Interview with MercedesLeigh — Student, Conservationist & Model
MercedesLeigh is a 24-year old model residing in Starkville, Mississippi.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m from a small down in Wisconsin, go pack go! I’m obsessed with saving coral reefs and sea turtles. I’ve done scientific research in Texas, Belize, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Australia, and San Diego…where to next? I’m a student for life, and I hope my modeling can bring some conservation attention to the scene.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first got involved with modeling in Newcastle, Australia, working as a brand ambassador. Later, when I lived in San Diego I had an Uber driver tell me about this awesome site called Model Mayhem that I would be great for. I loved the idea of expressing yourself without words.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
In five years I see myself modeling for conservation work, and maybe even doing wildlife shooting. I hope to have started a scientific research and conservation program to save marine organisms from corals to sea turtles and everything in between! I hope to be making a difference in this world.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Modeling can be anything from hours a week to nothing a week depending on photographers demands and seasonality. With school I’m always on the go and rarely have time to stop and smell the roses. But I still manage to sneak on some beach time here and there.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I try to avoid processed foods, which in this day and age is impossible. I work out as often as possible which usually ends up being only a couple of days a week with work.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I used to train dolphins and sea lions with the US Navy.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I would change my anxiety. Just to be able to relax and enjoy every moment we have.
If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?
I’d make my family and best friends go on an awesome-sauce road trip down to the Florida coral reef marine preserves and try something that I was always fascinated by that they would never otherwise try. We would snorkel and scuba dive until the sun disappeared from the sky.
Visit MercedesLeigh’s website for more photos and information