Right outside my hostel there is a place called 3Tipicos which serves typical Colombian food. I was glad to find an option which includes several dishes in smaller portions as I very much like to switch between different tastes. Speaking of taste, I’m still not a fan of arepes, they just don’t have any flavor.
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Kylie Smith is a 20-year old model residing in Chicago, Illinois.
My name is Kylie Smith, born in Bay City, Michigan. My mother, Erika, stepfather Randy, and father, Brian have been very supportive of every hobby I’ve explored and done. My main hobbies and interests are reading crime story novels, working with animals, spending time with family and friends, and watching ice hockey. I am signed to MAD Talent Agency and couldn’t be happier with my agent; she is immensely supportive and so easy to get along with. We have a great relationship.
Up until I was 14 or 15, I was tomboy: I played ice hockey with all guys, I loved wearing boy clothes, getting dirty with four-wheelers, fishing, and so much more. One day, I received a message from a mutual friend with someone on Facebook and was asked to help build an online portfolio and website; he said he loves my look and I just thought to myself, “I’ve never tried a photoshoot or any type of modeling, so why not give it a go?” I went to the photoshoot that weekend and ended up loving it. He suggested that I make an online portfolio through a modeling website and I did just that; by my third photoshoot ever, I was flown out to Wisconsin for a paid shoot with my father to model swimwear; all expenses paid. I never once expected that to happen, but I’m glad it did!
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
As for my personal goals, I would love to tone up my body a bit more and regain confidence. Professionally, I am currently a junior in college getting a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, so I’d like to do something in Marketing or Public Relations after I receive my degree.
I model in spurts, as balancing school as well as an acting career becomes difficult sometimes. I am mainly doing photo shoots, all different types of modeling, though; acting, video, fashion, commercial, glamour, swimwear. My photo shoots consist of many different things, such as long hours, lots of wardrobe changes, makeup changes, and making sure I’m coming up with countless poses.
The best experience I’ve had with modeling so far is landing a contract with a wonderful agency in the commercial division, as well as meeting so many amazing people along the way.
One of the worst experiences I’ve come across in this industry brings me back to one of my first photo shoots. The photographer and I were in a room alone shooting swimwear, and he tried forcing me to model in lingerie, which was not part of the agreement. He told me if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t get paid, and then he locked the door and threatened me. I just went with it all at that point because I was brand new to the industry and I was 14 or 15 years old, I didn’t know how to react.
The one thing I would change about the modeling industry would have to be the protection for models. We don’t have much of that; there are so many creeps out there and I know many models who have such frightening stories about experiences from photo shoots they attended alone. I’ve been there myself and it was terrifying, it’s something that really needs to be taken more seriously.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.Typically, I eat fruits, fresh steamed veggies, lots of fish and sushi, and a ton of chicken. I definitely have thrown some junk food in there, though! I drink water pretty much all day everyday. I am starting to get back into my workout routine, which consists of cardio and Pilates 5 to 6 days per week, to tone my body up, as it’s very important for me to stay healthy and be active.
I am also signed for acting at my agency and I didn’t have to audition. I’ve been in the TV shows Chicago P.D. and Empire. I also filmed with Melissa McCarthy for her movie Michelle Darnell coming out in April, 2016.
I would personally love to be taller and more muscular, which is partly why I am working out again! Also, perfect skin would be great! But then again, who doesn’t get blemishes?
What I look for in a significant other is him being genuine in all that he does, supportive, trustworthy, and down for spontaneous adventures!
Visit Kylie Smith’s website for more photos and information
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Brittany Mason is a model residing in Los Angeles, California.
My name is Brittany Mason, I was born in Detroit, MI but raised in a small farm town by the name of Anderson, IN. I am an artist at the core, I enjoy painting, writing, traveling, photography, among many other things and I have luckily been able to allow some of those interests in to influencing my career as a model and creative brand consultant. I do everything from writing product reviews on my blog www.brittanymason.com, come up with the concept, direct, and shoot short viral videos for products and causes, for example this Prostate Cancer Awareness video, run my anti bullying charity iampossible.us, oh and I also model and act… you can find some of my acting work at IMDB.
