Interview with Charrdonnay — Fashion student turned Model
Charrdonnay is a 21-year old model residing in Denver, Colorado.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey Everyone my name Is Charrdonnay I’m from Memphis and now officially a Colorado Native. I’m the youngest of three, and I come from a very talented family. My middle sister just qualified for the U.S bob sled team. My brother is a very well established artist in Denver so it’s only right to try and live up to their talents. I’m Fashion design student at Emily Griffith and in the process of opening up an online clothing store, but that might take another year or so. I love being outdoors and around friends and family, I’m not big on the club scene but I do enjoy a good night out. I love restaurants and I really want to start traveling this year.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started modeling when I was 18 years old; I did an open casting call for an agency called Avant Tout, it was a small agency. I did a lot of runway and about a year later the agency moved to Texas. I went freelance for a while and developed myself even more. During that year I found a lot of work doing glamour and swim wear. I’ve done 3 magazines and I signed with an agent that is based in Atlanta and I have some great things coming this year, so much acting and many many more magazines.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
In 5 years I see myself running my clothing store and accomplishing all my major modeling and acting goals. I’m trying for Maxim magazine and I’ve been offered to do French Playboy, also a few acting gigs so I have some big stepping stones ahead of me.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I model pretty frequently; right now my agent is having me practice my posing 15 minutes a day in the mirror. I have a full body mirror in my bedroom that I practice in. There isn’t much that I haven’t tried modeling. I still love high fashion but I mostly do glamour swimwear, lingerie and some nude.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The past 6 months have been my best modeling experiences. I loved working with new photographers and make up artist but I think more is yet to come. I think the best so far was when I got published In Moorish Hareem Magazine and my photo was right next to girls who have been in Maxim and Playboy. It was also nice to gain followers of my social media and being offered to work with my own agent. I look forward to what other great things I can accomplish.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
My father was a body builder and he was always big on health and nutrition. I was the kid who was eating cauliflower and carrot sticks. I work out three to 5 times a week depending on how busy my schedule is. I love playing volleyball and dancing; I took a belly dancing course and had a blast. I pretty much walk everywhere, I enjoy lifting weights and yoga. My diet is more balanced than anything, in fact I love fruits and lean meats, not too much red meat; I keep it light mostly chicken and fish.
When I really need to tone up, my sister writes my diet plan. But I do love sweets, that’s my weakness. I do fat Friday where I can eat all the donuts and sour patch kids my stomach will let me, although I do eat dark chocolate during the week. Don’t get me wrong, diet and excercise is very important. I’ve come to realize it makes modeling easier. A lot of people don’t understand that the better your skin and your body are, the more photographers and make up artist want to work with you. You don’t have to be physically perfect, but I think diet and exercise help with your mental state as well and keeps you happy and pleasant.
Would you change anything about yourself?
No, I wouldn’t change a thing about myself. I used to want to change everything but I’m learning to love myself and others would love me too. Everyone has low self esteem days but even on those days you have to find the light in yourself and love yourself especially in this industry, since it’s solely based on looks but people should also know you leave an impression as well.
Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?
I rarely wear underwear, it’s a comfort thing for me. I really just go about my daily life, I’ve gone to work and school. One time I had forgotten to wear them… it was quite embarrassing especially when it’s a gown that it takes 2 people to get you into.
Visit Charrdonnay’s website for more photos and information