Meet Trailblazer Ronnie Carol

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronnie Carol.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ronnie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, experienced bullying in my younger years, mostly being made fun of. I had a dream that one day I would become a successful model, I don’t know where that came from, other than living in New York that was a major profession in New York City. At 11, we moved to Forest Hills and we traveled on a bus to New York City, which passed by the Ford Model Agency and all I could do was dream that would be the place that would represent me and keep buying magazines and looking at all the models. By the time I was 15, my mother agreed to take me into the agency and see what they would say. They said I needed to finish high school and they would take me into the new faces division. My mom decided we shouldn’t tell my dad because he wanted me to go to college. I was fortunate to be a really good student, went to summer school, doubled up on classes and was able to graduate by 17. My career officially started and I signed with Ford Models.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My career went into full gear as I worked so hard to get my portfolio together to get pictures with photographers that my agency recommended. Often, Eileen Ford would look at them and not like them. I don’t know where my inner strength came from when I felt like crying. Even though I was moving along and getting major work with magazines, you still had to be aware that Eileen would let you know what she thought. Many times, there were jobs that you didn’t get. Another brunette would book it. I had to learn to deal with that disappointment but not hold on too long. I learned that part of being a top model was taking care of myself. I didn’t drink or do drugs because I saw people lose their careers from it and all I wanted was to succeed. Also taking classes for commercial work and to do TV and movies was a must so many times after working a full day, I’d be going to classes. Despite going to classes, I didn’t always get the roles that I wanted. Again, I could not let depression and disappointment take over for too long.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
After leaving the modeling industry, I was offered the presidency of Elite Los Angeles and to be in that position was quite powerful and rewarding and had a lot of responsibility for me. I had also become a mother to my wonderful sons Darius, and Justin during my career and was in a happy marriage. That gave a sense of caring and protecting the young models that were coming to our agency. I found that I needed to give them guidance when they were disappointed and help them see that every day can change. Many of them are very responsible and also cared about their health and welfare, others didn’t. Currently, I am doing life coaching. I also speak on radio shows about my passion to stop bullying. My goal is that a bill gets passed that will force accountability for the destruction of those young lives who committed suicide because of their anguish due to the bullies where nothing happened to them to punish them or help them stop hurting others. It takes a village to speak out!

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
My advice for someone just starting their career is to be passionate, get information on what you need to do to be prepared and have someone that you trust and believes in you and is also there to be a shoulder to cry on. Faith, hope, and prayer. Good luck to you all!

Contact Info:

• Email: rmtrugman@aol.com
• Instagram: Ronniecarol24

Image Credit:
Jessica Ross

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.