Blog Archives

Nov 02 2016

Interview with Kati Lubek — Dancer turning into model

Kati Lubek is a 28-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Moscow, Russia. As a young child I loved dancing, that’s why my mother brought me to the ballet school, so I grew up as a “creative” kid. Self expression was always important to me and modeling is one of the ways how I can express myself. Besides modeling and dancing, I’ve also studied Philosophy and Graphic Design.

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

I was discovered at the age of 16 by my friend’s cousin who was a professional photographer. Back then I didn’t think about it seriously but I definitely liked to be in front of the camera. Since then I started to get more photoshoots, meeting different photographers and agents and started working in this industry.

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

For the past ten years I’ve researched a lot of pictures of good photographers and famous models. I think that helped me to develop “my eye”, so I’d love to become a photographer, although I don’t think I love it that much to give it all of my effort. However, I’ve gotten into a graphic design, and I’d love to do more of graphic design, to work with the images, lines and colors. In the future, I also want to create my own dance show, maybe it would be a musical about a young model in a big city, who knows…

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

I model pretty often but sometimes there are slow seasons. I’m signed with the commercial agency FFTmodels, therefore most of my work is commercial modeling. I also do artsy stuff for dancing photo projects as a ballerina, and still, once in a while I have offers for video, fashion and other types of modeling. It all depends, but I’d say that I’m a commercial model.

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

My best experiences are working with established brands like “Bloomberg Business week magazine”, “Wella” hair salon, “GNC”. It is so inspiring to see all of the professionals coming together to make one picture happen. Unfortunately, there were bad experiences as well, as a lot of photographers aren’t professional at all. With this type of job you just have to learn how to deal with it.

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

To be honest, I cannot recall anything extraordinary funny:) It is just fun all the time.

© NayMarie Photography | Model: Kati Lubek | Hair: Egypt Buck of Haiir Artistri | Makeup: Magali Alia | Bridal Accessories: Bridal Styles Boutique

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

I’d be more persistent in my younger years. I had many opportunities, but I missed some of them just because I was too young and careless.

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

I did many types of exercise but I found that ballet classes are the best for me. Besides, I eat healthy three times a day and trying to avoid alcohol and sweets.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love flowers and gardening.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wish my chest would be more voluptuous.

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

If I had only 24 hours to live I’d just start going somewhere. I wouldn’t want to spend time commuting somewhere, but I’ll try to enjoy this world, its weather, nature and people. I’d spend some time with my family. I will definitely take a ballet class. I’d go to eat some amazing food with amazing wine.

Visit Kati Lubek’s website for more photos and information

Oct 24 2016

Interview with Ilvy Kokomo — Full time model from small Latvia

Ilvy Kokomo is a 24-year old model residing in Riga, Latvia.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a full time model, from a very small and cold country in Eastern Europe named Latvia. My hobbies include sports, swimming, traveling, photography and of course my main hobby as well as my profession is modeling. I have just received my University degree in Physiotherapy, which has given me a vast amount of knowledge, and I am very grateful for it.

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

It all started when I was 17 years old and I knew I wanted to try nude modeling as soon as I turned 18, and then I started working with a modeling agency in Latvia. After some time, I started doing freelance work mostly, and at the same time I was attending University, which proved to be difficult, but somehow I managed to do it and now I’m modeling full time and enjoying my every single travel.

Photographer: Marie Otero; Styling: Jean Fernand; Make-up and hair: Sonya Kaur; Designer: Linda Friesen

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

My personal goal is to take from the world as much as it gives and my professional goal is to get well known in this industry. In five to ten years I see myself as a well known model from a small country; I also want to develop my own photography skills, and although I am still just a beginner, I really enjoy being on both sides of camera.

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

I do modeling full time. I mostly travel around Europe and sometimes I come to the United States as well. My modeling work mostly consists of glamour photoshoots and I am doing commercial works as well. My craziest commercial experience was a photoshoot and acting for bungee jumping Latvia, where I had to do several bungee jumps and it was awesome.

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

As I am a very positive person, I will talk only about my best experiences. As I mentioned before, I really enjoyed making commercials from bungee jumping Latvia, but I also enjoyed photoshoots in wild Norwegian nature for personal art projects, and really enjoyed working with Unique Photography Events in France, shooting in amazing designer dresses in an old French chateau. And I am very excited to participate in a photography event in Puerto Rico organized by Caribbean Dream Photo Shoots.

