Interview with Carmen Maria — Recording Artist and model
Carmen Maria is a 24-year old model residing in Flint, Michigan.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Pontiac Michigan, and grew up with an older brother, sister, and younger sister. I started to sing and model when I was 3, and graduated from Genesee Early College as the first graduating class and earned my undergrad in Human Biology at the University of Michigan Flint.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I have been modeling since I was three years old, have participated in many contests and catalogs. I begged to get back into it when I was sixteen and continued ever since. I took a short break to finish my human biology degree from the University of Michigan, but now it is my main focus again.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My long-term goal is to be an international recording artist. I see myself traveling all over the world for work in five to ten years, and see myself on magazine covers and brightly lit stages, as well as having out an original album, and creating a perfume line and also writing my own book.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I model often and it consists mainly of photo-shoots. I love glamour, especially old glamour, have participated in catalogs, and learned to walk the catwalk at seven years old. I love fashion and creating images with photographers that stretch my boundaries.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The best experiences I have had modeling have been shoots where I show a lot of emotion and am able to totally express myself. I love when I can look so versatile that I barely recognize myself, and it is so amazing being paid to travel to shoot. Some less fun experiences include modeling in the Michigan snow and getting bitten by red ants while modeling on a rock.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Getting bit by ants was kind of funny afterwards because you could actually zoom in and see the ants on my upper thigh and then once I realized I was being bitten and got some interesting shots of me jumping around.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
The industry being so limited in its vision of what is beautiful.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I participate in yoga, swimming, hiking, I love being active. I typically eat unprocessed food because it is so much better to put good nutrients into our bodies without excess chemicals.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am very concerned about the water crisis in my home town of Flint Michigan.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I would be more patient and taller.
What is your favorite thing to do alone?
Sing! I love to sing alone to perfect my talent, and although I don’t expect perfection, I definitely strive for it. I love to practice performing with a microphone and everything when I am by myself. I think it is important to go all out even when practicing, and I think the only way to make your dreams a reality is to think with optimism and never stop striving for more.
Visit Carmen Maria’s website for more photos and information