She has cruised the catwalks, mugged for magazines and commercials and even starred as Princess Shayla on the TV series “Power Rangers.”

Now, one of Gulf Breeze’s homegrown models is headed home from Los Angeles.

Ann Marie Crouch, 38, is joining the staff of Gulf Breeze-based Mary Lou’s Models — the modeling agency where she got her start — in the hopes of helping young models find the same level of national success she has enjoyed.

She will teach modeling and acting classes and help agency owner Mary Lou Nash organize annual modeling conventions, where agents recruit talent.

Bella caught up with Crouch to find out more about the motivations behind her move, as well as her goals for the modeling agency. Here’s what she said:

Q. What are you most excited about in terms of teaching and recruiting young models?

A. This is my favorite question because so many things excite me about teaching. There are many techniques I learned through the years that make such a huge difference in a shoot. To show a new model some of these and watch their face light up, build their confidence and self esteem. There is the creative side, but just as importantly is the business side. Preparation, the steps each models needs to take to put themselves out there and stay there.

Beautiful faces are all around, but it is the ones that show up on time, well rested, prepared and just do their job. As far as recruiting, this is one thing I will be doing a lot of within the agency. Submitting our models to other markets.

Taking a new face and teaching this person the steps. Watching them grow as a model and person and then sending them to other markets to experience the life as a model — with the foundation I have helped build for them, a secure and confident one.

Q. Why Pensacola?

A. A few reasons, actually. I knew that, after my career as a model and actress, I wanted to run an agency/school and teach what I have experienced through the years. I’ve always had a passion for teaching. Now with a husband and young daughter, the timing seemed right. I will be able to pursue my dream while raising our daughter closer to our families.

Q. What is it about modeling that you like so much?

A. Modeling has given me over 20 years of a wonderful career. I was fortunate enough to make a good living at something I enjoyed doing. The many different people I met and places I lived through traveling the world over. The freedom and excitement of new experiences and new places, whether it is the adrenalin rush of stepping onto a runway or the anticipation of where my next location shoot will take me.

Q. Why are you joining Mary Lou?

A. My theatrical agency here in Los Angeles wanted me to start a print division within the agency a few years ago, but the timing was just not right. I thought of a few different cities of starting an agency/school, but my thoughts always came back to Mary Lou. She began my career many years ago. We have stayed closed ever since, and I knew we would work well together. With the name she has made for herself and our friendship, it seems like the perfect fit.

Q. What do you hope to bring to Mary Lou’s agency?

A. The passion and love for this business that I have always had. By combining Mary Lou’s 30 years as an agent and my 24 years as a model, my main “jobs” to start will be teaching the classes, working on our convention and submitting models to other markets. I hope to enable the next generation of aspiring models to have the same success I have through the years. Although you will find that many things in modeling are learned through experience, it is my belief that the most important aspect of a model’s career is the foundation from which they start their journey. It took me many years as a professional model to incorporate the basic steps needed to be truly successful, and I’m excited to share those steps with them in order that their road may start with more clarity and confidence.

ABOUT ANN MARIE CROUCH

At the age of 14, Ann Marie Crouch signed up for Nash’s modeling course on fashion, health and etiquette. Within a year, she attended her first modeling convention, and three months later, at the age of 15, Ann Marie was flying to Tokyo to model for the summer with one of the top modeling agencies, Elite Folio.

At 16, she was in Paris with the famous Glamour Agency.

In 2005, she directed and starred in a video “Being Beautiful Inside & Out,” in which experts in the modeling industry reveal insider tips for aspiring models.

For more information about Crouch, go to www.themodelszone.com.

CONVENTION TO SHOWCASE TALENTS, OPPORTUNITIES

What: A convention for Mary Lou’s Models. The list of agents attending the convention includes a production company from Naples, Fla. They have two children’s television series and will be auditioning local talent for their shows. They plan to shoot at least one episode here on the Gulf Coast using local talent.

When: Oct. 12-14.
Where: Seaside, Fla.
Cost: $450, ages 7 to adult; $300, ages 3-6.
Details: http://marylousmodels.com/convention.htm.