Interview with Sage Sibaja — Full time student and model
Sage Sibaja is a 19-year old model residing in Sacramento, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Hayward, California. I’m one of the first babies made by artificial insemination, allowing my two fantastic mothers to conceive me. I’m Mexican and Guamanian. I was very popular in high school and I played softball and volleyball for most of my time in school as well. I’ve always done well in school. Now I’m in college going for my english degree, and then to my masters. I plan to model until I get my masters. Then I will switch gears and dive deeper into my writing career.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
In high school I became fascinated with the industry. I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera and I wanted everyone to know my name and what I stand for. I started my career small, meeting up with local photographers and going to agency castings. However, I’m only 5’5″ and although the agencies said I had “the look”, I lacked the height. Now I work as a fit model and still shoot with local photographers for fun. I’m gaining more popularity through social media so hopefully that will pick up and open some more doors for me.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Professionally, I want to have money. I want to be able to buy my mom all that she deserves. I grew up without money so it is important for me to sustain a nice living for myself. In five to ten years I hope to be writing my autobiography, living on my own land, in a house I designed and built, by the beach, out of the country. I hope to be happy with my loverly by my side and a couple pugs by my feet. I crave a life of relaxation and peace.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I mostly do fit work. Meaning, I help in the process of actually constructing the clothing to my body proportions. But in my spare time, I do print work as well. I do glamour, lifestyle, portrait, boudoir and street wear photoshoots.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
Best experience I’ve had modeling was receiving my job and booking regular income monthly!
The worst experience I’ve had was running into the occasionally creepy photographer. Only happened to me once, but it is a regular occurrence in this industry. Be careful out there ladies!.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
No but I have met a lot of amazing people. I love all the connections I was able to make throughout my career so far, even though it is just beginning!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I would change the height requirement. In the U.S, the average female is 5’4″. It makes no sense for the requirement to be 5’8″. The clothes will look completely different on the customers’ bodies. It’s in bad taste from a consumer point of view but I understand that this industry is about beauty and I suppose long legs are more beautiful.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I was very blessed to have a fast metabolism. My diet consists of hot cheetos and sour patch kids. However, I do squat. Gotta keep the booty looking nice.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I’m smart. I grew up poor. I have two mothers and a step mom. I have siblings of all races. I can sing. My bellybutton is an “innie” but I can pull it out. My mom named me after the indian spice because it rids away evil and my name itself means “wise”. I think it fits.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I’m a perfectionist. It has it’s advantages, but also it’s downfalls.
Do you have any fears or phobias?
I am deathly afraid of sharks.
Visit Sage Sibaja’s website for more photos and information