Interview with Manda Mae
Manda Mae is a 20-year old model residing in Ontario, Canada.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Manda Mae. I am a 20-year-old internationally published model from Wasaga Beach, ON Canada. I started in the modelling scene at a very young age doing pageants and working for smaller clothing companies. The last couple years I have excelled into all different types of modelling from fashion, glamour, to alternative. Lately I have been focussing more on my alternative work as I am slowly acquiring more and more tattoos. I work as a promotional model for companies such as Iron Fist Clothing, Dirty Shirty, Novel Thread Co, Frightmare, WolfNCrane, and others. I also landed my first Billboard downtown Toronto this year being the promotional model for one of the biggest tattoo expos in the world “Northern Ink Xposure” which was held in June this year downtown Toronto. I also had a chance to do promotion for Rockstar Energy at the convention with Sullen Angels. This year has opened many doors for me and I couldn’t be more proud of myself being a freelance model.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first got involved in the modelling industry when I was four years old. My mom entered me in beauty pageants and had me modeling for all different small companies around Canada. After a few years I decided I no longer wanted to do the pageants anymore and took a break. When I turned 14 I started getting tattoos and had a huge interest in body modifications. After a few years of acquiring pieces to my body art collection I decided I would take a jab back at the modeling industry taking a bit of a different path this time. I started working with some amazing photographers around Ontario and I was noticed in no time. After receiving emails from different clothing companies from around the world to help promote their clothing I started going harder and harder with my modeling. I never would have thought I’d have the confidence I have today but standing in-front of that camera flashing my tattoos has to be the best feeling in the world.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My personal goals are to stay a freelance model and see how far I can make it on my own without any agents on my back. I also will be going to college in the next year for wildlife studies as I am a huge animal lover.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
My workload is spread out and always on the go. Being a freelance model I am constantly on the go from booking shoots, going to shoots, sending out emails and just managing my social media pages. Although it seems like a pain-in-the-ass I honestly love it! It’s something that gives me motivation and drive to keep doing what I love.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
My experiences so far in the modeling industry have all been either amazingly or just a “whatever”. I’ve always lived by having no expectations so I can’t be let down! One of my best experiences I would have to say would be having the chance to be the Promotional model for Northern Ink Xposure this year and appearing on a billboard downtown Toronto. I feel like this was the most amazing experience so far because I got to meet so many rad people, work with new connections and just be in an environment where I felt me!
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
What model hasn’t!? I mean if you can’t goof around and set aside that pretty intense face for one minute, whats the fun in it!?
I’ve definitely had my share of weird, funny, and embarrassing moments while shooting or even over social media. Some things including falling over from awkward poses, breaking things in abandoned places trying to pose on them, awkward faces, and the list could go on forever.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
One thing I think I would change about the industry if I could is probably the way people look at each-other’s sizes. Size is something I think every model has a problem with, whether they admit it or not. It’s something that’s going to constantly be biting them in the ass whether they’re perfect or not.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Nutrition is something I’ve honestly been struggling with for a few years now but I’m on my way to correcting! I have horrible eating patterns but I am extremely energetic! I love all different kinds of sports from base-ball, volleyball, figure skating, hiking, and dance!
Please share something people don’t know about you.
Facts a lot of you probably don’t know
– I have never dyed my hair, I am a natural blonde.
– I am only 20-years-old
– All my tattoos have meanings
– I have been in a committed relationship since I was 17
– I am a crazy animal lover
– I own a two year old Bernese Mountain Dog that weighs more than me
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
I wouldn’t change a thing about myself because then I wouldn’t be me!
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure for sure is a good old Mcdouble from McDonald’s, I have a serious addiction too them.
Visit Manda Mae’s website for more photos and information