Blog Archives

Interview with Kara Camille Delonas — Professional Musician, Part-Time Model

Kara Camille Delonas is a 23-year old model residing in Kearny, New Jersey.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Kara, born in Newton MA at the same time as my triplet sister Molly and my triplet brother Gary, and also have an older sister named Suzanne. I grew up in a very artistic family, where my grandmother was an actress, my uncle a painter, my dad is a musician, my mom is a writer, so from a very young age I knew I wanted to perform. I first wanted to be a ballerina, then a writer, actress, painter, poet… anything to entertain others. Eventually I discovered how much I loved playing music and writing songs so I stuck to that. I never once pictured myself as a model.

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

I first became involved in the industry when I was 18 years old. I randomly decided to teach myself to be a contortionist when I realized that I was double jointed in most parts of my body and unusually flexible, then I shared some of my skills online and got a surprising amount of attention, and one person in my area asked if I would do a photoshoot showcasing my talents, to which I agreed. After the shoot he told me I have a natural ability to pose in front of a camera whether I’m contorting or not, and he recommended I create an online portfolio, so I created my Model Mayhem page using pictures other people took of me and very poor quality selfies. It was so unprofessional at first but the jobs immediately started pouring in… It was so surprising and exciting.

kara-camille-delonas-modeling-a-black-dressWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I hope I’m still modeling in five to ten years but it is definitely not a goal of mine. I hope that I will not be scared of aging, and if I am still modeling I will not try to look, dress or act younger than I am. In ten years I hope I am still playing music, possibly teaching; I hope that I will be happy and have most of my life figured out, as I am doing well but I am still so young and have so much to learn. I also don’t really see myself settling down in ten years, as I love to travel and meet new people and have thrilling, nerve-wracking experiences. Maybe I’ll settle down in twenty years. Maybe thirty.

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

I took about a year off from my modeling career to really focus on school. Now that I have graduated I am slowly trying to make my way back in, and have many shoots coming up in the future that I am excited about. Before the hiatus most of my shoots were fashion or fitness related, but sometimes I modeled clothes or makeup. I was very young when I started so most of my jobs were innocent, cute, not very serious, and now that I have grown up a bit I am open to being a bit sexier in my work. I have a few things planned out, so you will have to wait and see.

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

I’ve had so many good experiences! It’s hard to pick the best. I occasionally model with my sister Molly and that’s always fun, since we don’t see each other very often these days but when we work together you would think we’re attached at the hip. We’re always on the same page and we’re able to compliment each other, not overpower each other. Also both of us came very close to being on the 20th cycle of America’s Next Top Model, which was an incredible, surreal experience.

As far as worst experiences, well, I think every long-term model has one or two horror stories unfortunately, since it’s a risky business and you have to be smart about who you work with. There was one photographer who was adjusting my poses but gradually started to become inappropriate. I’d prefer not to go into details, but I got out of the studio as fast as I could once I realized what was going on and thankfully I’m okay. I now run a very thorough background check on every photographer I work with.

kara-camille-delonas-jumping-in-the-beachHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

There’s a photographer I’ve worked with many times and our shoots are always a little eerie, and mysterious. So for this one shoot we picked our location at an abandoned barn, we thought it was abandoned anyways. The roof had completely collapsed, there were trees and vines growing on the inside, the furniture was all covered in thick layers of dust and dirt. About thirty minutes into our shoot we heard a man yelling for us to get out. Apparently he was the owner of the barn. He started screaming and cursing at us and told us he called the police and they were on their way. After a while of listening to him yell at us, we sensed that the police were never called, so we dismissed ourselves. He actually chased after us and keyed the photographer’s car! We eventually went to the police ourselves and it turns out we were in the clear because the state had actually ordered him to put up a No Trespassing sign but he refused for some reason. The barn was recently torn down for being a public safety hazard. I hope that had nothing to do with us.

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

The way models are so objectified is a little discouraging, as it can really affect a person’s self esteem. Modeling is like acting but through images, so who you are in a picture is not who you are in real life. There are so many times that I have been talked down to like I am not smart or like I am somehow a lesser human being because I am a model. I always stand up for myself when I feel as though I am being disrespected, but not all models are like me. Some just take it and it’s not okay.

