Who is Cashley's Mom?
For all you Moms, I am Jann Seal, Cashley's proud mother! Since she's my only child, I can't help but beam whenever she's with me! I'm sure you all know the feeling. When we lived in Los Angeles, where Cashley was born, I was involved in the world of Soap Operas, first as an assistant to a headwriter, then writing scripts for several shows. But life happens, and when Cashley's father passed away, I did my requisite year of staying put, then decided on a whim that I wanted to live in New York City before I died! So I packed up the cat, the kid and the fax, and off we went on another adventure.
When Cashley got the opportunity to start modeling, I was all for it. What better way to learn - not only about modeling, but about dealing with all the aspects of being in business. Yes, I was a bit of a stage mother, I admit, but I stood on the sidelines and watched as Cashley's self esteem soared. Her confidence increased tremendously. She learned how to walk without slouching. She got used to speaking with adults, in an adult situation. She gained all the knowledge she needed to go out into the world as a self assured young woman and make a mark of her own. Yes, there was a time in her teen years that I didn't recognize her, and wondered where my lovely daughter had gone. But friends assured me that she would be back when she got over being a teen. Yes, she did come back.
Fast forward nine years, and I moved to a place I vowed NEVER to live - South Florida! My parents, G-d bless them, are now in their late 80s and it's good to be near them. It was also great that Cashley got to be in their lives as more than just a visitor a few times a year. Now that “Cashmom” has kids of her own, my parents are proud Great Grandparents! Of course, the oldest, Jacob, always refers to them as “Very old” and we all howl when he says that! Ok, so I'm a stage grandparent as well!
Our modeling school, Finishing Touch, opened and closed in one year, but I still find myself coaching young girls in etiquette and deportment. Those aren't words that are archaic, but unfortunately, they have gone out of our world of expectation. I aim to put them back. I taught interviewing skills at a local college that is in a very depressed area of our county because I want ALL girls to have the opportunity to shine.
I've always had my hands in the modeling business, as a consultant to the Modeling Association of America International for fourteen years. I know the modeling business. I know agents from the TOP AGENCIES around the world and am familiar with what they are looking for. Cashley and I also know the local markets, and what it takes to break into the world of modeling that is right outside your door. And because of all that information that was swimming around in our heads, Cashley and I have coupled our knowledge of the modeling industry with our educational backgrounds (I have a degree from the University of Maryland in English, with a minor in Education. I taught high school in Baltimore, MD for several years.), our experience, and our drive to help girls march into their young adult lives with their heads held high.
Enjoy the lessons of Modeling Do It Yourself along with your child. There are hints for every aspect of life. Encourage, applaud, have fun, perhaps close the gap while working together in this new adventure. You'll enjoy it as much as she! And the results will astound you!
Best regards,
