Anya Marcon: Rejected at 14, Now Modeling on Her Own Terms
At 14, Anya walked into every major modeling agency in New York convinced one of them would discover her. They all said no. One even told her she was “too commercial.” So she went on with her life. By the end of her freshman year of college, Anya was working with one of New York’s top luxury real estate teams and closed her first million-dollar deal within months. At 22, she talked her way into helping a private collector sell museum-quality works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Basquiat and Warhol. And somehow, fashion kept finding its way back to her.
Anya eventually went on to model internationally, walking runways in New York, Milan and Paris, while also becoming an entrepreneur, author, wife and mother. This interview explores the details behind her personal journey as well as the motivations behind the creation of “Model Life”.
Model Life
1) Your book “Model Life” is an intimate collection of personal essays and reflections from women whose lives are shaped both by professional and personal experiences. How did you decide who to choose to interview for your book?
I cast a pretty wide net! I reached out to models who genuinely intrigued me, women I wanted to sit down with, get to know, and learn from. I was interested in more than just their modeling careers. What were their passions outside of the industry? What other careers or interests were they pursuing? What made them unique? I was fascinated by Yaya DaCosta, who had worked on major modeling campaigns before transitioning into acting, while also exploring her passions as a spiritual healer and birth worker. She represented exactly the kind of multidimensional woman I wanted to feature. And then there’s Eugenia Kuzmina, who walked the runways alongside icons like Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista. Today, she’s a successful actress and stand-up comedian who even has her own comedy troupe, “Models of Comedy.” I mean, how freaking cool is that?!
It was also incredibly important to me to represent the full spectrum of the modeling industry. I wanted women of different ages, ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds, and levels of experience, from those just starting their careers to seasoned professionals. I also wanted to explore the many different sides of modeling, including runway, commercial, editorial, fit, petite, and curve. Ultimately, I didn’t want Model Life to tell just one version of what it means to be a model. I wanted to paint a much bigger picture of the industry through the personal experiences of women whose lives, interests, and identities extend far beyond the camera.
2) Can you tell us about the inciting moment that made you decide to return to the Fashion world despite your success with one of New York’s top luxury real estate teams?
After becoming a mother, I felt this fire inside me to challenge myself and reach new heights, not just as a mother, but as a woman. I knew there was more I wanted to explore and accomplish. While I loved (and still love) real estate, I’ve always been deeply in love with fashion and creativity. I knew this because I would be showing multimillion-dollar homes, but my head was somewhere else. I would imagine walking down runways wearing couture and what that would feel like…
The opportunity to return to modeling came about organically. I met a woman through an online mom’s group, and we became friends. She happened to be a successful working model and, knowing I had modeled in the past, really encouraged me to give it another shot. She introduced me to some of her photographer and stylist friends, and I decided to just go for it! I immediately fell in love with the experience all over again. It was also a great example of the power of women supporting women, making space for new friendships to blossom and encouraging each other to pursue our passions.
From there, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, saying yes to opportunities and seeing where they would take me. Before I knew it, things had snowballed into this incredible whirlwind. I was walking runway shows, shooting dream editorials, and getting signed by an agency. I mean… seeing myself in the pages and on the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and Elle was something I never could have imagined! What started as a little curiosity and encouragement from a friend turned into an exciting new
chapter in my life. It reminded me that it’s never too late to rediscover a passion, challenge yourself, and pursue something that makes you feel truly alive.
The Journey
3) Why do you think it was significant to your personal journey that you came back to the Fashion industry and modeling on your own terms?
Modeling was something I had always wanted to pursue, but I never fully gave myself the chance to take it seriously. Between the time commitment, effort, and financial uncertainty that comes with the industry, it never felt like a realistic option. It had been beaten into me to pursue a “realistic career,” and so that’s exactly what I did by going into real estate! I truly did have a passion for real estate and loved how dynamic, fast-paced, and interesting the industry was. I also loved looking at and showing homes and helping people find their own space. I had a great opportunity at the time, and I took it. Overall, I’d rate that decision a 7/10 because I learned so much about sales, people, how to manage different personalities, and the art of negotiations… but knew in my gut I didn’t love it.
