Small town girl sets sights on big modeling goals

It all started when Danielle Ascari was a child. Like most little girls, she liked to dream about her future. But this dream was different.

“It seemed more like a calling,” said Danielle, who has just turned 17. “It just always seemed to be my destiny to be a model.”

Fast-forward about a decade, and the starry-eyed seven-year-old is now a teenage model. She has been to the prestigious New York Fashion Week and featured in several magazines, including in Fashion Passion Magazine, a publication for the fashion industry, and multiple times in Dreamy Magazine.

Danielle is a senior at Wallenpaupack Area High School and a graduate of the Barbizon Nepa in Wilkes-Barre.

“My goals are to pursue modeling, dancing, acting and singing,” she said.

A firm family foundation

Danielle credits her parents’ support as a big reason she’s been able to do what she has.

“I’m not as tall as many models, so that is a challenge,” she said. “But I believe that if you believe in yourself and have people who support you, you can do anything. I started modeling later than most (at age 15) but I feel that modeling is my passion.”

Her mother, Sharon Carucci, has seen that passion take root early.

“Since she was little I always knew that modeling or performing was for Danielle,” Carucci said. “She liked taking photos and always wore crazy outfits. Her favorite color was pink, and she loved glitter. Her talents and personality lie with modeling and being on stage. I have always believed in her, but going to all the photo shoots, runway shows, and practices with her, I have now seen her grow and develop and how amazing she actually is.”

Danielle Ascari said her devout Christian family believes this is her calling.

“Very early on Danielle showed interest in modeling and everything that comes with it, and it never changed,” said her father, Brian Ascari. “I always encouraged this because I knew she enjoyed it, and that her talents lie with it. I’ve always known this was a God-given gift. I believe in her unequivocally.”

Charles Mitchell II is a professional photographer for Sonic C Photography and works out of Irvington, N.J. He’s done several photo shoots

“Danielle has a lot of talent especially considering that unlike most models, she started at a later age,” he said. “She’s excellent.”

As to her future, Danielle would like to attend college for designing, singing, or performing arts, but said she’d prefer to see her career taking off. She’s hopeful of doing both.

More work than you might think

To those considering pursuing a modeling career, Danielle advises going through Barbizon or a similar modeling or acting school.

“It opens your eyes as to how much work it takes and how much more involved it is,” she said. “Most people don’t know about that side of it — the hard work, not just walking down a runway. If you have an interest, just try it out. The best course of action of just starting. It opens your eyes a lot more as to what’s involved, and it’s more than everyone realizes.”

Danielle is looking forward to things opening up, allowing for more photo shoot opportunities.

“I know how determined Danielle is to succeed, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that she is capable of whatever she decides to do.” Carucci said.

Danielle Ascari may be contacted at: @danielle_ascari.