Blog Archives

Sep 30 2014

Interview with Cynthia Aileen — A Dancefloor Enabler

Cynthia Aileen is a 24-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, how do you do!

Let me start off by saying I was born a male. Just kidding. Now that I have your attention…

I was born in the up-and-coming city of Oakland and have lived all around the Bay Area -The Yay to be politically correct-. Please don’t be the ignorant type that automatically cringes with you hear the word “Oakland.” It’s a bustling place with a true urban feel and all types of vivacious characters. Oh, and with a Whole Foods!

Mamasan and Papasan are divorced, but ironically working symbiotically together in the same workplace. My dad is actually half Chinese and my mother is Scottish. My mom is currently at Burning Man without moi. My sis just had a baby boy named Brady who is actually not so disturbing looking, and my brother owns his own bar… and no I don’t get a plethora of free drinks.

Furthermore, I have a grown up job in the Financial District of San Francisco by day, and DJ at night, and model or act somewhere in between. Kinda that jack of all trades type, ya dig?

I love DJing, manipulating music, and witnessing the enjoyment from people when they hear a good beat. It gives me chills. I’ll dance anywhere, without music, on the spot. Dare me?

I see as many concerts and shows as my wallet allows me, I have 3 tattoos with more in the works, I love sour candy, and I have a German Shepherd who is the love of my life, along with my boyfriend, yes babe. I love vintage anything and play zombie video games quite often. Essential oils are the bees knees.

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

I really wanted to eat cotton balls for the rest of my life.

No, just kidding again. I stumbled upon Model Mayhem when I was about 22. On the docket was always that want for a chance to model or act for fun. So I signed up and starting getting some hits right away, I don’t know how. I remember my first photographer. He was Vietnamese, hilarious, and made me feel super comfortable. I didn’t tell him it was my first time. Nonetheless, he couldn’t tell. He fed me chips. Spicy ones. Score.

Then, a friend, and still one, Dominic was casting for a short film. He found me on Model Mayhem, chose me without meeting me, interviewing me, knowing me whatsoever and said you need to be my leading actress in this film. The character was a bad ass Ryan Gosling in Drive and Rooney Mara in Girl with the Dragon Tattoo type. I was on board. I was amazed he could read me from my profile like that. He gave me the script, we filmed in a week, got to slap my co-star, and it ended up playing in the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. From then on I have been on the website SF Casting for Commercials, Print, Film and TV. Among popular names, I just recently filmed Wives with Knives on Discovery ID, and Murder in the First on TNT.

There is something about the kinetic motion of acting that has a fulfillment for me modeling doesn’t necessarily not have, but feels like a total different animal.

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

I am a constantly on the road towards spiritual nirvana. I lost my best friend 2 years ago in a school shooting at 24 years old, and actually saw my own life flash before my eyes, believe it or not. So, really, all I want is to be able to live life in the most poetic manner for you, Grace.

If I impress someone with my work, great. But all that matters at the end of the day is how you feel about yourself because no one will love you if you don’t love you. I do what I do because it feels good. I make way for any type of adventure and run far with it. When I have the chance to partake in something whether it be DJ’ing, modeling, acting, or dancing in the street, I put my absolute all into it. Then see where it goes. With that being said, I have no idea what my goals are. Haha! Actually, to live in another country for a year or more has been something that has been on my mind. Sorry, am I just ranting?

Rather than having the end result in mind, I’d rather have the journey and the process to be thoroughly excited about. I think many people forget that. In 5 to 10 years I could be on the streets, or in my own private jet. Who the hell knows.

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

I don’t model as much anymore, but if an intriguing project comes along that sparks my quirky and edgy nature, I do it. I am pretty picky. I mostly do auditions and filming now. I audition for things a couple times a week and film maybe once every 2 weeks. As I said before, I DJ and have a full time job so I don’t know how I am still alive. What is sleep?

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

Best experience – Meeting James Franco. I was actually on break for a modeling gig and went to a quick dinner in Palo Alto and ended up sitting next to James Franco. So for some reason, I associate the two together. hehe.

Worst experience – Not running away with James Franco; I repeat, I left the restaurant without James Franco.

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

I was doing this intimate scene in a short film, not sexually intimate, just really mentally demanding, and… farted. It wasn’t the audible type of fart, but the smelly one. I had to watch the face of my co-star twinge a little. hahaha. I am lol’ing just writing it.

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

I want girls to give the address, name, and phone number of wherever they are going so if something goes horribly wrong, their boyfriend can fuck up that mother fucking twat.

The industry will never change their expectations of girls and “what is pretty” so I won’t even ask for that…it’s a vicious cycle unfortunately. I just hope girls have the confidence and right mental capacity to deal with it and feel good about themselves no matter what, or be able to tell them to fuck off.