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

Of course. It was funny once to do body paint when I was completely golden-painted. I also enjoyed a crazy underwater shoot, although it was very difficult to hold my breath with empty lungs and then pose. It was a crazy experience to pose in Norway in the snow, very cold, it gave me a feeling like thousands of needles were sticking into my skin. But the pictures came out gorgeous, so it was absolutely worth it. I could write a book about my crazy modeling experiences!

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

Yes, definitely. I would like to change a stereotype among the people that models are dumb. It is absolutely not true, as models are usually very intelligent. I have met so many different models and it is very rare that they are dumb, because it’s just not possible in this industry: models need to use their brains, it is also a very strategical work to develop ourselves and show us from the best point of view.

Photo credits: Mark Crislip

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

Sport in my life is very important, so I do sports daily. When I can, I go to the gym and do some different dancing classes. When I’m traveling, and with a limited time for exercise, I do running and yoga. On the other hand, I don’t have a particular diet: I eat almost everything I want, I just try not to exaggerate with the amounts, and always try to hold to a principle: as soon as you feel the hunger is gone, stop eating. In addition, I am a vegetarian, and love sweets; all sorts of chocolates, candies and cookies. If I eat more than I should, I just add some workout time to the next day routine.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am a very ordinary and simple person. And I believe in faith, karma and energy transmission to other people.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I am very happy the way I am and I think everyone should love him or herself. It is immediately visible in a person if they are happy with themselves, it transmits totally different energy than from the person that is with a low self-esteem and not happy with themselves.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I wish I would be a ballerina. I’m a huge fan of ballet and I really love ballerina photoshoots; it looks very elegant and fragile, at the same time very strong and powerful. As I always try to achieve what I want, I wanted to look like a real ballerina in a photoshoot, so I took ballet classes to learn how to pose as a ballerina, just some basic poses, and you can see the result in my portfolio; I think I achieved what I wanted and I was very happy with the result. Thanks to my ballet teacher and all the photographers who agreed to capture my crazy ideas.

Visit Ilvy Kokomo’s website for more photos and information

Aug 01 2016

Interview with Marybeth Noonan — Model turned Miss Maine

Marybeth Noonan is a 21-year old model residing in Windham, Maine.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi there! I am Marybeth Noonan from Raymond, Maine. I am a 21-year-old college student studying broadcast journalism at Lyndon State College, and was recently crowned Miss Maine 2016 this Spring. I am extremely passionate about fundraising to combat the underfunding of pediatric cancer research.

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

I was in a Toyota commercial with my family when I was a baby but the first shoot that I remember was a casting call for an L.L. Bean catalogue when I was in elementary school. Then once I started competing in pageants in 2008, I became more involved with my modeling career.

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

Winning Miss Maine was a huge goal of mine! I will be competing in Miss America this September. Maine has never produced a winner at Miss America so I’m hoping to change that. As for professional goals, I am working towards my degree in electronic journalism arts. I want to be a news anchor when I graduate.

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

I have done a variety of modeling types but commercial photoshoots are my favorite. I love the shoots where I can smile the whole time! I really can’t pull off a serious shoot, it just isn’t me. I look at pictures where I’m trying to look serious and I can’t help but laugh at myself. I am such a bubbly and outgoing person, a somber look simply doesn’t match my look.

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

I once had the opportunity to model for Tony Bowls in Orlando, FL. Most of the models were older than me and were so beautiful and refined. It boosted my confidence to think that I was “at their level” too. I’ll never forget wearing that stunning gown in front of the camera. I felt radiant. I have not had a bad experience in my modeling career. However, I turn down a lot of shoots because they are too sexy for my liking, as I am going to be a news anchor one day, and I want to set a good example and never pose in a shoot that is too promiscuous.

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

I once had shoot with a live animal called a sugar glider. Sugar gliders are small little creatures and belong to the possum family. Since they are nocturnal they like to hide in pockets and dark places. I was a little nervous to hold it but everything was working out fine until the little guy ran down my shirt and hid in my chest! It was so funny yet embarrassing.

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

I think we need more body-positive campaigns in the modeling industry. The apparel brand Aerie no longer re-touches or photoshops their models. We need more companies like that.

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 run and weight lift: there’s no better feeling than seeing your body get stronger. I like to look healthy and fit opposed to extremely thin. I eat 6 small meals a day that mainly consist of lean protein and complex carbs, as my health is a huge priority in my life.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have gone indoor-skydiving!

Would you change anything about yourself?

I used to be really critical of my fair skin. Now that I’m older I understand the importance of keeping my skin healthy. I have traded in the tanning oil for SPF, as I would much rather be a little pale than get skin cancer when I’m older!

What is your hidden talent?

I can hula-hoop for hours without stopping! I recently went to a local parade and festival as Miss Maine, where I saw there was a hula-hooping competition and couldn’t resist. I walked out onto the field in my crown, dress and heels and joined the competition. All of the kids loved it, it was so much fun.

Jul 30 2016

Interview with Melanie Boria — Small Town Model

Melanie Boria is a 26-year old model residing in Milford, Michigan.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am from Milford, Michigan, which is a very small town in the metro Detroit area. I love to travel! I am always going somewhere, I spend more time traveling than at home, love seeing new things, meeting new people and trying new restaurants. I love food, my favorite food is Pasta, and I also can make the best chocolate chip cookies, as well as I’m becoming a professional on Pokemon go.

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

Being from Detroit, I always had a strong appreciation for the Auto Show. Ever since I was 3 years old, I loved seeing all of the beautiful models working at the show, so becoming a model and getting to work the Detroit Auto Show was a dream of mine.

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

I see myself traveling to places I’ve never been and modeling in new exotic destinations, I would really like to do something with food, have a cooking show or a blog where I can share food that I’ve tried in different places, give tips on restaurants and recipes.

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

I mostly do photo shoots and video shoots. I’ve been in music videos, commercials, advertisements and book covers. I also do trade show modeling where I get to travel and model; I model year round and it consumes a lot of my time, but I love it so it never feels like work.

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

One of my best experiences was shooting a music video with one of my favorite rappers, Passport Louis! He is one of the most fun and passionate people I’ve ever worked with and his music videos are always so detailed, it was awesome to be a part of such an amazing project and after I shot the first music video with him, I ended up shooting 3 more with him.

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

I was taking photos in an abandoned church in Detroit. I was wearing a very risqué outfit. All of a sudden a bunch of people started coming into the church, turns out this church was not abandoned! I was mortified!

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

I think that the industry is getting better everyday. I hope that it will become even more open to more types of looks, shapes and personalities. Everyone is beautiful and everyone should see themselves when they look at a magazine or watch TV.

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

I think nutrition and exercise are the two most important things to do for yourself. I love to bike ride, rollerblade and dance, try to get exercise in my everyday life in a way that is enjoyable to me, but I love food! Food is definitely my weakness, and I especially love Italian food and dessert, but I always make sure I get enough fruits and veggies too. I don’t drink and I don’t do any drugs, as I think that part of loving and taking care of yourself is making sure your nutrition and exercise is a necessity.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love to make people laugh and sometimes for fun I will make up my own stand up routine.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would love to be able to sing.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I could chose one superpower it would definitely be flying, I think it would be pretty sweet if I could fly, I could go wherever I want, whenever I want! I could take whoever I wanted with me and it would be so beautiful, plus I would never have to wait through a security checkpoint again.

Jun 18 2016

Interview with Trigger — Arresting Fit Life, Bodybuider, Model and Cop

Trigger is a 24-year old model residing in Missoula, Montana.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Montana and still reside here, being an only child, have always played sports and been active since I was 5. The fit lifestyle I have always had is something I love a lot. I played basketball for 13 years, volleyball for 6 years, gymnastics for 2 years, tennis for 5 years, among other sports. Since graduating high school I pursued modeling and have since done several shoots. I am graduating College in May of 2016 with a degree in Criminology and hope to one day work for the FBI or law enforcement. I just competed in my first bodybuilding show this April and placed 3rd and 4th, while falling in love with modeling and weight training ever since.

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

I first got into modeling after doing some pre-shoots to help a friend’s photography business grow. Since getting noticed through helping her, I did fitness shoots and made a calendar for a small town fire department, and since then it has been growing and I enjoy every minute of it. I got into modeling because I enjoyed doing shoots, being in front of a camera and one of my good friend’s has done it for a while. Doors were opening so I thought I would take advantage of the fitness modeling door opening. I plan on walking through it!

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

My original goal was to be an FBI agent and or work for some law enforcement as a police officer. Since modeling I have still wanted to pursue this goal, but I also want to be a pro bikini competitor as well as a model for companies, either for clothes or supplements, so I say my ending goal is agent, model and bodybuilder. I have high standards and goals for myself and I plan to go for my dreams, so in 5 to 10 years I would hope to be married and pursuing at least one of these goals. I am constantly moving, besides if you want to get something done, ask a busy person!

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

I mainly do photo shoots that are fitness related because that is what I am pursuing and what I love to do, just as I love anything fitness related. I was once in a commercial for a local supplement store in Missoula and was paid for that. Most of my photo shoots are for progress, gains and to build my portfolio, as I am not signed with any agencies yet, but I would like to be.

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

I do not know what my worst experience would be, but my best experience was doing a fitness shoot and getting a little attention from a local clothing store. I am still building my portfolio and trying to get more noticed, so all of my experiences are smaller than most.

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

Like I stated in my bio about myself, I have always been involved in some type of fit activity, and I am currently focusing on weight training and bodybuilding. My diet consists of if you can kill it or you can grow it, then you can eat it, while if it comes in a package that crinkles and makes noise, then it’s not on the diet. It is important to not just take the diet plan or diet pills on the TV screen that they say works for everyone. Do your research and realize that everyone’s body is different and different foods work for different people.

Knowing what you are eating and how you are exercising for your body is important, as we are all different so we can all do similar things but not the same things. If you do not pay attention to what your body is doing, or how it feels after eating a certain food or how it reacts, then what are you doing? The minute you take the time to do your research and watch your body change for the better, the better you feel, because you did it.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue in 5 seconds or less depending and I am a Christian and the Lord is my best friend.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would not change anything about myself because everyone is unique and perfect in their own way. No one is a mistake or messed up, we are all different: I mean I will be honest I am not a fan of my face or my nose and wanted to get a nose job. For the longest time I was self conscious about having small boobs, but if someone doesn’t like me due to a physical attribute, then they don’t need to be my friend anyway. Small is better than bigger anyway -I can do more and don’t have back problems- I am happy with who I am

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

I wish I could fly, but I really wish I had the power to read peoples’ minds or to be an invisible mind reader who could fly as well, that would be the best. I would want to be able to see the world from up above, to be able to know if someone was lying to my face and it would be cool to play some fun pranks on people. It is good to have a sense of humor.

May 09 2016

Interview with Rachel Zader — Model, crime fighter, demon slayer

Rachel Zader is a 22-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Rachel, and have been a model in the commercial and fashion industry for over 5 years now. I was born in California, and moved around a lot, although most of my memories are of growing up with my younger brother in a small town in Northern California. I was 16 when I moved to start school at UC Berkeley, started modeling as a way to pay my tuition, and as a kid, I always preferred science experiments and computers to sports or dolls, and not much has changed since. I’m fascinated by social justice, law, and crime, which led me to my main profession, and read a lot about technology and psychology. I also do a lot of art and music production, and taught myself most of the instruments I know.

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

I was approached by an agent while I was walking to a college class, and was told I might consider going to an open call at LOOK. I never ended up looking into an agency then, but it did plant the seed. I talked about it with my favorite alternative model Adora Batbrat, and she was encouraging of it, so I thought, ‘what the hell.’ I made a profile on an amateur modeling site, Model Mayhem, and it took off from there.

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

I’d love to someday be able to say that I’ve been published on every continent, although so far, I only have three down, but it’s a fun idea. Right now, I’m in the process of obtaining a license to be a private investigator and fraud examiner, so that’s my main goal. I’m hoping the eventual detective work or the FBI can coexist with this more fashionable alter-ego, so you’ll have to check back with me in a decade or two to see if I was successful.

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

I do mostly commercial, fashion, and fine art modeling. I’ve pretended to eat a pig heart with corn syrup blood; I’ve tbeen a tech in a commercial for Google, so it varies, and time is always the challenge – in the past few years, I’ve been a probation officer and supervisor of offenders on house arrest, so needless to say, it’s usually been impossible to take an extra-long lunch to go to a shoot. Going to castings and go-sees are often out of the question, and I get lucky to schedule only a shoot or two a week at times. You make it work, though.

