Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily.
Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got into the automotive world during Covid. Everything was closed and there was nothing to do back when I lived in Minnesota so I started going street racing. When it got to be unsafe I switched to going to car shows. From there I saw models at car shows and wanted to combine modeling and cars, two things I loved. When modeling with cars took off for me AZ events started hiring me and I began being a travel model working in multiple states. A friend of mine worked for Barrett Jackson and got me a job so I figured that was the right time to move. I lived in north phoenix for a few years before moving to Scottsdale. I work for Barrett Jackson still and it’s one of my favorite events every year. I’ve been grateful to be a part of many other events over the years in the automotive world such as Import Face Off, GT Radial in Formula Drift, Spocom, Dodici rally and Goldrush rally and help promote brands like Randavu app that help bring enthusiasts together. Some of my favorite local events in AZ are Porsche cars and coffee at fourtilfour and the automotive showcases put on at the warehouse by Rebecca Nguyen.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always pros and cons. I have had many struggles along the way. Without going into detail I will say people change and holding grudges isn’t healthy. It’s taken me a lot over the years to protect my peace and learn to set boundaries. I like to say, if it won’t matter in five years then try not to worry about it for more than five minutes.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m know for my automotive modeling. I love shooting with cars and hearing the stories behind each vehicle and getting to know the owners. I think the biggest thing that sets me apart from others is I genuinely care about the cars and want to learn about what I am shooting with. Many owners are shocked when I ask questions about their cars during a shoot and they assume I’m “just a model”. I always say being an enthusiast comes before modeling for me. I’m most proud of being able to shoot with some very rare cars around the world every year and that owners trust me with millions of dollars in vehicles. That amount of trust is not easy to come by. I love modeling but because I am an enthusiast also I enjoy doing marketing for automotive brands as well. It’s a lot more lowkey than modeling but I’ve learned you gain more respect when you can do both and be on both sides of the camera.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I truly think social media is not what it used to be. So many people think using AI or photoshopping themselves 24/7 makes them a model. The term is so lose and now anyone can do it. I think in 5-10 years the model industry will be oversaturated. It does not help when ragebait content is what gets engagement the most and not quality creative concepts. I wish we could shift back to when posts would go viral on instagram not reels and creative artists could get the recognition they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carswithemily
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyi98_
Image Credits
Blue and yellow Ferrari images by Dan Roerick, Aston Martin Valhalla by Cody Wong, Zenvo Aurora by Humberto Productions, cropped GT radial photo by Larry Chen, full body GT radial photo by Taylor Donaldson, F40 by Deston Isas, Chiron by Nathan Phillips, Huayra BC Tempesta by Matt Hamada, Red Ferrari with tools by Lokii Reis, Litespeed racing umbrella girl by Wheels & Heels Magazine, Dodici rally by Lin Yeh