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

Hahaha! No one ever talks about those things to me because they know I don’t do either. I did band in high school and was raised a vegetarian. Which means no sports and a boring, yet nutritional diet. I make sure I eat healthy and make up for my lack of protein but that’s about it.

I take my dog to the dog park to make sure she gets some exercise and I live vicariously through her. I snack a lot and have an unyielding sweet tooth. My favorite food is vegetable chow mein with fried tofu. Yes.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

A nap can not be any less than 3 hours for me. I also suck at calculating percentages on the spot.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Negative. Love yourself ladies. Growing up the only thing I hated about myself was my skin color, which is on the pale side. In elementary school I was called Casper. haha. I used to sit in my backyard and try to get at least a wee bit of colour but I would only burn.

Now, I have come to embrace it. I feel extremely lucky I have no insecurities about my looks because that can be utterly poisonous. It’s a truly rewarding and freeing feeling. Please try it.

What is your favorite thing to do alone?

Need I explain? wink wink.

Watch youtube videos of Beyonce and mimic her every move, right? yeah, duh.

Visit Cynthia Aileen’s website for more photos and information

Sep 22 2014

Interview with Kendra Blum — Model and Actor Inspired

Kendra Blum is a 22-year old model residing in Grass Valley, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Kendra Blum, twenty two years young and living a life full of passion. Born in the valley of the Sierra Nevada mountains, I spend my time creating art, enjoying all aspects of photography, and letting music take the lead. I consider myself a connoisseur of travel. I have been to sixteen countries thus far in life, with plans of future travel always working in my head. I try to live my life by finding light in the dark, and beauty in the chaos.

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

I began modeling around 3 years ago, diving into a more professional career in the past year and a half. I enjoy working with a diverse group of photographers, expanding my profile by collaborating different ideas.

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

My personal and professional goals are to inspire others to find elegance in life. I believe every person is unique and interesting in their own ways. Through my modeling platform, and my intense interest in Psychology, I hope to go into motivational speaking. With this, I want to travel the globe opening the eyes of the youth to the allure around them, and most importantly, within them.

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

I collaborate with photographers on a daily basis. Whether it’s just discussing ideas for future shoots or making connections with others in the industry, I try to progress every day. Lately, I have been more into planning themed shoots. Specializing in specific interests of the different photographers. I would love to get more into acting, whether it be movies or plays.

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

I think the hardest part of modeling is staying active in the community and making sure evolution of myself is prevalent to my work. But with this, my favorite thing about modeling is seeing people’s creative juices flow. It’s an amazing experience seeing a group of people come together and turn all their different ideas into a beautiful completed piece of art. It’s a very rewarding experience seeing everyone’s influence in a final product.

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

One of my favorite accomplishments is being recognized by a photographer in Central America and being personally asked to come collaborate with him. It was a really extraordinary experience being able to work with someone from a completely different culture. Applying Central American fashion and taste to my American flavor was a really cool combination.

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

I’d love to see the industry focus more on abstract, diverse types of models. Rather than the typical high fashion model, I think diving into more grotesque, in the best possible way, concepts could really expand the horizons for people’s definition of “beautiful.”

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

Yoga, yoga, yoga, meditation, meditation, meditation. I believe having a healthy heart, as well as a healthy mind are both important to success. I avoid fast food, and try to maintain a balanced diet. I have to admit, I eat chicken basically everyday. It is high in protein and a very good lean meat with a lot of health benefits. Plus, anything green. Juicing! Organic fruits and vegetables turned into juice every day can be very beneficial to health and well-being.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

An alternate career I would be absolutely one-hundred-percent happy with is a criminal profiler. The human mind is one of the most fascinating things to me – how it ticks, why it ticks, what makes it tick. I’d love to explore the mind of a serial killer and look for patterns of behavior that led them to commit their crimes.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I love the person I am and the body I was provided, but I wish I was better about getting up and going on a run! I think cardio is so important and I wish I did it more.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I’m a sucker for anything soft! I have a strange habit of walking around touching everything I see. Fabric, trees, skin… soft things are extra comforting to me. Wrap me up in a silk blanket, lay me horizontally and I’m in dreamer heaven!

Visit Kendra Blum’s website for more photos and information

Sep 21 2014

Interview with Kyrstannie Day — Petite Model and Actress

Kyrstannie Day is a 20-year old model residing in Dublin, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Originally raised in Sacramento, I am a 20 year old model and actress living in the San Francisco area in sunny California. I have 6 brothers and was raised without my mom, who was a drug addict. My mom was not a part of my life and I’m happy to say I never amounted to a statistic. I’m just the daughter of a drug addict, not a by-product.

