Designing A Model: Empowering Aspiring Models to Succeed

The Road to Reinvention: How Designing A Model Empowers Aspiring Models

Steph Vargas’ story didn’t start in the glamorous world of fashion. She didn’t grow up envisioning herself as a celebrated designer or entrepreneur. Instead, it started as a teacher — a special education teacher, no less — living a life that seemed miles away from the glitz and glamour of Paris runways or the pages of Harper’s Bazaar. But life has a way of pushing us toward paths we least expect. In her case, it was the breaking point of losing her job as a teacher, becoming a single mother, and realizing she could no longer merely “survive” — she had to build the life she wanted.

That pivotal moment became the foundation for Designing A Model, a revolutionary program that has since transformed the lives of aspiring models everywhere. But let’s rewind a bit and take a closer look at how Steph went from being the underdog in the fashion industry to leading a movement that challenges the very norms of modeling.

Designing A Model Wins Best Modeling Program in the U.S. for 2025

Designing A Model has been recognized as the Best Modeling Program in the U.S. for 2025! Founded by fashion designer Steph Vargas, this innovative program is redefining the industry by empowering aspiring models with real-world skills, confidence, and personal branding strategies. By combining designer insights, exclusive runway opportunities, and mentorship, Designing A Model equips its students to succeed in a competitive fashion world. What sets this program apart is its commitment to inclusivity, offering a platform for underrepresented voices and nontraditional models.

From Teacher to Fashion Designer: A Journey of Reinvention

Before Designing A Model, Steph Vargas was like many others in the fashion world — just trying to make her mark. A latecomer to the industry, she didn’t think of pursuing fashion design until her senior year of high school. After years of navigating life’s complexities and finally earning her degree, she quickly realized the fashion industry is one of the hardest to break into. So, she took a more traditional route and became a special education teacher.

But life had other plans. When she lost her teaching job and found herself a single mother, Steph was faced with a critical decision. Would she continue to struggle, or would she risk everything to pursue her true calling? In the end, she chose the latter.

Making Her Breakthrough

As the mother of three, pursuing her dream wasn’t easy. She could have played it safe. But when Steph got her first big break — being asked to showcase her designs at Paris Fashion Week — it was a turning point that solidified her belief that the industry needed something more, something different.

This wasn’t just about a designer walking into the room, showcasing designs, or getting press. This was about changing the lives of others who had been overlooked. As someone who had been on the hiring side of the industry — seeing who was picked, who was left behind, and what made models truly stand out — Steph realized that aspiring models needed more than just a platform. They needed a way to brand themselves, a way to navigate the hidden doors of the fashion world.

With that insight, Designing A Model was born — not just another modeling course, but an inclusive, empowering program that teaches models how to market themselves as a business.

The Power of Confidence, Branding, and Real Opportunities

Today, Designing A Model is unlike any other modeling program out there. While many courses teach aspiring models how to pose or walk, Designing A Model goes deeper. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about positioning yourself as a brand that every designer wants to work with.

What sets Designing A Model apart is its foundation in real-world experience. Built from the designer’s perspective, this program offers more than just tips and tricks. It’s a brand-building bootcamp where models walk away with a deep understanding of how to market themselves, how to pitch their value, and how to actually run their careers like a business. Steph isn’t just teaching aspiring models how to pose — she’s giving them the tools to take ownership of their futures in an industry that has often shut them out.

Through the program, models also gain real runway opportunities. From showcasing in major fashion weeks like New York, Los Angeles, and Paris, students get to live the dream many have only fantasized about. It’s not theoretical — these are tangible, high-visibility experiences that help models gain exposure, not empty promises.

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Underrepresented Models

In an industry that’s often known for its exclusivity, Designing A Model is breaking down barriers. The program is designed specifically for those who have been overlooked — the women who were told they were too short, too late, or didn’t have the "look" that agencies demand. The program isn't just for models with years of experience or those with agency representation — it’s for the dreamers who’ve been pushed aside and told they don’t belong.

Steph’s mission is clear: She’s here to empower underrepresented voices and open the doors to high fashion for everyone. This isn’t just a course; it’s a movement.

“When I started, there was no space for me. I didn’t fit the mold. But that’s exactly why I created Designing A Model — because I know what it’s like to be the underdog, to be told there’s no room for someone like you,” Steph says.

She’s not just teaching modeling. She’s showing women they don’t have to fit into the industry’s narrow standards to make it. Modeling is about power, confidence, and ownership. It’s about taking up space.

Why Designing A Model Is Different

What sets Designing A Model apart from the rest is more than just the insider knowledge that Steph shares from her experience as a designer. It’s about offering real opportunities for women to get out there and showcase their talents in front of some of the biggest names in fashion. No more gatekeeping, no more backdoor politics — just mentorship, strategy, and real results.

Steph emphasizes the importance of being seen for who you truly are, not just for how you look in front of a camera. In an industry obsessed with perfection, Designing A Model is a breath of fresh air for aspiring models who’ve been told they don’t belong.

Mentorship, Mindset, and Runway Success

Designing A Model doesn’t just focus on physicality; it’s about model mindset training, developing inner confidence, and preparing for the real challenges of the industry. It’s about showing up with purpose, not just another “pretty face.”

“The models who graduate from my program aren’t just ready to pose in front of a camera,” Steph says. “They’re ready to take on the industry, to stand tall in their power, and to walk into every opportunity with confidence and clarity about their brand.”

By blending runway coaching, personal branding, and industry readiness, Designing A Model ensures that its graduates leave with the knowledge and skills to not only succeed but thrive in the competitive world of fashion.

Don’t let the industry's closed doors stop you. Designing A Model is your chance to break through and make your mark. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been overlooked for too long, the runway is waiting for you.

Social Media & Website Links

• Instagram: @designingamodel

• Instagram: @stephsthrone