G I L R O Y ’ S G O T P R O S
Local girl makes good in the world of modeling
Carol Peters with her husband , Jack .
All of us , one time or another , lose perspective . We get so caught up with the “ everyday ” around us that we miss some of the “ extraordinary ” right next door . In this new feature , Gilroy Today would like to highlight some of the national and international professionals …” Pros ” who live in our great little city .
Most of the people who know Carol Peters know her as former high school art teacher , or former President of Leadership Gilroy and / or City of Gilroy Art & Culture Committee member . But only a few , those who are closest to her , know that she flies to New York and Los Angesles on a fairly regular basis to model for a New York modeling agency .
Carol belongs to the ever-growing number of baby boomers who find themselves retired but , by no means ready to relax and let life happen . She doesn ’ t fit the stereotype ideal of a model — young and very tall . But when she accompanied a friend to the 2006 Modeling Association of America International competition in New York , she was , in the words of the industry , “ discovered .”
Several hundred models from all over the world attended the showcase and competition . Much to her surprise , Carol discovered that the competition did not have a “ mature ” division and that she would be competing with much younger women . This was very intimidating for this not very well-prepared model , who was just there to support her friend for a week in New York and have some fun . The results completely shocked Carol . She won three medals for top ten awards , two third place trophies and one second place trophy . The next day she was taken on a tour of agencies and was one of only four that were offered contracts .
Since signing with the New York Model Management Group she has traveled back to New York , Los Angeles , San Diego and several place in-between . She has been in a variety of commercials , ads , photo shoots and even a video , which , ironically , was a training video for teachers . Carol herself is an accomplished artist who has often dreamed of having her work shown in a major museum . Now , some photos of her are in a video that is being shown at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco . As she says “ There is more than one way to get seen in a major museum .”
Carol continues to go on assignments every couple of weeks . She thanks her husband , Jack , for his continuing support and encouragement . “ He puts things in perspective for me and I really appreciate and take his advice .” While she thoroughly enjoys the work , she approaches it from the point of view that it is fun and every outing is another opportunity to learn more about the modeling business and herself .
On one recent assignment she was checking in with a number of much younger models and their mothers . One mother was shocked to learn that Carol was one of the models and not a hovering mother . “ It ’ s just part of the fun ,” chuckles Carol .
Congratulations to Gilroy ’ s own mature , petite , brunette , professional model , Carol Peters .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2008 GILROY TODAY 15