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

One time, I was on set and standing on a post right next to railroad tracks. We noticed an oncoming train, but for whatever reason, I didn’t climb down. At 70mph, that amount of machinery blowing past created more than enough force to knock me off. I landed with a jagged end of a pole in the back of my thigh. I had a bruise the size of an apple the next day, and it lasted for several months.

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

The eating disorder issues that you tend to see run rampant at some agencies. I’m a firm believer in the idea that if a woman is hungry, she is limited. On the other hand, it’s difficult to reconcile that ideal with the demands one faces as a model in participating in what is basically a fantasy world. Kate Moss once said “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” but the list of foods I can come up with that do are one of the reasons I’m not Kate Moss. It’s also that reason that I also try to be especially mindful of my position as a model, and pay a lot of attention to messages I could be helping to create about women’s bodies and sexuality.

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

I’ve always been athletic. If you’re as tall as your mother by the time you’re 10 like I was, sports will be a breeze – I ran track, played soccer, and practiced Takewondo. Team sports tended to bore me, though – I was usually in front of a computer whenever possible. Now, I usually just try to get on the elliptical and lift weights. At my age, my father ran regular marathons, so I find it funny that I can’t stand running.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I recently genotyped myself and made some cool discoveries – my father’s ancestors are what were essentially indigenous American, which means they crossed the Siberian land bridge into North America, and my mother’s ancestors can be traced all the way back to a group believed to be female Vikings.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I never have enough time in the hour, day, week – I’ve always wanted to be able to be more productive on less sleep.

When did you last cry? Why?

After I became a victim of a major violent crime a few years back, I turned into a pretty cynical and lonely person. A former professor of mine who knows about this, however, said something to me last week that made me stop in my tracks. “You might not realize it,” he said, “But you have people you can call up in the middle of the night – no matter where you are or what you’re doing – who will have your back. Don’t forget that.” That completely floored me. I couldn’t not cry.

Visit Rachel Zader’s website for more photos and information

May 06 2016

Interview with Andrea Bella — Published model

Andrea Bella is a 28-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in the smallish town of Salem, Oregon… not much to do there and I knew at a young age I was gonna get the F out of dodge! I’m one of the few that actually did it and never looked back. I’ve lived all over, Hawaii, The Carribean, Dallas, and mostly I’m a Vegas girl; something about this city always draws me back. I’m super into fitness, and a big time organic advocate, and although us Vegas models get a pretty bad stereotype, I pride myself on being one of the girls out here with their head on straight and focused on my goals. Only up from here, is always my mantra.

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

I did my first shoot when I was 22 and after that got into working in the nightclub scene as a model bottle service girl and model bartender. That distracted me for a couple of years from focusing on furthering my modeling career, and when I got sick of the bar I was at and quit, I kinda just fell into promo modeling on accident by being in the right place at the right time. I’ve been modeling full time now for 3 years and the progress I’ve made in so greatful for! I never thought being 5’4″ I ever would become a published model and here I am. Just shows if you put something out into the universe and work hard, the sky is the limit.

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

My next modeling goal is land a cover or centerfold shoot, who’s isn’t, right? Haha! As far as other goals, I am very entrepreneur minded and I just created my own LLC and want to build my brand! I am getting my real estate license and am excited to get that going and eventually would love to use the capital I make from modeling and real estate to flip homes. I would also love to start some sort of business in the organic industry, as making the earth a better place through sustainable living, is a true passion of mine.

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

I do more and more photo shoots these days and am always looking for my next published gig. I do a ton of promo model work as well, for trade shows and conventions I am booked as a “booth babe” and I do a ton of liquor model events and atmosphere modeling as well. I do everything from commercial, fashion, art, sports glamour, implied, and artistic nude, as far as photography.

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

Hmm, well my worst experience was when I showed up to a shoot and the photographer had a bottle of wine open for me, and was doing rails of coke on the make up counter. Lmao! I was like “umm no, I’m not trying to get roofied today” and left. My best, was shooting for Oneal Motorcross Apparel, they were a great team to work with, and took such good care of us, and my favorite photographer that I always have a blast with is Michael Dydasco for sure.