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

Those who know me well know that nutrition and exercise are extremely important to me. After months and months of reading and research I decided to permanently go vegan; it’s been a year and three months and I’ve honestly never felt better. Almost everything I eat comes from the produce aisle of the grocery store, and I never calorie restrict or cut carbs, especially fruit. I do however limit my fat intake, especially oils, do not drink alcohol anymore unless it is a very special occasion, and I try to have a green smoothie every day: this is what makes me feel my best.

Exercise is also a very necessary part of my life. I practice Ashtanga yoga every single day, and I do not take days off no matter how busy or tired or sick or lazy I feel. The amazing part about yoga is you can modify it on days you don’t want to practice; there is a yoga practice for everything and everyone. I do try to push myself a little on most days though. I’m always trying to get stronger, and more balanced and more flexible. Bonus: since I started practicing I am much calmer, and in control of my emotions. Yoga has changed my life.

kara-camille-delonas-in-a-vintage-white-dressPlease share something people don’t know about you.

I love classical music and jazz, and always put on WQXR or WBGO in the car and it puts me in a good mood. When I turn on classical radio in the middle of a piece I always try to guess the composer and I’m almost always right. My friends can back me up on this. It’s a bit of a nerdy obsession.

Would you change anything about yourself?

That is a hard question. There are some days I wish I were skinnier, or had thicker hair, better clothes, etc. I was so insecure growing up, as other kids would always point out my flaws and make me question myself. Now that I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that the things that make me different are what make me unique. I also don’t value the way I look as much anymore because beauty is so temporary. I have a boyfriend who loves me for my mind, not for the way I look; I did not graduate college for the way I look. The only things I would change at this point are things on the inside, not to sound too cliche: I wish that I cared even less what others think of me, I wish I didn’t get so mad when people cut me off in traffic, I wish I didn’t have so much trouble falling asleep some nights, I wish I weren’t so attached to my phone, I wish I spent more time practicing guitar and less time watching TV. They’re little things, but otherwise I am perfectly content with who I am.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I could have one superpower, I would want to be able to control time. If you really think about it, you can pretty much do anything if you could control time; I would only use it for good though. For example, if I didn’t get enough sleep one night I might go back in time so I could get more. If I ever did something I regret, I could go back and undo it. I could also freeze time just to get some peace and quiet, it would be amazing. I don’t think I would go into the future very often although I am anxious to see who our next president is going to be.

Visit Kara Camille Delonas’s website for more photos and information

Read more

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!

Trigger showing her abs in the woodsWhat 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.

Trigger modeling blue jeansPlease 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.

Read more

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

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

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please share something people don’t know about you.

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

Would you change anything about yourself?

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

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

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

Visit Savannah Bice’s website for more photos and information

Read more

Interview with Jeffery Stephan (JS) — Model / EDM Int’l Recording Artist

Jeffery Stephan (JS) is a 27-year old model residing in Chicago, Illinois.

Born and raised just outside of America’s windy city, Chicago, Jeffery Stephan was awakened to his muse at a young age. At just age three, he began his early years of musical discipline. From Jazz to Blues, Rock to EDM, JS will continue to create magical vocals and innovative music for the future of humanity, as we know it.

At age 12 Jeffery joined forces with his music school’s traveling blues band based out of Chicago. Exploring these avenues, he began to experience the joy of the main stage, playing at events like the Taste Of Chicago. From Jazz Band to the Choral line for his high school, Jeffery Stephan excelled wherever possible.

Now at a cumulative point in his musical education, Jeffery’s creative focus has begun to shift to the ever-growing market of Electro-Modulated music. With a voice and style all his own Jeffery Stephan is sure to light up the stage and resonate in the ears of many a generation to come.

Jeffery Stephan topless with black jeansWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I was actually approached in a shopping center in Downtown Chicago at age 15 by a talent scout. I wasn’t exactly sure if I was going to be interesting because I never found myself really fashion-friendly. I started understanding all of the creative aspects and how I could really relate to the fashion industry. I just had so much fun getting into it in both modeling and my music career. I love to portray not only sound but imagery, in the way that I can fully express myself and my soul.

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

In the next 5 to 10 years I honestly want to see not only a lot of progress of myself, but a lot of progress of the world and everybody around me. I believe that we are moving in a direction at a very exponential speed whether it’s with technology, politics, morality or spirituality. For myself, I just want to be able to create a foundation for myself – a legacy – that I can leave behind for future generations. I believe that we are all in this small world together and that we have to do the best we can to not only survive but to prolong the essence of what we are and that is magical to me.

