Lisa Gelman is the latest in a long line of models to enter the fray in the National Association of Modelers (NAM). She has been invited as a National Spokesperson for the modeling trade and will be representing NAM at the upcoming International Congress on Models and Sports Marketing scheduled in June in New York. If one were to compare Gelman’s resume to that of Jennifer Lopez or Pamela Anderson, they would find quite a bit of similarity. Both are accomplished and successful (Lisa is better known for her children than her modeling work though) and both have achieved a certain amount of stardom through their looks. However, what sets Lisa Gelman apart is the fact that her height is only average; whereas Jennifer Lopez’s height is just above the size of a standard foot.
The question then becomes, “What exactly is it about this woman that makes her fit into the modeling trade at such a young age?” In order to answer this question, we must look beyond the surface and examine her roots. Born in segregated housing, Lisa was barely able to attend school as her mother was a single mother who supported herself through her job. As her career in the food service industry progressed, she decided to move onto the fashion side of the industry and pursued a degree in fashion merchandising. While pursuing this degree, she also pursued acting and soon became known as National Lampoon’s Animal House’s Corin Nemec’s love interest.
From her years as an actress, Gelman finally landed a role in the massively popular Seinfeld, playing Elaine. After the show ended, she decided to pursue a career in the modeling trade. She has gone from small role roles to major roles in many of her most popular shows, including Seinfeld, The New Adventures of Oogie Boogie, Roseanne, and Curb Your Envelope. While her small stature might hinder women of her stature from being comfortable in many traditionally larger clothing brands, Gelman has used her height to her advantage. She has been able to get the clothing brand she wants without looking like an oversize doll.