Confidence in Every Step: Diana Gallo’s Studio Trains Models for Life, Not Just the Runway By Writer and Contributor Melissa Bean Sterzick
Fashion modeling isn’t known for being a forgiving or encouraging industry. It’s competitive, demanding and exclusive. Besides the handful of supermodels everyone recognizes, there are many working models and hundreds of hopefuls who never make it onto the cover of Vogue or Cosmopolitan.
A Manhattan Beach model and modeling coach has turned that framework upside-down with a modeling studio that emphasizes acceptance, integrity and hard work. Diana Gallo operates Manhattan Model Studio guiding aspiring models toward opportunity and authenticity. “I get asked so often, ‘How did you become a model?’ What made me want to coach is I love to teach,” she says.
Diana has appeared on magazine covers, commercials, television shows, movies, music videos, and more, and is still a working model herself. “It keeps me up to date with all of the trends, so I can share with clients. I give them real-world experience,” she says. “I like helping them because I didn't know what I was doing when I started out. I get a lot of joy and fulfillment watching them grow.”
Modeling today has changed drastically from years past. Diana says there’s always concern about safety within the industry, especially for minors and young women, but now there are more guidelines in place and more protection for all models. Perspectives on body image have also adjusted. Very tall, very thin, and very young were the most important attributes for a long time. These days, Diana says, just about anyone can become a model if they put in the time and effort.
“I do not talk to students about dieting, being thin, or ‘fixing things.’ I work with what they have,” she says. “One major challenge is that women still connect to this outdated idea of a model. But there is a need for athletic models and senior models. There is a need for models of all sizes and ages.”
Manhattan Model Studio students learn the business side of modeling. They learn to introduce themselves, make eye contact, and audition in person and on Zoom. Diana gives them instruction on how to walk, pose and act, as well as find an agent, manage paperwork, and recognize red flags. Effort is key to a successful modeling career. Despite stories of models finding fame online or getting noticed in the grocery store, Diana says being “discovered” in that way is extremely rare.
“Modeling is a job. There is work involved. You can go out on 50 auditions and book nothing - or three auditions and get them all. You have to have perseverance. If you give up, you're never going to book anything,” she says. “My students come to class, do homework, and follow the steps necessary to succeed. If I feel like they are ready, and they show me they are committed, I will put them in touch with agents I know.”
Manhattan Model Studio trains future models, but it also hosts parties, camps, fundraisers and fashion shows. The studio shares its space with Manhattan Actor Studio – operated by Diana’s husband, actor Billy Gallo. The couple has found that training for acting and modeling go hand in hand.
Anyone interested in building self-esteem and poise will benefit from Diana’s guidance. “I just want people to know it's more than for modeling. It's not just the young 16-year-old girl who's thin. It's for anyone who wants to feel more confident and comfortable in their skin,” she says.
Part of the training at Manhattan Model Studio focuses on self-image and self care. Students learn how to organize their schedules and be professional, do their makeup and hair, but also practice calming breathing exercises and positive mental imagery. “I try to help them feel safe. I suggest they label their nervousness as ‘excitement’ instead of ‘stress,’” Diana says. “The number one rule is no criticism of self. No negative self talk. Look for what you like and love, and find out what your superpower is.”
Diana teaches life skills that apply to work and school – not just modeling. Her goal is to empower her students to believe in themselves. “What’s meant to be is yours is going to be yours,” she says. “Don’t change yourself. Your look is what makes you special.”
Melissa Bean Sterzick is a professional freelance writer, editor and proofreader. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has worked for publications including The Deseret News and The Dallas Morning News. She loves the beach, gardening, yoga, and tennis. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, two daughters, and cat.
