I’m soooo H-A-P-P-Y to introduce Ava Shaw, current junior at Metamora Township High School who joined this year’s very first ever Shelby TEEN model team.  She applied for our team because she wanted to connect with other girls from Central IL.  “I feel my time will impact my year in only the best of ways. I think that it will allow me to step out of my comfort zone!  I have never tried to model before, and think that it could be another fun way to step out of my comfort zone. My long term aspirations and dreams are to earn a degree in either the medical field, or something culinary. I have been baking since I was 8.”

Ava has become a great friend and we have even hired her to do some social media coverage for our studio.  She is wise beyond her years, very bubbly, and kind, and as you can tell from her photos, drop-dead gorgeous.  She has so many amazing qualities that we absolutely love and can’t wait to see what her future holds.  “I have been involved in the MTHS golf team, volleyball team manager for 2 years, Medical Careers Club for 2 years, and I attended 3 meetings of ASL club before being shut down last year.

Her’s just a little peek into Ava’s drive and determination.  “I lived in Puerto Rico for a year and a half when I was younger, and attended a bilingual school! Also, I adore traveling. In 2017 my dad told me as a joke, “If you save up $1000, I’ll take you to Paris,”. Little did he know that would be the only thing I put my money towards for two years! In April of 2019, he and I took a week long trip to Paris over Easter. It was my favorite trip of my whole life, and a special trip for us to explore together. My dad and I forgot our tickets for a train in Paris, so we boarded anyways and hoped to not get caught! That or being chased by a bus on a scooter I wasn’t technically old enough to drive. What happens in Paris stays in Paris!”

“My favorite teacher is either Mr. Boeker (English) or Mrs. Schumacher (Foods). Mr. Boeker is always trying to brighten every student’s day. Mrs. Schumacher and I are very similar and like many of the same things. My favorite class is Foods because I can express myself and get creative through the food I am making.
Outside of school, I take golf lessons and work at Quail Meadows Golf Course in Washington, IL. Golf quickly became a big part of my life, and I am so glad it did! I also started up a small business called “Sweets by Ava”, making cakes and cupcakes.”

“I love Taylor Swift with a passion. I have posters of her up in my room, and countless tee shirts. My favorite song of hers is Don’t Blame Me, New Romantics, or The Way I Loved You. Don’t make me pick!”

“My favorite holiday is Christmas. One of my favorite holiday traditions is “tracking” Santa on an app on Christmas Eve. My brother gets so excited and repeatedly asks us to check it! Another favorite tradition of mine is decorating the tree together. We all have a blast going through old ornaments, and the experience only gets better with age.”

Three things on my bucket list: 1. Swim in the Mediterranean 2. Step foot in every US State 3. Visit every Disney park in the world!

“The most unusual thing I have ever eaten is Beef Tartare! It’s raw ground beef, and I ate it in Paris.  My favorite beverage is lemonade. Favorite candy is Sour Patch kids or Gummy Bears. I don’t really like chocolate! (Ava.. this is the only weird thing about you, LOL) My favorite family recipe is the Christmas Punch that my mom’s side of the family makes. It is my favorite because it is something we can all enjoy together and help make. If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be pasta with breadsticks and salad.”

“I have a dog named Copper! He is a wirehaired Vizsla. Yes, that’s a real thing! There are only about 50 in the United States, and the breed is from Hungary. He is the sweetest boy and I don’t know what I’d do without him. He is the highlight of my day, almost every day!”

These are photographs from our very first shoot together.. it was a Neon themed shoot and Ava brought her little bro to the 2nd day of shooting!

I started up a small business called “Sweets by Ava”, making cakes and cupcakes.  I named it Sweets by Ava my dad has nicknamed me Sweets!”

“My favorite sport to watch is volleyball. I love watching the amazing saves and dives. My favorite sport to play is golf. I love the relaxed atmosphere, (when you’re doing well that is…)”

Ava helped me during a themed Sunflower shoot with our Shelby Senior Model team so after we were done, I couldn’t help but take a few photos of her too!

These were photos of our Fruity Swim Themed Session that we planned early in the season with our Teen crew!  We had so much fun with the girls at the pool!

“My perfect day would start by waking up around 9, and picking up some friends for brunch. It would be warm and sunny! We would take some pictures and hang out for a couple hours. Then, I would play with my dog and go on a walk with him. My perfect day would end with my family getting sushi take out and playing card games late into the night!”

“My favorite family trip was to my grandparent’s condo when I was younger. It is my favorite because it is a place we have gone to several times, and I always get a nostalgic feeling when we arrive. My favorite childhood memory is the Daddy Daughter dances with my dad. We always dressed up really nice and had a nice dinner. He would open the car door for me, and we had just the best time. I am so thankful for those nights. My hero is my mom because she always pushes me to be a better version of myself. She is my best friend, and is always there for me. I don’t know what I’d do without her!”

Favorite Quote: “I’m intimidated by the fear of being average” -Taylor Swift