Interview with Julia Piper — Service Member and Model
Julia Piper is a 22-year old model residing in New Haven, Connecticut.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Julia. I’m originally from a small shoreline town in CT. I studied history at Eastern Connecticut State University for several years but left to explore opportunities working with nonprofits in the New Haven area. Social justice is a passion of mine. I come from a very large, crazy, and supportive family where I have three brothers and three sisters and I felt like this was the right move for me.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first got involved with modeling when I was sixteen. I was scouted by a Boston modeling agent at the Providence Mall and signed with them. I was pretty involved with sports in high school including: cheerleading, lacrosse and paintball so my schedule didn’t really allow for me to do much traveling. When I went to college I put modeling on hold. I recently had some life changes this past summer and decided that I wanted to get back into things, so I’ve only been back working for about eight months now. I just love making art.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I would like to continue my work in the nonprofit sector. Modeling is also something that I am very passionate about and maybe somewhere down the line I’ll be able to find a happy harmony.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
This past summer I was booking between one to two jobs a week. It’s a little harder now because I work 50 to 60 hours a week. My schedule will change again in June so I’d like to spend as much time as I can modeling then. I’ve done video and commercial, but my main passion lies in crazy high fashion type shoots. I love doing the crazy hair and make-up and just playing pretend for a little while. I like feeling like I’m helping to create art when I model. I love art, and I love being able to be a part of it.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
You always get a few strange requests from people. My advice to young women would be to know what your boundaries are when going into a job and don’t be afraid to just say “no”. Always bring a chaperon with you and if a photographer pulls underwear out of their trunk you do not need to wear them -even if it is a paid shoot-! Haha, that was probably one of the weirdest things that’s happened to me. I have no problems saying “no” though. I respect myself, and I respect modeling as an art form, and sketchy trunk underwear are just a NO.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
There was one time a photographer was upset because I wasn’t being “sexy Heidi Klum” enough. I was like; that woman is gorgeous and has a killer body and wayyyyyy more experience than me. He kept saying “sexy Heidi Klum” and it was freezing and I was slipping off a rock and it was so awkward. I don’t do sexy. It’s just not my look and he had seen my portfolio. I brought a friend as a chaperon and she just kept laughing. He was a little over the top.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I think the industry is making some great strides right now all on its own. I just think that it’s very important for young people to realize that there is a lot of work that goes into these pictures and unlike Beyonce I think that most of us do not wake-up like this. There are hours of hair, make-up and editing that go into most of these photos. At my 9 thru 5 job I’m lucky if I have time to remember the mascara.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I’m terrible at this. I try to eat healthy but since I work so much I found that I had been ordering food out way too much. I recently got back in to my old routine though. I do a shake for breakfast, salad for lunch, and I mix up dinner. I throw in some vitamin enhanced water throughout the day. I don’t punish myself though. Wings are my favorite food, any of my friend will tell you that. If I slip up it’s not the end of the world. Life is short and should be enjoyed. As long as there’s balance it’s okay. I also walk 30 minutes to and from work a day. I hardly ever drive and I even walk to the grocery store. I used to spend a lot of time in the gym, but my schedule is kind of crazy right now. I try to eat right and walk when I can and so far I’ve been able to maintain myself. I try to jog a few miles every now and then, too.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am absolutely terrified of birds that can fly. Most people wouldn’t think this because I volunteer at an aquarium working with penguins. It’s only the ones that fly that freak me out. If there are birds on the side walk I will cross the street. Especially crows!
Would you change anything about yourself?
I have a gap between my two front teeth. All throughout my childhood I would try to think of ways to close it. I would take the rubber bands that my friends used on their braces and try to get my gap to close together. I begged my parents for braces and got made fun of from time to time. I wouldn’t smile with my mouth open. I was told that when I got my wisdom teeth it would close… I waited and waited for that day. Turns out I only have one wisdom tooth and that did nothing. My junior year of college I had the opportunity to get Invisalign to close it. I almost went through with it. Even the dental assistant told me how pretty it would look. How dumb is that? I have younger sisters though and I am always preaching about self-acceptance and confidence. How could I even think about doing something like that? How hypocritical would that be? Young people need to stop focusing on potential physical “flaws” and see the big picture. These things are what make us individuals. Today, I am so happy that I didn’t close my gap, I always smile with my mouth open now when my friends point a camera at me now.
What is the one talent you wish you possessed?
I really really wish that I knew how to sing. Sometimes when I’m drinking with friends I think that I can. I can’t. On rare occasions we’ll wander over to our local karaoke bar. It’s bad. I’ve seen the videos. It’d be way cooler if I could belt it out like Mariah.