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

Once I showed up on set of a shoot, and in the first 5 minutes, I locked my keys in my car and my entire make up kit and wardrobe was stuck inside. It was an all day shoot out in the Vegas desert, but luckily the company owner was on set and called triple A for me and convinced them to come unlock it, which took some doing, cause we were way outside city limits in a ghost town.

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

I wish girls would stop selling themselves short by taking lower and lower rates. Over the last 3 years I have seen rates with agencies and freelance go lower and lower, and this is because girls will take rates that are half of what they should be, because they think some money is better than no money. it ruins it for all of us in the long run and I wish they would understand that.

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

I eat extremely clean and am a fitness addict. I’m allergic to gluten so that cuts out about half of the bad foods out there, and I eat everything organically and GMO free. My diet consists of a lot of organic, free range, non hormone proteins, and veggies; green smoothies and cage free eggs… oh and I’m a pistachio addict. I’m in the gym everyday, I mix up my routine between hot yoga and Pilates, bootcamp and Crossfit, and am an outdoor runner.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a licensed cosmetologist in 3 states. Also I have double jointed elbows, and I can make them look really weird when I want to freak someone out.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would like to be a few inches taller so I could do runway but that’s never gonna happen. In this industry you have to love yourself, flaws and all, and just exude confidence physically and mentally. Not everyone is gonna like your look and that’s okay, because the next person will. You can’t let it affect you or get to your head, I always focus on continuing to grow and evolve as a person in all ways, and be the best version of myself I can be!

What is your favorite thing to do alone?

I have a pretty serious addiction to Netflix. I love to just get in comfy clothes, snuggle up to my pups, and have a binge watching session. You know you have a problem when you are running out of Netflix shows to watch because you have seen them all. Yep, that’s me.

Apr 19 2016

Interview with Ashlyn Ahlers — Hot-Mess Motivation

Ashlyn Ahlers is a 22-year old model residing in Saint Louis, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey everyone! My name is Ashlyn Ahlers, from Nashville, Illinois. I currently live in St. Louis, Missouri with my man, Joey, 7 month old daughter, Collins and my fur-baby, Pixie. I love to travel, attend concerts, get dinner with friends and spend lots of time outside. I am a full-time mommy, part-time Certified Personal Trainer, and volunteer for two non-profit organizations.

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

I was first introduced to the model industry in 7th grade when my grandmother signed me up for modeling classes in St. Louis. A month after I started my classes, I submitted my portfolio and head shots to a few local businesses and received a call for my first print opportunity.

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

My personal goals have changed dramatically since having my daughter. I used to be ‘all about’ how my body looks in the mirror and wasn’t too concerned with being strong. Now, I want to be as strong as I can to keep up with my growing child, although looking awesome in a bikini is always a bonus! My professional goals are to inspire my clients and followers on social media by living by example. Having a healthy diet and exercise program myself is so important when coaching others through their mental and physical transformations.

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

On average, I do 5 to 6 modeling jobs a month, and most of the positions are for print advertising for clothing boutiques, or in-person demonstrations. Once in a while, I will do on-camera shoots for commercials, but before I had my daughter, I was booked for quite a few fitness photo shoots for catalogs, social media advertising, and online video promotion. I am working on getting back into pre-baby shape and expect to jump right back in to fitness shoots.

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

The best experience I have had as a model is getting to travel all over the US to do demonstrations, promotions and seminars for a fitness and nutrition company. It’s also funny when I get tagged in all kinds of funny photos of people posing by my pictures in the St. Louis airport. The worst experience I have had was working with a very unprofessional company that tried to put me in harms way to get a photo for a CD cover… who even buys CDs anymore anyway?

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

When modeling at a fitness expo, I got completely star struck by one of my favorite fitness icons and stepped on her foot when she came to ask me about the company I was working for. If you’re reading this, sorry DLB!

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

If I could change anything about the modeling industry, it would be to give the fitness models credit for having a real life, just like everyone else. Contrary to popular belief, fitness models don’t get to spend every second of every day in the gym. We have children and families, other jobs, and food cravings. We’re all human.