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

For myself a lot of the photos that I do take are for my marketing efforts and my music career. But I am in a couple of fashion shows and I do some commercial print. I am also an aspiring to be a fitness model because I believe that health and fitness is something that goes hand-in-hand with our mind and our spirit. To live long and stay youthful and to be able to experience more than we can imagine!

Jeffery Stephan modeling a gray t-shirtPlease tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My experiences in the entertainment industry have been quite up and down I do understand that a lot of times we have to be a certain look and a certain body weight and a certain body color and a certain color for eyes and hair, etc. And also in the music industry it is very hard to trust the right people and also in any entertainment industry because you want to make sure that you are constantly on your guard to make sure that you were working with people who are truly looking to not only advance themselves but to invest in you and advance yourself as well because it’s all about helping each other in any industry. Everyone wants to be successful and I understand that there are a lot of different ways that we can be deceived but if you truly believe in yourself and you feel that you go with your natural instinct just always know that the feeling that comes with inside yourself should be the one that you make the decision with.

Some of the best things that I feel that have happened to me is to be able to work with such wonderful personalities: beautiful people, creative people, innovation and being able to see just how things have changed over the past 10 years whether it is with fashion or music. I’m very excited about the shows that are coming up and I am truly looking forward to continuing my journey in this world.

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

If there was anything that I would change with the modeling industry it would be a more conscious way of understanding why it is the way that it works and to be able to help educate people who truly want to be aspiring models of what exactly being a model entails.

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

Nutrition and exercise is one of the top most important things anybody could do not just to be a model but to be a healthy human being. I very much do like to stick to a strict diet of not eating junk food and trying to have a good amount of protein in the food I choose. I guess something that makes it very much simple for me to eat healthy is having the love to cook. Now I know I’m no Julia Child but I do know that I have a wonderful passion for being creative in the culinary arts and just because I didn’t go to culinary school doesn’t mean that I have not had great responses and reactions to the different kinds of cuisine that I cook.

Going to the gym 5 to 6 times a week is something that I find that is not only a must,  but it has become a habit. It’s a place where I can really release my stress and tension of the week because we all know that there are various stressful things that happen in this crazy, chaotic world. Just know being healthy and fit is something that will not only give you a very long lifetime, but it will make you feel good from the inside out and you will truly be proud of yourself!

Jeffery Stephan wearing latex black pantsPlease share something people don’t know about you.

One interesting fact about myself is that I was adopted at birth. I also have an adoptive brother who is not genetically related to me.  He sure is the best 23-year-old that I know and is truly a best friend and brother. Not being able to truly know who my real parents are as of yet kind of makes me wonder what they look like and the possibilities of different directions in my life. But I believe that the universe has a path for all of us and that everything does truly happen for a real reason.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Let’s see now I know it’s the year 2015 and we have not become human cyborgs yet?! Just kidding! But I do find it fascinating that there is a possibility in the future that we will be able to have a much longer lifespan due to the technology and what we can do to our bodies. I’m not talking about cosmetic surgery, I’m just talking about getting an oil change and possibly getting a new engine! I’m not saying I want to live forever, but I am very much a futurist and it would be fantastic and a dream to be able to see all of the technology and evolutions in culture that we will have in the next hundred or thousand years. But as for now, I’m very much comfortable in my own skin and I do want to truly be a human being with an inner soul that can express itself physically and mentally.

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

Well I’m currently single, and it’s not that I’m not open to possibilities because anything can happen but I’m trying to focus on myself at the moment and to pursue my dreams because I definitely would like to meet somebody who has the same motive and aspirations for themselves. Just let nature take it’s course.

Visit Jeffery Stephan (JS)’s website for more photos and information

Read more

Interview with Zuzana Star — Competitive swimmer wins in modeling

Zuzana Star is a 16-year old model residing in Tampa, Florida.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born and raised in Slovakia, but moved to Florida when I was 7. My twin brother and I were adopted by my step father and started a new happier chapter of our lives.

When I moved to Florida, I joined a local competitive swim team – the best decision I made as a kid. Now, I swim for one of the top teams in Florida and train to get national cuts. We practice 3+ hours daily and compete every month. I’m also a high school student attending Tampa Preparatory School trying to keep my GPA high. I’m a member of the National Honors Society, I volunteer at a local college and keep myself busy with modeling.

