Congratulations Phoenix and Betti of Expecting Models West! Just booked Allegra Commercial!
Expecting Models: So Phoenix, I heard you were not going to make the audition and at the last minute, dashed over. What happened? Tell us about the audition and what the client asked you and Bettie to do?
Expecting Models: Now that you’ve wrapped the commercial, tell us about your experience.
PHOENIX and BETTIE’S comments below.
Join the conversation!
Phoenix and Bettie stopped by Expecting Models for a few updates. Bettie is growing by the minute!
Mommy modeling with baby
More – Phoenix Stenna and Bettie for Ergo Baby
Hi Liza,
Bettie is crying I will get right back to you.
Hi Phoenix,
Okay, take care of Bettie and get back to us as soon as you can. We will be here!
Love,
Liza
My one bit, of advice to any woman that is hoping to get into the modeling world is always keep your time open. It just so happened that on that day I was helping out a girlfriend and fellow military wife whose husband is currently deployed. By watching her son, so that she was able to go to the Christmas party, for the Navy fleet family volunteer group. As I was in my daily routine, I quickly checked my email to find the details on the Call-back. For those of you new to the business a call-back is when the casting director has already narrowed the talent down and you have a better chance of booking the job. I quickly called my girlfriend and she more than understood the importance of me going. I just hope that she is willing to watch bettie Saturday when I go to my Christmas party. If not looking for a babysitter
Hi Phoenix,
Congrats on the Allegra booking, I’m very excited you made the casting! Good luck with the fitting tomorrow, hope to see you afterwards, I can’t wait to finally meet Bettie Gene!
CONGRATS again!
Congrats on booking with allegra I know you and Bettie will do a great job, cant wait to see it
Phoenix,
Let me know the fitting date. I want you to stop by the agency.
Thanks,
liza
Of course I will stop by the agency before the fitting tomorrow. I will keep you posted and can’t wait to share the day to day from fitting to shoot on a flip camera for all to see.
Is your hubby coming with you?
Okay, we will get your fitting date and arrange for you to swing by then. I’m so glad you made the call back! It’s amazing how everything happens for a reason. You were meant to book this one! I’m thrilled to pieces that you are working:-) Make sure that Bettie’s work permit is active and not expired. As you will not be allowed to shoot on set without one. You know the laws in California are quite strict when it comes to minor talent. The good news is she will be making the same day rate. Go Bettie. Not bad for your first booking. Call it college fund money:-)
Talk soon!
Love,
liza
That’s whats great about Bettie modeling. It’s a great head start on a College fund. The work permit is good until April. Just let me know on the time tomorrow I am up everyday at 4:30
Great- I’m glad the work permit is still active. Do you have a Coogan Account?
Yes, we started one a few weeks after she was born. That is also one of the requirments for obtaining a work permit which is great.
Looks like the fitting is on the 15th. Let you know the time as soon as I have that information.
Love,
Phoenix & Bettie
Hi Phoenix ‘N’ Bettie,
Perfect! Phoenix you are on the ball. You really have to be on top of your game to get this far and book the job!
I’m excited for you guys:-)
Tell us about what you were asked to do at the first audition? Did you have to read copy? I remember auditioning with my son and it takes a centered and dynamic woman to perform and keep aligned with your baby.
Please share….Curious minds want to know..
Love,
Liza
Congratulations, Phoenix and Little Bettie.
@Niche,
Please make sure to get updated digitals of Phoenix and Bettie-
Thank you!
Liza
@ Debbie- Thanks for chiming in! Aren’t they just the pair:-)
Liza
When I arrived at the casting Bettie and I were the last to audition. So we were able to walk right in. Then we walked to the back room where the audition took place. It was just Bettie, me, and the casting director. We slated, meaning that we introduced ourselfs, and said our agency, which is the best in town, “Expecting Models.” Bettie was smiling and having a good time. All I was asked to do was pick up Bettie and give her kisses. Everyone at the Casting from the front desk to the director was so welcoming that it just felt natural.
Wow, so you guys were the last… pretty cool! I know this audition sounds easy breezy, but I know that it takes a pro to show up, look good and interact with your new baby! Not to mention being a new mom:-)
Super duper COOL!
How long do you think it will take you to get out of the house tomorrow? I know, for me I need an extra hour and my 2 guys are big now…
I remember taking 3 hours just to get ready!