Most of my time is spent networking or on set. And if I’m not there you’ll find me working at a motorcycle shop part time! When I do have free time, it’s spent with close family and friends or writing script for films I hope to direct at some point in the future.

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

Modeling began for me right after graduating high school. I had a friend who was into photography down in LA and was up in northern California for a bit. So we met up, shot, and I was hooked from there! I saw a challenge that I wanted to take; being a model on the shorter side who wanted to make an impact in this industry. Eventually I branched out to acting and continue to grow and learn in both fields.

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

Personally, I want to be able to impact as many lives as possible in a positive manner. As a high school student with acne and braces, I never felt as if I fit in or was considered “beautiful”. If I can show others that there is no definition of perfect, then I’ve accomplished something. If at least one person can wake up in the morning feeling better about themselves, more motivated, and content then I’ve done my job.
Professionally, I would love to expand in not just modeling but acting. My passion is in both, but there is something about character roles that I love! In five years, my goal is to be in a successful blockbuster film, or directed one!, and potentially on a comedic TV show that people enjoy watching.

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

I’m on set acting more now than I am modeling. Typically I shoot 3 days out of the week, sometimes the whole week I’m booked on a project. I’m currently in the middle of a TV pilot and a couple feature films as well as some voice over work.

As far as modeling goes, I book about a shoot a week and do more commercial looks, fashion, love doing glamour, and lifestyle.

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

I remember showing up to a shoot one time and finding out I was modeling with the same car from 21 Jump Street. Not a similar looking one, the one. So that was a pretty cool experience and not what I was expecting at all!

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

One thing I would like to see change in this industry is something that is already being acknowledged and will hopefully lead to a more open and accepting world. And that would be the beauty campaigns showing women being themselves, not stressing about “being perfect”.

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

I currently take barre classes, which is a fusion of yoga, pilates, and ballet training, a couple times a week as well as work out on my own lifting weights and running. I’m at the gym 4 to 5 days a week.

As far as nutrition goes, I stay away from high sugar and sodium foods. I never want to promote not eating to stay thin or consuming under the recommended amount of daily calories. It’s all about moderation and eating as natural as possible. I’m big on chicken, rice, lentils, oats and grains, fruits, veggies. All the good stuff!

It’s important to keep in mind that what you put into your body is going to affect it one way or another. Treat your body right and it will do the same for you.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Nothing physical, it’s all about embracing who you are as long as you take care of yourself and are proud of it! Other than that, perhaps being able to be a little more forgiving and able to let go of things that don’t matter.

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

My boyfriend is the absolute opposite of me! We have modeled together before and he is so shy and introverted. He’s a great guy but not too fond of going out and mingling with people like me.

Visit Kyrstannie Day’s website for more photos and information

Sep 01 2014

Interview with Val Vega — Expression by Art

Val Vega is a 19-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Val Vega, I was born and raised in Mayagüez Puerto Rico. I do not consider myself a model, I do model, for the fun of it, for the expression and art. I am an actress. I believe that as humans we have the need to express that which hides inside of us, I do it with the magic of art. My mother, who is a successful painter and graphic designer, brought me to this path of creativity from an early age, and so I thank her dearly for all of my accomplishments.

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

I started modeling at the age of 12, mostly because I was a Tomboy and was not lady-like at all. After that I continued over the years. Today I live in Los Angeles, unfortunately my height is only 5’4″ so I am not able to do modeling as a career. My heart is truly into Acting, modeling shows up randomly in my life.

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

I am slowly but surely creating my own Empire. My goals are to create films that will change the perspective of many people, to create in them feelings, good or bad. To create content of substance and power.

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

I try to do as many photoshoots as a can per month, have to keep your skills on check. I recently premiered one of my short films at the Los Angeles Shorts Festivals and VHS Viral, a film I had a very fun part on, will be in Theaters November 23rd. I have been in multiple commercials the most recent one was for Google.

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

I’ve had good and bad experiences in this industry, but I’m still extremely “Green”, so whatever happens, I just like to keep my glass half full. The more I do, the more I learn, but being positive is the only way to keep sane and attract better work and people

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

I love keeping myself in shape. I workout everyday, from running to lifting weights. Not very coordinated to play sports though.

I love food, so I cook a lot; it’s one of my passions. Food is just amazing, Thank God for Food!! That being said, I eat very healthy and clean.

Finally, what good is life if you can’t live it appreciating your body by treating it the way it should be treated?

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t change anything about myself. I look how I look for a reason. If you don’t like it, then look away.

What is your favorite thing to do alone?

Watch ridiculous amounts of hours of shows on Netflix while eating popcorn.

Visit Val Vega’s website for more photos and information

Aug 17 2014

Interview with Leokadia Hope

Leokadia Hope is a 25-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

As a down to earth, sunshine loving Australian comedian, actress and host. I was born and raised in the small city of Adelaide, Australia by my Polish parents who migrated to Oz in the 80’s. My family is everything to me and I am super close with my parents and younger sister. Over the years, I have been incredibly blessed with plentiful opportunities, fun experiences and beautiful friends. I have traveled, lived and modeled all over the world. Some of my favorite things in life are relaxing in the beach, planning my next vacation, charity work, dancing, singing, handsome latin men and buying cute new shoes.

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

I began modeling at age 18 when my boyfriend at the time suggested I give it a try. I submitted a few pictures to a FHM Magazine’s ‘Girl Next Door Competition’ and soon after, I began collaborating with various photographers around town to build my portfolio. Modeling was something I had always wanted to pursue and I am extremely proud of my modeling achievements over the years. These days however, my focus is now on performing stand up comedy and producing my own sketches.

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

My ultimate goal is to be the executive producer of my own sitcom that I write, direct, star in and hire all my friends and family to work on it. That way, everyday feels like a fun day with all the people I love whilst producing something creative.

I have a lot of smaller goals too, but we’d be here all day listing them all! Most importantly, fulfilling my personal goals and making money is always lovely, but my parents taught me it is always important to give back and help others who aren’t as fortunate with the same opportunities. Therefore, I’d love to start my own charity or charities aimed at helping teenagers and one that empowers women.

In 5 to 10 years, I’d love to have my ultimate goal accomplished, I’d love to own my first house, have my first charity open, traveled to all the countries on my bucketlist and to be in a sturdy financial position to spoil all my loved ones! Life has been kind to me so far so I am excited to see what happens next!

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

I work in the entertainment industry full time and every day is different because this industry can be very last minute, so each day is a surprise. I am also very open minded to opportunities, so one day I may be dancing with a band on set of a music video, the next day I am on a runway modeling wedding dresses and then that evening I am on stage delivering dirty jokes at a comedy club, I don’t always know and I love that spontaneity. I am happy as long as I am working and being creative in whichever way possible. When it comes to modeling, my specialties are editorial, beauty, glamour and commercial.

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

One of the best modeling experiences I’ve had was my very first fashion catalog shoot 4 years ago. I had just moved to LA, I was very new to the modeling scene and I was booked to model clothes for 2 fashion labels. I had to model 100+ outfits in 4 hours so it was a huge learning experience for me. It was fairly hectic on set with stylists, makeup artists, photographers and other models running around, and as a team we all had to work quickly and efficiently. I brought my sister to set as well, and she ended up booking her own catalog shoot with the team the following weekend. That day I learned so much about posing for catalogs and I had such an enjoyable time on set. Eventually the catalogs were printed and I sent a copy to my mum who is my biggest cheerleader.

Another great modeling experience was working with Clear Haircare as the new spokesmodel for the brand was Heidi Klum. They were conducting a huge launch and press release in the middle of the Grove in LA. It was an exciting set up with photographers and camera crew everywhere, a hairdressing salon where people could have their hair washed and styled with the product and then of course Heidi Klum was on stage promoting the line. She is absolutely beautiful and has always been one of my modeling inspirations so it was wonderful meeting her and working alongside her. She is by far one of the sweetest, down to earth and funniest celebrities I have met so far.

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

So many things just popped into my head. Things always happen to me! I am known to be a little clumsy so that’s when things go wrong, but it provides entertainment for other people and I am a person who can laugh at herself in any situation.

The most recent though, well I won’t go into too much detail, so the readers aren’t too grossed out, but I had a very important test shoot with one of the biggest, well known brands in the world, which unfortunately fell on the same day as my time of month. I had to model lingerie and let’s just say something leaked…..all over the lingerie…. After making a joke about it, I excused myself, cleaned up, changed, got back to set and began posing in front of the camera. The show must always go on!

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

I live a super healthy lifestyle and thankfully LA is very accommodating of all things healthy. I don’t smoke, drink too often and lift weights at the gym 5 days a week. I also love hiking, and LA has some beautiful and intense hiking trails, as well as boxing and running on the beach. As far as eating, I don’t do crazy diets like I used to, I am just conscious of eating unprocessed foods, I love making smoothies, fruit salads and love cooking at home. Occasionally though, I’ll treat myself to ice cream!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I was a little rebellious between the ages of 12 and 14 and when I was 12, I went and got my belly button pierced behind my mum’s back. Back then this was a bigger deal, piercings were only just becoming ‘a thing’ and you were supposed to be 15 to get pierced without an adult present. Needless to say she was not happy when she initially discovered my new body jewelry, but she thinks it’s cute now. For me, my belly ring signifies that rules are meant to be broken and we should always be fearless in life.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I am actually really happy and grateful with the way I am, imperfections and all. I am finally at a stage where I am comfortable, confident and at my happiest so I’ll have to say no to that question.

