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Confidence comes from knowing how to do something or from just knowing within that you can do whatever you choose to do. To explain the latter to my students, I often told the following story.

One morning a young woman applied for registration at my modeling school whose first impression was very unattractive. She was tall, thin, clean and black (I was always needing black models), but that is about all you could say about her physical beauty. Her complexion, hair, posture and clothes were all problematic. She told me that she was not employed. Trying to be honest and kind, I suggested she go across the street and enroll in a business course. I encouraged her to learn the skills to get a job and suggested she might return after securing regular income for her model training. Her eyes looked directly into mine as she responded firmly, "Mrs. Mazzetti, if you will let me take your course, I will be the best black model you ever have." She knew what she wanted, was confident of what she could do, no matter what anyone else said, and determined to do it. Knowing the power of belief in oneself, I signed her up immediately.

Liz completed her training, corrected her skin problems, redid her hair, perfected her posture and walk and began accepting professional assignments. She modeled with such elegance, grace and style that people who watched her at luncheon fashion shows, watched in awe, putting down their forks to admire her. This unforgettable woman became, without any doubt, the best black model I ever had.

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