Blog Archives

Apr 26 2016

Interview with Maggie Dickey — Actress, Model, Artist, Dancer, Singer

Maggie Dickey is a 21-year old model residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Maggie Dickey and I am a Dyslexic Artist born in Bellflower, California. I have been doing the arts since I was very young and have been pursing it ever since, while going to school and will eventually go to the University of Minnesota to get my BA in theatre. I have a passion for anything and everything artistic, love to make others laugh, and would love to become a comedian one day as well.

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

I was a sophomore in high school and I was just super determined to start modeling so I started using Model Mayhem, while being very careful, and still. My parents help me gain the confidence to succeed in this industry because of how much they respected and supported my dream. If it wasn’t for them I would not be where I am today.

Maggie Dickey modeling a red dressWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

To be honest I don’t want to imagine my life in 5 to 10 years because honestly I’m living in the moment, and personally hate being on my phone in front of people, as I think it’s so rude. But anyways my personal goals would be to be happy and have at least two Dalmatians, as they are my absolute favorite since I was a kid, and 101 Dalmatians is my life. I would love to get as far as I can in this industry, love making and creating things with other creative people, and hope to work with Lady Gaga one day.

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

Whenever I can, but it honestly depends on the job I get, and I love just doing photo shoots for free because I want to see how I age and do a big video of all my pictures at the end of my life. I honestly just love making art, and definitely am not a runway girl… I’m way too short and it’s just not my thing, I am definitely an actress.

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

My modeling experiences have been great, as I’ve just met so many wonderful and talented people. I love working with others like I said before, and feed off of other people’s creativity, while modeling clothing and being able to keep it afterwards is like my absolute favorite thing. Bad experiences would be just men making awkward comments while taking my pictures… Need I say more?

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

You mean my entire career right? That’s what being a talent is.

Maggie Dickey face closeupIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Definitely the height for runway models and the weight. I just wish everything was more natural and set a better example for younger women, as I still feel the pressures of the industry and my weight. I still get self conscious about my body and I do this stuff for pleasure.

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

Exercise definitely makes me feel good about myself and I can eat what I want the more I exercise so I like working out.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a Lady Gaga fanatic, she is my inspiration and I love her dearly, but I feel like everyone knows that because I make it so obvious. I am dyslexic and have struggled in school my whole life, the school systems made me feel like an outsider and that I would never be as smart as the other kids. I felt like I would never amount to anything; I was also sexually abused when I was young and it affects me to this day. I believe in justice, freedom and Woman’s rights.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Why? I was born this way! No one should feel they need to change anything about themselves!

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

I would definitely love to be able to fly… Just so I could get to auditions fast and get to see people I haven’t seen in a while quickly, I want to travel without having to pay, I would love to be able to go to different projects in different countries in one day!

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Apr 16 2016

Interview with Savannah Bice — Fitness, finance, and full-time model

Savannah Bice is a 19-year old model residing in Saint Louis, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in a small town in Missouri, since then I have moved to the Saint Louis area where I have pursued several different ventures, and after finding out that the basis for any success was my networking connections, I started applying it to my modeling and acting career. Although I have a high interest in finance and fitness, I found myself day dreaming about the world of modeling and acting. Now I do my best to combine my businesses, modeling, acting, and traveling.

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

I started out auditioning for a modeling and acting agency when I was 15, after a while I started networking outside of my agency to land photo shoots. I grew up with a desire to be in magazines and movies. I look at modeling and acting as my artistic and expressive side and I like to explore them through my work.

Savannah Bice lying on a treeWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals are to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have the flexibility to travel very often. I plan to finish up my undergraduate degree in finance and I plan to graduate with my MBA by next year (2017). I take education very seriously and it has been very compatible with my other interests; I want to own my own business within the next five years and further my career as a model. I also take my health very seriously so that I can stay in shape for modeling and acting. In the next ten years, I will have a steady modeling career, and plan on modeling for fitness, gown, and swimsuit companies.

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

On average, I have at least five shoots a month, and I model primarily fitness, glamour, fashion, and swimsuits. I have recently decided to start acting in web series to see if I have a connection to it, while also participating in pageants to get experience on stage and expose myself to new environments.