How do you think you are most likely to die?

I am hoping for something quick, pain free and makes for a cool story, such as getting hit by a bus in a city I love or a heart attack during crazy sex, because I’d like to go out with a bang!

Visit Leokadia Hope’s website for more photos and information

Aug 07 2014

Interview with Gabrielle Salinger

Gabrielle Sanglier is a 23-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born and raised in Boston MA. but I don’t have the accent. . . unless I want to. I love modeling, acting, writing and baking! I actually ran a successful home baking service for a few years called, “I Made It Myself!”
I have one older sister, Natasha, who works as an attorney in Boston. My father is an attorney as well and my mother is the Manager of Editorial Operations at the Massachusetts Medical Society.

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

I began acting when I was very young, maybe five or six years old, doing local theater. My first big role was as a mouse in a professional run of Cinderella!. When I was about fifteen or sixteen I went to get my first set of real headshots and the photographer asked me to come back and do a modeling session for a show he was having. I went back to the studio, had my hair and makeup done and did my first professional shoot! I loved it and have been modeling ever since.

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

I want to keep working and experiencing bigger and bigger projects. I have a movie lined up that shoots in London, Scotland and New York! I’ve always wanted to travel for my work and my absolute goal right now is to get to do a shoot in Tokyo!

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

Modeling and acting jobs come when they come and in this profession, the old saying, “When it rains it pours” is especially true. Sometimes there will be weeks with no action, then all of a sudden you have three auditions, a movie and a photo shoot all scheduled for the same week! For modeling, I’m lucky enough to book mostly edgier, high fashion editorial shoots and art shoots which I think are the most fun! You really get to dress up and play a fantastical character as opposed to commercial shoots, where the goal is to be sweet, cute and accessible. I think editorials give you much more room to play.

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

One of the best shoots I’ve worked on is actually my most recent. I shot with photographer Elizabeth Parker from Couture Portraiture for an editorial spread titled, “Things with Wings”. I portrayed a high fashion bat! Elizabeth works with an extremely talented crew and is a delight to shoot with! One of the worst experiences was actually a fake job, the “photographer” who booked me was actually just a scam artist. He tried to fondle my. . . “bikini area” and then told me I should lose ten pounds. It’s just a reminder that anyone can claim to be a professional, but some shoots are really just bait to try and take advantage of models.

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

I booked a fashion video for a well known clothing retailer, that had me portraying a high-end, conceptual “bird-woman” -which makes me guess I’m often cast as winged creatures haha- I spent two days half-naked craning my neck around and flapping fake wings as a frightened, little sparrow. It was a very professional set and very fun, but the room was ice cold to keep the lights from overheating and half the shoot was me lying on the, very cold, floor. I wasn’t allowed to move for the sake of continuity and couldn’t really speak because of a complicated beak contraption so during breaks they would throw blankets on me while I mumbled out a, “thank you!” I was pretty bruised and broken from all the floor laying and massively uncomfortable at the time, but looking back in retrospect, the mental image is hilarious!

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

There are many things I would change about the modeling industry if I could. For one there would be a lot more regulation for the safety and well being of the models. It’s indisputably a profession with a lot of potential for danger; and even with all the warnings, at the end of the day, it’s hard to be a small framed little girl in a predominantly male-run 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 do light cardio and strength training most days, just simple things I can do in my living room like planks and crunches, or I’ll go hiking with my friends when I can. I’m a pesca-tarian and I don’t eat dairy for the benefit of my skin. I try to eat a diet high in omega-3’s, so lots of avocados, salmon and almonds! I also try to drink the recommended 64 ounces of water per day and I add dehydrated aloe-vera flakes to one glass of water every day. Glowing, healthy skin is very important to me and I’m obsessed with aloe vera or what the ancient Egyptians called, “The plant of immortality.”

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m the grand-niece of Pierre Salinger, the former press secretary to President John F. Kennedy and the the great-granddaughter of Yiddish novelist I.J. Singer, who wrote “Yoshe Kalb” and “The Brothers Ashkenazi”, as well as the great- grandniece of Nobel Prize-winning Yiddish author, Isaac Bashevis Singer.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I go back and forth on this one. . . are there things I would change if I had god-like powers and could make myself more physically perfect? Yes, yes there are. But I don’t have those powers, all I have is me and I like what I’ve done with myself so far. When all’s said and done, having flaws drive you to work harder and achieve more. It’s normal to have things you wish you could change about yourself, but it’s healthier, and in the long run more productive, to focus on and emphasize the good, so that’s what I try to do.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I had one super power, I’d love to have the ability to fly. Very few people believe me, but when I was little I actually did fly once. I was outside in our driveway, we had just come back for the grocery store and my mom was bringing groceries inside, so I was alone. I had a powerful instinct come over me to just lay down on the grass and as soon as I did, my body lifted straight up off the ground and I hovered in the air, horizontal to the ground, and glided just above the tips of the blades of the grass. There is no doubt in my mind that this actually happened. When I went inside to tell my mom that I’d flown, she looked at me completely shocked and then told me how the exact same thing had happened to her when she was a little girl alone in her kitchen. I still remember the sensation, it was the most wonderful peaceful feeling I’ve ever had and I’d give anything to be able to do that again whenever I wanted!

