Edina Teen’s Journey into High-Fashion Modeling World

For many of us, the world of high-fashion modeling exists only in savvy city hubs such as New York, Chicago, Paris and Milan, but for 17-year-old Edina High School senior Bella Kane, the fast-paced lifestyle of the bold and beautiful couldn’t be closer to home.Bella  grew up like any average Midwestern child, playing with friends, spending time with family, going to school and taking piano lessons. “When I was younger, I watched shows like America’s Next Top Model. Though I found women such as Tyra Banks and the other models on the show to be really inspirational, I never gave much thought to modeling myself,” she says. Little did Bella know, her world was about to take a glamorous turn.One day three years ago, Bella and her mother Marnie were shopping in Nordstrom at the Mall of America when they were approached by a stranger. Since Bella was frequently approached by individuals who commented on her fashion sense and her appearance, neither mother nor daughter initially thought much of the encounter. But this particular woman turned out to be Carrie Luna, who represented Arquette, a local modeling agency in the Twin Cities, and she wanted Bella to come in for a test shoot. (Brita Jackson is now Bella’s contact at Arquette). Marnie took the woman’s card and when they arrived home, she began to research the agency. With the seal of approval from her parents, Bella went for an interview. One week later, she signed with the agency. “I couldn’t believe it,” says Bella. “The whole process was so exciting.”Bella’s modeling career began in Minneapolis. Soon thereafter, Bella signed with Factor Women, an agency in Chicago, which required her to fly there on a regular basis for test shoots and casting calls. She also continues to work regularly in the Twin Cities, working with everyone from local photographers and companies to the major anchors in the industry. Bella has been featured in Seventeen magazine not one, but three separate times. Other companies such as Intelligent Nutrients, Regis Salon, Gina Marie Vintage, and Aveda have also featured Bella in their fashion spreads.With her modeling career blossoming, her life in Edina has shifted significantly. Balancing her life as a student in Edina and her modeling career is not a simple undertaking. “It’s harder to manage during the school year,” she says. “Thankfully, agencies don’t have me fly out a lot when I’m in school. When they do, it’s usually only for a day or so. My teachers are very supportive of my schedule and give my assignments to me in advance. I use the time on the airplane to complete my homework. My friends help me out by taking notes for me in the classes I have to miss, which is really great. Everyone has always been so supportive.”   Bella travels mostly in the summer when she is not in school, or busy in other extra-curricular activities such as cheerleading, singing group and piano lessons. “The traveling component to this lifestyle was a big adjustment for our family,” says Marnie. “An agency in New York or Chicago will call on Tuesday evening and say they need her on site by Friday morning for a casting call. It’s been a true learning curve for my husband Bob and myself. You have to be so flexible in this fast-paced industry. Three years later and we are finally settling into a rhythm.”Marnie left her job a year ago to become more involved in the lives of both Bella and her 15-year-old brother Sawyer. “One of my favorite parts about Bella’s modeling career is how much time she and I get to spend together,” says Marnie. “When she is home, she is typically spending time with her friends. Traveling time is our alone-time together.”According to Marnie, her daughter has always craved the spotlight. “Being the first-born child, Bella has a very strong, passionate personality. She has always wanted to be the first one ahead of the curve. One day when Bella was younger, she turned to me and asked, ‘Mom, how does someone get famous?’ That’s when I knew we were in for it.”  Like any parent, Marnie constantly watches out for the best interests of her children. In Bella’s case, Marnie and Bob maintain a close eye on their daughter’s exposure in the modeling industry.“My husband and I are always skeptical of the industry. I am a big reader and hear about so many bad things happening within the industry, ranging from illegitimate casting calls and unhealthy control of body image to sketchy jobs and just plain ‘creepers’ in general. Safety is a valid concern, and one that we take very seriously,” says Marnie. “We’ve been so fortunate to have had only great experiences thus far, from the photographers and stylists to the agencies and editors. We’ve been really lucky.”Bella is exceptionally mature, as well. “I am most proud of her professionalism,” says Marnie. “Bella never complains. We can be stuck in a casting call line for hours, and she stands there with a smile on her face, making friends with the girls around her. We will walk in the door after a hectic week of on-site shooting in New York and she is immediately looking forward to the next job. Her enthusiasm is remarkable, but she always manages to keep a real perspective on everything.”Bella Kane’s dream is to someday model for Victoria’s Secret, and she hopes her modeling career will allow her to travel all over the world. Though Bella loves modeling, her education remains important. After graduation, she intends to attend college somewhere in the Midwest so she can continue her modeling career on the side, with easy access to both New York and Minneapolis. “She has always known what she wants,” says Marnie. “I love being there to watch her grow up.”