Her Story
About Shannon
Shannon Lee is a fashion model with about 15 years of experience in the fashion industry. Based in Buffalo, New York, she began her professional journey after walking the runway for Buffalo Fashion Week in 2010. This opportunity quickly expanded her career, leading her to participate in New York City Fashion Week multiple times, appear in magazine editorials, and grace the cover of a fashion magazine, which was featured on billboards. In addition to her modeling work, Shannon is a certified New York State Emergency Medical Technician, a role she has held since 2005, and previously worked on the City of Buffalo ambulance for about 10 years before an on-duty injury prompted her to pursue studies in criminal justice. She also dedicates time to mentoring aspiring models and photographers, offering guidance on safety and industry practices, creating composition cards for agencies, and representing newcomers to ensure legitimate opportunities. Shannon attributes her success to maintaining focus and dedication regardless of one's background, and she plans to open a modeling agency in Buffalo to support local talent.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shannon
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success, I would say basically just trying to be like it's idle to others showing that no matter where you're from what you have what you don't have if you stay focused and you work and show that you're dedicated you can do it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My largest most important career advice for everyone whether it's modeling music dance anything is no matter what be safe no matter what do not take any anything from anybody that tries to give you something because it could be drugs and whatnot... do not give anybody money... Basically just stay to yourself and stay safe.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to those women and men boys men would be just to basically get all of the facts straight know what you're going for know where you're going know the schedule who's going to be there just so that you are safe and it's not like a setup or a scam... always have someone go with you don't ever go to any kind of call that thing alone have someone that you would feel secure with go with you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is gathering... getting recognized is very difficult from Buffalo. Coming from not such a good part of New York State I would say that like getting recognized is very difficult from Buffalo.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The largest value I would always say is keep your head and your mind completely straight and if you need advice you ask somebody in the industry about what you're asked to do and whatnot and where and we will let you know if it's actually legit or if it's a scam.
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