Visit Gabrielle Salinger’s website for more photos and information

Aug 01 2014

Interview with Mariela I’V

Mariela I’V is a 24-year old model residing in Beverly Hills, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a actress and model that was born in Rexburg, Idaho but literally just born there and then lived in Bolivia. I have one older brother whose name is Franz, one older sister named Michelle, and my little sister Raquel. I love them all! I have beautiful nieces and nephews now too. Regarding my hobbies when I’m not working, I love to hang out with friends at events, movie screenings, pool or beach, travel, sports and I also have an artistry side of painting.

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

I have been modeling since I was 14, my first runway show was in California when I was 14 for one of the top hair artists of South America. My mother put me in this show, she kept me and my older sister active in pageants, modeling, and carnival dances.

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

My personal and professional goals are to continue in my acting and modeling career. In acting I focus in film, so ideally would like to be in mainstream films. I have began to produce and write my own projects, which I have completed my first short film that I acted as a lead, directed and wrote “Tea Time”. Will be screening this year in fall. I have had a pre launch party for my film already but not screened yet. As for my modeling career I’m looking to continue in landing big projects in the print, commercial, billboards and campaign world. I have had a successful career in Los Angeles with modeling but looking to expand in New York and Europe. Acting and modeling go hand and hand so it is benefical for both ways. I would also like to have a fashion line and ice cream shop in the future.

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

I model constantly being in photo shoots, fit shoots, catalog shoots, runway, art modeling, campaigns, face for specific fashion brands. It never ends and being a actress as well is limitless.

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

I have had many great experiences, modeling for American Apparel for a limited t-shirt line that is still out. Also many runway shows which I love. Some of the worst have been a few not many. One for example is when there is no sense of style and different concepts are thrown together and look horrible at the end I don’t like these type of projects. This has been the issue in a few. Make me look good I make you good too then, win win situations, and reputations to keep.

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

As for embarrassing is only as mentioned before when different concepts that don’t match as for hair and makeup and fashion and then looks like a hot mess. That has only happened a couple of times. But otherwise I’m pretty on point on what’s going on and what I am doing. No one knows yourself better than yourself as for your face & body of what works and doesn’t work. But it’s always good to be open minded to learn from other artists and muses.

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

I would say on sizes and age. I look at it this way as for age, if they still look good then still work it. If male models can model until 50 and on then so should a women be able too. I have some friends that just model and they are tough on them of age, because I am an actress as well this helped for me, a lot of actors and musicians are the face for many campaigns such as J.Lo and Madonna and they are in their40’s and beyond so models should be able too. As for sizes, cultures are different in certain countries as for me being a size 6 and curvy people have loved my look, such as Latin countries, Middle Eastern countries, Indian culture, African cultures as where in some other countries i could be considered bigger for modeling. I have some beautiful curvy plus size models and in person they are stunning and knock out the others as looking as sexy women. For me its not plus size but they consider this in America. I have beautiful 0-2 models as well but variation is good and healthy for America to view.

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

Sports I play are tennis, yoga for meditation and stretching and occasional swimming. All of these sports are meditative for me, relaxing but still get a descent workout of them
I am vegetarian I also do not drink and do not do drugs. I live an organic holistic lifestyle. I love all foods from various countries, they all have yummy food for vegetarians too. I do eat yogurt or kefir daily for probiotics. Other wise people find me at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sprouts or Bristol farms getting goodies, buying organic foods and snacks.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Hmm my problem is that I am open being in the entertainment business, sometimes you don’t have privacy.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I am happy with the way I am, thanks to god and my parents!.

What is your favorite thing to do alone?

Meditate or arts.

Visit Mariela I’V’s website for more photos and information

Jul 26 2014

Interview with Rachel Mullins

Rachel Mullins is a 25-year old model turned actress residing in Los Angeles, California. Born in Detroit, Rachel started modeling at the age of 12. She was skipping 8th grade math class to walk in fashion shows for top fashion house MAXMARA and launch her international modeling career. While modeling in Tokyo, Milan, Paris, London & Rome she was mistaken for being of eastern European descent. Rachel has been published in Glitter (Jp), FG magazines and was recently featured on Vogue.it. Rachel made the natural decision to expand to acting. This type of career expansion has become a trend for some of the worlds most beautiful and talent models in Hollywood. Following the examples of Brooklyn Decker and Rosie Huntington-Whitely. Making a new career in conjunction with a long established one is just the next step for those with the ambition and skills.