At the age of 16 my life changed within a matter of months. I signed with my first modeling agency and moved to NYC from Indiana to pursue my dream career as a fashion model. Shortly after signing my first modeling contract as a teen, I entered a local beauty competition that led me to capture the national title of Teen Model of the USA, for the World Beauty Organization. At the internationally televised competition Teen Model of the World, I competed against top models from around the globe, and out of 52 countries vying to be named the most beautiful woman in the world, I placed 2nd. In 2008 I was crowned Miss Indiana USA, for Donald Trump’s Miss Universe Organization placing 7th at Miss USA.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?5 to 10 years from now I see my charity iampossible.us growing tremendously, the merchandise that I am designing for it right now, BMOXIE also growing into it’s own brand, my acting and modeling career becoming more mainstream, and I also hope by this time I will be juggling my career and a family.
It’s funny, the modeling industry has changed tremendously in the last 10 years, and I have been doing it for a long time!; how I have still stayed in the game is by evolving with the industry, models are no longer just models anymore. You can see that social media has changed the world entirely; you have to be more of a personality, clients are cutting out the agencies and going directly to models on social media, everyone in the industry is sort of trying to find their place again as things are changing so quickly. This is why I have become more of a brand consultant: I come up with creative concepts for brands to help them promote their products, I write reviews about these products, I have the ability to create several different types of content for those brands, and I can still model for those brands as well; I am much more than just a “face” for brands, I can help them develop catchy creative concepts to help them truly be memorable to consumers.
This is really a tough question to answer… modeling has allowed me to create an incredible life for myself, a life where I have been able to travel the world, work with some very influential people that I have always admired, and I have had some amazing and unique experiences that I otherwise would have never been exposed to. It has truly opened my eyes and my mind to other people and cultures, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I have had, but with that said, I have also seen the ugly side to the industry: modeling is unfortunately one of the most unregulated industries out there, and so many young people want to be part of it.
We live in a culture where everyone wants to be famous and will do anything to get there, but unfortunately there are people in the industry or even fakes for that matter that prey on young people and their dreams; I absolutely encountered this early on, but I encourage anyone considering to be part of this industry to look up The Model Alliance Organization, they work diligently for better working rights for models and can connect models with resources and help for various issues in the industry.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?Improved labor rights, more financial transparency, and for everyone to realize that there must be a line drawn between “art” and sexual abuse. Please visit Model Alliance’s website to see the efforts that are being made to improve the industry.
I love being active! You can check out my workout routine on my blog http://brittanymason.com/blog. I love hot yoga, kickboxing, and hiking, and I try to eat clean, organic, and fresh food.
At the core I am an artist: This comes out in many different areas of my life, from photography, painting, sketching, designing… I love to tell beautiful stories and express them in different ways. Even if it is not your typical “beauty” standard, to me self expression is what is most beautiful to me, I love helping others achieve their dreams; I always root for the underdog, there is something about watching a person dig deep within themselves to find strength to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. I relate to this and so iampossible.us means a lot to me!
Maybe be more efficient with time, I juggle a lot but I always feel like I am not getting enough done! I try to be superwoman! Other than that… nothing. I feel it is important to embrace your imperfections and love yourself; you must love yourself first, everything else flows through you and it will influence how effective you are with what you do. If you love yourself and take care of yourself, everything else will align.
Oh my… that is tough! I would try to reflect and spend as much time with the people that I love! I would record my last 24 hours and try to complete everything I have left on my life list… I would try to share with the world what I have learned about life. Enjoying the little things and moments with the people I love, those little things in the end are what is really important. Those are what makes life worth living.
Visit Brittany Mason’s website for more photos and information
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Kae Violeta is a 23-year old model residing in Chicago, Illinois.
I go by Kae or Karina Violeta which is just my first and middle name, very original I know. I was raised in a strong single parent home by my beautiful mother with my younger brother in a small town near Chicago’s north side. I always was drawn to the Arts from a young age from singing in talent shows to joining drama club, and took knitting and crochet classes when I was 12 and briefly played piano. As an adult I’ve been able to work Creatively both behind and in front of the camera in the fashion and beauty industry as a stylist and model, as well as taking a couple acting classes and working on a few independent projects.
I was recommended by a high school friend to join her in promotional modeling for amateur MMA fights at 17. She thought I had the look they wanted so I applied and kind of just got jobs here and there from word of mouth.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?I hope to gain enough confidence to dive completely into every experience or opportunity I ever dreamed of doing, so that I don’t ever wake up wondering, what if? I would like to see myself in 10 years with a successful business of my own preferably in the fashion and beauty industry.