Liza
I have my baby bag prepacked. It takes me about an hour to get ready and out the door. Of course if I know I have something to do I try to prepare the night before. I have learned to let her be herself and if I am stressed she is stressed, so I always try to stay calm. Motherhood taught me patience is how the job gets done. Having modeling experience and ambitions to be a broadcaster the Camera in my mind isn’t my enemy rather my best friend that I am talking too. Also, I was talking to Bettie through everything explaining what is going on.
I love that you talk to Bettie! The more calm you are, the more calm your baby is. If you take a moment and step away from being in the “get ready” mode, you’ll appreciate how funny this stage is.
I do miss those days, as odd as that may sound. The moments where you have to stop and just be… your little one is a true reflection of self!
I’m so happy you get that:-)
You rock Phoenix- I’m so lucky to have people like you in my path. I get to share these blessings. I’m truly lucky. Thank you for allowing your experience to inform others! What a gift:-)
Sleep with your angel! Get rest so you can be your ultimate best tomorrow.
love,
liza
Congrats!!! She’ll be great! She’s so beautiful. Like mother like daughter. I wish you guys the best of luck! xo
@Steph Thanks very much…
@Steph- Beautiful indeed! Inner and Outer beauty.
Phoenix! I am so happy for you! Congratulations! From the first time we did the shoot at a fashion show, I knew that you are a very special and very + very talented model. With our recent shoots, you are totally awesome to work with and the photos are simply amazing! Many kudos!!
Congratulations again!
Hi Phoenix,
How did your morning go? Was it a smooth sail? En-quiring Moms want to know just how long it took you to get out of the house?
x/o Liza
The fitting is tomorrow at 12:45pm in Santa Monica. I just spoke with Julia who is the stylist, for the commercial to get wardrobe ideas. So, in order to prepare for tomorrow I am going to go through Bettie’s clothes and pulling out pinks and yellows. I am also going to try and find onies that are the same, so if an accident were to happen I have a back-up. I still haven’t decided what I am going to wear. Next, I would GPS the location of the shoot, and add 35 minutes for LA traffic so that would ensure that I make it on time. Luckily for me being a Local to Malibu I know exactly where I am going. I also have a bag of quarters in my car, for the meter parking. I have been a victim of way too many parking tickets in Santa Monica, so much that I think one year I paid for a city workers salary. .
@Py studio thanks for your support you have always beleived in me. Your a talented photographer and a very kind person. Thanks so much also for helping me with my website.
I just spoke to Niche, I will be coming to the agency tomorrow at 11am to pick up the flip-camera to show all the mommy’s out there the behiend the scenes.
xoxo,
Phoenix & Bettie
Great Phoenix! Congratulation on Allegra adding an additional print usage! We love when clients kill 2 birds with one stone!
Both you and Bettie are money magnets! Together we will manifest and keep the cards coming!
Yippee and with gratitude:-)
love,
Liza
Dear Bettie,
Thank you for being such a patient baby. You truly are an angel with a beautiful heart. I really enjoyed looking into your eyes and feeling the love in your soul.
I hope you fell asleep in the car.
How was your ride Phoenix? Did you get home safe?
x/o liza
It was great coming in the agency today and seeing you and Niche. I agree Bettie did a wonderful job and truly showed her Patience. The drive home was wonderful she slept like the angel that she is. Now, that we are home Bettie is sound asleep in her bed. I am going to take advantage of the free time, and work on the behind the scenes.
Xoxo,
Phoenix & Bettie
Bettie is already singing and cooing away in her bouncer playing while watching Sesame Street. This is great because now when it comes time, for us to leave she will be ready for nap time. This gives me time to clean up the house a bit and give me a little time to make sure I am ready to go. Daddy is going out to eat with his co-workers, so I don’t have to worry about making him lunch. Check back in with you when we get home from the fitting.
Xoxo,
Phoenix & Bettie
Phoenix, I am so happy for you and Bettie! You are two of the most beautiful girls I know! : )
I’m so excited to shoot with you booth on Sunday to expand your portfolio and can’t wait to hear more about your commercial. Expecting Models really appreciates you and that makes me even more excited to be part of their modeling family now!
