SuperELITE Encounters

by Tiara Calvert

In the second installment of a 3 part series we take a closer look at those guest speakers that helped mold the SuperElite Models of today. Some of these graduates have already moved on to great success including but not limited to involvement in the upcoming Mr. Virtual World title. Mimmi Boa’s class and graduation shows are the very best that can be found in SL and the success of the students prove time and time again that her skill and insights as well as those of the guest speakers who share their experiences make a real difference when listened too.

Today we focus on the visit of Sharron Schuman. Sharron is not only one of SL fashions most successful, sought after and talented Models but as of this writing she has expanded her success to include not only Modeling, photography, and magazine writer but she was recently announced as the COO of AVENUE Model Agency. Everyone here would like to congratulate her on her new position and wish her continued success.

Sharron Schuman

It’s no surprise to learn that only the most well known and respected speakers will be arriving to speak at Miss Virtual World, Mimmi Boa’s Elite level class. But even when you are aware that you are in for a treat - nothing quite hits you as when these titans of SL fashion arrive in class.

Sharron Schuman came prepared, and with an excitement and enthusiasm that is no doubt part of the reason she has - in the year or so since she began to take an interest in modeling, propelled herself into the stratosphere of industry. Her out going, unabashed style makes her ever present at the most exclusive parties where her well known work as a society reporter and flickr paparazzi have helped set her apart from others who just take a backseat interest in the industry as a whole.

Her profile says it all; she describes herself as “Photographer, Model, Technogeekette, and Dilettante.” Needless to say the students were in for a real treat and just as she does on countless runways, magazine spreads, photo spreads, and articles, Sharron Schuman did not disappoint.

The first questions posed to her surrounded what she looks for when photographing models, what makes her want to focus her lens on a model and perhaps capture them for a spot on her very high profile flickr page.

“I am sure you all know that it takes much more than looks, because it’s easy to buy looks.
You all have seen lots of girls that are pretty and seen a lot that look almost the same.
There is a Redgrave look, a Belleza look, a Minnu look. What makes the difference is the detail. What you have put into your face to make it special.”

Recounting her own humble beginnings she said she often fell into the trap of making herself too perfect, simply because of how simple it is to do in SL. She credited her finally finding her look, with advice taken from Modavia Founder Dea Mills and with help from a couple of her fellow Modavia Supermodel colleagues.

She expressed the importance of personal style a point the students had by now heard many times repeated as essential to success by Mimmi Boa herself. Sharron noted that there are models she knows who, regardless of the skin they are in, she can be immediately recognized from the distinct personal style they have developed and exhibit.

Some of the students understandably wanted to learn how Sharron has become the incredible success she has and in typical Sharron fashion she didn’t hold back. Mixing both the fundamental important realities with a sense of humor.

“I have been an actress in RL and a dancer. Ballet tap, jazz. Etc. One of the clichés in acting class is from an old actor that at one time was a super star, Spencer Tracey.
He was asked once - what was the key to being successful as and actor, his answer was…
"Learn your lines".

The importance of knowing your craft, of being prepared at any time to act and fill in if needed in a professional manner Sharron relayed, was no only helpful to her success but was something that models must be able to do if they also hope to succeed. In fact this Supermodel was quick to point out that these traits were more important then looks in the field. She stressed the importance of retaining a professional attitude and demeanor at all times. Recounting stories of shows where two or more models might squabble about who got to wear what, or feel that another model was stealing her “look”.

“It is very important to a modeling career to remain as drama free as possible.”


She wasn’t shy about some of the lesser glamorous but equally real aspects of the Model industry as she saw them. Continuing with what she feels helped make her a success,

“The second part of my answer that really helped me and is truly one of the keys to success here in SL fashion is your network and your friends. I went to as many shows as I could, I still do, parties, LOL. Most jobs in SL fashion are not because you submitted an application it is because of your friends.”

She continued as the students asked questions and shared some of their own thoughts on the importance of good networking skills.

“Contests and casting in SL is not always fair. There are going to be times when you feel like you got "screwed". Being a good loser is very important, because the best doesn't always win or get chosen. I didn't get cast for a big show at BOSL Blvd but and hour before the show I got an IM asking if I could substitute. So to condense it all down. Be ready, be professional, know your skills and show up on time!”


Sharron was also willing to share her experiences with Agencies, schools and model training in SL. Commenting on the importance of good training that was essential to her success. One course in particular which she attended and graduated from was 3 months long. It wasn’t a surprise to hear not all of those who signed up graduated, but Sharron did and the experience and opportunities it provided her on the runway have proven to be worth every day of class time spent. When asked out of all the current fashion related work she does, which is her favorite, her response was immediate.

“For right now it would be Runway work, it is exciting. And as I said earlier in RL I have been a performer. It takes more out of me getting ready for shows. It is my passion at the moment. I make more lindens from photography but the shows inspire more passion in me.”

When asked to comment on other important realities of modeling Sharron was helpful in making mention that to be good at modeling means having the proper skill sets as well as the proper tools.

“Having the computer hardware to deal with laggy situations, if you don't have a good computer you can’t do it.”

She shared an experience of knowing a very good model that unfortunately due to poor internet connection simply could not do the shows.

She continued to share a wealth of experiences and information that only a model of her immense success and talent could share. From the creative passion she finds in styling her outfits for shows to the various scenarios a model will find themselves in when at a photo shoot. Whether working alone or in a double shoot the different styles of some of the biggest names in the fashion industry and how they vary in conducting a shoot. All aspects of modeling anyone hoping to achieve Supermodel status will have to be prepared and skilled in, in order to work at the levels of a Sharron Schuman.

Last but not least Sharron shared some of what she considered to be very strong feelings on the production of a modeling portfolio.

“I have strong opinions lol.”

“What is best in a portfolio is the same in SL as in rl. It is not the time for high art in the photograph. You want minimally processed photos; the photos are about you, not the photog. There is a place for art photog but not as what you submit. Some people will ask for in world snaps only, no textures. They want to see you as you are seen in world. Unless you are specificly asked for more.”

Sharron’s impact on the class and myself was one of the most enjoyable and instructive sessions I had the pleasure to witness. She is without a question a force in the Fashion world, successful and sought after. But her level headed outlook and incredible sense of humor, which tinged all of her points throughout the class, were obvious and uplifting to everyone lucky enough to be present to learn from her.

It would take several blogs to capture all the points she and Mimmi Boa brought to those in the room that day and these are just a snippet. There is zero question that as these students walked the runway for that graduation show, sporting the designs of some of SL’s top designers, they were ready. And there is no doubt that this was in part due to the shared experiences and caring shared knowledge that Sharron Schuman brought to the class of her friend Mimmi Boa’s Elite level training course!