I wouldn’t consider myself a model. I’m more of a visual arts enthusiast and we will just pretend that’s a thing. I’ve mainly been cast for beauty shots, including face, maximum 3/4 length shots, and hair campaigns or ads; actually all the print work I’ve done has involved hair or makeup in some way. Most recently I’ve been experimenting with video, and have been featured in a Kinto Sol video for their song Todo por ti. It definitely sparked my curiosity and after encouragement from a few close friends I am enrolled in acting courses to further explore that area of work.
My best experience was working with Lock & Loaded men’s grooming on their 2011 photo submissions to the North American Hair Awards. I remember walking in casting room and seeing a picture of Natalie Portman with a shaved side hair style for V magazine and the directors were like that’s what we are looking for and me just thinking what am I getting myself into? It was the craziest risk I ever took because it definitely hindered my future hair bookings but most amazing experience. One of the main reasons I joined cosmetology school was influenced from that photo shoot.
While being body painted for an event one of the models being prepped asked if anyone ever passed gas while being painted and for some reason I was taken aback by her question and turned red. It was a funny embarrassing moment for me.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.I wasn’t a very athletic girl growing up, however nutrition and exercise play a huge role in my life today. There are things I would rather do than wake up an hour earlier to meal prep each morning but it gives me a sense of relaxation and that way I know exactly what I am putting into my body. I have a few dietary restrictions so sometimes last minute options can be tricky. I try to squeeze in a quick 30 min work out before work but if I can’t I just wait till after, that way I can ask a friend which keeps up the positive energy and I usually up it to a 60 min session. I do miss days sometimes but try my best to work out at least 4 to 5 Times a week, it’s a constant struggle for me to be consistent.
I sing a little happy tune to myself when I’m about to eat really good food ha ha.
I wouldn’t mind having a little wave in my mane so I wouldn’t have to manually do it daily.
Stalking the Biebs IG feed.
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Karishma is a 24-year old model residing in Des Plaines, Illinois.
I was born in Chicago Illinois, moved to Texas for 13 years, and came back to the place I always felt had my heart. My family means the world to me, parents are the only ones that devote as much unconditional love as anyone possibly can and that is the thing I am most grateful for. I am a part time student studying Business as well as working at a hotel on Tuesdays, where I get paid to do homework as well as a Limo driver. I also work as a promotional model and traveling brand ambassador. Traveling is my life and if I get paid to travel, that is perfect. I utilize my time very wisely, trying to make money while doing what I love as well as weaving a safety net, in other words, school.
In high school I struggled through bullying, leading to extreme self consciousness and self criticizing thoughts which lead to awkward relationships with people, resulting in the further decomposition of my confidence and my life. Although I was not confident, there was one place I felt confident, and that was in front of the camera.
Although I was told repeatedly I would never be good enough by my peers, I did it, and this persistence is now making me great side income.
Through years of finding who I am, rebuilding my confidence, and realizing that the series of unfortunate events made me stronger as a person and more compassionate towards others, I am who I am today, and I am so thankful for it. Modeling has given me the ability to have a little bit of confidence, which I used and grew throughout my life, helping me succeed in other aspects of my journey in life. I believe confidence is attractive, ego is not.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?My personal goals include being able to sharpen my skill sets to not just work, but to live life how I want while making money to support my love for traveling.
Within the next 5 to ten years I see myself traveling the world, making interpersonal connections, making money and investments to fulfill the first four needs on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, eventually being able to fulfill that equilibrium in life, complete Self actualization. I am not just trying to be a model, but a role model.
I do modeling whenever my schedule permits and it consists of getting paid to do what I love. I couldn’t ask for more. I do photo shoots, video, working on acting, catwalks -If they allow for models under 5’7- and all sorts of modeling including Art, Editorial, Fashion, Fitness, Glamour, Hair and Makeup, Lifestyle, Parts Modeling, Pinup, Promotional Modeling, Runway, Spokesperson and Host, Sports, Stunt, Underwater.
Best: Being able to travel for work as a promotional model as well as being able to work for a good cause -Breast cancer awareness calendar for Harley Davidson for the 3rd year-.
Worst: Creepy and borderline unprofessional photographers when I first started modeling. But I can pretty much weed them out right about now.
Lots of things. Every gig has a story, not just mine, but the brands as well, which I like learning about when I do model for them. Networking is key.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?Yes, I would promote models of all different shapes and sizes and encourage women to love themselves more and not have unrealistic expectations for themselves.
I like to work out as well as yoga and meditation. I personally have been very thin all my life naturally and I’ve always wanted to gain weight. But eating healthy and working out the right way according to my body’s goals, which is strength training in my case- I can improve my physical appearance and wellness. The mind, body, and soul is all important to me, resulting in that perfect equilibrium in my life.
