Blog Archives

Mar 01 2015

Interview with Tobian Thompson — Quirky, Cool & In control

Tobian Thompson is a 23-year old model residing in Tampa, Florida.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born into a huge Jamaican family! Although I’m an only child I grew up with so many cousins of all ages; they were practically my siblings. I’ve always been know as the quirky one in the family. I think that’s the coolest part about me! I take pride in my individuality and I use modeling as an artistic outlet for all of my crazy ideas! The cool part is I meet so many artistic individuals that make my ideas even better than could have been expected! I enjoy every part of this industry…and this is only the beginning!

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

As a model I enjoy putting myself into someone else’s vision and adding a bit of myself to make it unique. When I was a child I would look at work of models I admired and it seemed… unattainable. I thought all models were the glossy, mysterious, omniscient idols I would see in the magazines and runways. I learned through time that the beautiful women were just like me; and they had something to say. They work hard to have a voice and gained so much respect for these ladies. When I learned the hard work and dedication that was required I fell in love; not just with modeling; the fashion industry!

Tobian Thompson wearing a black dressWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

As model my aspiration is to be in Sports Illustrated. I love the beach , for which I give the credits to my roots. It comes so naturally to me! I’ve learned so much about myself and this industry that, to be honest, has very little information readily available to anyone that wants to break into the fashion industry, I want to share what I’ve learned with others. I want to be the example that stereotypes can, and should be broken. You don’t have to be a size 0 to be beautiful! You only have to stay true to yourself.

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

From Atlanta to Miami I travel as a promotional model representing companies and their products. I’ve worked events ranging from car shows to charity events. Those are my favorite because I get to interact with all types of interesting people. I also work with a lot of new photographers who look to work with models with a bit of experience. That’s always fun seeing that raw talent and the inspiration flow! Last but certainly not least, I can’t forget the talented designers I’ve had the pleasure working with as well as local musicians and artists. I dabble in a lot of different things because just like any starving artist, enough is never enough and modeling is more than just a hobby for me, I use it as means of income so I follow up on anything that excited my sense of adventure.

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

I had a beach shoot about last year and we opted for wigs because I needed 3 completely different looks. We get to that last look and we’re losing sun quickly so we’re rushing to get the perfect shot. The photographer tells me to get my hair wet… so I dunk my head and come to find my hair drifting away! It was hilarious!! We got a great laugh!

Tobian Thompson wearing jeans in the woodsIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

My ambition is to change the way the modeling industry view the petite models…We might be small in statute but there’s a whole lot of fierce in here! I want the industry to know…we have arrived!

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

Diet is so important I’m my daily life! When I eat good I feel good. A healthy diet along with excersise transition into so many other aspects of your life. Also I waist train so even when I don’t have time to work out I still keep it tight.

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change anything about myself it would be my patience… or lack there of. I have to remind myself to take a deep breathe and trust the process. I find that 50% of the time I had nothing to worry about in the first place!

Do you have any fears or phobias?

Ok… I’m not proud of it… but I’m deathly afraid of mice… I mean I scream like a little baby!

Visit Tobian Thompson’s website for more photos and information

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Dec 22 2014

Interview with Jay Sharice — Confused happy mistake maker

Jay Sharice is a 23-year old model residing in Denver, Colorado.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello readers,
I was born in Nevada but spent my elementary years on the Santee reservation so I guess you could say that’s where I grew up but I never stayed anywhere for long. My family currently resides in Nebraska. My mother is a stay at home mom and my father is retired. My hobbies include but are not limited to, longboarding, aerial dancing, creative writing, singing, acting, modeling, and learning acoustic guitar.

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

I was 16 and living in Yakima WA, my best friend’s father wanted to become a photographer and we became his practice models. His picture to this day still gets the most praise out of all my work. After the shoot my friend and I were infatuated with the idea and began chasing the dream.

Jay Sharice sitting on a treeWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals are in 5 years to put a down payment on my first house and be certified in ASL -American sign language- so I can work with kids. Professionally as a model I plan to work my behind off until I sell one book and continue to model until my time is up in the industry.

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

Not as often as I’d like. Being short limits me to print, although I have done the catwalk for charity shows. My strength is in acting so I’m more vigilant about pursuing those jobs.

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

The best experience I’ve had so far is with my new photographer here in Colorado. We have similar ideas to how we want our portfolios to look and he helps promote me. It’s amazing to vibe that way with someone you’re working with on a shoot. I believe good energy shows in the photo.

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

Yes someone contacted me for a shoot but had no work to show. When I declined he begged me for pictures of my feet which gave me the heebie jeebies. I think liking feet is fine as long as you don’t get too close to mine.

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

If I could change anything it would be the measurement standards. People are constantly arguing over curvy or thin. Personally I believe it should be both curvy and thin. Beautiful woman shouldn’t be limited to one size option, we are thick, thin, short, tall, curvy, athletic, dark, light and lovely. Instead of creating a new standard I vote we eliminate the standard.

Jay Sharice 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 don’t consider myself to be very sporty but I longboard and do aerial dance. I run occasionally but that’s only for the health benefits. I really eat whatever I like as long as it isn’t in the junk food category. I don’t have meal times I only eat when I’m hungry and until I feel comfortably full, unless there’s cheese involved.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a very open and honest person so people know pretty much everything about me. I’m very chatty so if I had to guess people probably don’t know I spend hours a day dead silent in the middle of town just watching people and listening to their daily lives.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Small things but over all probably no. Small flaws make us unique.

Have you ever been fired from a job?

