Lola Chél – Founder & Dean Of Model University

The EnterpriseZone Writing Team June 7, 2022

While becoming a successful model Lola Chél acquired skills she now passes on to others who aspire to emulate her.

What’s your story?

I am a full-time, internationally working, multi-agency represented, professional model and model coach. Working with brands such as iT Cosmetics, Doir Backstage, Pretty Little Thing, Averr Aglow, and more – I aim to diversify the modelling industry in the commercial, beauty, and fashion space.

Always advocating for models making money, I founded Model University in 2020. Since its founding Model University has educated and elevated over 1000 models and counting. With the launch of the university’s latest coaching program, my aim is to increase the income and impact models make in 2022 and beyond.

What excites you most about your industry?

I love the ability the modeling industry gives you to transform and tell stories. all while being able to represent people who look like you and brands who see your value.

Each photoshoot allows you to experiment with your creativity, connect with other professional creatives to grow your network, and impact those who see your final work all while allowing you the ability to make a full-time living.

There are few industries that can offer you those elements in an ever-changing environment making it possible for you to do what you love while having no two days be the same.

What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?

Knowing how difficult it was for me to get started and make money as a model but seeing the impact my images have on women who look like me is what drove me to coach models on how to start and monetize their modeling careers.

1000+ models later I see how my complimentary podcast, career cheatsheet, lifetime access course, and one-on-one coaching offers have allowed models to have the clarity, guidance, and headstart I never did. This has made way for more models to book their first jobs, land representation, and achieve their goals.

What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?

The most useful skills I’ve learned as a model are:
– preparedness
– timeliness
– networking

The most useful skills I’ve learned as a model coach are:
– compassion
– patience
– vulnerability

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you are correct.

Who inspires you?

God.

If God could carry me this far even when I didn’t know WHAT I was doing – I can only imagine what wonders are in store.

What have you learnt recently that blew you away?

That people still view the modeling industry the same way they did in the 90’s. You would think with all the progression that’s happened people would see how now more than ever it’s possible for anyone to be a model because there’s a space for everyone in the industry.

If you had your time again, what would you do differently?

As a model, I would have taken my own medicine. I would’ve gotten clear on my fundamentals, built my model assets, grown my network, leveraged multiple ways to make money as a model, and then scaled my success.

This would’ve allowed me to document my journey firsthand and allow my future students on the coaching side of things to see what it’s really like to become a model using the methods I’ve perfected over the almost 10 years I’ve been modeling.

How do you unwind?

Taking cations!

Whether it’s a vacation, daycation, or staycation – I am going to treat myself to a full pampered, and luxurious experience on a regular basis.

If I can’t go all out on a ‘cation I will add small elements of ease and luxury into my experience. Whether it’s lighting a hand-made candle in my office, going to my favorite restaurant just to get a decadent dessert, or turning my nightly shower into a spa-level bath – I will find a way to pamper myself to the same level (if not more) that I’m working myself.

What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?

I had to realise though I can see how to get from point A to point Z and know there are 24 letters in between – the models I’m helping either don’t know how to even start at point A let alone what it takes to get through the remaining 25 letters!

Sometimes instead of trying to help someone tackle every step right from the start – you just need to help them gain the confidence and have the tools to take the first step. That makes every next step they take with you that much easier.

Everyone in business should read this book: