Before being scouted by Elite during a routine shopping trip at Forever 21 clothing store, Ohio-born Edythe Hughes hadn’t considered a career in modeling, but just weeks after the encounter, she’d signed a contract in New York. Now represented by Ford and founder of the non-profit “Project Model Tee,” she shares her thoughts on creativity, the true role of models in our industry and the importance of uncomfortable conversations.

Spirit & Flesh: How did you come up with the idea for “Project Model Tee”?

Edythe Hughes: The industry had given me so much that I wanted to give something back and help others do the same. The idea had been churning for years and was developed through lengthy conversations with supportive friends.

S&F: What is your main goal?

EH: Giving models a platform for charity—to let their artistic talent shine and find an audience to support it. PMT encourages them to use their time in fashion as an education, to value the creative experience and use it for great causes.

Recently I met for coffee with an artist who contributed to the Friendship Event; he had just recorded his first song, was working on the third piece of ten for his first art exhibition, and tutoring students in his free time. When I expressed how impressed I was, he said that donating art to our event gave him the confidence to pursue his endeavors. Getting that news, I knew that we’re accomplishing our mission!

S&F: Why did you chose to collaborate first with the charity organization RAINN, The Nation’s Largest Anti-Sexual Violence Organization?

EH: Shockingly, one in six women and one in 33 men are raped. Sexual violence affects everyone, and we wanted to launch PMT with a cause that touches every heart. RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual-violence organization and supports desperately hurt people.

S&F: You are about to move on to a campaign for NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness.

EH: Like sexual violence, mental-illness issues affect everyone. Both issues also tend to be ignored, in that they can be uncomfortable to talk about. PMT is passionate about starting these conversations in order to end the shame and stigma.

S&F: What criteria do you use when selecting a charity?

EH: There is no book of rules; these issues are personal for us and, we believe, for everyone else.

S&F: Can you sum up the RAINN collaboration?

EH: PMT hosted two successful fundraising events for them. In October 2012 we gathered at Hudson Terrace with models, friends in fashion, and those passionate about anti-sexual-violence efforts, and silently auctioned art donated by models. In May 2013 we did another auction at Rockwood Music Hall, this time also giving models a stage to perform their music. Besides fundraising, we’ve worked to raise general awareness about sexual-violence issues. There is so much power in just talking about it: Like we always say, “Raise your voice for RAINN!”

S&F: PMT supports creative models. Have you explored opportunities in that field?

EH: I enjoy painting, writing and acting. After modeling I will pursue a creative career. That artistic “flow” is a deep spiritual experience and I always want to find more time for it.

S&F: What inspires you ?

EH: Connecting with my peers who share a love of art and charity—their talent, generosity and spirit. PMT was created to celebrate who they are.

S&F: Can any model participate in your project?

EH: Models can reach us at info@projectmodeltee.org and let us know how they’d like to contribute. Those who write or create fine art or music can be showcased at one of our events. We also welcome those who simply want to support good causes.

S&F: What’s next for PMT ?

EH: New possibilities for connecting art, fashion and charity. We walk where that path takes us. We’d like to produce tee-shirts designed by models for the benefit of great causes. We would also love to have a poetry/story slam to showcase talented writers in our industry. Stay tuned at www.projectmodeltee.org.