Blog Archives

Jan 19 2015

Interview with Mariah Sue — Youtube Beauty Vlogger and Model

Mariah Sue is a 23-year old model residing in Waterbury, Connecticut.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Canada, Fredricton NB to be exact, but only lived there a few short months. I guess my father, who is a a canadian native, just wanted his only daughter to be born there. I was raised in CT my whole life, although I am not the biggest fan of it. I feel like there isn’t much of a future in the career paths I have in mind. I have a great family and an even more amazing boyfriend; I went to cosmetology school so I am a licensed cosmetologist and I also Film Beauty videos for YouTube – I go by “Pinkl0vexx” or “Mariah McLean” for which I film makeup and hair tutorials as well as other fun videos like hauls, what’s in my purse etc; I truly love what I do and it’s been a blessing to get some income from doing what I love. Makeup is my passion and I like to believe I have true talent with it. Although I continue to learn everyday.

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

Back in 2010, I had a “friend”, for whom I use the term loosely because she was a total bitch, who modeled. She always would post racy pictures on Facebook but I always liked them and would comment and be like “wow hottie!” She would always encourage me to model and I would be “great at it” so one day I asked her who to go to and she set me up with a great local photographer named “Jay Walker” He was awesome and totally a great mentor. I still talk to him, and she ended up getting jealous and told people I had copied her.

Mariah Sue topless wearing jean shortsWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I just want to be happy. If you’re happy, then life is good. I would love to see my youtube channel take off and make that my full time career and income. I would also love to be featured in Inked Magazine and any other tattoo magazines. I have a dream to be playboy centerfold but unfortunately due to my tattoos, my dreams of being a bunny may never happen. I was told by a PB photographer that the “tattoos would be an issue” and so that kind of shot me down. I still would love to submit one day though.

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

I honestly don’t model as often as I would like to. I am super hard on myself and if I am not committing to eating well and exercising often, I won’t shoot. Although I do have plans for upcoming shoots this year! I would love to break into music videos one day, that would be pretty cool. I enjoy glamour modeling, lingerie and would only do nudes for a well established company such as Playboy.

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

I have had pretty much great experiences. I have been able to network and meet some really awesome photographers who have worked alongside well known photographers. I have had the chance to actually conversate with some well known PB photographers which blows my mind sometimes; modeling has opened some doors… of course I would love to see some bigger doors open but it’s such a tough industry to get into because everyone thinks they’re a model nowadays especially with Instagram and Instafame.

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

Looking back I think some of the funniest moments were being shy to do implieds or something just because you’re stark naked, you literally can’t be shy or feel intimidated by a photographer, unless you have reason, because in this industry, if you make it big, everyone will see you naked.

Mariah Sue face closeupIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Less competition would be nice… hah. Just because it’s tough for you to get noticed when there are so many other chicks doing the same thing. You literally have to bring something new to the table! I would also like for the girls not to be so stuck up and support one another. It’s all about women empowering other women!!

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

I try to eat low carbs and hit up the gym often. I used to have trainers but that always ended up awkward, as you can imagine… haha. But they taught me some awesome techniques and good dieting tips so I am thankful for that! Nutrition is everything. Some people think they can workout and eat whatever they want but that’s so wrong! Having a healthy diet in conjuction with exercising is when you’ll see some amazing results!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I was raised in a very strict religious household and I am a tough tough cookie; a lot of people underestimate my strength, just ask my boyfriend, he always says “you would kick any girl’s ass” haha.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t change anything, God made me the way I am and I embrace it.
I used to want fuller lips and considered lip injections but the way Kylie Jenner has made every girl do it, I have no interest – I enjoy being different, I hate being like everyone else!!

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

I would do some wild shit – skydive, anything dangerous and something I wouldn’t typically do! I would literally take chances and be fearless for those 24 hours!

Visit Mariah Sue’s website for more photos and information

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Jan 07 2015

Interview with Haylan Victoria — Fine artist, vocalist, and model

Haylan Victoria is a 22-year old model residing in Hartford, Connecticut.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’ve always been fascinated by the creative arts, and the time and effort people put into their works. My mother was a painter, and my dad was always listening to things like the B-52’s, Ramones, and Pink Floyd, so I was heavily influenced by their alternative lifestyles. I bounced back and forth between family members growing up, so singing and drawing were always there for me to express myself. For a long time I was afraid of the competition in the arts world, but after much encouragement from friends and family I’ve changed my major to graphic design. I have no idea where that will lead me, but I know now that whatever I set out to do will be where my heart lies.

