We’re baby model mamas of NYC — we hustle for our ‘kidfluencers’ to get a taste of stardom
Being crowned “America’s Next Top Model” was never Kristen Wilkerson’s dream.
And yet, the Upper West Side mother of four oft finds herself updating headshots, primping for photoshoots and dashing out the door to last-minute bookings with baller brands like Nike.
But she’s not the one striking a pose for fashion’s finest photogs — it’s her 10-month-old daughter, Rosie.
“We randomly got her into modeling in March, and she’s already landed eight castings,” Wilkerson, 34, told The Post of her pint-size superstar.
“We absolutely love it,” added the multihyphenate mama, who pastors Trinity New York Church with hubby Taylor. “But I was not fully prepared for how much her modeling would affect my schedule.”
Often with less than 24 hours’ notice, moms of booked and busy babies must be ready to answer career-making calls.
As the cherubs of Gen Alpha (currently ranging from ages 0-14) continue stealing the spotlight online — think “Four Seasons Orlando” baby — the demand for little VIPs on billboards, commercials and in social media ads continues to climb.
In fact, 58% of marketers gave tykes featured roles in promotional materials last year, according to findings from Influencer Marketing Hub.
Global imprints now spend more than $2.9 billion on rising rugrat “kidfluencers” — a figure expected to increase by approximately 22% by 2031, according to researchers.
Long Island infant MJ is getting her piece of that pie.
At just 8 months old, the diapered diva’s already raked in upwards of $4,000 this year as the cutesy face of Walmart and Costco campaigns.
But stay-at-home mom Melissa Duzant tells The Post that she and her husband Korrie weren’t motivated by money when they enrolled their infant son, Korrie Jr., into the modeling world in February.
Instead, the native Staten Islanders, now living in northern New Jersey, hope the experience instills a lifelong sense of self-pride in the 1-year-old.
“I want my son to develop a strong work ethic and know that he can do anything he sets his mind to,” said Duzant, 28. “Sky’s the limit.”
In the five months since launching his career, on-camera cutie Korrie Jr.’s lent his smile to postings for Amazon, Nike and baby food brand Beech-Nut.
“My son should never feel like he’s not good enough,” continued Duzant, adding that she’d be happy to support his pursuits beyond modeling as he ages. “Look how much he’s already accomplished.”
Here’s how NYC’s smallest sweeties — and their manager moms — are making it big as baby models.
The pampered princess
Baby Rosie’s rosy cheeks and chill spirit serve as the bundle’s secret weapons on set.
But while the natural-born cool girl coos and giggles during shoots for The Children’s Place, Garanimals or Maxi Cosi car seats, Wilkerson’s mind is working a mile-a-minute.
“The world of baby modeling is really fast-paced,” said the multitasker, whose little one is signed with Zuri Agency in Midtown. The firm exclusively submits Rosie for jobs, then notifies Wilkerson of the booking just hours before lights, camera, action.
“If I haven’t already told them we weren’t available on a specific day, they’re expecting Rosie to show up as soon as she is hired,” she said. “I’m a pastor and traveling speaker with three older kids, so I usually have to move a lot of things around for Rosie’s schedule.
“But it’s a blessing.”
And thankfully, most of the photoshoots are short, sweet and typically worth the sweat.
“The shoots last around two to four hours, and Rosie usually earns a flat rate,” said Wilkerson. The baby’s bucks are remitted into a trust that’s government-mandated for all kiddos in the biz.
“A small bit of [her earnings] pays for diapers and food,” said Wilkerson. “But we’re more invested in making sure Rosie feels happy and confident for as long as she wants to continue modeling.”
She’s a Big ‘Apple’ beaut
When Patricia Martinez took 11-month-old daughter Valhalla to pose in a top-secret photoshoot last October, the Bronx native had no clue which big-name brand had hired her baby.
It wasn’t until a few months after snapping the shots that the mother of three and her partner, Bling, reaped the fab fruits of Valhalla’s labor.
“Her agency, Paloma Model and Talent, sent us an email, like, ‘Hey, your daughter’s on a billboard for Apple,’” Martinez, 28, a recent Los Angeles transplant, told The Post. “We couldn’t believe it.”
Valhalla’s big, round eyes, even rounder cheeks and precious pout were plastered throughout Gotham — as well as in major US cities, Canada and Dubai — promoting the high-tech giant’s iPhone 15 Pro.
“My whole life, I’ve always seen beautiful babies on billboards around the city,” said Martinez, whose 3-year-old son, Emitheos, and 8-week-old newborn boy, Vasilieos, are also professional models.
“I never thought my baby would be one of them,” she gushed. “It’s wild.”
Martinez and Bling believe the boons of baby modeling will serve as assets to their brood as they blossom.
“Our kids are going to be able to own any room and present themselves with confidence,” said the dynamo mama. “We’re raising little go-getters.”
Twinkle, twinkle, you little star
The camera loves little Korrie — and the feeling is mutual.
In fact, Duzant tells The Post that the boy’s innate knack for wowing in family pictures inspired her to turn him into a paid pro.
But she puts in a ton of work for the money.
“Before we head into the city for a shoot, I make sure I have his diaper bag ready, his birth certificate, Social Security card, health forms and work voucher forms,” said the meticulous mama.
“Being a New Yorker, I’m used to the hustle and bustle of business,” she said. “But getting out of the house for shoots is serious work.”
Once on set, Duzant, who dabbled in acting before becoming a parent, typically performs a few rounds of peekaboo to encourage Korrie’s gummy little grin.
“He has a very vibrant personality, like myself and my husband,” she gushed. “Since he was born, he’s loved being on camera.”
