful. I am passionate about Art, design, fashion and photography. I am passionate about France and « L’Art de vivre ». Taking time to enjoy all the small pleasures in life. I have always felt very grateful for the path I’m on. 

(The whole interview, here : https://www.modelsofcanada.com/models/emma) 

What are two interesting things about you?

An interesting thing about me is that I wrote in a diary every day from the time I was 11 until I was 28! I always had a clear vision of what I wanted and would « manifest » what I wanted to happen next. This was back in the day before manifesting was « a thing ». 

Another interesting thing about me is that I went to University at 24 and studied French and Politics! I used my degree to teach in France where I taught English and Art for 8 years. 

(The whole interview, here : https://www.modelsofcanada.com/models/emma)

If you could give an aspiring model any advice, what would it be?

If I could give an aspiring model advice it would be to be very thankful to be given the opportunity to model. It is an amazing job where you are able to make money, travel and work with passionate, creative people. Stay true to yourself and stay grounded. Try to understand that clients already have a very clear idea of the type of model that best represents their brand so don’t take rejection personally. Be polite and professional and don’t ever do anything that you don’t feel comfortable with. If you are lucky enough to make good money, try to invest! Mostly… enjoy the ride! ;)

(The whole interview, here : https://www.modelsofcanada.com/models/emma)

Salvatore Ferragamo, 1997

 Hervé Léger,  spring 2000