Interview with Ashley Tabitha
Ashley Tabitha is a 25-year old model residing in Fullerton, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Ashley Tabitha. I am 25 years old, born and raised in Southern California, and am predominately Mexican and Irish with a little European blend mixed in. I have experience in print, runway, acting, and promotional modeling with companies such as Links and Laces, Playboy, Vidal Sassoon, Red Gum Studios, and Hotboarder.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I began dancing in 6th grade and by the time I was in high school I was not only competing on several teams, but had the honor of being a principle dancer. Later in high school, I joined musical theatre and two competitive show choirs, which is not as nerdy as it sounds. I actually started modeling because headshots were mandatory for teams and constantly taking pictures with my friends felt completely natural. I knew how to control my body, work my angles, and be creative so modeling became another outlet for me to explore.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
As a licensed esthetician, my goal is to continually further my education and work at either a medical spa or for a Dermatologist. When it comes to modeling, I love promotional modeling and networking mostly because it allows me the opportunity to interact with such fascinating people. I see myself continuing to be a hair model, print model, and promotional model for at least ten years or until I’m so old and wrinkled that they turn me away!
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I have been blessed with so many amazing opportunities in my life, but overall, any time I am working with Links and Laces, formerly Playboy Golf, I am the happiest. They have truly accepted me as their family, I have made lifelong friends, I gain confidence, and I get to experience a completely different world. I especially love reuniting with the regulars at our Golf Tour events and seeing the glow on newcomers’ faces. I could go on and on about how incredible everything is from the celebrities to the DJs to the locations, and more, but I will spare you the endless details. You will just have to come at an event and see for yourself!
Thankfully, I have not had many bad experiences because I do thorough research prior to the shoot, I always insist on having an escort, someone who is willing to assist and not be a hindrance, and if the photographer is not willing to answer my questions up front as to details of the shoot then I am not comfortable working with them. There was one instance where I had worked with the photographer before so I did not have an escort…big mistake. We were halfway through the shoot and the photographer said “take off your underwear so you can be more free. I want you to experience freedom”. I politely but firmly said no. A few frames later he brought it up again. I calmly told him that the shoot was over, I packed up my belongings, I thanked him for his time, and left. Surprisingly, I received all the pictures in a timely manner, but safe to say I will never work with him again…or attend any shoot without an escort.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
There should be a website similar to Yelp where models can rate, comment, and research photographers. This would make it easier to know which photographers to avoid, who made the models feel comfortable, returned photos in a timely manner, edited photos well, and more. I think in doing so it would not only create a safer environment for models, but it would give praise to the photographers who deserve it thus generating more business for such photographers.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I must admit I am a victim of laziness, however, I do enjoy yoga, pilates, and climbing trees. I honestly believe my main form of exercise is dancing with friends; any time music is on some part of me is dancing or I’m singing my heart out!. I recently started a minimal-gluten free diet simply because I seem to function better without it. I believe in a well rounded diet, six smaller meals through the day verse three big ones, and tons of water. Most importantly, if you are craving something sweet then have dark chocolate, frozen grapes, or frozen yogurt…don’t deprive yourself!
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I snort when I laugh, but I can’t snort on purpose even when I try really hard. I’m overly obsessed with ice cream in every form! I also love volunteering for various organizations and do so regularly.
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
Overall I believe personality, intelligence, dignity, happiness, and love mark true beauty. The rest is just pretty packaging. Of course we are our own worst critics. Some days I’m like dang my boobs look good today, and then other days I’m like darn it why aren’t my eyebrows perfect?! In the end it is all superficial and we just have to accept being human comes with flaws that give us character. I would rather learn to be more accepting of my body’s flaws than the entire human race walking around looking like carbon copy Barbies… creepy!!
Visit Ashley Tabitha’s website for more photos and information