After getting married and becoming a mother, I became even more aware of just how precious and short life really is. I had built a successful career, but I didn’t feel ultimately fulfilled by it. I still had that inner inkling of wanting to pursue fashion and creativity, being in front of the camera and an audience. When asked, “If money wasn’t a factor and you could do whatever you wanted, what would it be?” modeling and the fashion world were always the first things that came to mind. Having a stable partner and home life allowed me to freely pursue these goals with the highest level of commitment. So, when the opportunity to return to modeling came along, I decided to go for it, but this time on my own terms.
I had a creative vision of looks I wanted to shoot, photographers I wanted to work with, styles, designers, and shows I wanted to be part of, and I wholeheartedly went after it. I found the right people to help teach, guide, and advise me. I took the advice and suggestions of these people while also trusting my own vision and intuition, finding a way to integrate both. And that’s when the magic followed. I wanted to chase a dream I had put aside for so long and hopefully inspire other women to realize they can do the same, no matter what stage of life they’re in.
Now, I wake up every morning genuinely excited about what’s ahead. I can work 12-hour days and feel physically tired, but never drained emotionally, creatively, or spiritually. In fact, I feel more energized than ever. Now, I truly understand what it means to love what you do, and that has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
4) After interviewing other models who went through their own hardships and experiences, how do you think it has changed your own perspective on the fashion industry?
Interviewing hundreds of models really changed my perspective on what it takes to succeed in the fashion industry. I think there’s a misconception that becoming a successful model follows a certain path or that success happens overnight. And while that certainly happens for some, I’ve learned that for most women, myself included, the journey involves a tremendous amount of hard work, persistence, building your own brand, and creating your own opportunities. What I found so fascinating was just how different everyone’s journey really is. I spoke with women who had those incredible discovery stories, like being spotted in a park and suddenly finding themselves in the industry. But I also met women who relentlessly pursued agencies, castings, and opportunities, working for years to build successful careers. There really is no single formula for success, especially in an industry that continues to evolve so dramatically.
One of my biggest takeaways was realizing that success isn’t simply about beauty. It’s about how you show up for yourself, how you treat others, the relationships you build, and how willing you are to keep pushing forward when things doesn’t go your way. On a personal level, that was an incredibly powerful realization. It helped me stop comparing my journey to anyone else’s and recognize that I could carve out my own path. Everyone’s story is unique, and that’s what makes this industry and the women in it so fascinating.
5) How do you feel that motherhood has positively impacted your identity as a model?
Motherhood has driven me in a way I’ve never experienced before, and in the best possible way. I feel more determined, confident, and honestly, unstoppable! My time management skills are the strongest they’ve ever been! And I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m secure in who I am and no longer let someone else’s opinion define me. At the end of the day, it is just one person’s opinion, and frankly, their opinion of me is none of my business!
It’s incredibly important to me to set an example for my son. I want him to see that his mom can work hard, chase her dreams, build a career she’s passionate about, and find fulfillment in the process. And I genuinely believe that doing something I love makes me a better, more present and engaged mother and wife. Motherhood has also taught me the value of time. I’m much more intentional about how I spend it and who I spend it with. I’ve learned that it’s OK for certain people to no longer be part
of your life while welcoming new relationships that fit the season you’re in. I want to surround myself with positive, supportive, genuine people who are also pursuing exciting things in their own lives. And one of the things I absolutely love seeing in the fashion industry right now is how many models are also mothers! We’re seeing women embrace both motherhood and successful modeling careers, and I think it’s the coolest thing.
This was brilliantly showcased in the most recent Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. According to Harper’s Bazaar, 16 of the women walking the runway were mothers! We’re talking about women in their thirties and forties, moms of teenagers, and moms with babies at home. As a mother and a model, I find that incredibly exciting. Some of the women we grew up watching are now navigating motherhood alongside us, while continuing to do what they love. I think there’s something powerful about seeing their careers grow with them through these different chapters of life. Becoming a mother has added so much to who I am, and I love seeing that reflected on the runway!
Moms are badasses, and I love being part of this shift!
Ambition & Motivation
6) What is one lesson that you hope your readers will take away from “Model Life”?
