Esko grad shares her story in 'Model Behavior'

When Amy (Robnik) Joob was 15 and an Esko High School sophomore, a vocational inventory stated she was best suited to be a hotel manager, police officer or firefighter. She also considered being a cosmetologist and, in college, an FBI agent. But modeling wasn't really part of the 1990 Esko grad's long-term plan.

Neither was writing a book, but now Joob has combined both with her new book, "Model Behavior: Make Your Career Path your Calling." While Joob describes it as a memoir of her modeling career, her book is also a testament to her very strong Christian faith, and the role that it played in her unlikely path to becoming a professional model at the age of 29.

The daughter of Dennis and MaryAnn Robnik - and sister to Dan, Don, Andrew and Adam - Joob has lived in Chicago since 1995, but tries to get back to her hometown twice a year, to see childhood friends and show her children the great outdoors in northern Minnesota.

Joob will be making several stops in Carlton County on her book tour, and agreed to take some time for a Q-and-A with the Pine Knot News first.

Pine Knot News: Your new book, "Model Behavior," was just released. Who do you hope will read your book, and why?

Joob: I want to encourage people that desire to be in modeling or acting, the arts or entertainment. I also hope to encourage people that have a unique or creative way they want to do business or a not-for-profit. I hope my story will inspire others to follow their dream and blaze a trail if need be until they see their vision come to pass.

PKN: What made you decide to pursue modeling?

Joob: I was a competitive triathlete during my 20s and I got in two accidents (car and bike). The resulting injuries ended my competitive career and I needed to find a new dream. A number of people (besides my Mom) encouraged me to model and I got started professionally in Chicago.

Little know fact: I got my modeling start in Duluth in high school. I did my first modeling print job for Nathan Bentley: I modeled beach towels for his then startup screenprinting business and I won a spot on the Miller Hill Mall fashion panel in high school as well.

PKN: In your book you talk about being a Christian model. How did that make you different?

Joob: I really felt like God led me to be in the business and that was important. I didn't just want to be successful or "make it" in the industry, I wanted to share God's love and kindness and help those around me. I wanted to be a blessing to others and I helped a lot of other models and actors get work and I helped other people get started in modeling too; a couple of those women are very successful today. And another Christian model taught me "rejection is God's protection," so when I didn't get every job I auditioned for and when I faced disappointments in the industry I trusted those weren't the places or the jobs He had for me. I believed that ultimately God was my agent - he would open the right doors.

PKN: What would you tell someone unhappy about their career path?

Joob: I think it is never too late to start something new! I started modeling full-time professionally at 29 and I am publishing my first book well into my 40s. I think while you are working at your current job, you can go back to school or start your dream job or business on the side until it produces enough income to be your new career.

PKN: You thank your high school English teacher in the foreword to your book. Tell us about that.

Joob: Mrs. Fortner had the gift and ability to see your potential and bring out the best in you. I think she saw past my rough edges, my rebellious attitude at times and she was able to draw out the good qualities in me. She encouraged me in my writing, she believed in me as a person, and just having her teach me, guide me and listen to me somehow made me believe that I would make it in life. I didn't know exactly what I was going to do back then, but she encouraged me to go to college. It's like she knew I would do well and that gave me courage to believe in myself and go for bigger things in life.