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

Diet and exercise is so important for everyone, you only have one body- if you don’t take care of it, where will you live? I always try to keep my diet pretty clean and healthy; my body is super sensitive to carbs and dairy so if I stray from my clean diet, there’s no hiding it I am also a breastfeeding momma, so the better I eat, the better my daughter eats. I exercise every single day, and although I may not make it to the gym every day, I am sure to get at least one hour of some sort of exercise daily. I lift weights 3 to 5 times a week, and also run 5k’s 10k’s and half marathons to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer; this year, I am running 5 runDisney races. Don’t hesitate on contacting me on my social networks if you’re interested in getting involved.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Fun fact: I can play the harmonica like a pro.

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change anything about myself, I would love to be better at multitasking, since I always seem to take on so many things at once and it always ends in a cluster. I am also a huge people-pleaser, which is usually why I take on too many tasks at once.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I had a superpower, it would be to sprout extra limbs so I could play with my kid, play with my dog, be on social media, shop online, do the laundry, clean the dishes, iron clothes, workout, draw, play the piano, study, message my friends, and work… all at the same time.

Visit Ashlyn Ahlers’s website for more photos and information

Apr 11 2016

Interview with Alison P. Stuart — Natural Model and Versatile Artist

Alison P. Stuart is a 21-year old model residing in Kansas City, Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I reside in Kansas City, MO. where I was born and raised, and have always been kind of a complex individual who’s curious about almost everything under the sun. I enjoy creating art whether it’s tagging a wall or modeling in a photograph; I do a little bit of everything almost.

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

I started modeling when I was a Junior in High School because of my friends, RaeAnn Walters and Manaliki Wilson. RaeAnn actually needed me for this photo shoot she was doing for a scholarship to college and at first I was pretty iffy about it because I wasn’t as confident in my appearance but I ended up doing it anyways due to the fact that it was for a good cause. After I saw the photos though I felt more than confident and I have the both of them to thank for that.

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

As for goals, I want to travel and shop at all the thrift stores around the world, I want to be my own boss and rule what’s mine, I want to help promote young artists whether it’s modeling in their designs or blasting their music on the metro, I want to help them build up their confidence like RaeAnn and Manaliki did for me. Who knows where I will be in 5 or 10 years though, probably somewhere waiting on my next flight.

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

I model probably once a month if not more or less. I’m not signed to any agencies at the moment and I’m just doing freelance work right now. My modeling consists of photo shoots with different photographers. I have had auditions that required me to act out a commercial and walk down a runway, though.

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

I play a lot of tennis, enjoy running, skating and riding bikes. I always make sure to stay hydrated whether it’s water or juice, while doing my best to stay away from consuming too much of one thing including sugar, salt or whatever the case may be. My diet basically revolves around the main food groups though especially protein and sugars. Without consuming those two I’m super cranky and tired.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m gay.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’d like to say nothing at all, but if I could get rid of the hair on my forearms that’d be pretty cool.

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

If I only had 24 hours left to live, I’m not really sure what I would do. I would say I’d get on a plane and go to Brazil but that plane ride would probably take up half the day. So I’d most likely just go sky diving and do all the stuff I was scared to do because I was afraid that I might die while doing it. I’d also eat all my favorite foods and spend time with all my favorite people.

Visit Alison P. Stuart’s website for more photos and information

Apr 04 2016

Interview with Mary-Pat — Irish gogo dancer and model

Mary-Pat is a 24-year old model residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in New Ulm, MN and raised in a small town called Sleepy Eye, MN. I’m the fifth child of six, and grew up dancing at the age of 5 and also danced on my high school dance team, as well as also involved in volleyball, and figure skating. My sophomore year I left my local High School and enrolled into online schooling and attended a performing arts school in Minneapolis, MN. My hobbies and interest include go-going dancing, modeling, lifting weights and working out, nature, traveling, and meeting new people.

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

When I was 15 I had the typical teenage dream “I want to be a model”, and after talking to my parents about it they both agreed to enroll me into a performing arts school. Little did I know how much work and commitment modeling really requires, but I found a passion for it ever since.

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

My professional goals would be to own my own dance studio or company. I would also like to go back to school to become a lawyer or business management. Personal goals would be just to be genuinely happy in life, and I’d like to travel as much as I can, and Gogo dance for some of the biggest music festivals. I would also love to own a miniature pot belly pig! haha I always told myself I would own one as a pet… they’re so cute!

