Meet Mandy Dyonne Lieveld | Model Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mandy Dyonne Lieveld and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mandy Dyonne, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process, was that I saw there was a need for models on how to feel confidence in their walk. When I was modeling I had to go to different castings and shoots. My agents would tell me a little bit on how to act but it wasn’t something that there would be a coaching about. They were busy with booking models. That was always in the back of my mind, because it’s almost a ‘top sport’. You have to always show yourself at your best, eat well and have to deal with rejections. So why would a basketball player train his whole life, but a model won’t have training before starting.

So I thought, let’s combine all that I know as a model, dancer and psychologist and make sure that models are prepared. Also models most of the time young when they are starting, it can be overwhelming. And they are already tall, so don’t wear their heels that much.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a model coach, I coach models how to walk, how to pose and be ready for their castings. And most importantly how to feel confident. How I became a runway coach?
I’m from the Netherlands, Amsterdam. I was a model before, and as a model we had to go to castings, photoshoots and runways, but nobody was really coaching me how to do it. I always had an interest in dance, so I got accepted to the dance academy in Amsterdam. But then I got a muscle disease, I had paralyzations, I couldn’t even wash my hair.
It make me realize you have to do the things you love to do, because you can’t take anything for granted. And for me that was teaching and modeling. So I decided to combine everything I learned as a model, dancer and psychologist and just started. Started the first year pretty small and then was able to work with Elite, and from there I had one connection to go to NY. And I always wanted to go to New York, it was my dream, wanted to do an internship/ student exchange, I did not got through. So I just took a flight and went to NY, And went to all the agencies, with my ipad, saying I could help their models improve. Some said yes, some I didn’t hear back from. So for 2 years I went back and forth from NY – Amsterdam for 3 months and finally got my visa. So I moved 6 years ago.
And now coaching in Miami, Chicago, but also Alabama/ Mississippi, Hong Kong Tokyo and Paris. I’m not only coaching models m/f that are signed but also aspiring models or an opera singer/ or business lady that wants to walk with confidence.

It wasn’t easy, you really have to believe in yourself, because no one will tell you what the best thing is to do. And there will be times when not a lot is happening, and you have to keep faith in those times as well. And just keep on going.
Taking risk and getting out of your comfort zone is also very important, if I didn’t walk-in to agencies or put myself out there, a lot might not have happened. It is not that they will knock on your door. 🙂 So never give up! Just keep on pushing, even if they say no. Not everyone wants to work with you, and that is okey. So have patience, and remember dreams don’t work if you don’t do! 🙂

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to a walk to the West Village, along the river and wound Perry street, maybe up the highline and go for lunch at Pastis, my favorite French restaurant. The reservoir in central park is also one of my favorites because it’s such a beautiful place and view of the city. Love it. Then a visit to the MET and a bite at bar Primi, and eventually a cocktail at soho house.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother! When I went to NY 8 years ago, to become a model coach, and getting to all the agencies. I was very nervous, I sometimes called my mother and said I don’t know if I can do this. She would always say, it’s already a no, you can only change it to a yes. So why not try! She would always motivate me to do more and to do my best.

Website: www.runwaycoachnyc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runwaycoach/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-dyonne-lieveld-2b71b612/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catwalktraining

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mandydyonnelieveld

Image Credits
Marinke Davelaar (class photo)
ProShot (profile photo)