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Ken's Blog
Nutrition, Modeling and Sports

Apr 19 2016

Interview with Ashlyn Ahlers — Hot-Mess Motivation

Ashlyn Ahlers is a 22-year old model residing in Saint Louis, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey everyone! My name is Ashlyn Ahlers, from Nashville, Illinois. I currently live in St. Louis, Missouri with my man, Joey, 7 month old daughter, Collins and my fur-baby, Pixie. I love to travel, attend concerts, get dinner with friends and spend lots of time outside. I am a full-time mommy, part-time Certified Personal Trainer, and volunteer for two non-profit organizations.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I was first introduced to the model industry in 7th grade when my grandmother signed me up for modeling classes in St. Louis. A month after I started my classes, I submitted my portfolio and head shots to a few local businesses and received a call for my first print opportunity.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals have changed dramatically since having my daughter. I used to be ‘all about’ how my body looks in the mirror and wasn’t too concerned with being strong. Now, I want to be as strong as I can to keep up with my growing child, although looking awesome in a bikini is always a bonus! My professional goals are to inspire my clients and followers on social media by living by example. Having a healthy diet and exercise program myself is so important when coaching others through their mental and physical transformations.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

On average, I do 5 to 6 modeling jobs a month, and most of the positions are for print advertising for clothing boutiques, or in-person demonstrations. Once in a while, I will do on-camera shoots for commercials, but before I had my daughter, I was booked for quite a few fitness photo shoots for catalogs, social media advertising, and online video promotion. I am working on getting back into pre-baby shape and expect to jump right back in to fitness shoots.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best experience I have had as a model is getting to travel all over the US to do demonstrations, promotions and seminars for a fitness and nutrition company. It’s also funny when I get tagged in all kinds of funny photos of people posing by my pictures in the St. Louis airport. The worst experience I have had was working with a very unprofessional company that tried to put me in harms way to get a photo for a CD cover… who even buys CDs anymore anyway?

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

When modeling at a fitness expo, I got completely star struck by one of my favorite fitness icons and stepped on her foot when she came to ask me about the company I was working for. If you’re reading this, sorry DLB!

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

If I could change anything about the modeling industry, it would be to give the fitness models credit for having a real life, just like everyone else. Contrary to popular belief, fitness models don’t get to spend every second of every day in the gym. We have children and families, other jobs, and food cravings. We’re all human.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Diet and exercise is so important for everyone, you only have one body- if you don’t take care of it, where will you live? I always try to keep my diet pretty clean and healthy; my body is super sensitive to carbs and dairy so if I stray from my clean diet, there’s no hiding it I am also a breastfeeding momma, so the better I eat, the better my daughter eats. I exercise every single day, and although I may not make it to the gym every day, I am sure to get at least one hour of some sort of exercise daily. I lift weights 3 to 5 times a week, and also run 5k’s 10k’s and half marathons to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer; this year, I am running 5 runDisney races. Don’t hesitate on contacting me on my social networks if you’re interested in getting involved.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Fun fact: I can play the harmonica like a pro.

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change anything about myself, I would love to be better at multitasking, since I always seem to take on so many things at once and it always ends in a cluster. I am also a huge people-pleaser, which is usually why I take on too many tasks at once.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I had a superpower, it would be to sprout extra limbs so I could play with my kid, play with my dog, be on social media, shop online, do the laundry, clean the dishes, iron clothes, workout, draw, play the piano, study, message my friends, and work… all at the same time.

Visit Ashlyn Ahlers’s website for more photos and information

Apr 16 2016

Interview with Savannah Bice — Fitness, finance, and full-time model

Savannah Bice is a 19-year old model residing in Saint Louis, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in a small town in Missouri, since then I have moved to the Saint Louis area where I have pursued several different ventures, and after finding out that the basis for any success was my networking connections, I started applying it to my modeling and acting career. Although I have a high interest in finance and fitness, I found myself day dreaming about the world of modeling and acting. Now I do my best to combine my businesses, modeling, acting, and traveling.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I started out auditioning for a modeling and acting agency when I was 15, after a while I started networking outside of my agency to land photo shoots. I grew up with a desire to be in magazines and movies. I look at modeling and acting as my artistic and expressive side and I like to explore them through my work.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals are to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have the flexibility to travel very often. I plan to finish up my undergraduate degree in finance and I plan to graduate with my MBA by next year (2017). I take education very seriously and it has been very compatible with my other interests; I want to own my own business within the next five years and further my career as a model. I also take my health very seriously so that I can stay in shape for modeling and acting. In the next ten years, I will have a steady modeling career, and plan on modeling for fitness, gown, and swimsuit companies.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