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

I used to work at the college radio station at Western Connecticut State University, and there was a shoot for all of the DJ’s and hosts. Joe Yunckes, the photographer, reached out to me after the fact and asked if I would model for him. He was the first person to ever shoot me, and he suggested I consider looking into working with more people. It had always seemed like a far-fetched idea, but when I put myself out I was shocked by the amount of photographers who wanted to work with me. Since then it’s been a snow-ball effect of awesome!

Haylan Victoria modeling a bridal dress in the woodsWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

Personally and professionally, I still have no idea what I want to do. I’ve been modeling for three years now, and more than anything else I’m enamored by the people I get to work with. To put it in a nutshell, my goal is to work with crazy and fun folks who want to create. Whether that be visual art, music, or film; there are so many facets of humanity that can be expressed through these mediums. The people are what make them interesting.

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

I do about four or five runway shows a year, and shoot very irregularly. Because I’m a full-time student and work in an art gallery, there’s not a whole lot of time in between to focus on modeling. This past year I’ve done about two shoots per month, which is a lot less than I would like, but, “que sera, sera.”

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

By far the most amazing times of my life are always with Isabel Vinson. She is my modeling guru, and has given me more help and advice than anyone in the modeling industry. Because of her I have learned the ways of fashion barter, how to get paid, and when to not care about what the haters think. The beautiful part of this is that it’s translated into my daily life, enveloping my entire persona with a confidence I would not have had otherwise.

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

My second runway show ever was with Redfield Designs. She’s a steampunk artist, so all of her dresses were super long and victorian styled. I was confident that everything would be perfect, but little did I know that there would be stairs involved. The perfect combination of a floor length dress, seven inch heels, and overconfidence caused me to eat carpet on my way up. Luckily, it wasn’t caught on film.

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

How competitive it is!!! I love when I walk into a room of models at a show and everyone is super friendly, but that doesn’t happen all the time. I think if people could drop the whole, “I’m going to be better than you,” mentality, life would be a little easier.

Haylan Victoria wearing a see-through dressDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Daily stretching is vital to my work. Although I don’t model as often as I used to, there is nothing worse than going into a figure shoot and feeling sore afterwards. Also, I wear heels around the house when I’m cleaning up to keep my balance on point. As far as nutrition goes, I eat what I want, when I want. Luckily, I don’t want processed unnatural things in my body, and live in Connecticut where local farmers are very supported. Chocolate cravings are no thing when you live five minutes away from a chocolatier who uses all local and organic ingredients.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

When I was twelve I entered the state foster system. For the first few years I bounced around homes, until I was accepted to a group home for girls who were “well-behaved.” Both of my parents have been sober and doing incredibly well in their recovery since then, and I know I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for seeing their struggles, and going through my own. I hope to some day give back, through running a scholarship program for teens in the foster system.

Would you change anything about yourself?

The one and only thing I would ever consider changing about myself is my doubt. Very frequently I find myself wondering if pursuing modeling is worth the stress, or if my art will ever be something people will like, and sometimes that doubt is difficult to overcome. However, it’s a natural feeling that all people experience. Questioning my self and quality of work causes me to be thoughtful and conscientious of all that I do.

Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?

I actually go commando quite regularly. For a while a friend of mine and I decided we would just stop wearing bras and panties for an entire semester, and it was amazing! People stared and made comments occasionally, but my boobs had never felt better. If I wear a skirt or am going to be giving my boyfriend a strip tease I might put on a thong, but besides that I don’t see the need to bother!

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Jan 06 2015

Interview with Julia Piper — Service Member and Model

Julia Piper is a 22-year old model residing in New Haven, Connecticut.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Julia. I’m originally from a small shoreline town in CT. I studied history at Eastern Connecticut State University for several years but left to explore opportunities working with nonprofits in the New Haven area. Social justice is a passion of mine. I come from a very large, crazy, and supportive family where I have three brothers and three sisters and I felt like this was the right move for me.

