Modeling Confidence

Modeling entered ALIVIA NOVELLO’s life at a young age, planting a seed of ambition that continues to grow.

Her debut was an American Girl Doll Place modeling show, which was a fundraiser for Joy’s Campaign for Water. 

“A girl gave me this to say thank you for raising money to build a water tower in her village,” she says, holding a brightly-colored, braided friendship bracelet.

This moment, a blend of childhood whimsy and heartfelt purpose, ignited Novello’s desire to use her platform to help others and inspire young people.

Novello’s childhood was marked by educational disruptions—twelve different schools spanning public, private, and homeschool settings.

Each transition brought its own challenges until she found her footing at Waterview Learning Academy.

“I went through a depression and wasn’t in school a lot,” she reflects. However, the adversity also fostered a deep-seated determination in her. “I realized I have other talents and that doesn’t make me a bad student,” she says.

Before modeling, gymnastics was Novello’s world. However, as she grew older, she realized it was not her true calling. Novello turned to modeling as a confidence booster. “I didn’t take it seriously at first,” she admits. But as she began testing and working with local photographers, her hobby snowballed into something more significant.

A pivotal moment came when a friend encouraged Novello, now 18, to participate in a charity runway show for a local swimwear boutique. She began to take modeling more seriously. “I focused on contacting a lot of people in Raleigh,” she says. Her proactive approach led her to work with various creatives—hairstylists, makeup artists, and photographers—helping her build a robust network.

Versatility is a hallmark of Novello’s modeling journey. “I can adapt to different genres and shift from punk to girly or a farm look,” she says. Novello enjoys the collaborative process and working with others to bring different visions to life. 

As Novello navigates her career, her aspirations remain focused. She’s taking a gap year to pursue more modeling opportunities, and she hopes to eventually study at James Madison University.  Her inspirations are diverse, ranging from iconic figures like Brooke Shields to her own parents. Shields, known for her resilience and success, is a role model Novello admires deeply. Her parents, who have overcome significant obstacles themselves, are another source of inspiration.

Maintaining confidence in the face of rejection and competition is a critical aspect of Novello’s journey. She draws strength from personal affirmations and visual reminders. “My mother told me to put sticky notes of affirmations on my mirror,” she says.

Novello’s decision to forgo traditional modeling agencies in favor of building her personal brand through networking was unconventional. Her approach has allowed her to build her name and establish credibility independently. It’s a choice she’d make all over again, and she says she’s grateful for the journey thus far.“I trusted my gut,” she says, “and my gut got me to all these amazing people who have helped me.”

To view more of photographer Daria Amato’s work, go to dariaphoto.com

Want more WILMA? Click here to sign up for our WILMA newsletters and announcements.