Interview with Haylan Victoria — Fine artist, vocalist, and model
Haylan Victoria is a 22-year old model residing in Hartford, Connecticut.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’ve always been fascinated by the creative arts, and the time and effort people put into their works. My mother was a painter, and my dad was always listening to things like the B-52’s, Ramones, and Pink Floyd, so I was heavily influenced by their alternative lifestyles. I bounced back and forth between family members growing up, so singing and drawing were always there for me to express myself. For a long time I was afraid of the competition in the arts world, but after much encouragement from friends and family I’ve changed my major to graphic design. I have no idea where that will lead me, but I know now that whatever I set out to do will be where my heart lies.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I used to work at the college radio station at Western Connecticut State University, and there was a shoot for all of the DJ’s and hosts. Joe Yunckes, the photographer, reached out to me after the fact and asked if I would model for him. He was the first person to ever shoot me, and he suggested I consider looking into working with more people. It had always seemed like a far-fetched idea, but when I put myself out I was shocked by the amount of photographers who wanted to work with me. Since then it’s been a snow-ball effect of awesome!
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Personally and professionally, I still have no idea what I want to do. I’ve been modeling for three years now, and more than anything else I’m enamored by the people I get to work with. To put it in a nutshell, my goal is to work with crazy and fun folks who want to create. Whether that be visual art, music, or film; there are so many facets of humanity that can be expressed through these mediums. The people are what make them interesting.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I do about four or five runway shows a year, and shoot very irregularly. Because I’m a full-time student and work in an art gallery, there’s not a whole lot of time in between to focus on modeling. This past year I’ve done about two shoots per month, which is a lot less than I would like, but, “que sera, sera.”
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
By far the most amazing times of my life are always with Isabel Vinson. She is my modeling guru, and has given me more help and advice than anyone in the modeling industry. Because of her I have learned the ways of fashion barter, how to get paid, and when to not care about what the haters think. The beautiful part of this is that it’s translated into my daily life, enveloping my entire persona with a confidence I would not have had otherwise.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
My second runway show ever was with Redfield Designs. She’s a steampunk artist, so all of her dresses were super long and victorian styled. I was confident that everything would be perfect, but little did I know that there would be stairs involved. The perfect combination of a floor length dress, seven inch heels, and overconfidence caused me to eat carpet on my way up. Luckily, it wasn’t caught on film.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
How competitive it is!!! I love when I walk into a room of models at a show and everyone is super friendly, but that doesn’t happen all the time. I think if people could drop the whole, “I’m going to be better than you,” mentality, life would be a little easier.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Daily stretching is vital to my work. Although I don’t model as often as I used to, there is nothing worse than going into a figure shoot and feeling sore afterwards. Also, I wear heels around the house when I’m cleaning up to keep my balance on point. As far as nutrition goes, I eat what I want, when I want. Luckily, I don’t want processed unnatural things in my body, and live in Connecticut where local farmers are very supported. Chocolate cravings are no thing when you live five minutes away from a chocolatier who uses all local and organic ingredients.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
When I was twelve I entered the state foster system. For the first few years I bounced around homes, until I was accepted to a group home for girls who were “well-behaved.” Both of my parents have been sober and doing incredibly well in their recovery since then, and I know I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for seeing their struggles, and going through my own. I hope to some day give back, through running a scholarship program for teens in the foster system.
Would you change anything about yourself?
The one and only thing I would ever consider changing about myself is my doubt. Very frequently I find myself wondering if pursuing modeling is worth the stress, or if my art will ever be something people will like, and sometimes that doubt is difficult to overcome. However, it’s a natural feeling that all people experience. Questioning my self and quality of work causes me to be thoughtful and conscientious of all that I do.
Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?
I actually go commando quite regularly. For a while a friend of mine and I decided we would just stop wearing bras and panties for an entire semester, and it was amazing! People stared and made comments occasionally, but my boobs had never felt better. If I wear a skirt or am going to be giving my boyfriend a strip tease I might put on a thong, but besides that I don’t see the need to bother!