On average, I have at least five shoots a month, and I model primarily fitness, glamour, fashion, and swimsuits. I have recently decided to start acting in web series to see if I have a connection to it, while also participating in pageants to get experience on stage and expose myself to new environments.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best experiences I have had are modeling for a dress boutique. I love modeling beautiful wedding and prom gowns and that experience allowed me to do so, while I also competed at the Miss Missouri USA pageant and that was an amazing experience to meet other models in the industry and learn new things about modeling. My worst experiences have been, on a few occasions, photographers not acting in a professional manner. I take my job seriously and I do not like it when people try to undermine me or act unprofessional. It has only happened to me a few times, but I do my best to spot it early before working with a person.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

During one of my first auditions at my agency when I was 15, I went in to read a cold script for a potential commercial contract. I ended up completely forgetting the whole script and running out of the room without a second thought. Ever since then I have had to work up the courage to start acting again.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

The industry is tough and only a few people can actually make a living out of it, but if the industry wasn’t hard, then almost anyone would try to be a model or actress. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication in this industry and I wouldn’t change that. I have worked in other industries and there is negativity in every different kind of business.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I have been a competitive cheerleader and now I run cross country. In order to run for hours I have to maintain a very balanced diet so that I can exercise vigorously. Along with a strong running routine, I have to incorporate a lot of strength training so that I can also tone up. I like to eat a lot, but in order to keep my figure I eat a lot of proteins and veggies, while I’m also a big fan of keeping healthy by taking vitamins and staying active altogether. I care about my health because of my modeling, but also because I know it is important to any balanced lifestyle.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a huge book nerd, and I read 2 to 3 books every month. I believe I learned most of what I know through the books that I read. I am a big fan of literature by J.R.R. Tolkien, and the best movies that I see today are based on books and that is what sparks my interest in acting. After reading a book I can understand and relate to the characters in the book and I believe that is a major key in acting. Some of my other favorites include James Dashner’s The Maze Runner and The Eye of Minds series and Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies Series.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I could list a million and one things about my physical appearance or life in general that I would wish to change. But seeing as though I cannot change them, I like to work with what I have got.

If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?

If I had 24 hours left to live I would buy a plane ticket and take my family to New Zealand. If there is one place I want to visit before I die it would be New Zealand. The natural beauty of the country is enough to make anyone fall in love with it, but it is also where the Lord of the Rings were filmed. I would take all my saved up money and take a helicopter around the whole country since that would be the fastest way to see everything.

Visit Savannah Bice’s website for more photos and information

Apr 14 2016

Interview with Celka — A musician who models

Celka is a 23-year old model residing in Springfield, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Celka, and I come from a very unique family. I was born in Houston, Texas, however currently live in Springfield, Missouri, and will be moving to LA this fall to pursue an MM in Music Composition at USC. As it stands right now, I am a freelance model, musician, and office manager at my mother’s weight loss clinic. My father is a physics professor for a local university, but has credentials that extend to doing contract work for NASA occasionally; he was a finalist in the astronaut program once upon a time and therefore trained with people who eventually became astronauts.

My mother has an incredible musical history; her father was principal bassist for a symphony in Seattle, but also played jazz bass and trombone. This musical history is why I am a musician now – when my grandfather died, we inherited several instruments, including a cello older than the United States. My older brother now plays that cello, I have a younger brother who plays violin, and I play viola. We therefore used to play regularly as a string trio, and all of us play professionally. While my younger brother has decided to pursue performance, my interests went in the direction of composition, which is why I will be studying at USC this fall.

