Jun 184 min read

EMBRACING CONFIDENCE

How Paulette Szalay’s Transformation Is Making

Her Runway and Screen Dreams Come True

Paulette Szalay, from New Jersey, gained much self-confidence after losing a significant amount of weight by making healthy nutrition choices and working out. Thanks to her new, confident mindset, combined with her talent, she then started making a name for herself in the entertainment industry and the fashion world.

Modeling and acting had been on Paulette’s mind since she was a child, yet it was as an adult that she was finally able to make her dreams come true.

What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling?

I had always wanted to model as a young girl. My mother was a print model for Chanel and several other upscale designers in the 1960s. She was my inspiration as I was growing up. However, I did not actively pursue modeling until two years ago, when one of my students walked into my classroom wearing a beautiful sweater. I asked her at which store she had bought her sweater. She told me that I would not find it in stores because she modeled the sweater on a fashion show runway and the designer gave it to her to keep. This really piqued my interest. She went on to tell me about her agent, and I told her how interested I was in modeling and acting. At the time, I had just lost 80 pounds and was ready to start pursuing my dream.

I met with my student's agent and the agency's team. Two days later, I signed a contract with them, and I have been modeling for the past year and a half. I have walked several runways and have modeled for esteemed designer Eli Belleh. I was featured in First for Women Magazine and on the cover of Woman’s World Magazine with a featured article. I was also blessed to model an outfit on a billboard in Times Square! It has been an amazing journey! I have met so many people along the way and have truly helped others change their lives.

Can you tell us about your recent venture into acting with a role in a highly-anticipated film?

Acting has also been a passion of mine. I have been acting for the past year and a half. I have been in three commercials, the 2023 ShopRite Can Can commercial, a Generac Generator commercial and an AshwaMag commercial. In addition, I was cast last year for a TV series, American Sports Story: Gladiator. Most recently, I was cast for a new TV show called Gary, The Dog, and I was just cast for an upcoming movie called King 3. I am also part of the King 3 production team as a Line Producer.

As someone experienced in both modeling and acting, how do you balance the demands of these two industries?

This is a great question! Both modeling and acting are demanding individually, but balancing both can be very tricky. The key is pacing myself and keeping organized. Organization is super important to have, along with excellent time management. I have been blessed to have these executive function skills to ensure that I am ready on time. I get to auditions and on set early. These are skills that an executive function coach can help you with.

Could you please share a memorable moment from your career in modeling that has left a lasting impact on you?

Absolutely! I remember my first runway show. I walked for several designers, the music was playing, the cameras were flashing, and so many prominent guests were watching me walk the runway. It was breathtaking! The feeling of joy was overwhelming! But what was so memorable about this show was that we, the models, raised funds for breast cancer research. I was honored to open the show, as I am a breast cancer survivor. It felt so good to be able to give back!

What are some challenges you've faced in your acting career, and how have you overcome them?

Acting is very different from modeling. The biggest challenge I have faced is remembering lines and understanding how to read them. I hired a private acting coach, Dennis White, and I meet with him once a week online. He is the best! He taught me how to truly read and understand a script. He has really taken me to a higher level of acting!

What advice would you give to aspiring models and actors looking to break into the industry?

The advice I would give aspiring models and actors who want to break into the industry is to never give up! No matter what age you are, it’s never too late to start modeling and acting! Let today be the first day of the rest of your life. Wishing you peace and love. You got this!