ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE:

DIANA GALLO

FAST FAVES RIGHT NOW:

City: LA South Bay (of course!)

Smell: Gardenias, because they remind me of my mom. Lemons, because they make me happy!

Music: Bob Marley, Natural Mystic

Dessert: Can we pretend French fries are a dessert?

Podcast: The Hollywood Dream Maker, hosted by my husband, Billy Gallo

Weather: Sunny & 78. Or Palm Desert—90 degrees in the evening—so dreamy!

Souvenir: My Day of the Dead keychain from Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Item of Clothing: jean shorts

MANHATTAN MODEL STUDIO

The Manhattan Model Studio was founded by Diana Gallo, who has been modeling professionally for over 25 years. Diana has appeared on magazine covers, commercials, television shows, movies, music videos, print catalogs, and more. What sets Diana apart from other modeling schools is her one on one attention to her clients, their specific needs and desires, and her connections within the industry. Through her programs and courses, Diana has helped numerous clients obtain agency representation and modeling work. But more importantly, Diana's intention is to help her clients feel confident, self-empowered, and courageous, so they can go after their dreams and goals in all aspects and stages of their life.

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DIANA in this moment

How would you describe this moment in your life right now?

I am living my best life. The changes and transitions I have been through over the last 10 years have been life-altering in so many ways. I used to work for courts in a high-stress office environment in downtown Los Angeles. Today, I work 10 minutes from home, in the gorgeous Manhattan Beach. I make my own schedule and attract the best clients. I wake up happy and excited and I am always thinking of ways to provide more value to my clients. I also feel healthier as I have less stress and much more time for self-care.

What phase of life are you in, & how do you think your age affects your thoughts, your feelings, your decisions?

I am in my mid 50's and have a teenage son who's going to be a senior in High School. He is becoming more independent every day and is getting ready for the next phase of his life, which is college. I foresee that I will have a lot more time on my hands to do the things I want to do and expand my business. This excites me very much as I see the opportunities as being endless and exciting. I am also fired up about women I see on social media or on screen who are my age and are successful while still looking healthy, fit, gorgeous and confident. I definitely believe that 50 of today is not what it was 20 years ago.

What’s the last thing you thought of before you went to bed last night?

Hmmm...good question. I usually meditate and do breath work as I'm falling asleep. My mind tends to wander although I do my best to focus on positive thoughts. Last night I had visions of my dream home near the beach and all the fun we were having hosting our family and friends. There were a lot of friends, family, food, wine, a mariachi band, and laughter! You are all invited!

The first thing you thought of upon waking this morning?

I am going to go on a nice long walk at the beach and take in some fresh air and sunshine. And I am glad that I did just that - it was gorgeous with lots of people walking and surfing and enjoying the Summer. The flowers are blooming and the birds were chirping. Who could ask for more?!

What have you been working on / playing with / scheming this last week?

Along with my regular ongoing curriculum of teaching aspiring models how to break into the modeling business, I added a class in September for Teens going back school to learn tools to feel more confident and comfortable as they start their school year. Teens have a lot to deal with and they could use a little bit of self-empowerment. I am also creating a class for the Moms of teens who feel they need a little refresh in their make-up and/or wardrobe, as well as posing and walking tips to feel more confident for pictures and social situations. Moms need a little TLC too!

If you were to use only three words to describe your current creations, what would they be?

Following my heart.

What early experience or influence on you is still very much alive for you today in your way of living or in your work?

My father was an entrepreneur his whole life. I grew up watching him create his own path and his own business opportunities, despite being an immigrant and first generation entrepreneur. When you are young, you do not realize or understand the kind of courage and tenacity it takes to own your own business. I truly believe my dad has been a huge influence for me and I know he is a huge part of the reason my husband and I had the courage to open our Studio back in 2014 in Manhattan Beach. I still rely on my father for business advice and I really value and cherish having him and my mom in my life.

What is something you’re trying to let go of right now, & how is that going?

Oh this is a good one! I am working on putting myself out there more and not worrying about what people may think or of perhaps "failing". A lot of my business comes from Instagram, and there are days when I just don't feel like going on and talking about my Studio or my current offerings. But then I remember my intention, which is to HELP aspiring models break into the business safely and efficiently while avoiding the potential red flags. I also think of the feedback I get from parents and past clients who tell me stories of how I have helped their kids stand up for themselves, or to be more self-assured, or that they got signed by an agent, and that lights me up and gives me the courage to keep showing up.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

People are surprised when I tell them that they can have a successful modeling career and still go to college and pursue another vocation or career. Like I mentioned earlier, I worked for the Los Angeles court system for 28 years and was still able to book many modeling and acting jobs on the side, despite the fact that I worked full time. I was able to make it work and so can anyone else, especially now that most jobs are booked through self-tapes from the comfort of your own home and at a time that works for your schedule. I am still modeling and acting even though I have a busy business and I absolutely love it!

BIO

Diana Gallo has been modeling professionally for over 20 years and has appeared on magazine covers, commercials, television shows, movies, music videos, print catalogs, and more. She uses a combination of her skills, experience, and knowledge to teach aspiring models how to break into the world of modeling.

Diana opened the Manhattan Model Studio as an extension of the Manhattan Actor Studio after talking to people who wanted to break into modeling but did not know how to get started. Using her 4-Step Plan, Diana guides her clients on how to become a professional model. Diana shares her knowledge of the modeling and commercial acting industry with students of all ages. She coaches her clients in a safe and nurturing environment as they pursue their modeling dreams. She teaches everything they need to know to book modeling and commercial gigs. Her curriculum covers self-tape auditions, in-person and Zoom auditions, callbacks, on-set etiquette, the do’s and don'ts of the business, self-care, confidence, runway walking, posing, and how to find legitimate representation.

Basically, Diana teaches everything she wished she knew when she first got started on her journey to making money as a model. But most importantly, she teaches confidence, self-empowerment, and self-care tools for kids, teens, and adults to build their confidence in all areas of their life.