Interviewer: Emma, your journey into the modeling world has been anything but typical. Can you share a bit about how you got started and the challenges you faced early on?
Emma Tredgett: Absolutely. My entry into the modeling industry wasn’t smooth at all. I was scammed not once, but twice by fraudulent agencies in London. It was a harsh reality check and a tough introduction to the industry. Those experiences could have easily made me walk away, but instead, they fueled my determination to make it on my own terms.
Interviewer: That’s incredibly resilient of you. How did you transition from these setbacks to starting your career officially in 2017?
Emma: I think the key was not giving up. I officially began my career in 2017, but the real breakthrough came in 2021 when I decided to embrace freelancing. I realized that traditional agencies were not for me, especially after what I had been through. Freelancing allowed me to take control of my own destiny, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made.
Interviewer: Freelancing in such a competitive industry must have its own set of challenges. How did you navigate those?
Emma: Freelancing definitely has its challenges, especially in the modeling world, which is fiercely competitive. But I trusted my instincts and took a leap of faith. It wasn’t easy, but my passion and tenacity helped me navigate those challenges. I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll find a way to make it work.
Interviewer: You mentioned that your initial inspiration was to appear in television commercials. How did your vision for your modeling career evolve over time?
Emma: Initially, I was drawn to modeling because I wanted to be in TV commercials. But as I faced setbacks and overcame them, my vision evolved. It became less about just being in front of the camera and more about mastering the craft of modeling. The obstacles I encountered pushed me to explore different styles and opportunities, and that deepened my passion for the industry.
Interviewer: You’ve become known for your versatility in the industry. How important is that versatility to your success?
Emma: Versatility has been a huge part of my success. Being able to transition between different styles of modeling has set me apart in a crowded field. It’s also something that photographers appreciate because it allows them to bring their diverse visions to life. I think it’s important to be adaptable, especially in an industry where specialization often dominates.
Interviewer: Winning the Model of the Year 2022 must have been a significant moment for you. What did that recognition mean to you?
Emma: Winning the Model of the Year 2022 was definitely a moment of validation for me. It reflected all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career. But more than that, it was about doing what I love. Success, for me, is measured by the freedom to pursue my passion and the fulfillment it brings, not just by awards or recognition.
Interviewer: What has been one of your proudest moments in your career so far?
Emma: One of my proudest moments was seeing my work featured in a magazine for the first time. That was a huge milestone for me and marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career. It felt like all my efforts were being recognized on a larger scale, and it motivated me to keep pushing forward.
Interviewer: Your journey is truly inspiring. What’s next for you? What are you looking forward to in your career?
Emma: I’m always looking to expand my portfolio and explore new opportunities, both abroad and within the UK. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited about what the future holds. With each project, I’m pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve.
Interviewer: Emma, your story is one of empowerment and resilience. What message do you hope others take from your journey?Emma: I hope my story inspires others to take control of their own destiny, even when the odds are against them. True success often comes from within. It’s about believing in yourself and persevering, no matter the challenges you face. With passion and determination, anything is possible.
Photography Credit: Marc Schoonackers