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

The best experiences I have had are modeling for a dress boutique. I love modeling beautiful wedding and prom gowns and that experience allowed me to do so, while I also competed at the Miss Missouri USA pageant and that was an amazing experience to meet other models in the industry and learn new things about modeling. My worst experiences have been, on a few occasions, photographers not acting in a professional manner. I take my job seriously and I do not like it when people try to undermine me or act unprofessional. It has only happened to me a few times, but I do my best to spot it early before working with a person.

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

During one of my first auditions at my agency when I was 15, I went in to read a cold script for a potential commercial contract. I ended up completely forgetting the whole script and running out of the room without a second thought. Ever since then I have had to work up the courage to start acting again.

Savannah Bice at the beachIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

The industry is tough and only a few people can actually make a living out of it, but if the industry wasn’t hard, then almost anyone would try to be a model or actress. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication in this industry and I wouldn’t change that. I have worked in other industries and there is negativity in every different kind of business.

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

I have been a competitive cheerleader and now I run cross country. In order to run for hours I have to maintain a very balanced diet so that I can exercise vigorously. Along with a strong running routine, I have to incorporate a lot of strength training so that I can also tone up. I like to eat a lot, but in order to keep my figure I eat a lot of proteins and veggies, while I’m also a big fan of keeping healthy by taking vitamins and staying active altogether. I care about my health because of my modeling, but also because I know it is important to any balanced lifestyle.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a huge book nerd, and I read 2 to 3 books every month. I believe I learned most of what I know through the books that I read. I am a big fan of literature by J.R.R. Tolkien, and the best movies that I see today are based on books and that is what sparks my interest in acting. After reading a book I can understand and relate to the characters in the book and I believe that is a major key in acting. Some of my other favorites include James Dashner’s The Maze Runner and The Eye of Minds series and Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies Series.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I could list a million and one things about my physical appearance or life in general that I would wish to change. But seeing as though I cannot change them, I like to work with what I have got.

If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?

If I had 24 hours left to live I would buy a plane ticket and take my family to New Zealand. If there is one place I want to visit before I die it would be New Zealand. The natural beauty of the country is enough to make anyone fall in love with it, but it is also where the Lord of the Rings were filmed. I would take all my saved up money and take a helicopter around the whole country since that would be the fastest way to see everything.

Visit Savannah Bice’s website for more photos and information

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Feb 29 2016

Interview with Julia Fae — Emotive model, full-time actress

Julia Fae is a 25-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Hawaii the youngest with a few older brothers. I have a quite complicated birth story, you’ll have to pick it up through my poetry and prose on various blogs littered across the inter webs, or wait for a book, there will certainly be one eventually! I now travel around the west coast, mostly acting and gathering life experiences, going with the flow and what have you. Recently I was also back in Hawaii for a time, acting, tutoring, and producing film bits.

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

Regarding photographic modeling… I started modeling for small things at a very young age. My father would never let me consider it in any serious capacity, as he worked in marketing and did not like the way models were seen or treated within the commercial industry. He was, however, an artist, so when I turned 18 and was “discovered,” he supported my delving into artistic portraiture and the like. I was studying Art History at the time and so I wove a lot of symbolism and references to contemporary art and classical art into my posing and expression. The outlet and doorways modeling provided for me at the time was, indubitably, a blessing.

Julia Fae topless wearing a blue hatWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals always involve constant growth and acceptance, living genuinely, with a balance of nature and grace. Professionally I wholly intend to continue acting for the rest of my life. To land roles that push me to my best me and teach me the stillness of my deepest waters; modeling is and always will be the start of this wave I’m riding, but the kinetic energy has definitely shifted to moving pictures.

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

These days I only do several shoots a year. I have been regularly booking films for a time now so, acting keeps me quite occupied. I still adore creature character work with modeling, and that means very extreme costuming and makeup. Think gremlins and aliens, bugs and ghouls; fashion can be grueling work but totally kick-ass with the right team. Raw portraiture will always be a foundation, as will anything art-based. Meaning, having a particular direction, goal, focus, story-to-tell.

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

The best experiences come from when you find someone who can be wholly honest with in front of camera. Who respects you so much that when you break your heart open for them, you will be sure to get every piece back once you put yourself back together. The worst come from those you take a piece for themselves. The selfish fuckers who want too much to be a part of what you are without them.