If there’s one lesson I hope readers take away from Model Life, it’s the importance of staying true to yourself and your vision, rather than allowing others to define who you are or what you’re capable of achieving. I also want people to recognize that there’s no set timeline for pursuing your dreams. You can become a model at 16, 30, 50, or even 60! There’s no expiration date on reinventing yourself or going after something you’re passionate about.
But perhaps the biggest takeaway is resilience. Resilience is the ability to withstand or recover from difficulties, and that’s something we can all relate to. You certainly don’t have to be a model to experience challenges in life! One of my biggest challenges was returning to the modeling industry after not only a long break but also having a baby. I honestly thought it was unrealistic. So when I first started, I kind of treated it as a joke, not really believing it would go anywhere. But when I stepped in front of the camera for that first shoot, I felt something click deep inside me as I began to move and connect with the camera and photographer. That experience made me want to get back on the runway, so I practiced and practiced my walk.
And I knew getting my body “back” wasn’t enough. That was just the starting point. I wanted to get myself into the best shape of my life, and that was a challenge! It required a lot of sacrifice and dedication. It meant waking up at 4:30 or 5 a.m. to get to the gym before my baby woke up. It meant saying no to certain things and putting others off so I could squeeze in that extra workout or stretch. It meant pushing through being tired when the easier choice would have been to sleep longer. It even meant completely revamping our family diet so we were not just nourished, but nourished in the best way possible, with healthy, organic foods to fuel my recovering body. Little by little, I got there. And I couldn’t be prouder of myself!
For me, resilience is about showing up for myself and my family every single day, even when things feel difficult. Some days, that means taking big steps forward. Other days, it might mean doing just one or two small things that move me closer to my goals. Those little wins matter, and over time, they really add up. When I feel discouraged or start doubting myself, I’ve learned to be intentional about shifting my mindset. Sometimes that means listening to affirmations, talking to a friend, treating myself to a massage, or simply taking a walk in nature. It’s about giving myself the space to reset and keep going. I’ve learned that consistency is so much more important than perfection. And one of the most powerful things I remind myself is that a feeling is just a feeling, not a fact. Feelings come and go, but they don’t have to determine what we’re capable of achieving.
Ultimately, I hope Model Life inspires readers to believe in themselves, embrace their own journeys, and realize that no matter where they are in life, they have the power to keep moving forward.
7) If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 14 year old self about your journey?
I would tell my 14-year-old self to tune out the critics and trust that gut feeling about what I truly wanted to pursue. I would remind myself that other people’s opinions don’t have to define my path or limit what’s possible for me. I remember going to an open call at Ford Models when I was about 14, and they told me I was “too commercial.” Honestly? Ford is an amazinggggg agency, and of course I would have loved to be represented by them! But at that time, I just wasn’t the right fit for what they were looking for.
Looking back, the fact that they even gave me that kind of feedback was incredibly helpful. Usually, agencies don’t say anything at all!
What I’ve learned since then is that there are so many different agencies, markets, clients, and opportunities in this industry. Just because you’re not right for one doesn’t mean you won’t be perfect for another. Today, I let those rejections roll off my back and simply ask for feedback. Feedback is so helpful because it allows you to see things from different perspectives and take away little nuggets of advice that could be valuable. There’s gold in that, too!
I would also tell myself to explore every opportunity in the modeling industry, especially commercial modeling, because commercial modeling is freaking awesome! I would encourage myself to stay open-minded, be flexible, and never assume there’s only one way to succeed. Most importantly, I would tell myself to keep going, keep learning, and trust the process. What’s meant for you will find its way to you, and sometimes the opportunities that don’t work out are just as valuable as the ones that do. I truly believe that even the disappointments can serve a greater purpose in helping us grow and reach our potential.
I would also remind myself that modeling, like any other profession, is a career that requires dedication and hard work. Learn your craft. Invest in your skills. Practice. Ask questions. Stay curious. Never stop growing. And perhaps the biggest lesson of all? Be comfortable knowing that you don’t know what you don’t know. There’s something beautiful about that because it means there’s always more to discover, more to learn, and more possibilities ahead of you.
Marcon’s book “Model Life” is available for purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HH7TVDM9