Junior Madison Teague and senior Hannah Mathews have taken retail jobs to the next level by modeling for local Searcy businesses.

Teague said she has modeled for Shop Bella C, a Searcy boutique, and Eula Ferns, an online jewelry and accessories boutique, and she currently works and models for Heart and Soul Boutique. Mathews started modeling for Shop Bella C boutique in May and currently works in the store as well.

“Laura Walker and Cristie Merritt, both former Harding graduates, contacted me last summer asking if I would be interested in doing some modeling for their store,” Mathews said. “I had never put a lot of thought into doing something in modeling but decided it would be a lot of fun to try.”

Teague, a fashion merchandising major, said that modeling has helped her learn about the marketing side of the retail business.

“I have seen my pictures on Facebook, Instagram, email lists, Searcy Living Magazines and Pinterest,” Teague said. “It has been strange scrolling through my Pinterest feed and seeing a picture of myself on it. I had never intended on being a model, but I have had such a great time doing it. Hopefully, I can use the tools I have learned and apply that to my career. I enjoy getting to wear amazing outfits and jewelry, and the photo shoots are always so much fun. I never thought I would get to experience anything like this.”

According to Mathews, because she works in the Shop Bella C store, working is not just about taking pictures and modeling every day.

“Through this experience I have learned so much about working in a business and everything that goes into growing a storefront as well as an online boutique,” Mathews said. “It is so hard not to want to buy everything I try on, so I have to try and limit myself.”

Modeling has produced some fond memories and experiences for both women.

“As each new seasons approaches we do large photo shoots to launch the new collections,” Mathews said. “Photo shoots are always a lot of fun because they are with a bunch of other college girls, it’s kind of like bring your friends work days.”

For Teague, one particular memory stands out. What she thought was a normal work day became much more.

“My most memorable modeling moment was when we went to the Old Mill in Little Rock for a Eula Ferns photo shoot,” Teague said. “I thought we were going to style some of the new jewelry so I was given an outfit and we headed to Little Rock. As we began taking the pictures someone grabbed me from behind. It was my boyfriend David Brooker. Before I knew it he was on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes, and after we were greeted by our friends and family, we were able to take beautiful pictures together.”