Interview with Angie M. Sanchez
Angie M. Sanchez is a 25-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba combined with a splash of Michelle Rodriguez, that’s me in a nutshell! My full name is Angie. I am a Los Angeles Native, both born and raised; my whole family is here which is awesome. I get to be close to the people I love most. My mother is from San Salvador, El Salvador and my Father from Baja California, Mexico. I am first generation American, the oldest of 3 in my immediate family, and the oldest of 35+ first cousins. I love calling LA home but yearn to live in another country in the near future.
Acting is my first Love. Modeling is my mistress. Creating art is something that comes from the core of my being. I could not imagine life without it. I am represented by one of the best talent agencies in Los Angeles. I feel very lucky. I have worked in commercials, one that is airing soon is a Direct TV football commercial, so keep an eye out. I’ve done music videos, been in catalogues, Teen Vogue, print ads, Mario Lopez’s “Love and Salsa”, and venturing more into the film world.
I am a major goofball! Some of my friends don’t even take my work seriously because they know how silly I am. Bottom line is: I love having fun, laughing and making light of situations. My lifestyle is very active. I have this theory that I’m a Ninja and need to constantly sharpen my ninja skills by eating healthy, staying active whether it be: Bikram Yoga, Dancing, Cardio Barre, Tae Known Do or simply going to the gym. Most importantly making sure I get enough sleep and drink plenty of water.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started modeling 8 years ago. The very first photographer I shot with showed my photos to a modeling agency based out of Pasadena, CA. Although I didn’t sign with them they still sent me out on jobs. Which was a great experience. I got to do the Prom addition for Teen Vogue.
Modeling and acting was something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid. I used to beg family members to help me pay for photos and classes. My mom didn’t want me in the industry because of all the crazy child star stories we hear. She had every reason stand by that decision. When I turned 18 I decided there was nothing holding me back. However, I wanted to get a degree. Mostly to make my mom proud. It took me a while but I accomplished that. I received my Bachelors from CSULB in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Interpersonal Relationships.
I tried modeling and studying at the same time but it became too much for me. I prioritized my studies and started studying acting as soon as school wrapped up. Which has lead me to where I am now.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Where do I begin… My motto is “Sky’s the limit”. Dream big and never settle. In five years I see myself as a Professional working actor. Traveling. Full schedule. Juggling 100 different projects. I’m excited! Can’t wait!
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I am doing more acting than modeling. I have castings at least 3 to 4 days a week. Right now, my focus is working on my craft. I want my work to speak for itself. I’m currently studying twice a week at Howard Fine Studios in Hollywood, reading plays and books based on acting.
I shoot every other week generally. I am very selective who I work with. I don’t want to have a bunch of random photos floating around. I truly believe in quality versus quantity.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
Let’s begin with the worst: I did a stock photography shoot when I first started in the industry. It was such a rookie mistake. I did not get paid enough for the ads I appear in till this day.
Another time, I was doing a runway show. I left my phone on a charger by the makeup station and had my phone stolen by one of the makeup artist who had already packed up and left. I felt betrayed by my own kind. Lesson learned.
Best experience: I would say every experience is great. As a model or an actress, we are constantly pushing ourselves. The best part is seeing my work. I tend to surprise myself time and time again. Sometimes I look at my work and say “Is that really me?” or “Is that what I look like?”.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Definitely one that was out of the ordinary. I had a moment at my very first runway show where I was freaking out!!! Big time! I remember I was on deck to go on the runway and I completely froze. There were cameras, people, friends, family, everything!!! It all ran through my mind as if it were a near death experience. In a matter of seconds I snapped out of it. I envisioned Angelina Jolie in the movie Gia. I remembered how Gia just didn’t care about anything. I walked onto the runway and pretended I was her. I was proud of myself and still think about that moment when I face situations that I feel defeated in. I tend to pretend I’m other characters when I’m working. It liberates me of any judgment.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Man, I would embrace those natural curves women have!!! 100%. I wish the industry gave access to before and after shots of models on the cover of magazines. The team of people it takes to put on a production: lighting, editing, photoshop, what the model does to prep for a shoot. I feel that young girls think that they are supposed to look that way. And it’s truly all an illusion. It’s art yes but it’s an illusion.
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 to dance. I found dance to be one of my outlets lately. I like being in my body and feeling sexy. I enjoy swimming. I was a competitive swimmer in high school. So it always feels like home jumping into a pool. It becomes my territory. For fun I enjoy shooting some hoops.
I try to eat pretty clean but tend to get persuaded by the delicious food in my culture. My favorite dish in the whole wide world is a plate of Plantains with Black beans, sour cream and cheese.
Otherwise, I blend some superfoods as my first meal of the day. Meats don’t really sit well with me so I stick to fruits, veggies and other forms of protein. Black beans being my favorite. I drink a lot of water. For me it’s important to feel good about myself inside out. It’s important to feel flexible and to feel light in my own skin. So nutrition is major!
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I shaved all my hair off to donate it to cancer patients when I was 15 years old. I have a pic of it on my Instagram. @_AngieMSanchez
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
I wish I wasn’t so critical of myself. I’m really tough. Not an easy chic to please. But it keeps me on track and on my toes.
What superpower do you wish you had? Why?
Have you seen the movie Jumper? If you haven’t, you must. My superpower would be to jump from place to place through a teleport!! Very much like that movie. Except I would use it to be a Ninja Superhero Girl with Super Human Strength. I would secretly destroy any plans that would harm humanity and at the same time I would bring resources to countries in need. I would teleport people with me. Maximizing all the time I have. Then I would then jump back to my regular life as an actress and to see my family. That would be awesome! I think I just created a comic character.
Visit Angie M. Sanchez’s website for more photos and information