Being a natural talent for comedy she played Sam, a real world contestant on Happy Endings (ABC). Additionally, Rachel can be seen as Debbie in the Amazon series Betas. Also, dipping her toes inside the world of action films. Playing a sexy role in the upcoming Jean Claude Van Damme feature film Swelter. Due to her highly successful transition from modeling to acting she has been featured in multiple publications every month since the beginning of 2013. Maxim, Model Up, Mantality, Acquiring Man, The Him, Mentality & Wave Entertainment magazines have jumped at the chance to cover Rachel’s exciting new career moves. With such an inspiring story, celebrity news site POPSUGAR.com produced a big budget piece on Rachel sponsored by Abreva™. A recent article from Bikiniteam.tv stated, “Mullins is really starting to pad her acting chops”.

With the winning combination of social media reach and excellent press on all of her projects the opportunities just keep coming and coming. Rachel steps on to every set with the goal of achieving great work and making new friends. Producing and acting have lead to the all powerful combination of excelling in front of and behind the lens.

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

I was pretty tall at 12 years old thus I got scouted by a school/agency in Detroit. Started doing runway and that sprang into the rest of the madness that’s my life.

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

I’ve accomplished so many that I have to think up new ones all the time. I would like more commercials and spokesmodel jobs. I don’t know that I’ll be modeling at 35 but we’ll see I guess. I thought I would retire around 25 but it just keeps getting better.

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

All I do is model and act. Which has also resulted in producing. I used to do a lot of runway when I first started but not anymore. I’ve been doing mostly print and fit for quite a while.

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

I really loved shooting at the Louvre museum in Paris. I didn’t like scaring small children in Tokyo. Apparently I look like Godzilla with eyelash extensions.

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

I’ve fallen off a waterfall once shooting naked. Then was stung by a bee just to add injury to insult.

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

Instagram is ruining the world. Please make it stop ASAP.

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

I’m a big fan of the paleo lifestyle. My good friend turned me onto it and it just clicked. Before that I was a big fan of the raw diet.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m super handy, I can do dry wall and floor coverings.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I would kill my sweet tooth if possible.

Visit Rachel Mullins’s website for more photos and information

Jul 24 2014

Interview with Brittney Bertier

Brittney Bertier is an actress with modeling experience residing in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in catalog and commercial work.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts (Red Sox fan!) and currently split my time between New York City and Los Angeles. I have a tight knit Italian family that never stops eating and laughing. I enjoy reading, traveling, supporting my friends, meeting new people, writing songs on my ukulele, yoga, and a really good cup of tea. I am a stage and screen actress and I also model on the side!

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

I grew up doing community theatre and plays at school. When I graduated high school, I auditioned for some rigorous training programs and eventually decided on The Hartt School at The University of Hartford where I majored in Music Theatre! During my time at Hartt I began to dabble in modeling just for fun, and found I really appreciated the art form.

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

Ah, that is always such a difficult question since there is no predicting this crazy business! Ideally I would love to be back home in New York City, working on new plays and musicals on Broadway and filming meaningful movies in between. That or I would love to be in a long running sitcom. The kind that actually makes you laugh!

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

I have been lucky enough this past year to have always had a project to work on and look forward to. I have filmed a pilot for a major network, numerous short films, a web series, lots of promo videos, and a few fun music videos where I was able to use my dancing skills! Modeling wise I have done some stock photography, catalogue, and commercial work.

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

The best experience I have had so far was working on the pilot I filmed when I first moved to Los Angeles. I played a girl who was also new to the city, and they fashioned her personality a bit after mine, so I felt especially connected to her. It came out beautifully, and I just hope the world gets to meet her soon!

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

Embarrassing moments seem to dominate my daily existence, and work is no exception! Once while filming, a director wanted me to make a sexy sort of purring sound after I delivered my line, for comedic effect, naturally. Well, being me, it ended up sounding alot more like I was choking than anything else. That, or like a really angry hissing cat with rabies. Now it is on the Internet for the whole world to see.

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

If I could change anything about the television and film industry, it would be for casting to focus more on talent than an impressive resume. People are scared to take chances on newcomers, and they end up missing out on some beautiful artists.

