Interview with Michelle Concilio — A little bit of everything
Michelle Concilio is a 21-year old model residing in Coral Springs, Florida.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Michelle Concilio, I was born in Hollywood, FL, raised in Coral Springs. The youngest of two brothers, I spent my time attending baseball games, cheerleading, and taking acting classes. Currently a cocktail waitress at the Coconut Creek Casino, I enjoy working out, going to the beach, and attending music festivals. When I’m not doing work for school, I’m using every opportunity to freelance model and act.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I believe it was after first watching the movie “Cable Guy” with Jim Carrey that I knew I wanted to become an actress. I started taking acting classes when I was in 3rd grade and have dabbled in different workshops, seminars, and training over the years to this day. No matter how many breaks I take, it’s the one thing I always come back to.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Right now I’m trying to take things day by day as I know I will be completing my bachelor’s degree for Hospitality & Management in the fall of 2016. I plan to keep working, saving, and ideally moving out to California to work for Insomniac Events while pursuing a career in acting and modeling. The idea is to worry about the future, but not to stress it.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I try to get in at least one photo shoot a month, whether it be TF’s or modeling for local photography workshops around the area. I more so use the modeling for head shots and networking purposes as acting is where the real passion is. Once I hit 18, I got the chance to work on almost every show filmed in South Florida, whether it’s as an extra, under five, or principal. My current gigs consist of web series such as Harold, which is based in California, and Matt Florio’s web series based out of Florida. The auditions, submissions, and castings are a daily routine.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I would have to say my worst experience was a modeling gig for an exhibit at Miami’s Art Basel where we were covered in clay. The piece required that we stand in one spot for hours, with the clay constantly being reapplied. The moment you got semi used to being freezing, they just added a new layer. To top it off we wore masks that you couldn’t see through, so I didn’t even notice when the rest of the models gave up and walked away as I was the last one standing.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I worked on a set once where they told us to walk in the room, and “pretend to bomb a casting.” They didn’t want us to tell them what we planned to do, just to walk in and do it. So I walked in, pretended to tell them I got a text message, and broke out into a hysterical cry where I just dropped everything. Thing is, they thought it was real and didn’t know what to do.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I really wish it would be easier to network with people. Majority of the jobs are booked through who you know, rather than what you know. It’s sad to say that people will get booked if they know this person, or will do “this favor.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve exchanged contact information with someone in hopes of building a new connection, to just be put in the predicament to be hit on instead. I’m flattered, but that wasn’t, isn’t, and won’t be the intention.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I don’t practice any specific sports, but I do rotate lifting weights and cycling almost every day of the week. My diet consists of chicken, veggies, ISO protein, tuna, eggs, and bacon. Constantly being on the move, working graveyard shifts, and in a smoke contaminated environment, it’s important to eat the right things, get the right amount of sleep, and exercise. As you get older you know what your body can and can’t take, so don’t take advantage of it.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
Aside from teachers reading my papers, nobody really knows I have a knack for writing. I used to write poetry when I was younger, and if I had the time, I would probably write a book. It’s just something that comes easy to me, and I enjoy doing.
Would you change anything about yourself?
In all honesty, I have a habit of getting stuck in toxic situations. Whether it’s a friendship, a relationship, or just the environment I’m in, I want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I need to learn when to walk away.
What is your favorite thing to do alone?
I like singing, but I can’t sing for s***. So I do it alone. Whether it’s in the car, the shower, or alone in my apartment, if the music is playing, I’m singing to it. If you ever want to change your mood, just play some music. Makes the world of difference.
Visit Michelle Concilio’s website for more photos and information