XOXO
Natiya
Natiya, I can’t wait to see you sunday the fitting was at Lowes Hotel in Santa Monica really close to your house
I am going to be even more excited when I see you and Kai on a commerical too. I am still waiting to get the times, for sunday commerical. As soon as I do you will be the first to know so we can plan our day.
Love you so much,
Phoenix & Bettie
P.s: Bettie was wearing a hand me down from Kai on the auditon.
Good to have a fashionable older sister/bestfriend to show her the ropes.
Hi Phoenix,
It’s Niche! Great seeing you and Bettie yesterday, she’s a real doll:)
Just wanted to let you know, Allegra has you on hold for an additional day, the 19th!
Great work superstars!
@Natiya,
Thank you for all your warm heart! We indeed love Phoenix and oh, Bettie is so yummy. What a patient baby. She is such a treasure:-)
Here are a few shots of Phoenix and Bettie! Hot off the press, what do you think?
The pictures taken at the agency are great, the blue really does show off our ladies’ gorgeous eyes! I can’t wait to see behind the scenes footage from today’s fitting, what a fabulous idea to film it!
Bettie was on her last leg. She was so patient and by that time, she was hungry and tired.
A beauty non-the-less:-)
@Phoenix,
Here are photos of you and Bettie. Cute huh?
is the print shoot taking place the same day ?
@Liza, I think it is all on the same day, but I am not sure that’s a Niche question. I just do what she says. Still waiting to confirm on shoot day either Sunday or Monday.
I love the pictures from yesterday they look amazing. Bettie’s blue eyes just pop out on the photo. So, the fitting today went great. Julia the stylist, for the commercial was so nice and welcomed us right in. I tried to film as much as I could which no one had a problem with. I think it will be easier on the shoot day to film more behind the scenes with the flip camera when Dad’s with me. All the talent had to do street parking, so a bit of advice to the mom models out there is always keep quarters in the car. Both Bettie and I are wearing their wardrobe that was provided by Julia and her team. But it’s still a good idea to always bring some, of your own clothes. So even though I was up late last night packing it’s worth it to always come prepared. During the whole hour that we were there waiting Bettie didn’t cry once and was cooing away trying to talk to everyone. Everyone involved was happy to have a happy baby on set.
xoxo,
Phoenix & Bettie
@phoenix,
Street parking? Oh what a bummer… okay, well give it to a busy mom and it’ll get done:-)
So Bettie dazzled the clients and I knew she would!
Do you have a call time for Sunday yet?
@Liza no call time yet I think that they are flirting with the idea, of switching to Monday.
Is that better for you?
There is something special about a baby when they are in the third and forth month. This week Bettie not only is learning rolling over, but today added trying to sit up on her own. Bettie is getting older before my eyes. I am starting to get the feeling in a flash I am going to be taking her to her first day, of school.
Yes, it goes by so fast. You are so lucky to have the ability to be home with her. That’s the beauty of being a mommy model.
Are you enjoying the process of modeling with you baby?
I love it! The income allows me to be able to stay home and not put so much financial pressure on Daddy. Plus, it’s a great bonding experience that we can laugh about later when she is older. Also if Bettie chooses to pursue modeling I know that I helped give her the first boost by being in front of the camera with her. So, when she is older she will already be comfortable with the whole audition process and ultimately having the camera love her. My Mother put me in modeling when I was young, and I remember being so proud when I bought my Pink convertible power wheel. It taught me at a young age that toys aren’t free you have to work, for everything you want in life.
How old were you when you started modeling? Did you start modeling in LA?
Just recieved an email from Niche we are in, for Sunday. Waiting on production to give me a call to confirm timesheet. Getting excited can’t wait, for Sunday
Great- Make sure you rest up tonight! What time does Bettie go to sleep?
Phoenix, looking through the posts just makes me tip my hat off to you! You are totally awesome!! All the very best!!
Hi Liza, I am helping Phoenix to build her web site. In the contact information, what should I put in there for her? Please let me know. Thanks! / Py
Expecting Models Inc.
6700 Fallbrook Avenue #201
West Hills CA 91307
818 264-4047
Thanks Liza!
@py Thanks so much for helping me out, can’t wait to show Liza when it’s finished.
I can’t wait to see it! Do you have new photos
I don’t have the new photos yet. If someone can send them to me (py25studio@gmail.com), I can include them in the web site. Thanks!
Do you have any photos to send me now?
