Interview with Mary Casarreal — Cuban Model, Science and language Lover
Mary Casarreal is a 25-year old model residing in Lansing, Michigan.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba and my roots define much of my identity but I’m a straight forward yet complex individual. My heart resides within the rhythm of the caribbean sea on the west side of the island, while love and Respect rule my character. I moved to the United States with my family, graduated from High School in Michigan, and recently graduated College from The University of Michigan with a major in Bio Cognitive Neuroscience, and another degree in French and Francophone Studies. I speak Spanish, English and French fluently and my wanderlust and love for all people consumes me.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
My first modeling job was at the age of 15, when I did a lifestyle catalog shoot here in Michigan. I remember the photographer was Quinn and it was a wonderful experience, as it was an extremely sunny day in a small town in Michigan. As we drove, there were fields of corn and sunflowers on a dirt road leading up to the photographer’s home. It was mid August and my dad came along to spend the day with me, we had our windows down driving there in late morning and the breeze was incredible. It was absolutely beautiful.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
This year I wish to focus on my career as a model and actress more so than anything else. I am studying for some exams for my graduate career but I would like to shoot Swimwear and travel more than anything else this year. I will also be incorporating myself into the Spanish market more so, send some good luck my way.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I’ve been traveling non stop as a spokesmodel for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles since January which consists of working for one of the brands and answering any questions about the products with a smile, love for the position and enthusiasm. So far Philly, Detroit, Chicago and Charlotte have been good to me! Next stops are Atlanta, Ohio and NY!
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
Best experience was touring the caribbean with Hot Tropix shooting a calendar on a two week trip to over 7 islands, that was me in my natural habitat. I also toured the caribbean with a luxury swimsuit brand called Komplique and that experience changed me as a person and my outlook on life. The worst would probably be a super creepy photographer I shot with once who insisted if we ever had to travel I needed to sleep in the same bed as him because other models thought it was normal… never normal ladies.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I’ve never done anything nude, but I was body painted for Comic-Con as Wonder Woman, which was amazing as I felt clothed and looked clothed although I wasn’t… it was awesome. You can google my name and body paint and it should come up, it was great.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
The industry needs to be actually accepting of curvy, large and foreign and not have the token colored, heavy and authentic looking girl in every campaign. Also more opportunity for minorities.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Nutritional plan is on my Instagram and so are my workouts but I don’t eat canned foods, don’t drink pop or sodas, I drink seldomly, I swear it… I lift weights and enjoy my yoga. P90X every other day especially the plyometrics CD and fresh squeezed veggie and fruit juices in the morning. I make things as fresh as possible, no yellow #5 in my food please!
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I think everyone needs to read Radical Forgiveness, Many Lives Many Masters, & 5 Love Languages. Also, I love seafood.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I would be able to turn haters into chocolate and then eat them.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Homemade Chicken Stew, fluffy fuzzy socks, soft pajamas and a mouthwatering dessert with too much chocolate, snuggled up with my puppy and the people I love the most with no deadlines and no worries in that moment in time. Besides that guilty pleasure give me a bikini, a beach and some fresh seafood and I’m trapped.