Model story

NYIT alum tells of the struggles of modeling.
Nigel Chiwaya and Wayne Elliott
Chronicle Senior Writers

Following your dreams can be difficult, but after coming across NYIT alum Heather Stuab’s story, it should be noted that nothing is impossible.

Staub (Advertising ‘04) has overcome many obstacles to pursue a career in modeling, the most obvious of all being her height. In her new book, “Almost 5′4″: Confessions of an Unconventional Model,” Staub, better known by her modeling name Isobella Jade, describes the struggles that a 5′2″ woman faces in an industry dominated by a tall standard.

Staub, who was recruited by NYIT to run on the track team in Old Westbury, began her modeling career after walking away from the track during her freshman year. “I googled the word model, and I’ve been trying ever since,” Staub said during an interview with the NYIT Chronicle.

Along the way, she faced many challenges. Staub recounted the argument that ensued after her mother discovered nude photographs of her on the internet. However, she offers no apologies for any of her life choices. “It is a little bit emotional,” Staub says, “but at the same time, I think it’s important because a lot of girls don’t talk about their mistakes when they’re at that age.”

Staub’s struggles forced her to live out of a suitcase for a while. However, her hardships also helped her learn to support herself. Staub, who could not afford a computer at the time, wrote her book entirely the SoHo Apple store, saving chapters to her email account each day. Eventually, the struggles paid off: Staub has worked with Conde Nast and Marshalls, and has been featured in music videos and appeared on MTV. She self-published her book, which sells on amazon.com and borders, and she was offered $40,000 by a film director for the rights to her life story.

Through it all, Staub remains proud of her NYIT degree. “Probably one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life is finish school,” Staub said. “I graduated in four years, which doesn’t seem like a big deal, but if you look at the rates, most people don’t graduate in four years anymore.”

After all the hardship, Staub has advice for current students. “If you’ve got a talent, don’t waste it,” she says. “You need to know for yourself that you can strive and know what you’re good at.”