Interview with Leokadia Hope
Leokadia Hope is a 25-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
As a down to earth, sunshine loving Australian comedian, actress and host. I was born and raised in the small city of Adelaide, Australia by my Polish parents who migrated to Oz in the 80’s. My family is everything to me and I am super close with my parents and younger sister. Over the years, I have been incredibly blessed with plentiful opportunities, fun experiences and beautiful friends. I have traveled, lived and modeled all over the world. Some of my favorite things in life are relaxing in the beach, planning my next vacation, charity work, dancing, singing, handsome latin men and buying cute new shoes.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I began modeling at age 18 when my boyfriend at the time suggested I give it a try. I submitted a few pictures to a FHM Magazine’s ‘Girl Next Door Competition’ and soon after, I began collaborating with various photographers around town to build my portfolio. Modeling was something I had always wanted to pursue and I am extremely proud of my modeling achievements over the years. These days however, my focus is now on performing stand up comedy and producing my own sketches.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My ultimate goal is to be the executive producer of my own sitcom that I write, direct, star in and hire all my friends and family to work on it. That way, everyday feels like a fun day with all the people I love whilst producing something creative.
I have a lot of smaller goals too, but we’d be here all day listing them all! Most importantly, fulfilling my personal goals and making money is always lovely, but my parents taught me it is always important to give back and help others who aren’t as fortunate with the same opportunities. Therefore, I’d love to start my own charity or charities aimed at helping teenagers and one that empowers women.
In 5 to 10 years, I’d love to have my ultimate goal accomplished, I’d love to own my first house, have my first charity open, traveled to all the countries on my bucketlist and to be in a sturdy financial position to spoil all my loved ones! Life has been kind to me so far so I am excited to see what happens next!
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I work in the entertainment industry full time and every day is different because this industry can be very last minute, so each day is a surprise. I am also very open minded to opportunities, so one day I may be dancing with a band on set of a music video, the next day I am on a runway modeling wedding dresses and then that evening I am on stage delivering dirty jokes at a comedy club, I don’t always know and I love that spontaneity. I am happy as long as I am working and being creative in whichever way possible. When it comes to modeling, my specialties are editorial, beauty, glamour and commercial.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
One of the best modeling experiences I’ve had was my very first fashion catalog shoot 4 years ago. I had just moved to LA, I was very new to the modeling scene and I was booked to model clothes for 2 fashion labels. I had to model 100+ outfits in 4 hours so it was a huge learning experience for me. It was fairly hectic on set with stylists, makeup artists, photographers and other models running around, and as a team we all had to work quickly and efficiently. I brought my sister to set as well, and she ended up booking her own catalog shoot with the team the following weekend. That day I learned so much about posing for catalogs and I had such an enjoyable time on set. Eventually the catalogs were printed and I sent a copy to my mum who is my biggest cheerleader.
Another great modeling experience was working with Clear Haircare as the new spokesmodel for the brand was Heidi Klum. They were conducting a huge launch and press release in the middle of the Grove in LA. It was an exciting set up with photographers and camera crew everywhere, a hairdressing salon where people could have their hair washed and styled with the product and then of course Heidi Klum was on stage promoting the line. She is absolutely beautiful and has always been one of my modeling inspirations so it was wonderful meeting her and working alongside her. She is by far one of the sweetest, down to earth and funniest celebrities I have met so far.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
So many things just popped into my head. Things always happen to me! I am known to be a little clumsy so that’s when things go wrong, but it provides entertainment for other people and I am a person who can laugh at herself in any situation.
The most recent though, well I won’t go into too much detail, so the readers aren’t too grossed out, but I had a very important test shoot with one of the biggest, well known brands in the world, which unfortunately fell on the same day as my time of month. I had to model lingerie and let’s just say something leaked…..all over the lingerie…. After making a joke about it, I excused myself, cleaned up, changed, got back to set and began posing in front of the camera. The show must always go on!
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I live a super healthy lifestyle and thankfully LA is very accommodating of all things healthy. I don’t smoke, drink too often and lift weights at the gym 5 days a week. I also love hiking, and LA has some beautiful and intense hiking trails, as well as boxing and running on the beach. As far as eating, I don’t do crazy diets like I used to, I am just conscious of eating unprocessed foods, I love making smoothies, fruit salads and love cooking at home. Occasionally though, I’ll treat myself to ice cream!
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I was a little rebellious between the ages of 12 and 14 and when I was 12, I went and got my belly button pierced behind my mum’s back. Back then this was a bigger deal, piercings were only just becoming ‘a thing’ and you were supposed to be 15 to get pierced without an adult present. Needless to say she was not happy when she initially discovered my new body jewelry, but she thinks it’s cute now. For me, my belly ring signifies that rules are meant to be broken and we should always be fearless in life.
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
I am actually really happy and grateful with the way I am, imperfections and all. I am finally at a stage where I am comfortable, confident and at my happiest so I’ll have to say no to that question.
How do you think you are most likely to die?
I am hoping for something quick, pain free and makes for a cool story, such as getting hit by a bus in a city I love or a heart attack during crazy sex, because I’d like to go out with a bang!
Visit Leokadia Hope’s website for more photos and information