Even one of Utah's most successful models - with her lengthy resume detailing work in print, runway modeling, TV commercials and industrial films - can't make a good living here.
Shantal Hiatt, 26, has been modeling in Utah for seven years. Although she is only 5'7" - short for a model - her fresh, versatile looks hold a strong appeal for companies here and elsewhere.She does several commercials a year, has graced the cover of Salt Lake magazines, recently had the female lead in a movie and has been featured in reams of print and on miles of runway. Yet she only made $15,000 in 1988. "I have no idea what 1989's earnings are yet," she said.
"For all the stuff I do, $15,000 is really not a lot," she said. "If I were in another town, I would be making a lot more money than that."
Hiatt is preparing a demo tape she hopes will land her work in a larger city. Married to Weber State College professor Gene Sessions, she is resigned to lengthy commutes if the better jobs come along. The couple has a home in South Ogden, which they share with Sessions' two children.
Like most Utah models, she fills her time with other things besides her modeling career. Most Utah models work second jobs or go to school, said Suzy McCarty, owner of McCarty Agency.
Hiatt has opted for school. She has a bachelor's degree in history and English from WSC and is halfway through the University of Utah's English and American Literature master's program.
"I would like to model and act for as long as I can, but I'm smart enough to know it is not going to last forever. That's why I graduated from college. I want to have other options available to me when the time comes."
The Dean of Business at WSC talked Hiatt into trying a modeling career. "I wanted to do your basic thing: graduate and teach school. When he suggested I try modeling, I just laughed at him."
The dean sent her to an advertising agency, who told her she had the right stuff. McCarty confirmed that, enrolled Hiatt in her modeling school and took her on as one of her models.
Modeling in Utah requires versatility, Hiatt said. Hiatt has learned to act so she can land speaking parts in commercials and industrial films.
She has also learned to look more sophisticated and exotic for the runway shows and shoots that require such a look.
"It's hard for me to be a really strong, exotic-looking model because I'm blonde and soft looking. I don't have dark arched eyebrows, long, thick dark hair or lips that poof."
Despite the limitations of her features, Hiatt has found that to succeed in a market as small as Utah, she has had to master a variety of looks.