Inside Coco Rocha Model Camp: Was it Worth it?
Captured by: Eve Gagne
Hey friend, welcome back to The Glow Up Year! I’m Meg—actress, model, and your behind-the-scenes bestie for turning big dreams into reality. You know by now: this journey isn’t always glamorous, but it’s always honest, and I’m so excited to share every raw, real moment with you.
If you’ve been following along, you know attending Coco Rocha Model Camp was at the top of my 2025 goals—and guess what? It happened. (Cue happy dance!)
But let’s rewind a bit first.
Pre-Camp Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome
The week before camp, I was an emotional mess. Ever have that moment when something amazing is finally happening, and suddenly your brain invents 100 imaginary ways you could screw it up? Yup, me too.
I worried that my roommate wouldn’t like me, that I’d be the most inexperienced model there, or that Coco would glance at my portfolio and wonder why I even signed up. My inner critic was on a mission to sabotage my glow-up.
Thankfully, I know better by now than to let fear call the shots. So I recruited some help to meticulously style and photograph my outfits (major shout-out to Wave and Woven for making me feel way more fashion-forward than I actually am), packed my car way too full, and drove what should’ve been four hours but turned into almost six (of course).
Pro tip: mastering the seven-minute car makeup routine is a life skill I highly recommend.
Stepping Into a New World
Walking into Coco Rocha Model Camp felt like stepping through a portal. The nerves fell away instantly when I met my roommate, Nhi. Seriously, the roommate gods smiled upon me—she was outgoing, kind, and exactly what my sometimes-introverted heart needed. Immediate relief.
First up: a portfolio review with Coco herself. She flipped through my book—which was heavy on commercial images—and dropped the truth bomb I didn't know I needed: “How would anyone know you want to do editorial from this?”
Mind. Blown.
She was right. My portfolio was reflecting who I’d already been, not who I wanted to become. It was the kind of honest wake-up call you only get from someone truly invested in helping you grow.
Day One: Bold Moves & Big Breakthroughs
Day one was a whirlwind. Coco taught us to approach our portfolios like vision boards—strategically planning images that show clients exactly where we’re headed. We also learned about test shoots—how to set them up, choose the right photographers, and leverage each image for our careers.
But my biggest personal breakthrough came from something entirely unexpected. Inspired by Whitney Uland’s idea of feeling safe being seen (her podcast is one of my favorites), I challenged myself to wear a bold cocktail dress that I'd initially thought was "too much." Turns out, feeling comfortable standing out off-camera was exactly the confidence boost I needed.
Day Two: Poses, Runways, and Realities
We started day two with a posing class led by Coco. Watching her move was mesmerizing and incredibly instructive. I learned to differentiate between editorial, commercial, and high-fashion posing. I honestly felt my confidence growing in real time.
Runway class was next, and at 5’4”, I never thought runway was in the cards for me. But there I was, learning to walk, strut, and genuinely enjoying myself. It went from intimidating to empowering—now runway feels like a possibility, not just a distant dream.
Coco also broke down industry essentials:
Commercial modeling: straightforward, product-driven, pays the bills.
Editorial modeling: creative storytelling, magazine spreads, less lucrative but creatively fulfilling.
High Fashion (Haute Couture): ultra-exclusive, Paris-based (yep, it has to be Paris—who knew?).
We even explored niche areas like fitness, parts modeling, fit, bridal, and lifestyle, realizing there are so many more opportunities than I'd imagined.
Another highlight? Creating our personal boundary lists. It felt powerful articulating clearly where my comfort lines are drawn—especially around provocative themes or violent imagery.
Day Three: Branding, Biz Skills & My First Shoot
Day three was packed with career essentials—branding, social media strategy, evaluating agencies, and understanding contracts. Coco’s ten-step agency evaluation method felt like receiving the secret playbook I’ve always needed.
Then came my first professional shoot. Coco hand-picked my outfit: a stunning leather trench paired with chic boots and gloves. Sitting in hair and makeup, feeling glamorous and strong, I realized I was literally living a moment straight from my vision board.
When we moved onto my second look—a high-fashion beauty shot with a wet-hair vibe—I felt a surge of emotion. Everything I’d worked for suddenly felt real. The images we created matched exactly the editorial model I’ve dreamed of becoming.
Final Day: Six Looks & a Quantum Leap Forward
Our final shoot day was nothing short of transformational. Riley from Wave and Woven and Coco helped me create six distinct, ambitious looks, each one a bold leap outside my comfort zone:
Structured black jacket: minimalist editorial chic.
2. Blazer & trench pants: sophisticated boss vibes.
3. Monochromatic gold ensemble: luxurious, elegant energy.
4. Flowing dress with dramatic movement: ethereal, artistic expression.
5. Denim shorts and jacket: effortless, playful cool-girl aesthetic.
6. Structured mohawk with tulle skirt: bold, unforgettable finale.
7. Bonus Pics from Day 3!
Each look pushed my creative boundaries further, and the results were images that genuinely stunned me. I walked away not just with photos, but with renewed belief in myself and what’s possible.
Biggest Takeaways & Reflections
Here’s the truth: Coco Rocha Model Camp isn’t just about beautiful photos—it’s a masterclass in becoming a professional model from the inside out. Yes, the investment was significant, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
I now have clarity on curating a portfolio that aligns with my dreams, confidence walking into castings, and a strategic approach to my modeling career. Most importantly, I’ve learned dreams aren’t passive—you actively build them piece by piece, day by day.
If you're reading this and thinking about making your own leap—whether it’s Coco’s camp or something else—take this as your sign to do it. You’re never truly “ready,” but the growth that happens when you bet on yourself is unmatched.
Final Thoughts & Big Thanks
Massive thank you to Nhi (best roommate ever!), Wave and Woven for making my style dreams come true, and Coco’s extraordinary team of photographers, hair and makeup artists, and mentors.
Wardrobe Stylist: Wave and Woven + Riley
When I finally saw my photos from the camp, my jaw hit the floor. Truly, I was blown away. Each image captured exactly who I've always dreamed of becoming as a model—bold, expressive, powerful, and unapologetically myself. Every single shot felt editorial-level extraordinary. My book went from safe and commercial to vibrant, creative, and worthy of a spread in Vogue. To say I’m proud is an understatement; this feels like a quantum leap forward, a massive validation of everything I've worked so hard to achieve.
This glow-up is yours too—I’m sharing every step because I want you to believe it’s possible for you.
Until next time, keep showing up and dreaming big.
Your glow-up is unfolding — one bold move at a time.
If you want more about my adventures at Coco Rocha Model Camp, I’ve got a full podcast episode!
See you in the next post, bestie.