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

Oh goodness, what wouldn’t I. Any industry is by definition, “the aggregate of manufacturing.” For modeling to be a more true representation of what it to experience this life, collectively and individually, which I think is at its core its purpose, it would need to not be so systematic, so manufactured, made up my consistency, rules, roles, regularities. Once the industry is so organic and fluid that it is a child of the unexpected, then we are getting somewhere.

Julia Fae topless side viewDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I am constantly moving, and during a single conversation with me I will have probably burned 80 calories. Always dancing, stretching, jumping, climbing, playing; I do try to put extra time away for runs and hikes, stretching, jumping jacks, planks, crunches. It is so, so important to me to stay healthy and fit and limber and to feel my best; I am obsessive with how healthy I eat, mostly vegetables, as local and organic as I can get, lots and lots of water. An amazing quote by Jennifer Davey perfectly sums up why, “The body is the obvious and central element to why we are here. Yet the western mind has been separated from the body. This separation allows for violence towards others and toward the land. It allows for violence against ourselves. It disassociates our inner knowledge and sophisticated inner response system of authorities outside of ourselves. But our body is the center of our mandala of being. It is the vehicle that allows us to experience life and attend to our emotional, physical, and spiritual development. Being in tune with the body is at the heart of becoming whole.”

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have been wearing two toe rings that I cannot take off for several years now. I love them. But, they do make many a shoe quite uncomfortable.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Of course, and they vary, but best not to speak of them. Words are things, and today all I want my words to be is that I love myself and I am beautiful.

Are you currently in a relationship? How would you describe your partner?

I am. I would describe him as a goddess in his own right, as a very talented human, as strong, as sensitive, as adventurous and spontaneous, full of wonder and hope. Dreams drip from his tongue; he is too good to be true and challenges me every day to believe in everything I ever wanted.

Visit Julia Fae’s website for more photos and information

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Feb 22 2016

Interview with Olivia Black — Be Nice, Work Hard, Stay Humble

Olivia Black is an 18-year old model residing in Lansing, Michigan.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Olivia, some call me liv, or olive, or livy, I’ve never really had a consistent nickname and honestly I’ve never really cared what people call me; I feel like I’m so much more than just a name. I was born in Lansing, Michigan, lived there until about age 12, then relocated to Champaign, Illinois. Those years were some of the hardest of my life; not only the fact that I was a rebellious teenage girl filled with hormones and angst, I was in a devastating car accident where I injured my spine as well as my brain.

They later referred to my type of injury as a closed head injury or a TBI. I had to relearn everything; I lost my memory and it felt like I had also lost my mind. I spent those rough 6 years in Champaign, then moved back home when I started college at Michigan State University. Originally I was in the premedical college of Lyman Briggs studying neuroscience, I was riding on the GPA and classes I took in high school before my brain injury. And my freshman year was hard, and I mean hard, not even just academically, it was hard emotionally and physically and mentally, and as the year passed I got worse and worse.

Olivia Black modeling a jean topEventually I started to question why I was even studying what I was, and I had the guts to drop out of Lyman Briggs and declare a double major of psychology and special education. Well, turns out that was my first and only year in college, since I was hospitalized for a few weeks and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that is unknown but is most similar to both MS and Lupus and was told that since autoimmune diseases are triggered by environment, it was very likely that my brain injury triggered the onset of this chronic disease. I learned quickly that I was never going to get back to the old me, and I would always be sick. Sometimes I’d be less sick than others, but it would never go away. This is when I pretty much dropped everything and began taking my modeling and acting career seriously. I realized life is way too short, especially my life, to be doing things that don’t fulfill you entirely.

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

I began with dance at the age of 2, and the stage just seemed like the perfect place for me; when I was younger it’s where I went to feel at home. As time progressed I just craved more, began commercial modeling and did a bit of singing when I was about 10. When I moved to Illinois, in high school I had the amazing opportunity to meet people who made me look at the world differently.

The most inspirational person I met during that time was young Hannah Gottlieb-Graham. Hannah was one of the few people who showed me the world of film and my interest for both modeling and photography was lit. I began collecting old film cameras and taking picture of others: I’m still not sure if I like being behind the lens or in front of it more. Once back in Michigan, my career really took off, I’ve worked with so many creative individuals and have learned so much about the world in such a short period of time and I wouldn’t give that up for the world.

