Paige Mobley

She grew up entertaining audiences at The Community House in Birmingham and now Paige Mobley, a stunning blonde beauty, was a finalist on VH1’s “America’s Next Top Model.” “I grew up doing a lot of dance,” she said. “I realized when I got older that I liked being on stage more than the dancing part.” The Academy of Sacred Heart High School graduate admitted she would pretend to be sick sometimes so she could stay home from school and watch marathons of “America’s Next Top Model.” “I always loved the show for the drama and excitement,” she said. “When ‘Top Model’ casting producers reached out to me in Cycle 22, I felt like this was it. I applied and did all the necessary steps. I made it really far, but I just missed the mark.” Mobley was disheartened when she was not chosen as a finalist for the show’s final cycle on The CW network, but she was not dissuaded from pursuing her dream. “I did some modeling in New York,” she said. “Modeling in New York is a whole other level. In New York City, you have the best models in the entire world.” Mobley appeared on the “Ellen” show in a commercial for PC Intel and Best Buy computers. She also played a role in the hit show “Gossip Girls” on The CW. “I played Chuck Bass’s date to a party in a flashback scene during the series finale,” she said. To her amazement, fate intervened and “America’s Next Top Model” was picked up by VH1. She was contacted by the casting crew, to audition for Cycle 23. Mobley’s Midwestern charm and beauty earned her a spot among the semi-finalists. “They call you two weeks before you’re about to fly out,” she said. “It’s very last-minute and hectic, but it’s opened a lifetime of doors and opportunities for me already.” The show began filming in New York City in July 2016. They wrapped up in September 2016. Due to confidentiality agreements, Mobley was not allowed to tell her extended family and friends where she was during filming. “My parents knew, but even they were kept in the dark about a lot of stuff,” she said. “We told people I was on vacation. Communication is very limited.” In the meantime, she is living in Los Angeles and going to auditions regularly. Appearing on the show has already led to many opportunities. “I’m the new national ambassador for Smile Direct Club and I’ll be hosting on QVC for the company.” The 22-year-old has dealt with the harsh expectations of a modeling career, but Mobley remains grounded and has an immense sense of gratitude and grace. “I want to be in charge of my own self-worth,” she said. “I just want to stay on a steady incline, be happy and take every opportunity with a sense of appreciation.”

PPhoto: Gilbert Flores