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

I do alot of yoga! As a dancer, it keeps me limber and strengthens and tones my body while clearing and calming my mind. The positive effects of yoga practice are amazing. I also take ballet and tap classes as often as possible, and I love The Bar Method DVDs! Nutrition is key. I find that how I am eating immediately affects how I feel. I incorporate a lot of whole grains, fish, and vegetables into my diet, but I also suffer from a wicked sweet tooth!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a huge goofball. Wait, everybody knows that.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I am getting to a place in life where I am really comfortable with myself, but it wasn’t always that way. If I could change anything now, it would be my tendency to be hard on myself; it is not helpful to be your own worst enemy!

Visit Brittney Bertier’s website for more photos and information.

Jul 18 2014

Interview with Venus Leone – The smartest model in the world?

Venus Leone is a 25-year old model from Los Angeles, California. She’s of Italian/Brazilian descent and speaks no less than seven languages fluently. Whoever said pretty girls aren’t smart?

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Besides having modeled all my life, I am a certified linguist fluent in seven languages, audio engineer, music producer, classically trained BGirl and actress. I was born in Rimini, Italy and grew up there until my family and I moved to Switzerland when I was 8 years old. My father is Italian and my mother is black from Brazil. I like to indicate the black because in Brazil black equals poor and my mother has an interesting story on her own, leaving to Europe without finishing high school and returning to her country 30 years later with 28 diplomas, running her own stores and businesses.

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

I think my mother is to blame for my passion for photography. Ever since I was a baby, I have been photographed by professional photographers. My mom used to do some modeling work and at least once a year she would set up a shoot for me and her. Through the rise of social media, we have created a collection of pictures. As a kid, I was hired on the runway more often than as an adult. I was the tallest of my age until I stopped growing and everybody passed me. My first print job, was also for my mother’s first spa at the age of 13. My picture with a rose painted on my face, showing my pretty long nails went around quickly in our town and my career as a model started. I have also danced ballet since that age of 4, which also gave me a great posture and athletic figure for the world of photography and the chance to work for a variety of clients.

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

I am at a point in my life where I am enjoying every moment. I have had all kind of – as they call it: “real jobs” with a degree in business and at the same time have had the pleasure to spread my wings in the entertainment industry. As an omni artist, I would love to have my own companies flourish in the next 5 years. I have an entertainment company called Goddess Image, VKSwizz Music and Post Productions, Swizz Poetry Publishing and the image of Venus Leone to nurture. My first album is out and I am working on an album trilogy. My dream of a lead role as the hero or villain in a scifi movie came true and now I am working on my first song in a movie and it’s big paycheck. Where I see myself in 5 years? Hopefully getting an Oscar for best soundtrack 😉

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

I do catwalk maybe once a year. Since I am not tall enough, usually it’s designer friends that ask me to walk for them. Print and music videos are my specialty. I have done all kind of photography, from fashion to dance magazines to artistic nudity. Well, I stop at that, since I become very shy in my birthday suit, but I will rock the hack out of a bikini.

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

I guess the best experiences are the once where everything is going wrong but the gig ended up successful. My favorite jobs are with designers. Even though they can be crazy and yell around sometimes, I love the creative and hectic environment. The worst experience, I have had has been on music videos with bad productions, where the models are freezing because the shoot is going into the night and we may have to jump in the water. Some of those bad experiences end with not getting paid at all. But there are funny experiences too, like being recognized by the Hispanic lady at the Mc Donald’s by my house because she saw me on Telemundo’s 12 Corazones. That was actually one of my favorite gigs. It’s no drama, quick and fun. You get to meet sexy people and the producers of Telemundo, everything ends on time and you walk out with check in one hand and food in the other.

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

Besides of the Telemundo story, there has been plenty of unforgettable moments but here is a juicy one: I was young and needed money, so I submitted my pictures answering an ad for Playboy style pictures that offered a few hundred dollars. When I arrived at the address, I found out that the pictures were for an adult “web modeling” page. At that moment, I got really insecure about the gig but I really needed that cash, so I went for it but kept it real with the photographer. For some reason telling the truth got me into taking those pictures instead of feeling shy, and I remember the photographer blushing and telling me that I was making him feel all shy now. There was a great chemistry between the two of us and I actually enjoyed the shoot. After paying me, he told me that he would not release the pictures. I checked a few times and I never saw them online and never applied for such a shoot again though it was an extraordinary experience.

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

Good question… There are always pros and cons about any industry. I would like girls not to be so skinny and get their health into trouble, but I am glad to see that the commercial industry is listening and changing the ideals a bit.

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

I grew up with home cooked food Italian and Brazilian food. I eat pretty much everything and anything I want but besides having a sweet tooth, I crave healthy stuff. My favorite snack is biting into a tomato, dropping salt into it after each bight. I love to cook and explore cuisines but luckily I don’t like too much fried and greasy food. When I crave fast food, it’s Fatburger.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a computer nerd and love science.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

If I could, or better what I am working on is patience. I would like to be a more patient person.

Visit Venus Leone’s website for more photos and information

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