Interview with Sierra Lanae — Fitness & Fashion Model battling MS

Sierra Lanae is an 18-year old model residing in Aurora, Colorado.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Thorton, CO. My mom, Jen Brown, is a fitness model and competitor in the NPC & has been competing for over 5 years. I go to school for cosmetology but at the end of the day there is nothing I love more than going to the gym.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got into modeling in the summer of 2014. I started because I want to make sure I do everything I’ve ever wanted to do before my Multiple Sclerosis takes over, one of those things on my list is modeling. I also had huge insecurities with the way I looked. When I was younger struggled with anorexia and bulimia. After that I struggled with eating too much and never wanting to go outside or be around people, I was so ashamed of how I looked. My insecurities got better when I started going to the gym everyday and saw how my hard work & passion was improving my life for the better. I was still really insecure when I started modeling; I thought if I put myself out there I may like what I see & I do! Modeling has changed my life completely!

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My biggest dream was to fight MMA until I found out the stress it would put on my body with MS would make it worse. I now wish to pursue my modeling career and compete in NPC. I also wish to graduate cosmetology school and after get certified in personal training and nutrition. I also want to do modeling workshops to teach other models how to use their insecurities to their advantage.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I have at least a couple photo shoots a month. I haven’t done any catwalks and only one video commercial.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

I would say my best experience in modeling is when someone messaged me on Facebook after my first time being in a magazine and told me they were a huge fan and loved my work. The worst experience would have to be a photo shoot I had where he would take one picture put the camera down and make sexual jokes followed by comments on how I should consider nude.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

In my very first photo shoot someone stole my shoes downtown that I was borrowing from a friend.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

That in order to make it in the industry, everyone thinks you have to get nude and you don’t.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Fitness and nutrition in everyone’s life, not just models! Proper Nutrition is one of the most important factors in a healthy lifestyle. I personally eat a lot of protein, fruits and veggies; any carbs I have I cut off at about 4pm. I also eat 5 to 6 times a day and drink as much water as possible. Fitness side of things cardio and I are not friends but I try and at least get 20 minutes cardio session in the early morning and after a workout. Mixed Martial Arts is the only cardio I love to do and would suggest it for everyone to try. I love lifting being able to go into the gym put on your headphones and drowned the world out for an hour or two makes all the difference to make you happier & more relaxed. Not to mention when you reach a new max weight or see progress, that amazing feeling you get knowing it’s because of your hardwork! A healthy physique is something that can’t be bought and has to be worked for.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a superman nerd -everyone knows this-. Every boyfriend I had until graduated high school somewhat looked like Superman or reminded me of Superman. I use to also read the comic books and do different voices for each character. I would also play the radio show to put me to sleep.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I take people’s criticism to heart too much.

What features do you look for in a partner?

I guess my answer to that is someone that I can be myself around. Someone I can go to the gym with because I am not giving that up for anyone! If we can’t have a real conversation it’s not going to work. They also have to be funny. I care about personality more than anything else.

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