I am still working on them, but should be done soon.
Any word?
Call time moved to 10am tomorrow. @py we need to shoot some more photos soon.@Liza I will send niche photos of the last shoot in Venice my first post baby bikini pictures…
This is great- Enough time to sleep in! Have a wonderful shoot and don’t forget to check in with us to let us know how the shoot is going.
Don’t forget to get your voucher’s signed! What time do you think you may wrap?
L
On set Bettie is so happy and excited to be here there is another baby on set named suzy who is adorable
Send me a few snapshots from your camera!
I got some footage on the flip-camera, of Bettie in the Shuttle on the way to set and me getting ready in the Make-up.
Fantastic- Glad you were able to get some footage. Do you have any snapshots?
Overall, the day went great. Having Dad on set really helped make things go so much smoother. Plus, he had the chance to see whats its like a day in the life of Phoenix at work since sets are generally closed. One rule of thumb is to always bring a copy of the coogan account and work permit and memorize your babys social security. John who worked with the Labor and Welfare Department was very serious. But, Bettie’s Dad with his outgoing personality quickly broke down all his walls and we were joking with eachother at the end of the day. Since baby Bettie is only 4 months she is only allowed to work 20 minutes. So we were unable to shoot the print just the film. Wondering, I hope, if we can reschedule? staying in town for the holidays.
Did they shoot anyone for print? Let’s see what will happen. Yes, you always have to bring the original copy of the work permit with you. I’m glad you worked it all out! Congratulations on this amazing booking:-)
@Liza as far as I know no one shot, for print. All I know is they were saying that film had to be done first. Bettie’s stand-in and her mom left after the first session when we were switched to 2:30. I do know that they are not at the same location today.
With that said about the stand in I got to see first hand the stage mom works to get her baby in the commercial. Bless her heart she was trying to work her baby in with me instead of Bettie.
What did she do?
It’s all good! You shot the commercial:-) That’s the big one!!
Are you stopping by this week?
Yes, planning in on coming in this afternoon. Whats the best time?
The other mom was very nice when we first met. I actually learned what to do next time with the paperwork and having it in a folder, so that everyting is ready to view. Maybe even put in an extra copy just in case they do not have one on set. She made it apparent that she had twins and that it was very easy, for her to go pick up the other one for the shoot that was moved to the afternoon. Because of the Labor laws having infant twins is frequently used in the entertanment business. At this point she thought I was just a mom and not the talent. After she settled in I asked what scene she was doing and she explained that her baby was a stand in. She started putting things in my head that if a baby that was chosen gets fussy or already works a session they will switch them. Her actions were kind of coy I thought. I am not the kind of person that likes to act or let it be known I am an actress, but she was really trying to talk to everyone she could to have the switch be done. When they sent us away for lunch, she wasn’t there when we came back. We audition together and have a contract.Plus, I don’t care if your the best actress in the world organic love always over powers on camera.
[...] the holidays and tension is high being a working new mom with a newborn. You haven’t slept in weeks and aren’t feeling like the Expecting Model you were only a couple [...]
After, reading the article on Mommy-Newborn holiday tips. I think I have a better handle on everything. Plus, I got really lucky by Daddy not having to work this week. It allows us to work as a team to accomplish the goals to be done.
Phoenix,
I have been following your posts and meant to write much sooner to formally congratulate you and little Bettie on booking the Allegra commercial. I applaud you for your ambition and perseverance. From what I know, you have always prioritized your modeling career. I find it ingenious that you discovered a way not only to pursue your dreams, but to utilize life’s drastically changing directions (motherhood) to benefit your and Bettie’s futures. You should be very proud of your achievements. I think it is so uniquely wonderful that the world has the privilege of witnessing the immense love you have for your daughter. It is truly a treat for all of us who know you to see you succeed! This is a very proud moment and I wanted to let you know how excited I am for you and your little family. It is an honor to call myself the friend of such a beautiful, talented, and well-rounded young woman. I think you exemplify great leadership and encouragement throughout your posts by sharing the information you have learned during this process to help fellow young mothers and models. I look forward to the even greater future success you will accomplish by maintaining your humble, selfless nature.
Much love to you and Bettie,
Mikayla
Well the good news is you rate just got doubled:-) Now you can laugh all the way to the bank!
I applaud you for your ambitious nature. It’s serving you well.
