From Accounting to the Runway: Francesca Stabile’s Journey to Modeling Stardom

Chasing Dreams in Milan

Moving to Milan marked a pivotal moment in Francesca Stabile’s life, a leap that allowed her to pursue her true passion—modeling. Raised in an Italian family with strong values, Francesca always had her head on her shoulders. “I’m so lucky and proud of my family,” she says. Their support and the values they instilled in her have been a cornerstone of her success.

Entering the Competitive World of Fashion

Stepping into the fashion industry at a young age was daunting for Francesca. “I saw a lot of competitive girls, and it scared me because I was so young,” she recalls. Initially, she believed everyone was friendly, but soon realized the importance of being cautious. Trust became a luxury in a highly competitive environment.

From Accounting to the Catwalk

Francesca’s journey began with a stint in accounting, a field she was educated in and worked in for a few years. However, it didn’t take long for her to recognize that it wasn’t her calling. Modeling, which she started at 14, brought her unparalleled joy. “Nothing else gave me the same sensation,” she shares. Her big break came in 2008 when she started working for renowned brands, a moment she describes as exhilarating.

Balancing Studies and Modeling

Juggling her studies and modeling was challenging. Francesca initially struggled to choose between her passion and a stable career. She paused her modeling career to focus on her studies and office work, but dissatisfaction soon set in. “I understood it was not my real way because I was not satisfied only with that job,” she says.

Gratification and Future Aspirations

The most rewarding aspect of Francesca’s career is the positive feedback from her work. Looking ahead, she plans to seize international opportunities and work in top fashion cities. “I will follow these opportunities and start to travel and work more and more in the best cities of fashion,” she says.

Dreams Beyond Modeling

Francesca dreams of sharing her knowledge with the next generation. She hopes to open her own agency to provide opportunities for young models. Her advice to aspiring models is to persist despite setbacks. “You will have a lot of stops and moments when you say: no, I can’t. But if you are doing what you really like, you will never stop,” she encourages.

Challenges and Sacrifices

Modeling is not an easy path. Francesca highlights the difficulties, such as being away from family and the constant travel. “You must like this work a lot to leave everything and follow your dream,” she advises. She also reflects on missed opportunities and the importance of making the right choices. “I refused a lot of opportunities because I had no time. If I could go back, I’d choose to do more things that I refused,” she admits.

Navigating Rejection

Facing rejection is a common experience in modeling. Francesca describes how tough it can be to deal with rude people during castings in Milan, Paris, or London. “If you don’t have a strong mind and you’re not sure about yourself, you can be upset or sad,” she explains. Her strategy is to turn every ‘no’ into a motivation to improve.

Staying in Top Shape

Maintaining a good physical condition is crucial. Francesca dedicates a lot of time to self-care, including fitness, gym, running, and boxing. “I love to take care of myself, and it takes a lot of time during my days,” she says. These activities also help her stay in a good mood and shape.

Support from Family

At the beginning of her career, Francesca was unsure about modeling due to her shyness. It was her mother who encouraged her to continue. “Thanks to her, I changed completely and grew confident,” she says.

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

A crucial moment in Francesca’s career was leaving her comfort zone to travel and work independently. “I had to take care of myself far from my family, but it’s the only way you can really grow up,” she reflects.

Flexibility and Networking

A model’s life requires constant readiness. Francesca often has to drop her plans for sudden job calls. Despite a busy schedule, she makes time for relaxation and maintaining social connections. “It’s important to keep good relations with everyone in the industry,” she advises, noting that good vibes and strong networks can lead to more opportunities.

Mentorship and Social Media

Francesca values the mentors she had throughout her career. “They helped me stay focused, but now I’m strong enough to be my own mentor,” she says. She also acknowledges the changing landscape of modeling with the rise of social media. “It’s really important to follow social media and know the new trends,” she notes.

Fashion’s Impact and Personal Success

Francesca sees fashion as having a significant impact on society in 2024. “I’m not saying everything in fashion is right, but you must decide what you want to promote in your life,” she states. For her, success is subjective and personal. “My success depends on me and how I want to feel about my work in my life,” she concludes.

For more on Francesca’s journey, follow her on Instagram @francescastabile_dxb.