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

I usually do all my scheduling a month in advance due to my full-time job, so I would have to say I do a minimum of 3 photo shoots a month. The most I’ve ever done was 7 photoshoots within a month along with working my full-time job and gogo dancing at a few clubs on the weekends and doing promos as much as possible. When I first got into modeling I registered as a petite model so I did a little bit of acting and commercial work. Now I do a lot of glamour, print, lifestyle, and promotional modeling.

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

I was a Corona light model for the Kenny Chesney Big Revival Tour and got to shoot t-shirts off with a t-shirt gun and danced around on stage in front of 60,000 people. I also gogo danced for sisqo, from the thong song. So those were pretty exciting experiences. Being able to work with some really well known photographers around my area and collaborate with them along with other models is one of the best experiences to me because nowadays I feel like the industry is full of fake and scum bag people.

I’ve had a few bad experiences with photographers and models. I once had a photo shoot with a photographer that would try to hit on me or make inappropriate comments. Let’s just say that shoot lasted about ten mins and I ended up giving him a piece of my own mind and told him screw himself. I don’t take shit from anybody, that’s probably why I get called a bitch a lot but I feel like that’s a trait you need when you’re involved in this industry, as it’s so easy to get tricked into things you don’t want to do and get taken advantage of.

I’ve also had a bad experience once with a model’s mother: back when I was attending a performing arts school I would always attend IMTA’s -which stands for International model and Talent Associations- every year, and which was basically a huge competition among models, actors, musicians, and others, where you were scouted out by some of the biggest modeling, acting and talent agencies around the world. Long story short, I had a dance routine that I was going to do for my talent, and after I did my cold reads and went back to the dressing room to get ready for my talent I noticed my dance shoes were gone along with my bottoms to my costume, and I wasn’t able to do my talent due to not being able to find my things so I was super bummed out. Later on I found out that one of the model’s mother was the one that stole my shoes and bottoms, and she felt so bad that she returned them to me after everything was done and apologized for her mother’s behavior. I was in shock… people are just shady.

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

This one time I was doing a steamy Valentine’s Day shoot and it was “that time of the month”. During the shoot, my tampon string decided to make an appearance and say hello. The way the photographer approached me about it was just hilarious! The look on his face was priceless! Thankfully he’s a good friend of mine so it was more funny than embarrassing.

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

Health and fitness is a huge part of my life, and I believe exercise is the best way to cure anything, as exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, haha. I weight lift 5 to 6 days a week along with dancing, and I meal prep every Sunday night so I have a week’s worth of meals so it makes it easier for me to have a clean eating palette during the week. I usually eat skinless chicken breast, steak, fish, brown rice or quinoa along with mixed veggies, and I love a good salad along with a lot of fruit. Since I do weight lift I do take supplements along with a lot of protein, but don’t get me wrong, I do have a sweet tooth and I am only human. I love my carbs and junk food!, I am a chocolate lover, anc can never turn down pizza or a good chocolate chip cookie! I also love my ice cream… moderation is key!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a thumb sucker, and catch myself sucking my thumb like a little baby before bed every night, and also wash my hands in threes. I hate sleeping alone, and when I’m not sleeping next to my significant other I spray his cologne on my pillow and spoon it. I don’t drink milk.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wish I had more patience and wasn’t so hot headed and stubborn. I’m known for being a little bit of a spitfire.

What features do you look for in a partner?

I kind of have a thing for bad boys, the ones that come of rough on the outside but once you get to know then they’re like a big teddy bear. I’m into guys with dark hair and blue or hazel eyes, and I find beards sexy but love a strong jaw line. A man filled with beautiful tattoos is definitely sexy in my eyes. I have a thing for muscles and broad shoulders., he’s got to like hockey -and if you like basketball that’s just a deal breaker-. Being with someone that cares about their health and physical appearance just as much as I do is always a plus. I’m a sucker for men with humor, and if you can make me laugh non stop on the daily and find humor in everything like myself then I’m sold. Looks are always a plus but personality is everything, and I’ll pick a guy with personality over a guy with looks any day. Someone I can talk to and confide in, who cares about my well being and dreams and fears and takes care of me. Basically, just be prince marching on my door step hahaha!

Visit Mary-Pat’s website for more photos and information

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