Mara Whitlock is 24 and works at a small independent alternative clothing shop, where she gradually went from selling the clothes to appearing in photos of them.

Her first proper shoot happened when a booked model cancelled and Mara reluctantly filled in. The photographer asked if she'd ever considered modeling seriously, one look at her bank account was all the encouragement she needed.

These days Mara has a growing portfolio built from local photographers, small designers, and occasional paid jobs. She calls herself an alternative model, though she gets uncomfortable when anyone adds the word professional. Her goal isn't fame. She'd just like modeling to become enough of a career that someday the shop can be the side job.

Despite appearances, Mara isn't particularly committed to maintaining an aura of gothic mystery. She owns pink yoga pants, watches terrible reality television, and will cheerfully model bridal wear, sportswear, or a violently yellow sundress if someone is paying her.

Turns out looking extremely goth doesn't require behaving extremely goth.