I’m pretty much an open book, I love learning about myself and have people learn from my experiences.
One thing some people may not know is I think very deeply. I used to think it was a curse to think too much and feel so deeply about things. But I take it as a curse and a blessing. With yin there’s yang and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
24 and still trying to better myself. 74 and I’ll be doing the same. Accept what you can’t change. But be willing to take constructive criticism to change what you can. Self improvement is the name of the game
On the rocks… at the beach.
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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.
When, 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.
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.
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!
Please 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.
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.
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!
Please 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.
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.
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
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Cheyanna Lavon Zubas is a 24-year old model residing in Atlanta, Georgia.
My name is Cheyanna Lavon Zubas and I was born at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. I am very passionate about my modeling and acting as well as singing, song writing, and guitar playing. I am also an entrepreneur as I own a company called Isabela Couture. My passions include modeling, singing, song writing, guitar playing, and acting. I am engaged to Jack Andrad, guitar player and owner of the Atlanta based band Uncrowned. I am constantly working to expand my portfolio and love to try new things!
As a young adult a local photographer approached me about shooting together. The thought of being a model had never crossed my mind until then but I took the opportunity with excitement and an open mind. After building a substantial portfolio and falling in love with modeling, I was informed that I needed a Spinal Fusion Surgery and if I didn’t have it done within the next five years I would become paralyzed from the waist down. This terrified me but with the help of my friends and family I was able to stay positive and recover quickly and in the end it actually aided with my posture which is a big plus for modeling.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?People tell me that I need to simply focus on one thing and make that my ultimate goal in life; that I won’t succeed if I aim for multiple things at once. This is when I look at them and say, “I am focusing on a goal, and that goal is to be successful in as many dreams of mine as I can and as long as I never give up and stay true to myself. I don’t see why that’s not possible.” I try not to limit myself. In five to ten years I see myself being more successful with my modeling and entertaining career as well as my business.
My work is very consistent. Whether it’s editorial, advertising for companies, salons, promotions, published work, I am constantly working. I try to spread out my interests evenly but mainly my work is for modeling and acting. I have been internationally published in magazines and featured in many television shows such as Institute Magazine and The Vampire Diaries.
The worst experiences I’ve had are being rejected by agencies because of my height. That, and the often talked about circumstances when a photographer tries to pressure you into shooting nude regardless of what you have agreed on. This, however, is easily handled. Just walk away.
On a lighter note, my best experiences have been finding gem photographers to work with who are as professional and driven as I am.
I love to learn from experiences. Whether it’s good or bad, it helps you to grow not only in your profession but also as a person.
I was shooting for this magazine and they hired a freelance photographer to shoot me. The phototgrapher was amazing! Great portfolio and very professional. Now… although the pictures came out great and got really good feedback, no one would know that for the entire shoot his two-year-old was strapped to his leg with a death grip screaming non-stop!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?Absolutely. One of the things I would change are the crazy measurements. I won’t call them unrealistic because obviously there are people who fit the look but there are very few people who can. You may be a phenomenal model who wants to take their career to the next level but if the agency wants a 5’10” girl who has the body of a little boy and you are 5’7″ with the body of a woman you’re not going to be given a second thought in most circumstances. Women are naturally insecure about themselves and these measurements just exacerbate the stereotype that models have perfect bodies. We all know that’s not true, nobody has a perfect body.
Exercise is very important to keep your body toned and in proper shape for shoots, not to mention it is wonderful for overall health. Especially in the long run. I go to the gym very often, about 6 to 7 days a week and I like to add runs when the weather is nice. Now when it comes to nutrition I am a bit guilty with pizza and wine binges. I do like to eat healthy but I’m definitely a foodie so exercise is key to keep my body in proper shape.
I love animals! Especially little ones! I have a bit of an obsession actually. I’m constantly asking my fiancé for a puppy… or a kitten… or a fox… Haha!
I’m also a huge fan of Dragon Ball Z.
My love for food. Actually, I take that back. The fact that if you put a gourmet meal in front of me I will finish it. All of it. Haha!
I would walk around in public without a shirt on. Girls get hot too!
Visit Cheyanna Lavon Zubas’s website for more photos and information
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Briana a.k.a. The Lady Nerd is a 26-year old model residing in Atlanta, Georgia.
