Interview with Veronica Dean — Bigger than this small town
Veronica Dean is a 19-year old model residing in Angels Camp, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi there! The name is Veronica.
Born in the city of Reno, Nevada, raised in the small town of Angels Camp, California. My parents own the ranch that has been in my family for three generations, my sister, brother and I grew up in the dirt around just about every farm animal you can think of. I love to paint, write, hike, read and of course model. I’m currently working part time and in the near future going to school for Kinesiology, Nutrition and Dietetics and Creative Writing. This small town seems to define people, they get stuck in the rut of a simple, easy small town life. Of course it is always what has shaped me into who I am and I will always have a spot in my heart for it, but I know I am bigger than what this town has in store for me.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I got interested in the modeling industry at a very young age, my dad bought a professional camera for his garden when I was about 6. I loved to play model when he brought out the camera, and once I saw the developed pictures I knew that I wanted to do it for a living. After that, beauty, fashion and health have been a huge part of me. When I turned 14 I did my first editorial photo shoot on location in San Francisco and once it was over I was hooked.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My goals for the future, for some, may seem beyond reach, ridiculous, and ultimately pointless to pursue. But my thinking is that we truly can accomplish whatever we choose, and whatever we put effort into. My long term goals are to be signed to a high end modeling agency -preferably Elite, Ford or Wilhelmina Models, after that I want to transfer to New York where I will walk in the Victoria Secret fashion show, and maybe even try for an Angel job. I realize how much work that all will be, but I am ready for the work and I am ready for the rewards of the work. Along with those goals I want to be a personal trainer and nutritionist in my spare time.
My personal goals, are to stick to my faith, stick to who I am, and not let anyone walk all over me. I can be a pushover sometimes, and in this industry that is a terrible quality to have. I also want to meet my fitness goals, if I want to be a VS model I have to be in prime shape.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Right now I am working on building up my portfolio, so I have been working with new photographers and new models. Editorial work is what I do most; lots of on location fashion, beauty and glamour but I have experience in runway as well. I’m 5’9” so I have a wide variety of job opportunities, I also have theater experience so commercial modeling isn’t out of the question either.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I wouldn’t say it was a terrible experience, for me at least. My boyfriend came with me to a runway gig once, and it turned out that only about 4 people spoke English, my boyfriend was stuck alone in the middle of this Russian party for three hours waiting for me to walk, not to mention we had a 3 hour drive home and we ended around 12. Needless to say he wasn’t in any rush to come to my next runway job.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
When I was trying to get a little more experience I found the modeling school Barbizon. I applied online and only two hours later they called me back and asked me to come to San Francisco for an interview. I eventually went to the school and at the end of the year my teacher asked if I wanted to come back to the school for the next semester as a teacher’s assistant. I came back to help teach and met so many of the wonderful models that taught there, I took away so much more knowledge than I thought I had to learn. It’s not exactly extraordinary but it was definitely an experience that I won’t ever forget.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
This industry is fast, hard and cut throat. And it clearly is not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it needs to project such a ludicrous idea of what we need to be to be beautiful. Girls as young as 8 have eating disorders, that is absurd and needs to be stopped. I would love to see flexibility on the idealistics of the industry.
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 a cheerleader up until this last year so naturally I had to find other ways to stay in shape. I have always been highly drawn to fitness and once I started practicing my own exercise routines I knew I wanted to go to school for it so I can help people with their fitness journeys. I typically workout 5 days a week, I incorporate cardio, strength training and weight lifting in a routine throughout the week. As for nutrition, my mother has always been a health nut so I have always eaten healthy, but recently I discovered the Raw Till 4 vegan lifestyle and have been dying to start it. With the choice of being in this industry, you have to realize the sacrifices you’re going to have to make, eating whatever you want whenever you want it has definitely been one of them.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I’m a total nerd, I love all the fantasy novels and movies, I can get enough of it. Not to mention all the comic con type TV shows. Once I get into a TV series, I’m pretty die hard. My bathroom is even Dexter themed!
Would you change anything about yourself?
I wouldn’t change anything about my physical appearance because God doesn’t make mistakes. However our characteristics are acquired and learned, and one of mine that I hate, is my ability to procrastinate everything. It’s really a curse and I aim to kick the habit ASAP.
Have you ever been in a brawl? Please elaborate.
I went to visit a couple friends at Sonoma State, when I arrived naturally at a college party everyone was pretty incoherent. My best friend’s ex boyfriend happened to be at this party, well a few drinks later he was talking some pretty high game. Annoyed with the situation he was creating I told him that I would fight him. Immediately regretting my decision it was too late. He grabbed my legs and threw me to the ground, after a few punches to his head he finally let me up. After I was on my feet I was incredibly pissed off, so I did what any girl would do and cheap shotted him twice in the jaw. May I add the whole party made a circle around us, in the beginning they didn’t realize that I actually wanted to fight, but by the end they were pretty silent.