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

To be honest, I started modeling after I read the autobiography written by Amanda Beard titled “In Water They Don’t See You Cry”. Amanda is a US Olympic Swimmer, who also became a top model. She succeeded in both swimming and modeling and she inspired me immensely.

Swimming is an intense sport and training or competing can be quite stressful. Modeling gives me confidence. In swimming, if you don’t win or don’t get the time cut – you are devastated. In modeling, I feel great every time, because I get to create something amazing and I get to explore a more feminine, creative side of me. Modeling is a great outlet.

Zuzana Star lying on the grassWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I recently read an article by Wayne Goldsmith titled “1 Thing In Goal Setting That Separates The Best From The Rest”. The article talks about how important is to set long-term goals, but does it work? Not really. Not if you do it the way most people do. The one thing in goal setting that separates the best from the rest are ‘moment goals’. People set admirable goals like becoming an an Olympic athlete or the next Victoria Secret Angel, but they forget that what is really important is to focus on the immediate goals now. Focus on what is in front of us. For me, it is to have the best practice, to win my next race or do the best photoshoot yet or impress a local agent. I am focused on the present.

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

I try to balance my busy life as a student, athlete and model. On those weekends when I don’t have a swim meet, I usually schedule a photoshoot or an event. I’ve done numerous shoots, ranging from lifestyle, fitness, to glamour and others, and enjoyed them immensely. I also did a few events such as a bridal show – it was a lot of fun. Now, I’m looking for an agency representation to be able to apply myself and take modeling to a new level. I’d love to do runway or fashion shows soon.

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

I guess the worst experience in modeling for me is when you go to a casting or meet an agent and get rejected in 2.5 seconds. Other than that, modeling is a lot of fun and I love it every single time… except on a bad hair day…

I love working with photographers who are patient and who make me feel… beautiful. Who guide me, but let me express myself, too.

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

One lovely afternoon, we did a shoot at a small lake in Sarasota, FL. The photographer’s face got really intense and he just kept snapping pics as fast as he could and then he just yelled “run”. We both ran… because apparently behind me was this nasty ginormous alligator who decided to get out of the lake and look for his dinner – me.

Zuzana Star face closeupIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I’m still trying to understand the industry, so I’m not so sure at this time. Just like any other industry, it is very competitive. On a personal level, I wish I could block all the creepers from contacting me online. There are some predators, worse than the alligator in the lake, who are dangerous. I’m only 16, but I received a few really scary messages through my online profile. I wish I could somehow avoid that. I have to be very careful.

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

Being a high performance competitive swimmer requires to be on a special diet plan. I actually went to a holistic nutritionist to get guidance how to maximize my performance. Currently, I am 5′ 7” and only 106 pounds. I am still growing and I need to make sure I do not lose weight. Swimmers actually often struggle with weigh loss, because of the level of training that is involved. I have to have a balanced diet consisting of large amounts of protein and carbs with a lot of fluids. I cannot skip breakfast, I have to eat 5 to 6 times a day. Cannot eat light lunch and overeat at night. There are strict guidelines. Good nutrition is key to success in both modeling and swimming.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have a twin brother, who is also a model and swimmer. We often compete in everything we do, but support each other, too.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I am very critical about myself and have a list of things I wish I could change or improve. At the same time, I’m conformable about my body. I work very had every day in the pool and I’m satisfied with the way I look. I count my blessings and try not to be…. greedy. I try focusing on things I have control of instead of physical shortcomings I cannot change, like my chin, cheeks, and others.

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

I’ll be honest – I’ve never been in a relationship. Never had a steady boyfriend. This area is all unexplored and I am looking forward to exploring it one day…. soon. My dream man would look like Theo James from the Divergent movies. He would have the biggest heart and lots of patience, and money… haha, love me unconditionally and forever. I’m a dreamer!

Read more

Interview with Joey D — Model & Student

Joey D is a 35-year old model residing in Chicago, Illinois.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Indiana and lived with my family until 1997, when I moved to Chicago for college. I’ve lived here ever since. I enjoy working out and inspiring others to reach their health goals. I incorporate a psychological aspect to my training and advice. I believe in a holistic approach to complete health stemming from over 20 years in the gym and my MA in psychology. In my spare time I enjoy video games and reading. I run a couple websites, dance at events, and do other odd jobs to keep my life interesting.