Originally from Nashville, I decided to make the move a few years ago to the professed geek capitol of the USA – Atlanta, which also happens to be where the majority of Hollywood seems to be moving these days. My day job is drawing as a storyboard artist and costume illustrator for film, TV, and commercials. So the move has been a perfect fit for both my career and my hobbies.
Folks who know me around here know me as “The Lady Nerd”. I currently run a blog and Facebook page by that name which showcase my jobs and hobbies; those two overlap so it can be hard to tell which one is a job and which one is a hobby. But that list includes art, modeling, costuming, hooping, and blogging.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?I came very quietly and innocently onto the scene. Taking the advice of friends and strangers that said due to my height and weight, I should check out modeling. It was a life-changing decision as, at the time, I was very much the scraggly tomboy. It seemed there wasn’t a feminine bone in my body, so the idea of putting on gowns was quite foreign to my teenage brain. But eventually, I came around. Modeling has helped shape who I am today with my love for fashion and all things couture.
But it was not an easy road. In fact, one could argue that I still haven’t “made it”. It took a few years to be signed with an agency and sadly, I wasn’t given much in the way of chances for auditions, castings, or jobs. Most of my work comes from working directly with photographers and the odd Model Mayhem casting. But I sincerely love what I do and the creativity that comes from direct collaborations.
Currently, I am working hard on developing “The Lady Nerd” into a personal brand, much like famed fashion bloggers or famous cosplayers, that would allow me to collaborate with designers, fashion houses, gaming companies, entertainment or production hubs, and other creatives while bridging the gap between the fashion world and geekdom.
When I started modeling, costuming wasn’t even on my mind. I would never have thought that I would’ve glided right into this wonderful world of cosplay. I’m relishing in it at the moment, as I’ve been a major geek my whole life. It’s fun, invigorating, and so creative to be able to bring the same level of quality that normally is reserved for fashion magazines to the geek world of costuming. I plan to do a lot more with it!
As far as where I see myself in the next 5 to 10 years, I prefer to keep that a blank page and enjoy what comes!
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?I am primarily a photoshoot model, doing haute couture whenever possible. Sadly, I’m not modeling nearly as much as I would like, for various reasons. But I hope that will change soon. I’m taking matters into my own hands to build a name for myself rather than waiting for an agency to do it for me. But when I do work, I am known in Nashville and Atlanta as “the action model”. Due to my background in martial arts, fencing, and dance, I push past normal posing to incorporate a lot of movement. Whether that’s jumping for 8 hours straight on a trampoline or running up rocks or flinging myself into freezing river water to get “the shot”, I’ll do it!
I’m also a cosplayer and costumer and do quite a few shoots surrounding that. I tend to be one of the few model-to-cosplayer types, so I like being able to not only give local photographers something different to shoot, but also help teach other cosplayers how to pose to best flatter their body and show off their costume. I find it to be a much more encouraging community as unfortunately, my experience with modeling and fashion has been rather cutthroat.
Frustrations have abounded with this job, sadly. I’ve been signed to multiple agencies only to get passed over for work, rarely sent out on castings, or called for jobs. It’s been nigh impossible to get signed in Atlanta, despite my portfolio, due to being just outside the height extreme measurement range of modern modeling. Consider this: You’d think at 5’8″, size 0, and a 27 year-old who looks 18 wouldn’t be a problem…
Best Experience: Showing up as a normal attendee for New Zealand Fashion Week while I was living there only to be pulled aside by a local brand who loved my look and ended up hiring me to model for them for the entire Fashion Week!
Worst Experience: At a runway show, I overheard someone, either a designer or manager, scolding another model for not being the size she said on her comp card. He pointed to a model that was walking by, “You see that? Your hips need to be THAT size!” Only it was a male model he was pointing out….the poor model was crying and she ended up leaving the show. That plus years of being measured within a 1/2 inches of my body gave me quite a complex of bad self-image which I’ve only recently come to terms with.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?Oh man, I’ve done so many shoots, it’s hard to pick one thing….probably the most interesting thing I’ve done was a promotional costume and modeling shoot for the fantasy book series, Allon. The character that I was portraying has a wolf friend and I got the privilege of working with a real timber wolf for the shoot. Thankfully, due to my love of wolves and studying how to work with them when I was younger, I knew how to handle the wolf on set. We called her the “Kiss and Run” as the poor girl was skittish at first, as most wolves are, so she would come smell me for a second, lick my face and then run. This went on for about 30 minutes til she got to know me. Then once the shoot started, she’d jump all over me and let me roll around with her on the ground. Truly an amazing experience!