My family is very proud of our heritage – my grandmother on my dad’s side is a famous cook known to be the one in America to turn to for Finnish cooking and much of Scandinavian cooking. All of us have been to Finland, my brothers and I having both played music and visited the town of our ancestors. My Finnish and Scandinavian look is why people thought I should model in the first place, and other than writing and performing music, I enjoy drawing, have conducted music for productions in the past and like to sing.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

Throughout high school people consistently told me that I should model, but I didn’t believe them. My career was sparked when the photographer that took my senior photos asked me back for a makeup shoot for his online magazine, however it didn’t truly start until a couple of years into college, when I decided I would take the plunge, primarily to raise money for myself. While monetarily it hasn’t supported me, it has improved me substantially as a person – I am much more confident than I was before I started modeling.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

The question “Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?” has always bothered me simply for the fact that, while I have goals, I have no intention of being upset with where life leads me. My goal in life is to expand my horizons – I intend to pursue music composition professionally, perhaps with modeling, but perhaps without. I will not be discouraged if modeling is not always a part of my life; it has been fun and I would love to do it professionally, but I’ve never been in a position to pursue it full-time.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I primarily do photo-shoots – I used to do them almost weekly, with most photographers wanting me for artistic shots, however with my current schedule I was no longer interested in trade for time. I do shoot for pay perhaps every month or so. In the past I have done a few fashion walks for charity and also just for fun.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experience was a photo-shoot I set up myself, when I had adopted a rescue dog who had lost all of his faith due to maltreatment. He was a breeder dog, from a pedigree bloodline, so he was still gorgeous. I coordinated with a photographer to model an outfit from a local boutique that matched the dog’s markings. As for my worst experience, I will not name anyone specifically – the worst shoots were always ones where the photographer or organization was ambitious, but disorganized. I have frequently worked against egos convinced of their superior professionalism, which in turn ruined the quality of the shoot. When fellow models’ feelings are hurt or when my day basically goes down the drain because of someone’s poor organizational skills and lack of care to the models’ schedules, I put those photographers or designers down as people with whom I will never work again.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

This doesn’t pertain specifically to my modeling career, but – I went viral for a while for making faces! Last year I submitted a bunch of hideous photos of myself imitating celebrity facial expressions and the internet ate it up. Thanks to that little fluke, I ended up with a contract with an acting agency.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

As with many gigs people try to give me musically, a lot of modeling gigs are expected to be voluntary. Models, especially where I’m from, are frequently used without payment. I do not have time to do modeling voluntarily, which is why I don’t model as much anymore – I have other ambitions, just as anyone organizing a shoot or fashion walk does. When I’m there, I will do my best and be as efficient as possible – sometimes actions taken by organizers suggest that they assume otherwise.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

For exercise, I walk and do an exercise program called Essentrics – it’s wonderful because it tones and lengthens your muscles while stretching your body and keeping it nimble, so I walk away from a workout refreshed. Diet-wise, I listen to my body, as I don’t eat food that leaves me feeling exhausted, which includes fried foods. When eating out I always ask for grilled instead of fried chicken, forgo extraneous sauces such as ranch dressings, and make sure my plate is colorful, with greens to combat the carbs and meats. I believe in a protein and fiber quota – each meal must have a healthy serving of both. Some carbs are okay but must never be the main constitution of a meal. It’s all about balance.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

My passion for dinosaurs never died: I still know a lot about them and love reading news on new findings. For a while growing up I wanted to be a paleontologist.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’m always working to appreciate something new. Sometimes my developed biases get in the way of learning about a new thing; I am regardless still doing my best to keep an open mind.

What features do you look for in a partner?

I don’t care how interesting it is – humility. People are going to say all sorts of things, but humility is perhaps the strongest factor in who I choose. Humility is what makes one strive to be a better person than they were yesterday – if you don’t have that, why would you ever aspire to change?

Apr 11 2016

Interview with Alison P. Stuart — Natural Model and Versatile Artist

Alison P. Stuart is a 21-year old model residing in Kansas City, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I reside in Kansas City, MO. where I was born and raised, and have always been kind of a complex individual who’s curious about almost everything under the sun. I enjoy creating art whether it’s tagging a wall or modeling in a photograph; I do a little bit of everything almost.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I started modeling when I was a Junior in High School because of my friends, RaeAnn Walters and Manaliki Wilson. RaeAnn actually needed me for this photo shoot she was doing for a scholarship to college and at first I was pretty iffy about it because I wasn’t as confident in my appearance but I ended up doing it anyways due to the fact that it was for a good cause. After I saw the photos though I felt more than confident and I have the both of them to thank for that.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

As for goals, I want to travel and shop at all the thrift stores around the world, I want to be my own boss and rule what’s mine, I want to help promote young artists whether it’s modeling in their designs or blasting their music on the metro, I want to help them build up their confidence like RaeAnn and Manaliki did for me. Who knows where I will be in 5 or 10 years though, probably somewhere waiting on my next flight.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I model probably once a month if not more or less. I’m not signed to any agencies at the moment and I’m just doing freelance work right now. My modeling consists of photo shoots with different photographers. I have had auditions that required me to act out a commercial and walk down a runway, though.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I play a lot of tennis, enjoy running, skating and riding bikes. I always make sure to stay hydrated whether it’s water or juice, while doing my best to stay away from consuming too much of one thing including sugar, salt or whatever the case may be. My diet basically revolves around the main food groups though especially protein and sugars. Without consuming those two I’m super cranky and tired.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m gay.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’d like to say nothing at all, but if I could get rid of the hair on my forearms that’d be pretty cool.

If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?

If I only had 24 hours left to live, I’m not really sure what I would do. I would say I’d get on a plane and go to Brazil but that plane ride would probably take up half the day. So I’d most likely just go sky diving and do all the stuff I was scared to do because I was afraid that I might die while doing it. I’d also eat all my favorite foods and spend time with all my favorite people.

Visit Alison P. Stuart’s website for more photos and information

Apr 09 2016

Interview with MercedesLeigh — Student, Conservationist & Model

MercedesLeigh is a 24-year old model residing in Starkville, Mississippi.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m from a small down in Wisconsin, go pack go! I’m obsessed with saving coral reefs and sea turtles. I’ve done scientific research in Texas, Belize, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Australia, and San Diego…where to next? I’m a student for life, and I hope my modeling can bring some conservation attention to the scene.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I first got involved with modeling in Newcastle, Australia, working as a brand ambassador. Later, when I lived in San Diego I had an Uber driver tell me about this awesome site called Model Mayhem that I would be great for. I loved the idea of expressing yourself without words.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

In five years I see myself modeling for conservation work, and maybe even doing wildlife shooting. I hope to have started a scientific research and conservation program to save marine organisms from corals to sea turtles and everything in between! I hope to be making a difference in this world.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

Modeling can be anything from hours a week to nothing a week depending on photographers demands and seasonality. With school I’m always on the go and rarely have time to stop and smell the roses. But I still manage to sneak on some beach time here and there.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I try to avoid processed foods, which in this day and age is impossible. I work out as often as possible which usually ends up being only a couple of days a week with work.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I used to train dolphins and sea lions with the US Navy.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would change my anxiety. Just to be able to relax and enjoy every moment we have.

If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?

I’d make my family and best friends go on an awesome-sauce road trip down to the Florida coral reef marine preserves and try something that I was always fascinated by that they would never otherwise try. We would snorkel and scuba dive until the sun disappeared from the sky.

Visit MercedesLeigh’s website for more photos and information

Apr 07 2016

Interview with Sloan Unique — The Unique One

Sloan Unique is a 23-year old model residing in Hamilton, Mississippi.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello, My name is Sloan Unique Walker, born and raised in Mississippi, and since I was able to walk, I’ve always been into fashion… it was something that I was very great at doing. People would always come up to me and ask me to help them find an outfit for a special occasion. I also won best dressed in high school, and all my life I got giraffe because of how long my legs were, until I decided to use my height and fashion sense and go for modeling, and it all made sense to me. After I had a boy and girl, I put modeling on hold and went to college, graduated, and got a degree in pre-nursing but I knew my heart wasn’t in it. So now I’ve decided to tackle modeling full force, and although I’ve been told no a lot, I’ve decided to collect all my no’s until I get a Yes!

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I just recently started to take modeling seriously a year ago, when I started doing photoshoots and also runway shows. I started to take it seriously because that’s what made me happy, and I’m happy when I’m in front of a camera or on a runway. Before I always said I wanted to be a model but I didn’t know the steps to take to get there, and I just studied the great super models before me and also applying to castings.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Five to ten years I would love to be signed to a top agency, as well as become a Victoria’s Secret model. I want to move from MS to CA where there are more opportunities, since there are very slim opportunities where I live so I’m forever trying to brand myself using social media.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I usually model pretty often, and consider myself a fashion model, always doing photoshoots or runways locally. I’ve also done some background acting for TV shows, but when I’m not being a full time mom I’m focused on how I can be a better model and reach my goal.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best experience I had was doing a runway show for a designer that was featured in NYFW, where the designer was Kammies Kreations and I loved all her pieces… everything was so professional and well put together. Okay, the worst… Oh boy! I had a photoshoot with a photographer -for whom I won’t call the name-, but it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was doing some photos to update my profile and he was so unprofessional. When I got there there was other people there that I didn’t even know including kids… I feel like if it’s my time and I’m paying you, there shouldn’t be other people and kids there. I wasn’t even comfortable in some of my outfits cause children were there. Well anyways, to make a long story short, he never edited my pics correctly and it took me 3 weeks to get all of my pictures. I asked for them and he ignored me and everything, it was just an overall bad experience that I learned from.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Nothing extraordinary hasn’t happened yet but I’m sure some pretty great extraordinary things are in my future.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Yes! I would create more opportunities for girls that don’t live in the big states or cities. I would place agencies in places like Mississippi or something, since I always have to travel just to audition for an agency or even runways shows. I feel like if you give people opportunities, they should be able to handle the rest.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

The sport I love most is basketball, as it’s something I use to play in the yard after school and also from elementary to high school. I think it’s a fun sport that keeps you active. As far as nutrition, I’m not great at it but I try to watch what I eat most of the time; for example, I make sure I have a vegetable with each dinner and I try to bake or boil versus fry my food. Only bad habit I have is pizza. Pizza is life and I like a few slices here and there haha.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Something people don’t know about me is that when I was younger I thought I wanted to be an OBGYN and deliver babies.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t change anything about myself. I’m a firm believer that everyone is beautiful in their own way whether they believe it or not. If everyone was the same, the world would be boring. Be you and embrace it.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I had a super power I would love to have the ability to end all poverty across the globe. I think sometimes we take things like that for granted especially throwing away food after dinner when there’s people in the world who don’t have anything. People and children die from hunger and we have plenty of it. Even enough to throw away. So my super power would be to fly over the world and supplying food to children and also adults who live in poverty.

Apr 04 2016

Interview with Mary-Pat — Irish gogo dancer and model

Mary-Pat is a 24-year old model residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in New Ulm, MN and raised in a small town called Sleepy Eye, MN. I’m the fifth child of six, and grew up dancing at the age of 5 and also danced on my high school dance team, as well as also involved in volleyball, and figure skating. My sophomore year I left my local High School and enrolled into online schooling and attended a performing arts school in Minneapolis, MN. My hobbies and interest include go-going dancing, modeling, lifting weights and working out, nature, traveling, and meeting new people.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

When I was 15 I had the typical teenage dream “I want to be a model”, and after talking to my parents about it they both agreed to enroll me into a performing arts school. Little did I know how much work and commitment modeling really requires, but I found a passion for it ever since.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My professional goals would be to own my own dance studio or company. I would also like to go back to school to become a lawyer or business management. Personal goals would be just to be genuinely happy in life, and I’d like to travel as much as I can, and Gogo dance for some of the biggest music festivals. I would also love to own a miniature pot belly pig! haha I always told myself I would own one as a pet… they’re so cute!

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I usually do all my scheduling a month in advance due to my full-time job, so I would have to say I do a minimum of 3 photo shoots a month. The most I’ve ever done was 7 photoshoots within a month along with working my full-time job and gogo dancing at a few clubs on the weekends and doing promos as much as possible. When I first got into modeling I registered as a petite model so I did a little bit of acting and commercial work. Now I do a lot of glamour, print, lifestyle, and promotional modeling.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

I was a Corona light model for the Kenny Chesney Big Revival Tour and got to shoot t-shirts off with a t-shirt gun and danced around on stage in front of 60,000 people. I also gogo danced for sisqo, from the thong song. So those were pretty exciting experiences. Being able to work with some really well known photographers around my area and collaborate with them along with other models is one of the best experiences to me because nowadays I feel like the industry is full of fake and scum bag people.

I’ve had a few bad experiences with photographers and models. I once had a photo shoot with a photographer that would try to hit on me or make inappropriate comments. Let’s just say that shoot lasted about ten mins and I ended up giving him a piece of my own mind and told him screw himself. I don’t take shit from anybody, that’s probably why I get called a bitch a lot but I feel like that’s a trait you need when you’re involved in this industry, as it’s so easy to get tricked into things you don’t want to do and get taken advantage of.

I’ve also had a bad experience once with a model’s mother: back when I was attending a performing arts school I would always attend IMTA’s -which stands for International model and Talent Associations- every year, and which was basically a huge competition among models, actors, musicians, and others, where you were scouted out by some of the biggest modeling, acting and talent agencies around the world. Long story short, I had a dance routine that I was going to do for my talent, and after I did my cold reads and went back to the dressing room to get ready for my talent I noticed my dance shoes were gone along with my bottoms to my costume, and I wasn’t able to do my talent due to not being able to find my things so I was super bummed out. Later on I found out that one of the model’s mother was the one that stole my shoes and bottoms, and she felt so bad that she returned them to me after everything was done and apologized for her mother’s behavior. I was in shock… people are just shady.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

This one time I was doing a steamy Valentine’s Day shoot and it was “that time of the month”. During the shoot, my tampon string decided to make an appearance and say hello. The way the photographer approached me about it was just hilarious! The look on his face was priceless! Thankfully he’s a good friend of mine so it was more funny than embarrassing.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Health and fitness is a huge part of my life, and I believe exercise is the best way to cure anything, as exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, haha. I weight lift 5 to 6 days a week along with dancing, and I meal prep every Sunday night so I have a week’s worth of meals so it makes it easier for me to have a clean eating palette during the week. I usually eat skinless chicken breast, steak, fish, brown rice or quinoa along with mixed veggies, and I love a good salad along with a lot of fruit. Since I do weight lift I do take supplements along with a lot of protein, but don’t get me wrong, I do have a sweet tooth and I am only human. I love my carbs and junk food!, I am a chocolate lover, anc can never turn down pizza or a good chocolate chip cookie! I also love my ice cream… moderation is key!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a thumb sucker, and catch myself sucking my thumb like a little baby before bed every night, and also wash my hands in threes. I hate sleeping alone, and when I’m not sleeping next to my significant other I spray his cologne on my pillow and spoon it. I don’t drink milk.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wish I had more patience and wasn’t so hot headed and stubborn. I’m known for being a little bit of a spitfire.

What features do you look for in a partner?

I kind of have a thing for bad boys, the ones that come of rough on the outside but once you get to know then they’re like a big teddy bear. I’m into guys with dark hair and blue or hazel eyes, and I find beards sexy but love a strong jaw line. A man filled with beautiful tattoos is definitely sexy in my eyes. I have a thing for muscles and broad shoulders., he’s got to like hockey -and if you like basketball that’s just a deal breaker-. Being with someone that cares about their health and physical appearance just as much as I do is always a plus. I’m a sucker for men with humor, and if you can make me laugh non stop on the daily and find humor in everything like myself then I’m sold. Looks are always a plus but personality is everything, and I’ll pick a guy with personality over a guy with looks any day. Someone I can talk to and confide in, who cares about my well being and dreams and fears and takes care of me. Basically, just be prince marching on my door step hahaha!

Visit Mary-Pat’s website for more photos and information

Apr 03 2016

Modeling agencies in Mexico City

There are quite a few modeling agencies in Mexico City and more keep popping up, though usually the new ones do not last for very long. This should be a warning to models working with non-established agencies as they may disappear as quickly as they appeared. Should you have an issue with any agency not paying or not respecting laws concerning breaks and meals, please report it to the Mexican modeling association.

Modeling agencies in Mexico City, DF

Here is a partial list for the most important modeling agencies with offices in Mexico City, Federal District;

I also made a Mexico City modeling interest list on Facebook you can follow in order to easily stay up to date when castings are posted.

Apr 02 2016

Interview with Trisha Kay — Gypsy model with versatility and passion

Trisha Kay is a 21-year old model residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Well hello there! I’m a 21 year old german and irish firecracker born in the small rural town of Ionia in the beautiful Michigan. I have lived in places all over Michigan like Grand Rapids, Detroit, Charlevoix, along with smaller cities in the state. I recently decided to pack up, throw my heart on my sleeve, get in my car, and move to Orange County, California to embrace new adventures out of the element I’ve known thus far! So far, sooo so good.

Some of my past occupations are bookstore clerk for the college I attended, which was Grand Rapids Community College who also advertised me on public transit buses, pandora, books, fliers and website; pizza girl and ninja, personal trainer, cutlery sales, Victoria Secret, go go dancing, and make-up art every so often. My personal time is spent painting, exercising, practicing my own photography, catching up with family, pampering, cooking nutritiously tasty meals, listening to music, and getting into shenanigans. I’m always traveling, the world is so big and beautiful…

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

Throughout my teens I very slowly rolled into modeling and had people approach me at events to do promotional work, photographers reaching out online, companies hiring me to model for ad campaigns, and more. I never thought I could actually be a “model” with my shapeliness and height but when I started to get paid after some portfolio building, I gained confidence and it has only been getting better for me since. It inspired me in many ways to explore makeup art, hair style, travel, my own physique, and the artistic aspects of it all. I signed with a few non exclusive talent agencies and modeled internationally before age 20.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

In 5 years, I would love to do something similar to what I do now: living my life filled with creativity, travel, amazing people, exotic animals, adventure, and self growth. I will most likely be working partially as a photographer, maybe some acting,

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I’ve done all sorts of modeling: multiple conventions, being the only model in a workshop full of photographers, pageants, Playboy published, bridal shows, fashion shows, catalog, commercial, swimsuit; I’m open to a lot, including freelance. I like booking photoshoots with hourly rates depending on content, talent, resources, attitude, travel logistics but a lot of my favorite gigs are booked through agents and scouts who make sure I get paid well, feel comfortable, and such a variety of work to choose from! Would you like to smile, pass out snacks, and meet some very great connections while getting paid and having fun on this day in this place? Why yes! I would.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best experiences I’ve had in modeling were always surprises; seeing your face on the cover of a magazine at most major stores for a shoot that paid well and you had no idea would be sold on stands internationally is a very powerful and humbling experience. All the traveling I’ve done, free products I get comped, artistic expression I exude whenever I want, fun experiences I endure, and interesting, talented, amazing people I’ve met through this industry have highlighted the career immensely. The worst experience I’ve had is when I almost got taken in France while traveling on my own via train to shoots, I totally felt like I was in the movie! Much scarier in real life, plus creepy photographers or the ones that don’t give images in an appropriate time frame or fail to communicate well post shoot.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Some of the requests I get are pretty ridiculous, I won’t get into all the strange experiences but there was a point going through emails where I’m like, “how is pretending to kick a guy in the nuts and talking about it on film considered “modeling?” Lol. No thanks.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

People can be so judgmental. I don’t enjoy telling people that I model because they instantly make assumptions, pick at imperfections, or label me any one of various things. I love the job because I love the process of creation with emotions and design but there are a lot of inappropriate photographers, scams, and dangerous traveling situations you have to look out for as predators are very real, so always check references if you model. As far as everything else, I like seeing all sorts of modeling: big, tall, small, tatts, so I would create more awesomely uniquely beautiful independent genres of modeling besides the mainstream 5’9 and sunken in expectation fashion tends to demand.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I love exercise as much as I love chocolate and workout most days of the week with a cardio mixup of running, stair climbing, or biking, strength training, and stretching. Love throwing the fun stuff in along the way like yoga, which feels so good; boxing, swimming, basketball, golfing, volleyball, dancing, hiking, and skiing in between. I’ve been a vegetarian for the last three months so I find my protein in stuff like greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and protein bars. My diet is also filled with health conscious smoothies, green tea, peanut butter, whole grains, spicy meals, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and I’m usually up for trying anything with nutritional value. I definitely like to let myself indulge every once in a while, specially with gnocchi, pizza, fruit snacks… life’s too short, enjoy it!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I enjoy helping building homes for Habitat for Humanity, interacting closely with very dangerous animals, and I’m told I giggle in my sleep.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Physically, I’ve come to accept and love this meat bag I live in, so, I’m fine with what I’m venturing this earth in -most days”-. Besides that I think it would be so cool to be ridiculously hilarious because I love seeing people laugh and smile.

What is the longest you have gone without taking a bath?

To be honest, I take a bath at least once a day, and I hate showering. I’m always soaking in pretty scented aromatherapy while deep conditioning my hair and using my home made natural face masks thinking of the most random things while listening to my favorite tunes in my waterproof speaker. It’s my daily zen… so relaxing and enlightening to my spirit.

