Suzanne Manseau Green, the owner of Millie Lewis Models & Talent in Summerville, highly recommended that I profile up-and-coming model Kortney Wessels. Green describes the 5-foot 11-inch tall blonde, hazel-eyed model as “our next success” story.
Her portfolio pictures indeed show a range of poses, clothing styles and looks. She hails from Temecula, California, the wine country near San Diego, but has been in Summerville for four years. She is currently studying to become a paralegal at Trident Technical College.
Regan: Kortney, what got you into the modeling world?
Wessels: I was first approached at age 14 in Fashion Valley, a shopping center in San Diego. A gentleman, Scott Copeland, owner of Scott Copeland Talent International, approached me. At the time, I was a pretty shy teenager who had braces and a broken foot, so the idea of modeling was definitely not my first thought. After discussing the potential career with my family, I decided to have a meeting with Scott, and the rest is history.
R: Have you undergone much training to be a model in terms of runway and posing for the camera?
W: I have worked with some of the best agents, coaches and casting directors over the years. I worked with runway coach Mandy Lieveld and learned proper and confident ways to work the runway. Additionally, I have attended extensive “model camps” set up by my previous agencies in Los Angeles. At these camps, I learned how to pose, walk the runway, learn healthy lifestyles and skincare regimens, and feel my most confident self within the industry.
R: Are you being represented by Millie Lewis Agency solely, or are you trying to be represented by multiple agencies in various cities?
W: I am currently only signed with the Millie Lewis Agency. Suzanne and I are working on taking my career to the next step in major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles and more. I have had previous representation in L.A., NYC, London, Paris (LA Models and NEXT Worldwide) and China (21 Models). I would love to be able to travel at this level sometime in the near future.
R: What have been the most interesting photo shoots you’ve been involved with so far?
W: In the past eight years of my career, I have worked for some amazing companies, photographers and makeup/hairstylists worldwide. One that sticks out is my last magazine editorial before COVID-19 when my career went on pause just like the rest of the world. The editorial came out for “PAP Magazine” in 2020 and was shot in the hills of Malibu with photographer Sheen Wang. Throughout my career, I have been able to do photoshoots for brands such as FILA Korea and China, Isabel Marant with Hampden Clothing, Smashbox Cosmetics, Jenny Yoo Bridal and many international brands.
R: Are you focused on runway modeling or also trying to break into magazines, TV and film?
W: My career goal is primarily to focus on runway and magazine opportunities. I feel it’s where my creativity in the business shines the most. I have been blessed to walk for major brands like Carolina Herrera, Rodarte, Gabriela Hearst, Peter Petrov, Oscar De La Renta and Bally. During Charleston Fashion Week, I had the opportunity to walk for Shapeau and designer A. Potts. Some of this work can be seen in “Vogue” and editorial work in magazines such as “Teen Vogue,” “Las Vegas Magazine” and “Awkward World.”
R: Is it your career ambition to make it big in NYC and beyond as a model?
W: I work best in major cities and internationally, such as in Europe and Asia. I was able to work a three-month contract in China at 18, and it was my favorite life experience yet. Not only do you get to work in such a creative business as modeling and meeting so many gifted people, but the traveling that comes with it creates great life experiences. Working in different countries allows you to learn diverse cultures, try new foods and see the world through a different lens as you work closely with those native to where you may be working.
R: Your clothing size is tiny. Do you have to be on a strict diet and exercise program constantly, and how hard is that?
W: My past engagements have certainly required me to follow a diet and workout regimen. Nonetheless, I embrace body positivity and believe mental and physical health should be prioritized when it comes to the perception of beauty and the like.
Mary E. Regan is a columnist and freelance publicist with her propublicist.com consultancy. She is always seeking new publicity clients and writing projects. Email story ideas to mary@propublicist.com.
