Late last month I had the privilege of walking for Rochester's own Peppermint boutique in their 4th Annual runway showcase. Peppermint Sewn Seeds is a runway show dedicated to showcasing the work of independent designers in the Rochester area held each year in the heart of the city. Contrived and organized by Tanvi Asher (founder of Peppermint), the show is intended to represent the journey a garment takes from the original design to the stitching of the last final hem. The jewel of this showcase that sparks such a great interest in the community is that each garment seen on the runway was locally designed and hand crafted by the designer, supporting those who independently create for and manage a small business. 
Held at Rochester's local trendy hot spot, Restaurant Good Luck, all of the models walking in the show got an early start to the day as they were required to be at the restaurant by 8 a.m. -- as they have done in previous years -- for one of my favorite parts of the organized chaos, hair and make up along with wardrobe preparation. While I wasn't going to be wearing any of the Peppermint designs, I was excited to be wearing none other than that of local sweetheart, Sofie Cerankosky. 
Sofie, at the mere age of 16, is one of Rochester's youngest designers and is the youngest to ever have her designs on the Sewn Seeds runway. Sofie is known for her immaculate eye for passing trends and bringing quality to not only her designs, but to her garments themselves. Constructing each garment by hand, her collection for this year's show was full of delicate lace, pastel shades, and delicate floral prints. Featuring items such as the coveted bomber jacket and body suit, Sofie had every twenty-something in the audience wanting more. While she does not currently have an online store, you can direct message her through Instagram to acquire about her designs -- which I'll probably be doing myself very soon! 
Sofie's hair and make up was minimal yet bold. Each model graced a near natural face with a drastic lip and the typical Miley Cyrus buns (or Princess Leia, if you will). 
Since the line up didn't have Sofie's designs until after intermission, the day was spent laughing along with the other models as well as my photog bestie, Greg Hollar, and munching on the animal crackers that were provided for us. The walk was simple, slow, and steady and Sofie had directed her models to keep a straight face to give the walk a very high fashion aura. And based on the feedback I got from audience members following the show, she got what she was looking for. 
Peppermint Sewn Seeds also featured designs from Josean Vargas of J. Vargas Apparel as well as the designs of Tanvi Asher through her boutique and bridal line, Asher Bridal. The show was a huge success and I have heard nothing but great feedback since. Walking for such a local abetting event has been a great privilege and one that I hope to have again next year.

Shop Peppermint
​http://www.shop-peppermint.com/_

​Sofie Cerankosky 
http://sofiecerankosky.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cerankosky/
Update: Sofie's designs will be available at the Peppermint Boutique starting 4/21/16


That's all for now! x
-Samantha Baldwin

Instagram 
Facebook
Twitter
Snapchat

Here is the final installment the blog collaboration with my agency, Exxcel Model & Talent, Inc., about my previous trip to LA and the progression of my career. You can find it here on over on Exxcel's blog, Exxcel EDGE. 

Be sure to follow Exxcel on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 
https://exxcelblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/reflection-a-work-in-progress/


​Watching the palm trees above my head as they sway in the breeze, I can’t help but recall the incredible; yet short journey that had helped bring me to the Golden State in the first place. Reminiscing on my first “test” photoshoot coordinated by Exxcel, I was completely unaware at the time of the full magnitude in which my career was headed. I had not yet seen the obvious: my lifelong dreams were quickly becoming a reality and bound for “the fast track”. Working with photographer Udo Spritzenbarth and Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes, was one of the most memorable, exciting experiences I have ever had! Coming face-to-face with first class professionals who were part of the team that help to make Tyra Banks; “Tyra”, was in itself fascinating! Being a novice in the industry, that day alone had already surpassed my expectations. At the time, I never imagined that it was only the beginning for an amazing journey to come!
As I continue to rewind and re-cap the events that brought me to where I am now, I am grateful for the encouragement and the opportunities that were given to me through Exxcel Model & Talent. To “dream” is the easy part, but to “do” is much more difficult. The support system and the direction I received from the agency helped pave the way for me to be able to travel from a minuscule town in Upstate New York to major cities like NYC and Los Angeles. Preparation, training and networking are all a vital part of taking the necessary steps to becoming a professional actor.  It was more than evident that I needed to hit the big city in order to accomplish all three. It was in those cities that I actually began to fall in love with my craft. Not to mention how much I enjoyed meeting numerous other talent that were also pursuing the same interests, just as I was. A breath of fresh air and enthusiasm was always around every time we get together as a group.
With every day, week and month that has passed by, I can see the progress I am achieving as my skills are sharpening and my actor’s toolbox is constantly becoming full! This, however, could not be possible without sacrifice and dedication on my part and having the support of Exxcel’s President, Susan Lunetta.
It seems that each time I get a call from Susan, my life just gets a little bit better! The entire Exxcel team has helped me to build a durable foundation by providing me with theframework to succeed.  These lessons, thoughts and ideas I will take with me forever.
I also greatly respect and appreciate the work instilled in me by acting coach Dennis LaValle.  Being able to join in on such a progressive environment where people are truly creating their destiny was almost too good to be true. Meeting his students in training, as well as part of his list of superstar alumni, was to say the least, thrilling! Looking back on it now, it just doesn’t seem real yet. It’s just WOW! My next thought is onward and upward!


Be sure to stay tuned for more posts in collaboration with Exxcel Model & Talent, Inc. x
-Samantha Baldwin 
​
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Snapchat