Charleston Fashion Week (CFW) has garnered its share of success via our emerging design talent and nationally spotlighted retail stores. And when CFW launched the Rock the Runway competition last spring, our models were no exception. Caroline DeBruhl, who won our top female model title in March, has since taken a fearless leap into the industry, pursuing her modeling dreams in New York. Her efforts are paying off, as she recently was signed by IMG, the world's number one international model management firm.

And Chelsea Rollins, another of our top 10 Rock the Runway finalists, is also now pursuing her modeling career, having landed shows during New York Fashion Week. She survived a loaded schedule, even winning a Top Model contest with Alice + Olivia that earned her a spot on the label’s official New York Fashion Week runway and a major photo shoot.

As we gear up for a host of CFW 2011 model auditions in Charleston, Charlotte, and Atlanta, I checked in with these CFW model alums to get an inside look at their blossoming careers

AL: What has been your most exciting model moment so far?

CD: Going up to New York to sign with IMG models—I even got to stay in the model apartment. I was up there building my book and attending “go-sees” for jobs.

CR: Meeting new people, definitely. During my past trip to NYC, I had the opportunity to meet Heidi Klum, Karlie Kloss, Nina Garcia, Betsey Johnson, Denise Richards, Nicky Hilton, Stacey Bendet (designer for Alice + Olivia), and so many nice models signed with major agencies.

AL: What’s next now for you in the world of modeling?

CD: I plan on returning to New York for a couple of weeks in the spring, then spending my summer there as well as overseas to further my career.

CR: Right now, I’m competing in the last round of a contest with Fusion Models for a two-year contract worth $150,000! But even if I don’t win, I plan to fall back on talks I’m having with a couple of New York agencies. Either way, NYC is definitely in my future.

AL: How did CFW prepare you for your modeling career?

CR: Charleston Fashion Week made me realize how much I wanted to pursue modeling. It was professional and organized—similar to shows in New York—so when I headed to the Big Apple, I was prepared for everything.

CD: It absolutely refined my runway walk and my social skills.

AL: What was the best lesson you learned at CFW?

CD: To be comfortable with myself and confident while walking on the runway.

CR: If you really want something, you have to get out there and make it happen. CFW really inspired me to go for it.

AL: What advice do you have for aspiring CFW models?

CD: Be confident and remain true to yourself. I also urge the models to expand their goals for this week.

CR: If it’s something you really want, never give up. I’ve been turned down by just about every agency in New York—I’ve been told that I’m too short or not a good fit—but I continue resubmitting and going to open calls. Finally, I’ve been contacted by some pretty big places.

Don’t miss your opportunity to become the next model success story! Apply now to attend the CFW Model Casting for a chance to be the next Rock the Runway Top Model and be seen by some of the industry’s leading agents. Application deadline is Friday, October 15.

For more on the CFW Model Casting Calls and to apply, click here.