Model accomplishment

For 25 years, P.J. Trzeciak has been turning gawky teens into self-confident young women. When she started a small modeling agency with $500 and some rented tables and chairs she had no idea what would blossom from those humble beginnings. “I never dreamed it would get so big,” she said. “If I’d known it would grow into an international company, I would have been too scared to start!”

Trzeciak said she started the business because “It’s what I knew best.” She’d modeled professionally for 10 years for Danskin, Catalina, Bloomingdale’s and Sak’s, among many other clients.

She came to Spokane in 1981 after landing a job representing a local stereo company. Trzeciak fell in love with the city and decided to launch her own business. The fledgling start-up, PJ & Company Models has evolved into an agency, a school and a production company. “I had 22 students in my first class in 1985,” she said. “After graduation, 12 were working in the modeling industry.

Currently, her models smile from the Northern Qwest Casino billboards, or stare seductively from the pages of the RiverPark Square holiday catalog. To date, the former Chicago Bears cheerleader has trained and represented thousands of men, women and children. In fact, Trzeciak’s models are working all over the world.

One of them, 20-year-old Dani Lundquist, stopped by Trzeciak’s studio last week, having just returned from working in Australia. The 2008 Post Falls High School graduate stays in close contact with her modeling mentor.

Dani Lundquist’s mom, Kelley Lundquist, contacted Trzeciak when Dani was 14. “She wouldn’t stand straight,” said Lundquist of her daughter, who at 5 feet 9 inches towered above her classmates. “The only place she stood up straight was on the basketball court. And she had braces at the time, so she’d never smile.”

The worried mom hoped a six-week class would inspire confidence in her shy teen. It turns out that class inspired a career. Within weeks Lundquist was walking tall. She and Trzeciak laughed and recited the mantra together, “Twelve o’clock toes, knees locked, shoulders back, heel first, tush tucked, tummy in!”

It’s called the runway walk and it becomes so ingrained in Trzeciak’s students that soon they forget there’s any other way to walk. But the class involves much more than just learning an elegant stride. “P.J. taught me about skin care and make-up. She took me shopping and helped with my wardrobe,” Lundquist recalled.

While finishing high school, Lundquist took local modeling assignments and worked, saving her money. Two months after graduating she moved to Los Angeles and soon signed with PhotoGenics modeling company.

“I love it!” she said of her career. “I get to meet new people every day.”

Her two-month stint in Australia was especially exciting. “I did the most amazing thing – I walked the runway for Chanel.” She paused, beaming. “I love the runway. It gets my adrenalin pumping. It’s my sport.”

As Trzeciak and Lundquist thumb through the latest glossy fashion magazines featuring Lundquist, it’s apparent that the once awkward teen has come a long way. And she credits her success to Trzeciak. “P.J. made me the woman I am,” she said softly and glanced across the room at her mentor.

However, Trzeciak admits international success for one of her models is rare. She said in 25 years, she’s had 50 models who’ve reached beyond the local market. Their pictures and magazine covers adorn the walls of her Liberty Lake home studio. But her mission isn’t necessarily to create stars. For Trzeciak there’s something more important. “I want girls to have class,” she said. “To be gracious and have self-confidence.”

Her eyes burn with passion when she talks about her work. “I love making people feel good about themselves. The most important thing to me is a sweet spirit and a beautiful heart.”

She believes Lundquist embodies these qualities. “She comes and teaches my students when she’s in town,” said Trzeciak. “She is sweet and real and they can relate to her.”

Indeed, Lundquist is remarkably philosophical about her glamorous career. “I’m just a walking hanger,” she said, shrugging. “P.J. teaches us to be professional. This is my business – I’m self-employed.”

After 25 years, Trzeciak sometimes thinks about retiring, but her business continues to thrive. And she’s not sure retirement would suit her. She said, “I have so much energy – this is what I love!”