This past Friday and Saturday I was so lucky to get to judge the Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week model search. We had close to 400 models audition, so it was a fantastic turnout. I also got to sit along side some amazingly creative ladies during the search which made it that much better! Below are 5 very important life lessons I learned from this experience.

1. Walking is complicated.

I never knew how bad I was at walking until this model search. It really is an art. Some people have it and some don’t. I’m definitely in the “don’t” category. After sitting for a few hours at the table, I analyzed my every movement as I walked outside. I give my model walk a 2 out of 10. I’m more of an awkward baby calf.

2. Stare people down to get what you want.

The models who stared down the judges proved they meant business. They were serious. They may have been scared and uncomfortable, but they owned that runway. And you can bet I’m going to use this tactic in my everyday life on everyone from middle school children to anyone who tries to get in my way! (Also, bonus points to the two guys who winked at the judges… another very good way to get what you want.)

3. Be confident.

I don’t even hardly walk to the mailbox without makeup on. So props to all the girls who were comfortable enough in their own skin to get judged without any make up. You, my friends, are brave ladies.

4. Baton Rouge has so many creative, inspiring people.

A few years ago when I was living in New York, I would have never dreamed Baton Rouge could inspire me the way the City does. But every day from bloggers and local designers, I am so surprised. While sitting at the judging table with Bethany Imhoff (managing editor at InRegister magazine), Brittany Harris (publicist/event planner at B. Harris Agency), Elle Marie (fashion writer for The Rouge Collection), and Chelsea Brasted (@brnola | Times-Pic entertainment reporter), it was so interesting to hear how they live out their creative sides right here in Baton Rouge. You don’t always need a big city to be happy, inspired, and driven.

5. Get out and do something that scares you.

At the beginning of the search, I swear I was more nervous than the models. As a blogger, it’s easy to get stuck behind the comfort of my computer (I mean, I didn’t even attach my name to my blog until a year into blogging), but it’s an amazing feeling getting to BE a blogger out in the community. If you’re a blogger too, don’t be afraid to reach out to people and represent your city well.

And as for the models, I know majority were absolutely terrified too. But they did something out of their comfort zone, and it’s an amazing life experience to do something that scares you and to try new things because you just never know what can come from it.

A huge thank you to OneofaKind BRFW for letting me judge! I can’t wait till Baton Rouge Fashion Week (Feb. 10-15)! Follow along with #obrfw and keep up with SF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest!