Modeling

Jul 27 2016

Interview with Megan Starr Loxx — Your Variety Show

Megan Starr Loxx is a 26-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am 26 years old, born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, started freelance modeling when I turned 18 back in 2008, and have been modeling full time since 2010. I love skiing, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures, have a love for animals and try to give back by volunteering at animal shelters. I also have a passion for real estate, have dreams of owning many properties and renting them out to tenants, and want to fix up homes and flip them for a profit as well.

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

I always wanted to be a model, ever since I was a teenager, specially a Victoria Secret, or Venus lingerie model, as well as becoming a sex symbol. I started applying for modeling gigs the day I turned 18, and didn’t know where to look at first; I didn’t even hear about ModelMayhem until 2009, so I found all of my gigs by referrals during my first year of modeling, and took strange fetish gigs that I still participate in to this day. It has been a long and exciting journey for me.

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

I will continue to pursue modeling for as long as the money and the bookings are steady. I do a lot of fetish content, and I now produce and sell my own content, as well as I plan to continue to grow my fanbase and further market my brand. I would also like to hire a reputable web master and get my website up and running as I envision it by next year, and am currently hiring other models to fulfill custom video orders. I would also like to learn more about editing, and photoshopping, as I enjoy being self-employed, and I am grateful for the lifestyle modeling has given me.

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

How often I shoot varies greatly from month to month. There is a lot of traveling photographers that come to Las Vegas, and some are looking to hire models for professional projects they are working on, while others are what I call hobbyists. I shoot erotic, nudes, glamour, artistic, outdoors, fetish, and even video shoots. I am available to be booked for a large variety of gigs, don’t have a single tattoo, no facial piercings, no breast implants or other body modifications, and I try to keep an overall natural look that has become hard to find here in Las Vegas. Certain conventions such as CES, AVN, and Bridal, will bring in many photographers and I am always booked once to twice a day. The summer is also very busy for me, as all of June and July has had 1 to 2 shoots booked per day, with one day off a week. However, I have to use that one day off to get caught up on my custom video orders that fans placed the week before. Other times of the year are much slower, with only 2 shoots a week.

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

I’ve had some great experiences over the last 8 years modeling; for example, I have had the pleasure of driving a Bugatti topless, I’ve traveled all over the world modeling on all expenses paid trips and cruises, I’ve met some incredibly beautiful and talented people along the way, and I even created some lifelong friendships. I have had very minimal negative experiences modeling, and I would have to say the worst for me personally is the impersonation. Some photographers and videographers that hired me many times throughout the years, and had accumulated a lot of content of me, created stores and websites impersonating me, using my name, and writing in first person as their marketing strategy. This caused several fans to believe they were communicating with me directly.

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

Well… given the many different unique fetishes I have done over the years, yes tons of embarrassing things have happened on shoots. I have gotten used to humiliating myself on camera at work, but again this is just in the fetish category. There was this one time, I had to fly to Portland, Oregon for a 3 day trip were I was shooting two of those days for a well known adult site, and I had to provide my own wardrobe, as well as do my own hair and make up. Well the airline lost my luggage leaving me with nothing the entire trip! I had to use leftover wardrobe on set, I couldn’t do my hair for the shoots, and the cheap replacement razor I used gave me a horrible rash on my vagina. It was embarrassing.

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

I wouldn’t change the modeling industry at all. I would however like to go back in time and never work with certain people.

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 eating very poorly ever since my childhood. I am officially ready to change my eating habits drastically, and for the past 90 days I have been making better eating choices. I do exercise every single day for at least 30 minutes. I go on a 5 mile jog once a week, and love going to the gym.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think it is always important to continue growing and bettering yourself as a person. I am not perfect and I have bad habits I am working on, such as time management, diet, and more. As for my physical image, I would change a couple things if I could. Such as removing my freckles, having a natural tan, being two inches shorter, having thicker hair, bigger lips on my face, smaller lips on my vagina. I realize all those features make up my unique look, and even though it isn’t my personal physical preference for myself, I am still beautiful.

Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever peed?

The strangest place I ever peed was into a large vase used for flowers on my kitchen floor, and I had to hover over it. It was for a clip for my fetish and adult store. You can purchase it for $14.99 here, if you’re too curious and have to see for yourself.

Jul 16 2016

Interview with Hannah True — Midwest Med Student & Model in Sin City

Hannah True is a 20-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born an only child in Omaha Nebraska and moved to Las Vegas Nevada in 2015. I’ve modeled for years now and have found my own passion for photography along the way. I’m in school to become a PA and before moving I was a Zookeeper, I’m a huge nature lover who also had a passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I like to think I’m down to earth and my sense of humor shows that greatly!

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

I danced for 14 years and my instructor was personal friends with a photographer, the photographer asked to take some pictures of me to promote her business and I of course said yes. Later on, one of my dear friends began running her own photography business and asked me on multiple occasions to shoot for her, this is when I became featured in my first magazine, named Beyond the Wanderlust. Since moving to Vegas I have started getting paid for my shoots and I’m so excited and thankful for the experience, exposure and people I’ve had the privilege to meet along the way.

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

I want to continue modeling, hopefully securing larger and more regular paid jobs with a company or a few sponsors. I’m continuing my education as it is my number one priority and I see myself pursuing my medical career within the next 5 to 10 years and hopefully I still have the privilege to model along the way as it is not only a job, but a passion and work of art.

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

I’ve mostly been doing independent modeling, I did many shoots over the course of the year but as of lately my shoots have been limited simply due to timing. I primarily do shoots but I have also been featured as the lead role in a short film that took place around April and May. I am open to anything and everything as long as those I’m working with and I have good chemistry and are trustworthy.

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

The best experiences I’ve had modeling would take far too long to type! I’ve had so many incredible experiences with so many photographers and people that they by far outweigh the bad experiences. However, I had my dose of that too. I blame my own naivety on some of it, but regardless I was in a very unprofessional setting with an individual who did not understand boundaries and then began attempting to pursue me after the shoot with multiple -back to back if I didn’t reply, which I didn’t- inappropriate messages.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances I was able to learn greatly from this experience and now I am able to be more forthcoming with photographers when I stand my ground if there’s something I’m uncomfortable with. It has heightened my sense of personal security and well being, and it has taught me that despite wanting to continue modeling and shooting, I am never to do something I’m uncomfortable with and that I should look out for myself first.

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

I would like for it to be easier to get into. I don’t like some of the pretentious vibes I get from agencies and I wish it was a more personable place of work.

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

I danced for 14 years and played soccer for 5. I currently workout regularly as a healthy diet and exercise are incredibly important to me, a healthy life is a successful life and I want to look and feel my best always

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m left handed and colorblind.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think we all have days that we would like to change something about ourselves. But at the end of the day, self love comes first and happiness comes from within. You cannot control everything but you can control yourself and I think that living a healthy lifestyle can mitigate many physical and mental issues we often find ourselves struggling with.

What was the meanest rumor ever spread about you?

After elementary school I became homeschooled. Rumors spread about me that the reason I was “taken out” of school was because I wasn’t smart enough to stay in. Actually, it was because of the school system I was in and I was even in the “discovery program” which was an advanced learning program for high achieving students. I can laugh about it now, but the fact that people thought I wasn’t smart enough for school when it was the exact opposite is pretty funny to me today!

Visit Hannah True’s website for more photos and information

Jul 13 2016

Interview with Cassie Wong

Cassie Wong is a 19-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi there, I’m a Vegas native and 100% Chinese. I’m a huge animal person and own two dogs named Baloo and Bear, and a cat named Teemo, I’m actually not that family oriented so my pets are everything to me. I’m an art nerd, and live the pottery wheel, and also hope to open up a pottery shop and teach classes here in Vegas. I’m also attending college as a Biology major, I was thinking maybe I could become a plastic surgeon on the side. I mean, someone needs to make the world pretty.

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

I was always told I had the height and figure, ever since a young age, but the thing that really pushed me was the big debt I have from college. I’m also a huge narcissist, so getting my pictures was like Christmas… I can’t get enough of myself! It’s a pretty fun and competitive industry, and runways definitely most fun.

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

I hope to be involved in art, it’s very therapeutic for me. I’ve always wanted to live in a townhouse in Vegas, and I never want to leave this city, who would? I would also love to be published in more magazines, get more exposure and maybe visit New York for modeling opportunities.

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

I do quite a lot of runways, and conventions, but I’m very picky with photographers and would only shoot tfp -time for print- with photographers that I think I would benefit from. I love shooting fashion, my frame was made for designers clothes, and I also shoot lingerie every now and then to pay the bills.

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

My first runway, which was the fashion week Las Vegas, was a bit nerve-racking, I had no idea what I was doing and everyone’s naked behind the curtain. It was crazy! Definitely a learning experience and I loved it, I also made it to the cover of that season’s magazine. I shot with a photographer out of town for lingerie, he was from Thailand and didn’t speak much English, was pretty creepy and the wardrobe was tacky as hell. He was breathing heavily and talked to me too pervy ugh! Anyways long story short, he was super persistent to receive “other services” from me! Who does thas? I left right away right after I changed back into my clothes. Thank god I didn’t have to call the cops!

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

I shot implied nude in the Valley of Fire and a whole bunch of cars passed by honking at me while I was butt naked hahaha. I casually waved hi to all of them.

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

It’s so hard to get exposure and get paid at the same time. I just wish it wasn’t as competitive as it is.

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

I eat only fast food, and don’t participate in any type of exercise. I’m blessed with a fast metabolism and can’t gain any weight, but it’s a curse at the same time, I would love to be a bit thicker, but I definitely can’t complain too much, judging on my diet and exercise routines.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m like ugly Betty, big glasses and messy hair when I’m off the clock. Most photographers don’t recognize me and think I’m a catfish when we meet before a shoot.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would never change anything. I remember in middle school, I really wanted double eyelid surgery, fake boobs, and a bigger butt, but as I grew older, I got to love my body completely and take advantage of my model figure by shooting fashion and walking runways.

Have you ever stolen anything?

In high school, I was a complete rebel. Smoked a lot of pot, stole a whole bunch of clothes, skipped school everyday. I have no idea how I managed to graduate, as I also used to steal clothes from malls until H&M caught me junior year. They took me to the back of the store and called my parents. Turns out, I never got caught by physically stealing. One of the people that I was here with ratted me out! I was about to be let go and the security asked if I stole anything, I told him of course I did. And he literally pulled out a pile of clothes in my backpack and said “I didn’t even catch you on surveillance, props to you”.

Visit Cassie Wong ‘s website for more photos and information

Jul 10 2016

Interview with VikTory — International ft. ballerina travel model

VikTory is a 26-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada and New York City, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born and raised in a small town in Austria and I have 5 siblings and amazing parents that are still happily married! After graduating college and earning my degree in professional classical ballet and modern stage dance I worked full time as a dancer in focus ballet and lyrical dance at European Ballett St. Poelten, the same company I have performed and danced already part time while attending school. I started at the Corp de ballet and later on I performed as a soloist with the company. We danced all over Europe, went on a 5 weeks tour to China, and I danced the opening for an opera ball in Dubai, danced in Brazil, Sydney, Turkey and other places around the world just to name a few. My whole life was about dance and school, yet I am very close with my family and siblings, from whom by the way nobody dances.

BY laeey taggesell

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

My dream was always to be a dancer in NYC, so at the age of 21 I did the step and I came to NYC – with 2 suitcases and nothing else. I got a part stipend for “Steps on Broadway” but I had to build my whole life up from nothing… by myself. I was not naive, I knew it would be hard but I had a passion and a dream and I had to give it a try, as I never thought about myself as a model, because I am short -5’3″- and I don’t consider myself as very pretty, and I just didn’t fit in in any category: too short for fashion, too “ugly” for print, not muscular enough for fitness. I had some experiences with photo shoots, because while dancing with the company in Austria we had a lot of shoots for magazines, newspaper, billboards, and I truly enjoyed it.

At the beginning I still worked as a ballet dancer in NYC when I was asked to do a photo shoot for a ballet catalog. After the shoot I did some research and I realized that there is a “whole other world of modeling” out there and again I went all in: I decided to be a full time model overnight! It may seem naive, I knew it won’t be easy but I knew if I want to make it – I have to make it work because I did not know anyone nor did I have money I could fall back on.

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

That’s a good question. I always have very long term goals and a lot of ideas, but I very often have no exact plan on how to achieve them but always do so by staying flexible in the way of approaching them; one big goal I am working on at the moment is to get my green card, it is a big goal for me, as most people and even lawyers told me it is impossible to do so, but I got already my work permit as a ballerina model with “extraordinary abilities” which made me very proud and I am not afraid of working hard to archive the next step.

I want to eventually write my own book as I had a lot of crazy things already happening in my life and I get asked quite often when I will publish my book. I also want to keep inspiring people, put my toes more into acting as I enjoy that part of modeling a lot… there are many ideas I have but I like to convince people by action not by words. As far as personal goals, my whole life has been about work and my career so I would like to eventually settle down, a little bit, not really settling down in the ordinary way but maybe just find a place of my own in a city I want to live in.

by Rod B.

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

Well every day is different really. Most work I do are photo shoots, specially ballet and dance related. When I am touring I shoot a lot: 1 to 4 shoots a day, and then sometimes I don’t shoot for a week… it all depends. I always work out in the morning, do my shoots and after my shoots I answer emails to set up new work.

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

I prefer to focus on the good, no matter what kind of work you do there is always something you don’t like, but all in all I had good luck and the good things definitely outdo the bad ones. I love hearing so many personal stories of people I work with, and I feel very blessed that nearly at every shoot it ends up to be a collaboration and I have a lot of saying specially regarding poses, timing, angles, and others. My work with dbox, an incredible agency in NYC who hired me for the “432 park avenue project” was definitely one of my highlights so far, but also the work with Samantha Yousseff for “Studio Technique” was very inspiring, and I felt very honored as she flew in from Toronto just to work with me.

To work with the well-known sculpture artist Richard MacDonald and seeing a statue I posed for at the Bellagio in Las Vegas was fantastic as well. I love leaving “quiet little footprints” all over the world by having images of me in galleries in San Fransisco, NYC, Boston, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Austria, Italy and many more. Posing as the cover model for the highest luxury apartment in the western hemisphere in NYC and posing for Richard MacDonald as well as getting booked by Gene Schiavone, one of ballet’s top photographer and published in NYC times are definitely one of my best experiences so far.

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

I had a lot of funny moments at the beginning of my career due to the fact that english is not my native language, A lot of people use sarcasm in this industry which was really hard for me, because at first I had to translate the meaning of their words and then figure out if they actually mean it or not. It caused a lot of “little – long breaks” which turned out a bit embarrassing for me.

As it took quite a while until I got a joke, sometimes I said things the wrong way, and it came across very wrong. e.g, for me it is important that the photographer got the shot he had in mind or we created the vision he was going for, the “Austrian” way of saying this is : “Are you satisfied” – you can image that I got a lot of weird looks and laughter at the beginning; but believe me, I learned fast. Out of the ordinary: Well very often people told me to do an image where I stretch, so I did my stretching. I am very very flexible, due to hard work, not naturally, so people where literally shocked when I really stretched. We then agreed on the fact that it would be a better picture if I just pretend to stretch.

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

To be honest I had a very hard time to refer to myself as a “model”, because there are just too many bad associations with this job title; and while people immediately think about a tall and beautiful girl, other associations are: lazy, bitchy, irresponsible and dumb. I met a lot of other models over the years or am at least in conversations with them and believe me most of them are anything but that.

Therefore I would love for people to understand that this is a job as well and it takes a lot of work to create beautiful images and art. Not every model just models for the fact of “fast or easy money”, not every photographer sleeps with the model or vice versa and not every model takes drugs. These are all stigmas, maybe a small percentage behaves that way but definitely not the majority of the models.

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

Yes I work out a lot, as lot of the bookings I get are due to my ballet and dance experience, and as a former ballerina I am used to practice 7 to 10 hours daily and I want to keep my technique and physique as much as possible. When I shoot dance or contortion images it is just kind of an additional little work out for me! I do work out daily, a routine I have created for myself that consist of stretching, yoga, Pilates and muscle exercises, and I constantly watch what I eat and follow a vegan plant based lifestyle.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am really shy in “normal” life, I feel very comfortable posing nude and dancing on a stage but I still get very uncomfortable in groups… Yes I feel more uncomfortable wearing a bikini on a public beach than posing as a model in front of a large group of photographers.

Would you change anything about yourself?

A few years ago I would have given you a long list, but nowadays I try to work with what I have. I still wish to be taller and have bigger eyes and longer legs and clean skin at all times, and be funnier in bigger groups, but I learned that nobody is perfect so I decide to work with what I have and make the best out of it.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I would love to speak more language, as I think that a language barrier is the main reason that causes misunderstandings and separation. I speak German and English fluently and I learned French at school, and I taught myself some Brazilian Portuguese – as I have a lot of friends from Brazil and I fell in love with the country. I understand a little bit of Russian, because most of my dance teachers where from Russia, but I would love to speak all languages fluently! And, if I can get a second wish: I really really really wish I could tackle the whole media, internet, and computer thing better as I would love to improve my knowledge of using a computer as I am not the best in that.

Visit VikTory!’s website for more photos and information

Jun 28 2016

Interview with Kayleigh — Future MD and Model

Kayleigh is a 22-year old model residing in Omaha, Nebraska.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Omaha, Nebraska and currently attend school in Lincoln, Nebraska for Microbiology and Chemistry–not your typical model material! I have two sisters and a brother and attended an all-girls Catholic high school that was probably the greatest thing that ever happened to me. In my spare time I like to play with my 4 month old puppy, Paloma, run, cook, read, and catch up on my shows! My newest binge watch is Game of Thrones.

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

I actually began modeling before I entered Kindergarten, when I was signed to an agency at age 4 or 5 and was doing catalog and runway work before most kids know how to read. I have an entire binder of all the work I did when I was young, and it’s so funny to see me decked out in all that 90’s denim. I never thought of it as work, and I never knew other kids didn’t do what I did. I began modeling again for friends and for fun in college as a way to break out of the monotony of my studies.

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

I’ve wanted to be a physician since I was a little girl, and I plan to enter medical school within the next few years. My ultimate career goal is cardiac or urological surgery, specialties where women are extremely underrepresented. In 5 years I’ll still be in medical school, in 10 I’ll be completing my training as a surgeon.

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

I am not a full time model, as school will always come first for me. I pick up jobs when I can; I don’t model for the money, but for the artistic release and pleasure it gives me. I don’t do erotic shoots, as I cannot jeopardize my future career, although I’d love to do some private life modeling. Currently, I typically do more artistic indie photo shoots that are fun and give me a creative outlet.

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

I’ll give you the weirdest. Last summer, I did a gorgeous shoot with an extraordinarily talented photographer I met who lives in LA. She travels to Nebraska every once in a while and texted me one day that she had a special idea for a shoot. It turned out that that shoot required me to pose with a dead blue jay! The photos turned out gorgeous and I do not regret the shoot at all, but it was certainly one of the weirder experiences I’ve had, you can even see the photos on my or her Instagram.

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

My mom loves the work I do, and recently made a photo of me her cover photo on Facebook, as moms do!. The only problem is, I don’t think she’s noticed that the white dress I’m wearing is completely see through!

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

The modeling industry is inaccessible to people who do not fit the traditional pin thin body type or the plus sized body type. I am thin, but I do not have the time to keep my body to industry standards.

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 20 to 30 miles or so a week, and I eat what I want. I know I shouldn’t say that, but I’ve been blessed with a body that regulates itself well, which is why I don’t count calories or macros. That being said, I do try to keep 80% of what I put in my body “good” for me, and that’s my rule of thumb. 80% of what I eat during the week is leafy greens and grilled chicken and yogurt and eggs and fruits and veggies. The other 20% is whatever treats I want. It’s a good balance.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m the president of an organization that runs mobile medical clinics down in underserved areas of South American countries. I’ve been to Peru and Ecuador several times to work with the people down there. I’m hoping to go back within the year.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think every woman would want to physically change things about herself, so I’ll skip that. Right now, I’m working on some personality traits of mine. I’m working on being a better listener and on compromising. My boyfriend is very sweet and I am very stubborn, so I get my way almost all the time, which is not fair. I’m trying to learn how to meet him halfway and communicate better so I can be a better friend, girlfriend, and overall person.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is Diet Coke. I know the aspartame is bad for me and could give me cancer but I figure we’re all going to die someday. My cell phone could give me cancer too and I’m not going to give that up! I actually quit a few years ago and then started drinking it again after I went abroad.

Visit Kayleigh’s website for more photos and information

Jun 18 2016

Interview with Trigger — Arresting Fit Life, Bodybuider, Model and Cop

Trigger is a 24-year old model residing in Missoula, Montana.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Montana and still reside here, being an only child, have always played sports and been active since I was 5. The fit lifestyle I have always had is something I love a lot. I played basketball for 13 years, volleyball for 6 years, gymnastics for 2 years, tennis for 5 years, among other sports. Since graduating high school I pursued modeling and have since done several shoots. I am graduating College in May of 2016 with a degree in Criminology and hope to one day work for the FBI or law enforcement. I just competed in my first bodybuilding show this April and placed 3rd and 4th, while falling in love with modeling and weight training ever since.

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

I first got into modeling after doing some pre-shoots to help a friend’s photography business grow. Since getting noticed through helping her, I did fitness shoots and made a calendar for a small town fire department, and since then it has been growing and I enjoy every minute of it. I got into modeling because I enjoyed doing shoots, being in front of a camera and one of my good friend’s has done it for a while. Doors were opening so I thought I would take advantage of the fitness modeling door opening. I plan on walking through it!

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

My original goal was to be an FBI agent and or work for some law enforcement as a police officer. Since modeling I have still wanted to pursue this goal, but I also want to be a pro bikini competitor as well as a model for companies, either for clothes or supplements, so I say my ending goal is agent, model and bodybuilder. I have high standards and goals for myself and I plan to go for my dreams, so in 5 to 10 years I would hope to be married and pursuing at least one of these goals. I am constantly moving, besides if you want to get something done, ask a busy person!

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

I mainly do photo shoots that are fitness related because that is what I am pursuing and what I love to do, just as I love anything fitness related. I was once in a commercial for a local supplement store in Missoula and was paid for that. Most of my photo shoots are for progress, gains and to build my portfolio, as I am not signed with any agencies yet, but I would like to be.

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

I do not know what my worst experience would be, but my best experience was doing a fitness shoot and getting a little attention from a local clothing store. I am still building my portfolio and trying to get more noticed, so all of my experiences are smaller than most.

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

Like I stated in my bio about myself, I have always been involved in some type of fit activity, and I am currently focusing on weight training and bodybuilding. My diet consists of if you can kill it or you can grow it, then you can eat it, while if it comes in a package that crinkles and makes noise, then it’s not on the diet. It is important to not just take the diet plan or diet pills on the TV screen that they say works for everyone. Do your research and realize that everyone’s body is different and different foods work for different people.

Knowing what you are eating and how you are exercising for your body is important, as we are all different so we can all do similar things but not the same things. If you do not pay attention to what your body is doing, or how it feels after eating a certain food or how it reacts, then what are you doing? The minute you take the time to do your research and watch your body change for the better, the better you feel, because you did it.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue in 5 seconds or less depending and I am a Christian and the Lord is my best friend.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would not change anything about myself because everyone is unique and perfect in their own way. No one is a mistake or messed up, we are all different: I mean I will be honest I am not a fan of my face or my nose and wanted to get a nose job. For the longest time I was self conscious about having small boobs, but if someone doesn’t like me due to a physical attribute, then they don’t need to be my friend anyway. Small is better than bigger anyway -I can do more and don’t have back problems- I am happy with who I am

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

I wish I could fly, but I really wish I had the power to read peoples’ minds or to be an invisible mind reader who could fly as well, that would be the best. I would want to be able to see the world from up above, to be able to know if someone was lying to my face and it would be cool to play some fun pranks on people. It is good to have a sense of humor.

Jun 15 2016

Interview with Emily Dodson

Emily Dodson is a 25-year old model residing in South West Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Emily Dodson, I’m 25 and I’ve been modeling for nearly 9 years now. I was born in Miami, OK, moved around a lot as a child, and finally ended up in Joplin, MO. I have two older brothers, both of my parents, and a fiance who fully support my modeling, and encourage me to strive to be better. There is also a pretty large network of models and photographers in the Joplin, MO area that are very lovely and supportive of each other. I am truly impressed and inspired by these people; so many of them break their backs just to help another photographer or model in need. I’ve never seen a community work this hard together so that everybody involved can succeed.

If there’s anything my family and friends know about me, it’s that I am mildly obsessed with foxes and I love to model. I work as a cashier in a small town, with small town problems, but the people are genuine. Some customers there would never guess that I could take such shots, but some ask me on a regular basis when my next shoot is so they can check out the photos.

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

I started modeling at 16 years old. I saw a calling for a promotional shoot, sent in my information and was invited to participate. After that my self confidence was majorly boosted and I started reaching out to photographers myself. I had a main photographer when I lived in Springfield, MO which allowed me to express my “Jim Morrison and Rock N Roll” side, and I began branching out to different photography styles. In 2012, I moved back to Joplin, where I was able to book shoots with Brian DeMint of Eyeworks, which is when my modeling bookings skyrocketed; I was even featured in a 3 page spread in BeautyLook Magazine in 2013.

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

My goals are to branch out even more with different photographers and different styles, and to limit myself less because of confidence issues. Although I’ve been modeling for 9 years, I haven’t been putting myself out there as much as I would like. However, in the long run, my goal is to have an animal sanctuary for misplaced and rescued wild life, and if I can raise awareness through modeling… my life would officially be perfect.

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

I don’t model as much as I used to due to my conflicting work schedule and personal life, but I want to start doing it more than one shoot every few months. My portfolio mainly consists of Art, Nature, and Glamour, but isn’t limited to these categories.

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

The worst experience I ever had modeling was when I went to Shutterfest in 2015. I was asked to be a make up model for an MUA who was supposed to be one of the best, so as you can imagine, I was very excited. When I reported to the requested room at the requested time, I was informed that they were pulling and replacing me, I was never told an exact reason why. But, as if that wasn’t bad enough, they told me they were taking me to get hair and make up done so they could immediately get me into a shoot with a photographer who was waiting; that got my spirits slightly up.

I was put in an Asian style dress, where my hair and make up were executed very poorly. And now, the icing on the cake! When I met with the photographer, I was already in a bad mood, but I was still trying to make the best of the situation. We found a spot to shoot, when she then informed me I was her first human subject, and that she was a dog photographer. She asked me how models should pose, and how or where she should take her shots. I wasn’t angry or anything, I was just disappointed. I went from feeling on top of the world, to thinking, “I’m so bad, they won’t even put me with a photographer who even works with people.”

My best experience is so hard to pin point, but I suppose, ironically, it was also at Shutterfest 2015. First of all, I wouldn’t have even had the opportunity to go if it wasn’t for the support of my mom and the network of models and photographers I previously mentioned. We all worked together to make sure everyone had transportation, rooming, wardrobe, and a great time. I was invited to be in a closed conceptual event created and hosted by Kendra Paige. All of the models invited where extremely pampered while we all waited for hair and make up. We felt amazing walking through the sea of people, trying our best to hide our make up and outfit through Grand Station Hotel; people trying to stop us for photos, yelling how amazing we looked.

It was an after hours event so it was already somewhat late when we started. We had many photographers participate in the event, and were able to create many different amazing photos and settings. Walking back to my hotel room at 1 in the morning, I have never been so exhausting and adrenaline pumped at the same time.

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

Once I was invited to be a model in a “Recyclable Fashion” runway show. I figured it’d be a great way to get into the runway business, seeing as how I’m fairly short and have always been told it’s for models 5’7″ and taller. In my head, when I pictured it all going down, I was thinking a news paper dress with a soda can purse, or something like that. When I got there, I was dressed in an XL blue fleece pullover and given a thermos. But I looked so silly, I wasn’t even disappointed. I definitely had fun and a good story to tell by the end of the day.

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

I haven’t heard of many issues in our area, and I myself haven’t had many, but I have heard about individual’s who’ve had horrible issues with photographer’s boundaries. That’s the scariest thing to hear about. You expect to go make art, and return feeling degraded and dirty. I am thankful every day I have not had any real issues with this.

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

In all honesty, my main exercise comes from disc golfing. There’s a lot of walking and movement so it really gets your heart pumping and keeps it that way; getting a sun bath in the process is also a plus! When it comes to nutrition, I make sure I get my daily dose of the food groups, but I also eat a lot of fatty foods because I have always had an issue with my weight. Ever since I was 16 I’ve been a skinny gal, so I try to gain healthy weight every chance I get.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

When I was around 5 or 6 years old, I pulled a “monkey see, monkey do,” with throwing trash into a fire. I put my sucker wrapper into a candle, which then wrapped around my right thumb and was engulfed in flames. The doctors tried everything to make the burn heal, but nothing was working. They told my mom and dad their last resort was Silver sulfadiazine, and if it didn’t work they would have to remove my thumb because the burns were just too bad. A week or so after using the cream, they said it was healing, and faster than expected! My thumb, thankfully, healed so well you can’t even tell; there is absolutely no scarring!

Would you change anything about yourself?

There’s not much I would change about myself, I don’t look like anyone else and I like it that way. I guess if there is one thing I’d have to pick, it’d be that I wouldn’t mind being a few inches taller. Runways and catwalks have always seemed to be out of my reach being 5’4″, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a model.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I am absolutely terrified of birds! When I was young, I was playing at my grandma’s house, and walked in on Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, when it shows all the birds flying away from the old man and his eyes are gone. I to this day can’t be around a bird for the fear of it pecking my eyes out!

Jun 13 2016

Interview with Cassidy Lee — Glamour Model with an Edge

Cassidy Lee is a 21-year old model residing in Detroit, Michigan.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Cassidy Lee, a 21 years young from Detroit, Michigan. I have dark hair and green eyes, and besides modeling, I manage a beauty salon and also own my own interior decorating business. Independence and not caring too much about what others think of me is what I am all about.

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

I started modeling at ten years old, and being so young with working parents, I did not have anyone to travel to photo-shoots with me, so as soon as I was able to do things on my own, that’s just what I did. The minute I turned eighteen I started getting back into the industry, and do a photo-shoot a week typically. I love this industry.

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

In five to ten years, I see myself signed with an agency, as well as a centerfold in Maxim, Playboy, or Sports Illustrated. I want to get my face out there as much as possible, make a difference, and push some limits, mostly modeling glamour, sexy, and edgy, that is what I put all my energy into.

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

Photo-shoots typically are scheduled at least once a week for me. They usually consist of getting my hair and make-up done, and then shooting for a few hours, depending on the job. Although I have done acting before, most of my work consists of glamour, edge, and playboy-like work.

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

Every shoot is the best to me, whether it’s working with someone new, or a team I work with regularly, I always learn something new or get to do something fun and creative. Since every photographer shoots differently, I always learn a new tip from them, and it’s the same thing with make-up artists. I love having these connections and people I can always go to with questions or ideas to bring to life.

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

Some of the craziest experiences in my life have been on photo-shoots. In California, I did a photo-shoot with a python that weighed more than I did. There was one time I did a lingerie shoot in the snow, next to a snow hill where there were tons of people sledding. There’s never a down moment being a model, that is for sure! I love it.

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

If I could change one thing about the modeling industry, it would be height requirements. Being only 5’6, it limits me and so many agencies to work together. I do not want to do runway work, but print work is where I am supposed to be, and I wish it was easier to get signed being my height.

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

I will admit, I am lucky with a good metabolism. Before photo-shoots, I typically try to eat as healthy as possible though, and splurge on pizza and burgers as soon as I am done haha!. I also try to do some at home workouts and walk regularly too.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I was meant to be in the 80’s era. Total 80’s girl all the way.

Would you change anything about yourself?

No, I would not change anything about myself. That’s a problem with images and influences with girls especially nowadays. You are YOU, no one else can be you. So EMBRACE your flaws! Love yourself.

What is your favorite thing to do alone?

My favorite thing to do alone, well there are a lot of things. I am a very independent person, so I do need my alone time. I read and write a lot, I love reading things that are true or could happen. I love writing about things that are going on in my life, songs, poems, anything on my mind.

Visit Cassidy Lee’s website for more photos and information

Jun 07 2016

Interview with Barbara — Athlete turned model

Barbara is a 25-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Russia, started traveling at 18 years old, and for the last 5 years I have lived between France, Greece, the U.K. and the United States. I love to meet new people, new cultures, taste food, love cooking any kind of food. I’m a very active person, in addition, graduated as a lawyer and love modeling.

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

About 6 years ago, a photographer at a company I used to work for as a lawyer, told me that he practiced photography and would like to work with me. In a few days we had an art and comercial shoot, I was very happy with it. Since then , I’m always ready for the camera.

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

Well, as I said before, I’m a lawyer, which was a dream from childhood. But appearance and the way I look is still important as well. So modeling is a motivation and inspiration for me. In the future, as every woman, I see myself as a mom of a few kids, but still in a perfect shape and doing modeling.

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

I feel free in front of the camera. In particular, I prefer doing sports, glamour, acting, and commercial shoots. Definitely, sports is always my favorite; since I practice sport from childhood, sport is my second language, it’s enjoyable to express myself in it.

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

All experiences have a place to be, you just keep on practicing. My best so far was an advert shoot for Yoga clothes shop in Miami. On the sunrise I had to show all possible flexibility and give expressions a photographer asked me for; it was something new to me to work from 3 am.

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

Well, since I have a very small feet as size 5 to 6, every time I work for advertising I am getting at least size 9, and once I fell in the ocean because of that.

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

I’m pretty happy as it is.

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

I don’t eat meat, mostly raw and vegan, love wine, running and do gym everyday for 2 hours, from time to time I go swimming, practicing tennis, and mountain ski.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Passionate about traveling and discovering new things.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Never.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I’m afraid of heights, somebody told me that if I get as highly as possible I’m gonna kill my fear. So, I jumped with parachute from 4000 meters for the first time, and it seemed it didn’t work out. Now I do jumping in different countries at different heights just to prove an extra time to myself that I’m not afraid of anything. As Julius Caesar said “Faster, higher, stronger”.

Jun 05 2016

EMS: El regreso del “Ejercítese mientras mira TV sentado” o un invento revolucionario?

Desde no hace poco tiempo hemos podido notar el auge de un nuevo sistema de entrenamiento en muchos gimnasios y hogares: la electroestimulación muscular, también conocido comercialmente como EMS, que promete resultados inmediatos y sorprendentes al mejorar el tono y fuerza musculares. La tecnología EMS consiste en aplicar pequeñas descargas eléctricas superficiales sobre la piel en las zonas musculares que se desea entrenar, dando como resultado contracciones musculares muy similares a las que se llevan a cabo cuando se contrae dicho grupo muscular de manera voluntaria, al moverse.

Aunque éstos sistemas no son realmente nuevos, debido a que a finales de los 90’s ya se promocionaban -mediante infomerciales nocturnos- cinturones que prometían tonificar y fortalecer los músculos abdominales mientras el usuario permanecía sentado en el trabajo o miraba TV sin mover un sólo músculo ni esforzarse en lo más mínimo, lo cierto es que ya se había experimentado con la tecnología EMS pocos años después de finalizada la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y se utiliza desde hace mucho tiempo como una parte integral de las terapias de rehabilitación en personas con lesiones principalmente a la médula espinal.

No obstante, los fabricantes y gimnasios presentan dichos sistemas con un toque innovador, ofreciendo al público sesiones de entrenamiento grupales, con equipos inalámbricos, trajes de entrenamiento para el cuerpo completo y dispositivos portátiles, entre otras novedades, razón por la cual en años recientes se ha notado un incremento en la oferta y demanda de éste tipo de servicios y dispositivos.

Como si de cualquier otra innovación se tratase, también ésta se ha tenido que enfrentar al gran dilema: ¿Realmente funciona el EMS? La respuesta no es tan fácil, y de hecho aún no es posible señalar con claridad si el X-Fit, BodyTec, BodyExpress, Slendertone, Compex, SpeedCoach o otras marcas EMS similares son tan efectivos como lo promete.

Athlete squatting with four-channel electrical muscle stimulation machine

La FDA creó dos categorías para los productos EMS: La primera para aquellos que son prescritos por un médico, para fines terapéuticos, y que únicamente se pueden obtener con una prescripción médica, y la segunda para dispositivos de venta libre (OTC) para tonificación muscular únicamente. Ambas categorías deben estar debidamente certificadas por dicho organismo. Todos los dispositivos disponibles en gimnasios o en venta al público para su uso en el hogar pertenecen a ésta última categoría.

Si bien todos los gimnasios y dispositivos presentan algunos artículos de investigación realizados por profesionales de la salud como evidencia de su efectividad -como naturalmente podría esperarse-, también existen investigaciones independientes realizadas por instituciones ajenas al ambiente empresarial que de igual manera nos proveen de información útil respecto a la utilidad del EMS de acceso al público en general.

Una de ellas es la realizada por la Universidad de Wisconsin-La Crosse, publicada en la revista Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, misma en la que se estudió el efecto de 8 semanas de entrenamiento con un dispositivo EMS de venta libre en un grupo de personas jóvenes frente a otro grupo en el cual se utilizo un falso dispositivo EMS, equivalente al efecto placebo. Los resultados son sorprendentes, ya que al finalizar las 8 semanas de entrenamiento, no hubo ningún efecto benéfico objetivo -es decir, medible- ni subjetivo -es decir, notado o sentido por la persona-. Las conclusiones de la investigación sugieren que la pobre calidad e ingeniería de los dispositivos de venta libre podrían ser algunas de las causas de su aparentemente nula efectividad en sujetos sanos jóvenes.

Y es que los sistemas EMS son más complicados de lo que parecen: No se trata de una simple descarga eléctrica aplicada sobre la piel, sino de un complejo mecanismo de descargas eléctricas controladas, con un voltaje, intensidad, frecuencia, reposos e incluso contraindicaciones muy específicos, mismos que de no aplicarse correctamente, pueden ser incluso contraproducentes y provocar fatiga.

Quizás lo más sensato, ante la falta de mayor evidencia contundente sobre la efectividad de los sistemas EMS, sea continuar con nuestras rutinas de resistencia y aeróbicas, con nuestras fieles y efectivas mancuernas.

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