Interview with Marybeth Noonan — Model turned Miss Maine
Marybeth Noonan is a 21-year old model residing in Windham, Maine.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi there! I am Marybeth Noonan from Raymond, Maine. I am a 21-year-old college student studying broadcast journalism at Lyndon State College, and was recently crowned Miss Maine 2016 this Spring. I am extremely passionate about fundraising to combat the underfunding of pediatric cancer research.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I was in a Toyota commercial with my family when I was a baby but the first shoot that I remember was a casting call for an L.L. Bean catalogue when I was in elementary school. Then once I started competing in pageants in 2008, I became more involved with my modeling career.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Winning Miss Maine was a huge goal of mine! I will be competing in Miss America this September. Maine has never produced a winner at Miss America so I’m hoping to change that. As for professional goals, I am working towards my degree in electronic journalism arts. I want to be a news anchor when I graduate.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I have done a variety of modeling types but commercial photoshoots are my favorite. I love the shoots where I can smile the whole time! I really can’t pull off a serious shoot, it just isn’t me. I look at pictures where I’m trying to look serious and I can’t help but laugh at myself. I am such a bubbly and outgoing person, a somber look simply doesn’t match my look.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I once had the opportunity to model for Tony Bowls in Orlando, FL. Most of the models were older than me and were so beautiful and refined. It boosted my confidence to think that I was “at their level” too. I’ll never forget wearing that stunning gown in front of the camera. I felt radiant. I have not had a bad experience in my modeling career. However, I turn down a lot of shoots because they are too sexy for my liking, as I am going to be a news anchor one day, and I want to set a good example and never pose in a shoot that is too promiscuous.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I once had shoot with a live animal called a sugar glider. Sugar gliders are small little creatures and belong to the possum family. Since they are nocturnal they like to hide in pockets and dark places. I was a little nervous to hold it but everything was working out fine until the little guy ran down my shirt and hid in my chest! It was so funny yet embarrassing.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I think we need more body-positive campaigns in the modeling industry. The apparel brand Aerie no longer re-touches or photoshops their models. We need more companies like that.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I love to run and weight lift: there’s no better feeling than seeing your body get stronger. I like to look healthy and fit opposed to extremely thin. I eat 6 small meals a day that mainly consist of lean protein and complex carbs, as my health is a huge priority in my life.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I have gone indoor-skydiving!
Would you change anything about yourself?
I used to be really critical of my fair skin. Now that I’m older I understand the importance of keeping my skin healthy. I have traded in the tanning oil for SPF, as I would much rather be a little pale than get skin cancer when I’m older!
What is your hidden talent?
I can hula-hoop for hours without stopping! I recently went to a local parade and festival as Miss Maine, where I saw there was a hula-hooping competition and couldn’t resist. I walked out onto the field in my crown, dress and heels and joined the competition. All of the kids loved it, it was so much fun.