Interview with Sophia Harris — Childhood outcast to model
Sophia Harris is a 16-year old model residing in Denver, Colorado.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in South Brisbane,Australia-the home of my father but moved back to Dubai in the UAE within weeks of being born. My father is Australian and my mother is a South African and Canadian who moved to America when she was 12 year ols. My four siblings and I however grew up in Dubai and the rest of my family live there still, at 16 I decided to make the move to America by myself to finish high school here. My profession is simply a high school student which is pretty much a full time job in itself but over the last six years of my life I have acted professionally in short films and professional plays as well as modeling in my spare time.
As you can probably tell I am incredibly interested in acting. I have six years of professional training in the Stanislavski method and hope to pursue acting full time once I graduate high school. My other hobbies include running and writing, as a former track and field athlete I developed an addiction to it and go crazy if I can’t run at least five times a week. In addition to acting I hope to become a screenwriter so I dedicate several hours a week to developing and writing my screenplays; I have thirteen so far!.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first began modeling four years ago at the age of 12, at the time I was living in Dubai, a city fast becoming one of the fashion capitals of the world. I don’t have a particularly interesting scouting story – I was asked one day at a makeup convention by the director of a modeling agency if I had any interest in modeling. After shooting my portfolio and signing with them my career begun! I don’t really know why I begun modeling but trust me -no one was more shocked than I when I did!
As a child my appearance was made fun of constantly – I had curly red hair, extremely pale skin, freckles and hooded almond shaped blue eyes. I stood out among a sea of brunettes and blondes with their tanned skin and round eyes. It made me an easy target and resulted in needless bullying. So the idea of my appearance ever earning me money seems like a ridiculous idea to me initially; however, as I soon discovered it was all the things I had been made fun of for that made me so successful.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
In five years I want to be living in LA, finding at least some success as an actress in film and television hopefully negotiating the sale of one of my screenplays! As a person, I hope to become less shy and introverted -I am a tried and true INTJ personality type!. I would also like to be able to say that I had maintained my morals and continued to conduct myself in a dignified manner.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Previously I modeled more, every other week probably. It may not seem like much but I did it at the same time as I was attending school full time. I mainly do commercial photoshoots but I have previously done editorials. Unfortunately I am far too short for the catwalk!
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The best experience I have ever had in modeling was several years ago. The photoshoot was for the Hasselblad Camera and was titled ‘We’re sisters not colors’. Two other models,one black and one Asian, and I all dressed up with elaborate hairstyles and makeup had colored powder thrown at us and we were encouraged to play in ti whilst pictures were taken. The photos that came out were so beautiful and real whilst still promoting the idea of equality and unity among people.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Thankfully I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything truly bizarre or embarrassing throughout my career. However working in Dubai was defiantly a unique experience in itself as the way business is conducted is completely different!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I would most certainly change the height and size requirements. The proportions they ask for promote an incredibly unhealthy lifestyle and really encourage many girls to starve themselves.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I run frequently as well as doing strength and toning exercises daily. I usually eat a piece of gluten free bread with nutella on it -love that stuff!- for breakfast, a small meal consisting of protein and vegetables for lunch and a larger meal consisting of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables for dinner. Throughout the day I get incredibly hungry so I snack on fruit and granola bars as well as chocolate coconut milk. On the whole, I try to avoid gluten and dairy as I don’t react well to either of them. Throughout the week I eat consistently and healthily but I allow myself one treat on the weekend -it’s all about moderation! Nutrition and exercise are incredibly important to me because in order to be successful in this industry I have to maintain my weight and body constantly. However, I am also a firm believer in staying healthy and not starving yourself -you will not model forever but you will have to live with your body forever. So why destroy it in exchange for a few years of success?
Please share something people don’t know about you.
Most people don’t know that I attended a British Curriculum school for most of my education resulting in my slightly warped accent and vocabulary!
Would you change anything about yourself?
If I could change one thing about myself it would be my hair-I would kill for thinner, straight hair! Curly hair is such a pain and mine is far too long and thick to be able to do anything with!
Do you have any fears or phobias?
I have a legitimate phobia, and I took psychology for two years so I know the difference between a fear and a phobia, of crustaceans. As in crabs and lobsters. Just seeing them results in a full blown, completely legitimate panic attack and I just can’t even. I’m also terrified of moths and butterflies, something I only discovered after being taken on a trip to a butterfly pavilion. Cue screaming and crying.