Mar 31 2016

Interview with Ashley Zlonis — Full-time mom, student and model

Ashley Zlonis is a 26-year old model residing in Minnesota.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! I’m Ashley Zlonis, I am 26 years old and I was born in Cedar City, Utah. I have an amazing husband and 2 children at home. Most of my hobbies include my children- they love going to parks, bowling, swimming, ice skating, and other activities. I am also a full time student for speech pathology, and model, so I stay pretty busy!

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I actually started right out of high school, I was asked to do some kind of small modeling event, and I went to the shoot and met with some model scouts afterwards and they said after I had braces I would probably do pretty well. I never had braces done, I just tried it out anyways and never gave up. I believe in chasing dreams and working as hard as you can for something you want. I’m glad I never gave up because now it is a huge part of my life!

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I plan to continue my schooling -while modeling full time and hopefully have my master’s degree completed by the time I’m too old to take cute photos anymore Hahahah – I’m kidding, kind of -I am a mom, so most of my goals include being a good role model and teaching my kids everything I possibly can. I want to make enough money to be very comfortable- So my hubby doesn’t have to work so hard and we can actually enjoy some vacations together. When I travel to shoot, most of the time it’s just myself and my 2 kids. I want him to be able to come explore the world with us, he deserves those experiences also.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

The last 2 years my modeling has mostly revolved around pageantry. Around November I became Miss Jetset Minnesota 2015, and December I was selected by MGM Grand to compete for the Miss Las Vegas International title. This year has been loaded with work! I have shoots in California, Nevada, Aruba and Jamaica coming up and I am so blessed to have such an amazing job!

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

Best: I would have to say the best experience I’ve had from modeling was being selected to go to the Playboy Mansion -when I was 19. It was a dream come true and I was able to bring family with to experience the tour and meet everyone. It was incredible- loved it! Worst: I flew alone to Canada once for a “photo shoot” and it actually turned into a nightmare instantly. The guy was well known and credible so I didn’t think it would be an issue but he actually tried to attack me and sexually assault me. Luckily it didn’t happen and I was able to make an emergency call to escape but I will never be so naïve again in this industry. Scary situation I’ll never forget, and it was my first trip to Canada also.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Yes! One day I was talking to my husband about putting our daughter in pageantry, for scholarships, and I decided to try one -just to show her it was ok, if mommy does it so can you. I ended up winning a state title and had to go on to compete for Mrs. United States. It was terrifying! I had never competed like that before but I am so happy I did!

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I wish there was just more public knowledge and awareness about what we do. A lot of people assume models are lazy, self centered, stupid, shallow, anorexic people, and that’s not even close to how we are. I know so many models that are insecure and scared before every shoot- or models that eat non stop and still remain thin. Stereotypes are ridiculous: I know so many intelligent, talented people in this industry and I am so happy to be one of them.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I workout steady, either at the gym or at home when I can’t get away, but the main thing I focus on is what I eat. I am obsessed with organic fruits and vegetables- I love seafood, fish and grilled chicken- I try and cut out as many sweets as I can, but I do have cheat sessions. Haha! I try and follow healthy food recipes on Instagram and Shredz -also sends me workout plans and supplements.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m very educated on alternative medicine and constantly teaching myself new things- like how to solve a Rubik’s cube!

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think plenty of people pick apart their physical appearance, I know I do. I have scars from a ventral stoppa hernia repair, my boobs are smaller after having 2 kids, my nose is not cute, my teeth aren’t perfect, I’m short. I could go all day- but after doing so many of these incredible events and being able to truly reflect on myself- I enjoy my life as is and I love myself, as I am. Flaws and everything.

What was the meanest rumor ever spread about you?

I live in a small town, so you’d be amazed at the things people come up with. I’ve heard that I’m only a successful model from sleeping with the photographers or agents, I made it to the playboy mansion because my family is rich and they paid my way, all of my photos are ridiculously photoshopped, I cheat on my hubby every chance I get, I’m a terrible mom- who is always out partying… you name it, Haha. Back in the day the rumors did bother me, and I used to fight with people constantly trying to defend myself, and one day I realized they didn’t matter.

All that matters is how I see myself, and how my friends and family members see me. I know I’m a great mom and wife. I know I worked very hard for 7 years to have the success and the followers I have now. Just because I’m living a different lifestyle than people do, in this area, doesn’t make me a bad person- it makes me unique. There are a lot of amazing people in this area though that have supported me from day 1 and I will always do my best to be there for them- like they were for me.

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