Gretchen, the founder of Baby Gassy Gooma
clothing company, launched Gooma Girls in the Spring, 2009.
The unique concept began in 2001, when the clothing company, Baby Gassy Gooma, decided
they would find their models in a rather unique way. Instead of
using a typical modeling agency, they decided to start holding model searches thru their own customer base. The concept
was unique in that each models parent served as the photographer. They were mailed clothing in exchange for pictures.
It was a win-win situation. The kids got free clothes, and the company saved a lot of money by not having to pay costly
agency fees.
In 2005, there
was so much interest that they began holding annual Gooma Girl model searches. Each
year, as the line grew and became more popular, so did the interest in each year's model search. With
their annual Gooma Girl searches, since the owners would only select a few number of girls to join their team
each year, there was always the prevailing thought that there were so many entrants who did not get selected.
At the same time, they would receive emails from parents asking
how they could get their child involved in modeling.
In the Spring of 2009, after much thought, that is when they decided to launch
Gooma Girls modeling placement to become a sourcing vehicle to
help bridge the gap between those parents who wanted to get their children involved in modeling and those boutique designers
who are in need of a new face for their brand.
If you are interested in having your child become a model, this is a fun and safe way to do it.
The designers who are looking for a model will be mailing clothing samples to us for forwarding onto you
at your post office box, your last name will never be given, and all communication and pictures are transmitted
by us (we serve as the middle man). Your child will model the clothing and you will control the photography environment,
since you are the photographer, taking pictures of your own child. When you are done taking pictures, you will email
the photos to Gooma Girls and we will forward them onto the designer. The clothing will be either yours to keep
for free or will be returned to us for forwarding back to the designer and you will be paid (whichever they
prefer).
Though
she is not one to publically seek the praise, Gretchen is often times credited for having started this modeling
trend, and even industry insiders such as Journal Modiste have written about it. Gooma Girls has received
press thru James Girone and Dashin's Guide to Online Children's Fashion.
"This type of modeling gives 100% control back to the
parents."
"In
this day and age, especially, moms really need to watch over their daughters, and that is why we encourage them to take the
active role by becoming the actual photographer for the shoot."
Anyone in the children's clothing industry knows it is important to show their items modeled on
kids to show the fit and style and because it is so important, we decided we would set the standard thru Gooma Girls
on how to get your child involved in modeling in a safe and common-sense way."