Yes, I was fired for sexual harassment. I was working at a skin care store when a young man walked in with bright blue hair. I whistled and said “That’s a great hair color. Can I help you find anything today?” He told me no so I returned to stocking. He called my company and filed an official complaint… So as you can see I can’t be trusted with compliments.

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Oct 19 2014

Interview with Amanda Whipple — Professional Dancer

Amanda Whipple is a 24-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a Bay Area, California Native dancing my way through this crazy thing called life. Being an artist has been a struggle, but I consider it a blessing to follow my passion. When I started dancing, I was just 3 years old, and I have never wanted to stop. After getting my BA in Dance, I started focusing on teaching, choreographing and performing.

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

Opportunities to model found me through my qualities as a dancer. Photographers were intrigued with working specifically with a trained ballerina. Majority of my shoots and videos are all dance related, so I love the fact that I can fuse dancing and modeling together.

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

This past year has really brought me to a place in my life, where everything is right where it needs to be, and I’m so grateful. I just finished filming a new show airing this Fall and I stay busy teaching and modeling. In the next couple years, I want to travel worldwide to teach and perform. Ultimately, I plan on starting my own company and a studio that provides education in all forms of dance and health.

Amanda Whipple standing like a ballet dancer at a pierHow often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

90% of my modeling has something to do with movement. I choose projects based on their relevance to dance. I’m definitely not limited to dance projects, and I love shooting for events that benefit charitable causes. If I’m approached with an amazing theme or idea I’m all for it! I prefer performance jobs, but I take on pretty much anything that comes my way, either print, runway, commercials, films, and more.

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

So far, I’ve only had positive experiences when it comes to modeling. I’m pretty selective when it comes to who I’m working with, so I think that has a lot to do with it.

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

There’s been a few instances during a shoot, when a pedestrian walks up and asks to take a picture with you, or is interested in where they can see the photos and video. It gives you that boost of confidence as a model, that you’re actually saying something through your work.

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 in the studio dancing abut 5 days a week. The other 2 days I’m at the gym either strength training or taking a yoga class. As most people know, nutrition is key to a dancer’s career. To me, it’s not about how many pounds you weigh, it’s about how you feel. I’m a Vegetarian, so I’m always aware of what I’m feeding my body. I typically eat veggies, fruits, and fish for protein. Oh yeah, and coffee, lots of it.

Amanda Whipple face closeup lips with saltPlease share something people don’t know about you.

I used to choreograph and write songs when I was little. I would teach the neighbor kids and then set up a talent show for the whole complex to watch us perform.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Everyone has their flaws, and yes I’ve had thoughts about what I would change about myself. I’ve always wanted to be taller, but at the same time I love the fact that I’m petite. I am who I am, and at the end of the day I wouldn’t change a thing.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

Teleporting! In my busy and hectic life, I would love to avoid traffic in any way possible, not to mention, you could literally travel anywhere, anytime…freakin’ awesome.

Visit Amanda Whipple’s website for more photos and information

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Jul 30 2014

Interview with Michelle Nease

Michelle Nease is a 24-year old model residing in Fairfax, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m half Chinese, half European, born and raised in Northern Virginia, and California for some time. I was blessed with such an amazing family! I’m currently studying to earn a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I live a healthy lifestyle, love to dress up, and all aspects of art. I don’t know where I’d be today without my family – I get all of my best qualities from my parents along with my Grandparents – who helped me become the lady that I am today! They always taught me to be a leader, to be polite, as forgiving as I can be, to have polite manners, put others before myself, along with much more!

Michelle Nease wearing a brown bikiniWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got involved in the industry at around age ten, I remember always getting so starry eyed whenever Miss teen USA or Miss Universe would come on TV!

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

In five to ten years from now I see myself at the peak of my career, making enough money to be able to donate to good causes (i.e. children hospitals, wounded veterans, cures, etc). I also see myself starting a family of my own, and owning a home in Northern California!

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

I’ve taken a minor break in the modeling industry the past year since I moved back to Northern Virginia from Los Angeles. I usually do promotional modeling, advertisements, commercials, hair shows, print work, runway -when my height allows-, extra, art, mannequin/freeze modeling.

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

The worst experience I had was having a boyfriend, I was young and in love, also naive! I let the relationship rule my world, and probably let myself miss out on some great opportunities, but that doesn’t stop the many wonderful opportunities I have coming in the future! I love to travel and meet new faces, in new places I’d never been to!

Michelle Nease wearing a necklaceHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I rarely become embarrassed, but I’ll admit that I’ve caught myself saying stating some pretty oblivious statements in the past, but that’s taught me to start thinking before I speak more!

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

Yes there are but I can’t say it because I don’t want anyone taking my idea, but I will say that this idea will be going global!

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 to go hiking, anything active really! My mom taught yoga for 15 plus years so I have a very yogi lifestyle that I get from her! I am a health fanatic! I always have to have a well balanced meal, and consume as much water as I can. For breakfast I usually tend to have yogurt, lunch I’ll do a salad or smoothy depending on how big my breakfast was, for dinner I always have a good protein with vegetables! I try to stay away from starches, white carbs, sugars, etc… For a snack I love to have almonds or any kind of nuts, something like kale chips, or a protein bar!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I swear I was born a Disney Princess! I have a very down to earth personality once you get to know me, but on the core I’m as nerdy as can be! I have a huge imagination, and like to think of myself as a philosopher! oh and I love to sing!

Michelle Nease in jeansWould you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

Everything I eat likes to go to my butt, hips, and thighs! I’d stop that from happening -and that’s not an acception go to my belly!- I’d also make it so I could use more than ten percent of my brain!

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

To travel through space, and time with no problem! and to use more than ten percent of my brain!

 

 

 

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