About
Bio Highlights
Developing young women for success – that is my passion!
I’m Robin Gifford. After years working as a model in Tokyo, Paris and New York, I settled in behind the booking board at IMG Models in New York City as the Director of New Faces. Later, I took an editor’s job at “Taxi” magazine and “Model” magazine, booking all the models, make-up and hair stylists, and photographers for our fashion spreads. It was great! However, I missed development. So back to scouting and developing I went as the Director of Scouting for Elite Model Management in NYC. While there People magazine published a seven-page article about me titled, “Madame No!” Elite is where I started my career and where I ended it… in New York, that is.
Before delving into my own coaching business, I worked in the corporate world for 10 years. I directed the communications, marketing, fundraising and community services departments of two national non-profit organizations. Taking one of these organizations through a merger meant honing my skill of diplomatic communication, to say the least.
Throughout these 10 years, I never lost my passion for helping young women succeed. Eventually, God showed me the way I could do that and Springboard Models was born. I began by offering training in etiquette, first impressions, communications, interviewing and modeling. Agents saw the caliber of girls I was developing and regularly started scouting Springboard Models, signing them to major agency contracts.
It wasn’t long before I was asked to help a young woman prepare for her interview and on-stage question for the Miss America organization. She won interview in her prelim and my pageant coaching business exploded. I have coached young women to state and national titles in the following systems: Miss America organization, Miss Universe organization, National American Miss, America’s National Teenager, COED, America’s US Miss, World’s Glamorous Miss, Dream Girlz and America’s US Beauty. In fact, I coached the very first national title holder in Nebraska. Now Springboard girls can be found throughout the United States!
When coaching, I use techniques learned from: my corporate life, such as the Gallup organization for interview and communications; designers like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan who taught me to dress and walk the runways; top make-up artists such as Kevyn Aucoin and Way Bandy who I was blessed to work with as a model, then observe behind the scenes; and one of Springboard’s team members, Ashley Kay Hanson. I do not believe pageants or modeling is about the glitz and glam! It’s about personal development, discipline, communication, poise and confidence. Who can’t use a little of that?
I publish a bi-weekly electronic newsletter, The Model Student, which focuses on personal development, modeling and pageants. It’s chock full of useful information, interviews, updates on clients, and a handy calendar. Don’t miss a single issue – sign up here!
I hold a B.A. in political science from Columbia University in New York City. I live with my handsome husband of 18 years, Brad, my two gorgeous, teenage daughters Madison and Emerie, and our adorable, quirky Devon Rex cat, Gato Kitty!
Don’t waste a single minute fretting over how to take home the crown or how to break into the modeling industry. Call me today! I would love to help.
Putting your best face forward,
Robin
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