There was a time when I was just starting out, and for some reason believed that agencies would help me get started.
The amount of discrimination was intense, especially because I have always had my natural hair.
After talking with quite a number of them, I decided that there was no need to continue pursuing that direction, for a variety of reasons. However, it did leave a sour taste in my mouth that they would not accept me - I chock it up to the commodity based business model that they operate under. They are dealing in bulk, and need a consistent product. On the whole it's nothing personal.
However, the individual prejudices that I encountered were somewhat heartbreaking. I would call to interview (this is before the days when the masses had readily available internet), and because I am an articulate and un-accented West Indian, they would be thrilled that such an intelligent young coed was interested in joining.
Then, they would see me. Their shock was palpable.
"You sound white on the phone." Was almost the universal reply.
I'm pretty much used to that now, especially because I've heard it over and over again in many of my mainstream business endeavors as well.
~Mme X~