Can you clarify what you meant by having a contract? You did audition with your baby and clients agree, you cannot fake true chemistry on set! This is why you and Bettie were booked! You nailed it and the client is thrilled!!!
I just saw the Allerga commerical on TV…I agree Organic Love wins!!! Thanks so much for all the amazing opprotunities EMTalent has given us.
Happy Holidays Ladies,
We are so very proud of you Phoenix and can’t wait to celebrate both your commercial and this Holiday season with you very soon.
Let us know when we can do your portfolio shoot since it was booked for the same day as the Allegra commercial (that always happens!).
Love,
Natiya and Kailee
Hi Phoenix,
The client would like to place you and Bettie on first option for FEB 1st- Let me know if you are good go go!
x/o Liza
PS GO GETTEM!!
Hi Phoenix,
So, congratulations on booking Ergo baby with Bettie! I’m so excited for you and it appears you are the super model mama-baby team!
Let us know how the booking goes! Are you excited?
http://thestorkmagazine.com/2011/12/13/mommy-and-newborn-book-allegra-commercial/
Yes, super excited printed out everything that we need (vouchers) and brought all the documents, so now the fun happens. It’s a lot easier knowing I don’t have to get ready this morning have a makeup team waiting on set. Keep you posted
Make sure to get a before and after photo- Also have someone shoot you on set.
Have a wonderful shoot and let us know how things are going from your smart phone. We want to keep up with your day!
x/o
Congratulations Phoenix! It was wonderful running into you and Bettie at the Ergo audition, Kai and I love you both very much. I had a feeling you booked the job, you both looked stunning at the audition.
Let us know how today goes and have a wonderful time!
Natiya
Thanks for your support it mean alot. I am looking foreword to our shoot with the girls today and I will be sure to send over the photos to Liza right away. Can we upload photos on the thread? I actually used the Ergo baby on a hike and it came in really handy.
The Ergo Baby shoot went wonderful. I couldn’t have asked, for a more positive vibe from the whole team. They had an offical well known yogi on set named Bridgette who taught me the correct positions to use for the photos. She was a Mom herself and she offered some wonderful tid bits of advice when it comes to Mom-daughter advice. The biggest advice that I will keep for later is when it comes to the teenage years if Bettie ever gets upset and starts yelling never match that anger. Just walk away and stay calm and make a warm relaxing bath with Lavender for her. She is still just a baby, but I plan on using the “if they get crabby put them in water method”.
What advice did she give you? Let us know, share, share.
Tell us about the shoot, how long did it take?
The shoot took all day. It was fun working with Bettie again as, “Organic Love” always wins over acting. I also worked with about six other babies since Bettie is only allowed to work for so long. The location took place at a very chic Hollwoood house. The food was great and everyone seemed so relaxed and true yogis.
Glad you actually made it on tape for the JC Penney audition…. always a great thing when the client say’s you may be too young. High class problem:-)
Water always makes Kai feel better too, she loves baths and when it is warm, she loves playing in a pool or even our sprinkler out front!
See you beautiful ladies in a few hours. Yes, let’s upload photos as we shoot today so they can be posted. Great idea.
Natiya
Photos came out great! Love the “Love Bug” photos. You are such a great photographer
The Audition, for JcPenny was great. The director asked me, “What was my most embarrassing moment?” I told the story of when Daniel and I went out to a restaurant for the first time when Bettie was only 2 mos. old. She was sound asleep and I thought this evening could not get more perfect, but as you have it just as the waitress came back with our warm delicious meals and I was about to take my first bite. Bettie started crying on top of her lungs. As Mommies’ know you barley have the opportunity to fully enjoy a meal to yourself. Mother duties come first, so I pick up Bettie and tried to soothe her. As she is crying she managed to do the biggest blowout diaper I would like to say known to mankind. I had poop all over my jeans and shirt. This was the first time I had ever experience this. As I walked to the restroom to go change her I was covered in poop everyone in the restaurant turned and starred at me. I was that token mother with the crying baby that everyone is annoyed at not to mention covered in newborn poop. I look back now and laugh, but at the time I just wanted to get away.
http://player.vimeo.com/video/36776046?title=0&%3Bbyline=0&%3Bportrait=0&%3Bcolor=B804B2
Here is a link the Allerga Commercial. I am not sure how to input to a viewable video.