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

In ten years, I don’t really have an image of what I’ll be doing, where I’ll be living, what I’ll be wearing; because none of that really matters to me. In ten years, I want to be making a difference, I want to wake up every morning and appreciate life and live for the people I am impacting. I want to be sharing my stories and wisdom with others who may need it: wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, I want to be happy and humble.

Olivia Black standing in the middle of a roadHow often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I’ve had a shoot booked just about every weekend, and I travel to most so it’s a weekend event, but a regular day on set is anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of shooting. More like 4 if it’s in studio and 8 if it’s on location because typically you have to walk to bizarre locations for some awesome shots. Most of my shoots have been acting, fashion, street, portrait and beauty but I am trying to turn completely towards lifestyle, creative, and high fashion.

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

Oh geez, okay well I’ve only had one really bad experience: I was victim to a check fraud scam by a team of scammers who may I say, are excellent at their job. I have been in this industry for a while now and I have done everything I could to not be an easy target. But I have also always been pretty naive and assumed that everyone in the world is the same kind of person that I am. Somehow this team managed to scam $3,000 within a matter of 5 days. This industry is just so tricky and you have to always be cautious, always. It’s so so easy to be taken advantage of.

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

I would honestly say that I’m always kind of out there and awkward; so every shoot I’ve done is crazy and fun and I’m constantly doing stuff to embarrass myself. It was hard for me at first, but over time I have learned to just embrace it because it’s part of my personality and that’s why people are drawn to me.

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

I would change the stereotype that the modeling industry has. In current pop culture, beauty standards are wearing loads of makeup with perfectly winged eyeliner, long lashes, smokey eyes, deep contouring, extremely defined eyebrows and having a body that is nearly physically impossible. I feel that people often get what is popular in pop culture confused with the modeling world. Instagram models are way way different than commercial or fashion models, and I wish people would see the reality of “beauty” in the modeling industry. You are beautifully unique in your own way and you shouldn’t have to do anything to yourself because you are the reason you’re so beautiful, not all the makeup.

Raw and real faces are what’s beautiful in the modeling industry, maybe you see it as you have a larger nose, or not perfectly straight teeth, or a “fivehead” like supermodel Tyra Banks, but the modeling world is all about embracing those unique features and honing in that individuality because that’s what makes you unique. Loving yourself is what makes you beautiful from the inside, out.

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

I teach dance to keep active, which is hard because I’m constantly hurting but honestly, exercise makes me feel so much better. So I do as much yoga as I can and try to squeeze in a workout maybe once a week, if I’m feeling up for it. I’m on a vegan, soy free, gluten free, all organic diet because of all of my health complications, so all I can pretty much eat is fruit and non-starchy veggies. It was hard at first but now that I’ve gotten used to it I don’t think I’d rather eat any other way, since good nutrition has definitely been a life changer for me. I never realized that what you put into your body has a huge impact on the way your body functions.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a huge nerd, and books are a huge part of my life; for fun, I read textbooks on neurology, criminal psychology, abnormal psychology, and others. I am a huge fan of non-fiction and transcendentalist writing, and have always really been a tree hugging hippie at heart. I also have a huge love for Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. The typical Friday night when I’m off work is going to the book store, getting a latte, and spending hours and hours paging through hundreds of books that I will read there and never buy.

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change one thing about myself I would change my outlook on life, because I am proud I have accepted the fact that these terrible things have happened to me but I’m constantly a peaceful depressive. I have accepted death way before it has come and lost all attachment to the things I used to love more than life itself. I wish I was able to look beyond myself and have an entirely positive outlook on life. Hopefully someday I will be able to adopt this perspective but only time will tell.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I had a super power, it would have to be teleporting. If I could just instantly be anywhere in the entire world in the snap of my fingers, I would have the entire world to explore, since I would go to every mountain, every sea, every lake, every tree… I’d see the world for everything it has to offer. I think travel is so so important, we are so tiny in the grand scheme of things and I think you have to step back to take a look at the bigger picture to really understand that.

Visit Olivia Black’s website for more photos and information

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Aug 18 2015

Interview with Kim Stephenson — Mom, supervisor, and part-time model

Kim Stephenson is a 24-year old model residing in Moline, Illinois.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Portales, New Mexico in 1990. I have lived all across the United States and have finally settled in the Quad Cities, Illinois.

I am a Module Leader, or production supervisor, at John Deere Harvester Works, which takes up a great deal of my time. I am also a full time single mother to an almost 3-year old named Keegan. He is absolutely wonderful and the most important thing in my life.

