Modern Model Nov/Dec 2013 | Page 27

 With  two  amazing  local  retailers,  The  Red   Dresser   and   Haystacks   jumping   on   board,   along   with  an  interview  with  7&4  News,  AFRNT  was  able   to  directly  help  this  local  family.     In   late   Spring,   Randy   was   approached   by   Model   Nikki   Martell   with   an   idea   for   an   ana-­‐ bullying  campaign.    “Nikki  was  inspired  by  watching  the  movie   Bully   and   reached   out   to   me,   hoping   we   could   come   up   with   something   of   purpose   to   inspire   others  b,”  he  said  of  their  efforts  which  led  to  the   creaaon   of   the   THINK   I   TWICE   ana-­‐bullying   iniaaave   sponsored   by   AFRNT.   “We   created   this   iniaaave  as  a  way  for  others  to  provide  their  story   relaang   to   bullying.   Whether   they   were   bullied,   were  a  bully,  or  witnessed  it,  we  were  able  to  find   very   moving   stories   of   real   life   struggles.   We   felt   that   providing   this   outlet   of   realism   for   others   to   see,   might   provide   the   inspiraaon   to   others   who   are  either  currently  facing  it  or  are  in  the  posiaon   to  help  stop  it.  “       Conanuing   his   trend   to   help   local,   talented  individuals  and  business  owners  find  their   fooang,   Randy   is   currently   working   on   a   creaave   iniaaave  to  help  give  back  to  aspiring  designers.      “I  have  established  a  concept  to  open  up   a  design  opportunity  for  anyone  who  wants  to  take   part,”   he   said,   calling   for   designers   to   submit   a   few   designs   to   [email protected].   “I   will   be   selecang   designs   for   t-­‐shirts   based   on   the   work   of   local   arasts.  If  your  design  is  selected  to  be  on  the  next   AFRNT  tee,  I  will  provide  you  with  15%  of  all  sales   that  come  from  the  shirt  you  designed.  “     In   addiaon   to   providing   funding,   Randy   said  he  is  trying  to  connect  with  those  that  stay  up   late  sketching  with  no  place  to  submit  their  work  of   art  to.      “I  have  had  the  opportunity  to  work  with   many   amazing   individuals   through   this   brand,”   he   explained.  “  What  really  stands  out  to  me  are  those   that   are   currently   working   towards   something   they   are   passionate   about.   They're   usually   balancing   work,   school,   and   this   dream   they   have,   which   shows  me  the  drive  they  possess.”       These   individuals   contact   me   by   email,   we  typically  set  up  either  a  casual  interview  where   we   meet   at   a   local   coffee   shop   or   we   set   up   a   photo  shoot,  he  said.     ”   This   provides   me   with   the   opportunity   to  get  to  know  them  and  ulamately,  what  I  can  do   to   help   them.   Much   of   my   interest   is   within   the   mentoring   process.   I   have   an   undergrad   degree   in   Management   and   Organizaaonal   Development,   which  really  comes  out  on  a  day  to  day  basis,  really   striving  to  be  a  leader  in  what  I  do.  “   Modern Model Page 27 AFRNT  Model  Courtney  McCaRy   Photo  ©  Randy  Myers     Through   the   brand,   Randy   said   he   has   come   to   know   talented   local   individuals   including   Britney   Simerson,   Nikki   Martell,   Savanna  Daniels,  and  photographer  Heather  Spaleny,  owner  of  H  |  S   Photography  in  Traverse  City,  MI.       “When   I   first   met   Britney   over   a   year   ago,   she   was   bleach   blonde,  spunky,  and  a  bit  unsure  of  herself,”  Randy  reflected.  “  As  she   is   now   an   agency   represented   model,   I've   personally   witnessed   her   develop   so   quickly   into   someone   who   without   quesaon   will   be   successful  within  the  modeling  industry.  She  has  the 0