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

I first got involved with modeling when I was sixteen. I was scouted by a Boston modeling agent at the Providence Mall and signed with them. I was pretty involved with sports in high school including: cheerleading, lacrosse and paintball so my schedule didn’t really allow for me to do much traveling. When I went to college I put modeling on hold. I recently had some life changes this past summer and decided that I wanted to get back into things, so I’ve only been back working for about eight months now. I just love making art.

Julia Piper modeling an orange bikiniWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I would like to continue my work in the nonprofit sector. Modeling is also something that I am very passionate about and maybe somewhere down the line I’ll be able to find a happy harmony.

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

This past summer I was booking between one to two jobs a week. It’s a little harder now because I work 50 to 60 hours a week. My schedule will change again in June so I’d like to spend as much time as I can modeling then. I’ve done video and commercial, but my main passion lies in crazy high fashion type shoots. I love doing the crazy hair and make-up and just playing pretend for a little while. I like feeling like I’m helping to create art when I model. I love art, and I love being able to be a part of it.

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

You always get a few strange requests from people. My advice to young women would be to know what your boundaries are when going into a job and don’t be afraid to just say “no”. Always bring a chaperon with you and if a photographer pulls underwear out of their trunk you do not need to wear them -even if it is a paid shoot-! Haha, that was probably one of the weirdest things that’s happened to me. I have no problems saying “no” though. I respect myself, and I respect modeling as an art form, and sketchy trunk underwear are just a NO.

Julia Piper modeling a blue top and green jeansHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

There was one time a photographer was upset because I wasn’t being “sexy Heidi Klum” enough. I was like; that woman is gorgeous and has a killer body and wayyyyyy more experience than me. He kept saying “sexy Heidi Klum” and it was freezing and I was slipping off a rock and it was so awkward. I don’t do sexy. It’s just not my look and he had seen my portfolio. I brought a friend as a chaperon and she just kept laughing. He was a little over the top.

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

I think the industry is making some great strides right now all on its own. I just think that it’s very important for young people to realize that there is a lot of work that goes into these pictures and unlike Beyonce I think that most of us do not wake-up like this. There are hours of hair, make-up and editing that go into most of these photos. At my 9 thru 5 job I’m lucky if I have time to remember the mascara.

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 terrible at this. I try to eat healthy but since I work so much I found that I had been ordering food out way too much. I recently got back in to my old routine though. I do a shake for breakfast, salad for lunch, and I mix up dinner. I throw in some vitamin enhanced water throughout the day. I don’t punish myself though. Wings are my favorite food, any of my friend will tell you that. If I slip up it’s not the end of the world. Life is short and should be enjoyed. As long as there’s balance it’s okay. I also walk 30 minutes to and from work a day. I hardly ever drive and I even walk to the grocery store. I used to spend a lot of time in the gym, but my schedule is kind of crazy right now. I try to eat right and walk when I can and so far I’ve been able to maintain myself. I try to jog a few miles every now and then, too.

Julia Piper lying on the beachPlease share something people don’t know about you.

I am absolutely terrified of birds that can fly. Most people wouldn’t think this because I volunteer at an aquarium working with penguins. It’s only the ones that fly that freak me out. If there are birds on the side walk I will cross the street. Especially crows!

Would you change anything about yourself?

I have a gap between my two front teeth. All throughout my childhood I would try to think of ways to close it. I would take the rubber bands that my friends used on their braces and try to get my gap to close together. I begged my parents for braces and got made fun of from time to time. I wouldn’t smile with my mouth open. I was told that when I got my wisdom teeth it would close… I waited and waited for that day. Turns out I only have one wisdom tooth and that did nothing. My junior year of college I had the opportunity to get Invisalign to close it. I almost went through with it. Even the dental assistant told me how pretty it would look. How dumb is that? I have younger sisters though and I am always preaching about self-acceptance and confidence. How could I even think about doing something like that? How hypocritical would that be? Young people need to stop focusing on potential physical “flaws” and see the big picture. These things are what make us individuals. Today, I am so happy that I didn’t close my gap, I always smile with my mouth open now when my friends point a camera at me now.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I really really wish that I knew how to sing. Sometimes when I’m drinking with friends I think that I can. I can’t. On rare occasions we’ll wander over to our local karaoke bar. It’s bad. I’ve seen the videos. It’d be way cooler if I could belt it out like Mariah.

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