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

I’ve been modeling off and on for 15 years. Not until 2014 did I start to focus on modeling. Since then, it’s been non-stop and I love it. I decided to focus on it since I was in graduate school and needed some extra income.

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

I’ve achieved so much in life that I’m at the point that everything is just icing on the cake. I never live to work and only believe in working to live so that I enjoy everything I do. If I’m still inspiring and helping people in some way for the rest of my life, I’ll be happy. There is no limit to the possibilities of what life can offer. I embrace every experience and look forward to each one.

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

I average about a shoot a month. I generally only do photo shoots focused on fitness and health modeling.

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

Every experience was awesome. There’s nothing I could classify as a worst experience. Since each one is different, it created a memory that will last forever.

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

Yes, I was shooting in TX and went with the photographer to pick up food after the shoot. The people at the restaurant recognized me. Then, we stopped at a drug store and the woman behind me bought my products for me for no reason other than she wanted to. It was so crazy and awesome. I was speechless.

Joey D lying on a bedDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I do not participate in any sports, but I eat like a bodybuilder. Bulking and cutting nutrition plans are my life. I’m constantly adjusting my food intake and tweaking things to create my body how I want it to look.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a classically trained singer. I’m actually working on getting a demo out in the future. Possibly on my YouTube channel or somewhere. I’ll keep you posted.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I regret nothing. Everything about me exists because of an experience I had. I love having lived my life and look forward to every future moment to see how it shapes my personality.

What is the longest you have gone without taking a bath?

I’ve gone 5 days without bathing. Instead of going on vacation, I stayed home and did nothing but played video games. It was amazing, but by the end I realized I really needed to shower and get out of the house. It made me appreciate human contact. haha!

Visit Joey D’s website for more photos and information

Read more

Interview with Nikky Sky — Artistic Grad Student

Nikky Sky is a 22-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am from Lake Tahoe, Nevada and couldn’t wait to get out of my small home town as soon as possible. However, every free moment I have now I think about going back to my family there!

I absolutely love to learn, read, practice yoga, run, work out, and keep myself in great shape. I also love to try new and exotic foods and am getting into mixology as well as being a serious foodie!

Nikky Sky topless inside a carWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got involved in modeling and acting when I was younger but sports sort of took over my life instead. I was injured and had several life altering knee surgeries and it killed my athletic drive. However, when I moved to LA, I started modeling professionally.

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

Finishing graduate school right now in marketing and finance is my number one goal. I obviously have other career goals linked to my degree but I personally want to be happy, healthy, successful and make my family proud in whatever I do.

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

I mostly model for fitness print, sports, bikini and clothing lines but I am also into glamour, makeup and hair prints as well!

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

My favorite shoots are always for local clothing lines and local businesses. The drive and energy I get from up and coming businesses is contagious.

Since I have moved to Los Angeles and most recently Hollywood, the biggest issues I have had with modeling are the flakes and phonies that this beautiful city is full of. I have been stood up and hit on more times by “professionals” more than I can count.

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

Living in Hollywood, nothing really surprises or embarrasses me anymore!!

Nikky Sky wearing a blue topIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Honestly, if I started to list the things I could change I would go on for hours and hours. Being exceptionally tall and thin is a stereotype of models across the world and being only 5’6 and a bit curvy I am trying to break those stereotypes.

In addition, the stereotypes of tattoos on models in my opinion is ridiculous. I have my fair share of tattoos and still model successfully. I wish more tattooed girls would get out there and show of their art work as well!

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

I run 5 days a week, practice yoga and meditation almost daily and I weight train as well. I eat organic, low calorie and low sugar diets but I eat as much as I want so I never feel starving. Health is a big part of my life but I try to be very conscious of it taking over my whole life.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Many people don’t know that I’m color blind! I confuse red-green, blue-yellow, blue-green and most purples tend to look the same as blues and greens to me!

Would you change anything about yourself?

I am constantly striving to be better. I am somewhat of a perfectionist and I wish I could change that a bit. It makes me successful but it can also make me a little crazy sometimes!

How do you think you are most likely to die?

Definitely doing something crazy and adventurous. The crazier and more adrenaline pumping the activity, the more I want to do it!

Read more