I also have a boyfriend, Rodney, who is an amazing father figure to my son. My son loves him every bit as much as me and for good reason.

In my spare time, I love to crochet, ride 4 wheelers, garden, camp -specifically old fashioned tent camping, sleeping on the ground-, and do landscaping on my house. I’d consider myself more of a tomboy with a girlish exterior and I wouldn’t have it any other way, I prefer the small town living where families are close and know all of their neighbors.

Kim Stephenson modeling a dotted dressWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I started modeling in 2010. I had always been interested in the modeling industry, but as someone who lives in a small town with not much exposure, I never knew how to get involved.

One day, a photographer that had worked with a friend of mine sent me a message on social media and loved my simple, yet intriguing, look; he wanted to have a shoot with me to add to his portfolio. I shot with him one time and got some fantastic shots, despite being very nervous with it being my first time. I then began networking online and that is when I was able to branch out, rather quickly: I got much more comfortable in shoots with more practice and developed a wide range of photos for my portfolio.

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

First and foremost, I would like to be the best mother possible for my son. He is the biggest blessing I could ever imagine and I want to give him the same happy, fun-filled life that he gives me every day.

I am very proud of where I have come in my full-time job. I am, to my knowledge, the youngest person to become a production supervisor where I work. It is definitely not an easy job and requires a great deal of overtime. However, despite my accomplishment there, I secretly wish I could get more exposure and support my family with a modeling career. I thoroughly enjoy modeling and wish I had the ability to do it more often.

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

I used to model very often, but it has become a little more difficult with my work schedule. I have primarily done photo-shoots, although I have done some catwalks and acting. Most of what I have done is commercial modeling, but I have also done fashion, art with a lot of shadow play, and promotional.

Kim Stephenson modeling a white miniskirtPlease tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

Thankfully, I haven’t had too many bad modeling experiences so I can’t necessarily name a “worst” experience. My best modeling experiences were definitely live performances I did for promotional reasons. I was hired to model for GoDaddy.com where myself and three other models dressed up as show girls and took photos with the guests at their Christmas party and got to walk around socializing with everyone. We then walked the president of the company out on a throne and introduced him to the crowd before he performed a speech for the employees. That event was featured in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Another great experience I had was modeling at a New Year’s party in Bettendorf, Iowa, where three other girls and myself dressed up as “disco ninjas” and interacted with the guests at the party. We could not speak, but we were required to move in cat-like movements and the costumes covered everything except our eyes. We were able to let loose and just enjoy ourselves dancing with the guests and rang in the new year with everyone there. It was a blast.

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

One experience I remember was a photo-shoot in St. Louis where a group of us stopped traffic in The Loop doing a catwalk on the side walk. The drivers all stopped traffic and let us use the middle of the road to showcase a new designer’s clothing; I never expected to be walking down the middle of a busy road in St. Louis, stopping traffic.

Kim Stephenson face closeup on a streetIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I wish the industry was more accepting to the small town “girl next door”, since it is so much more difficult to become as successful as a glamour or fashion model than someone of average height who doesn’t exude the high fashion look with every step. I create just as many great images as someone five inches taller and have just as much, if not considerably more, fun in the process.

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

I am a big runner, I always have been and always will be; I love to take long runs listening to music and just escape reality, and I do eat healthy during the day, however I do have a tendency to cook southern comfort meals for dinner which are a little less healthy.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Most people, unless they interact with me on a daily basis, do not know that I am extremely obsessive compulsive. I am a perfectionist, but I also have odd habits that I have never been able to break: I cannot fall asleep at night if the clock on my night stand is not on a multiple of five when I close my eyes, my brain won’t allow it. I also cannot have the radio volume in my car on an odd number, it has to be even.

Would you change anything about yourself?

My calf muscles, because they have always been larger than what I would consider average because of my running background and also my experience in high school participating in marching band. I think they’re the first muscle to start getting larger with physical exercise for me and I have always been self conscious of them.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

Most people find it weird, but I am extremely afraid of nutcrackers, the standing ones you see in stores around Christmas; I cannot walk down an aisle in a store if it has nutcrackers in it. My parents were unaware of this fear and bought a 3ft tall one to set out at Christmas time and my sister terrorized me almost daily once she found out until my parents finally got rid of it.

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