There’s quite a few things, but the main one I’ll focus on is the desire and push for extreme measurements. I’ve been told repeatedly over the last few years that at 5’8″, long waisted, and size 0, sometimes 00, and 27 years-old, I will never be a pro as many girls being hired are 5’10”, long legged, size 00, and 14; no joke! That was the mainstay of my last agency’s hires. It gives girls an almost impossible ideal to maintain. They’re only used for a season in the industry’s obsession with youth and then cast away for the next new thing. I know some brands are trying to change this, but it’s not happening enough. The ideal is still extremely tall, extremely thin, and extremely young.
Currently, my diet and exercise has taken a hard hit from a bad car accident I was in in August that shattered my pelvis in 3 places and landed me with a nasty concussion. So I’m working on trying to get back up to normal function. So far so good! I’m back up to light running.
Normally, my diet ranges from healthy, Asian-style dishes with lean proteins and rice to the unfortunate junk food garbage due to my on-the-go lifestyle with working in film.
Exercise-wise, I do a little bit of everything – from yoga to northern style shaolin kung fu to swing dancing to swimming: Mermaiding! Oh yes, I’m getting my own tail this year; to hula hooping, which is my favourite!. I’ve never been much of a gym-goer as I need something to distract my mind in order to exercise. So I exercise both my body and brain equally.
Please share something people don’t know about you.Most people don’t know that I was training and on course to be one of the few US female fighter pilots back in High School. Alas, the Air Force doesn’t really take half-deaf pilots… that’s another not-well-known fact, I’m completely deaf in my left ear.
While I could fill up a list on things I would like to be different, I’ve reached a place where I’m very much okay with the person I am. I fought to become her.
Besides that, it’s really just the typical, “need to be more disciplined in exercising daily” and “need to get my teeth fixed”. The rest is a new experience to grow every day.
I’ve always wanted to be able to fly. Whether that was as a fighter pilot or like a bird with my own body. I’m currently working on a harness design for a large pair of costume wings, so even if I can’t actually fly, I can still look the part!
Flying gives equal senses of excitement and peace. There is a calmness in being able to soar above the clouds, away from it all, overlooking the world below. But also a sense of power and adventure from the speed, the turns, the nosedives… and seriously, who wouldn’t want wings?! A rhetorical question, I know. But I certainly would!
Visit Briana (also known as The Lady Nerd)’s website for more photos and information
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Elizabeth Arey is a 22-year old model residing in Kennesaw, Georgia.
I was born in Alabama, to a military family. I grew up in Belgium and traveled a lot while I was a kid, which I really enjoyed. I was a competitive equestrian for 16 years, horse riding is definitely my greatest passion. I love to draw and design, very creative. I am currently a waitress and I go to school full time for Public Relations.
I started on Model Mayhem, which I would NOT recommend to any young girl. It worked out for me, but Model Mayhem is not a place for young girls. It can be very sketchy. But then my old agent found me on Facebook!
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?I want to be successful, in whatever I choose to do and I want to have a family at some point. The ultimate goal is to just have a full and interesting life.
I usually try to have a few photoshoots a month, as long as it coincides with my work and school schedule. I typically do photoshoots, but I do runway as well.
I have had some wonderful experiences, but some bad ones as well. The bad consisting of photographers trying to inappropriately trying to touch me – which I won’t go into detail about. The best consisting of doing a runway show for Banana Republic, and getting to go to Vegas with the team I worked for with a suit designer.
I honestly don’t think so, other than me breaking out into random dance in the model of a photoshoot
The way they view women, with the weight issue. We should think all women are beautiful, no matter what. Stick skinny is not what everyone looks like, and while I am tiny, I do not starve myself and I do not try to be something I’m not.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.I was a horse rider for a long time, and I still ride every now and then when I have time. I walk about 25000 steps in one evening shift alone as a waitress, and I run and workout as often as I can to stay healthy. Typically I stick to healthy foods, my boyfriend is a personal trainer so he helps me a lot with nutrition.
That I LOVE cars! Especially old ones, and I drive a 6 speed manual transmission!
No. The way that I look makes me who I am. And anything that I would want to change is easily fixable by running or working out.
I am currently in a relationship, he is a model as well. He is my best friend, the most special person I’ve ever come across in my life and I’ve been privileged enough to meet tons of people. He is smart, hardworking and dedicated to everything he does.
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Krissy Koven is a 19-year old model residing in Orlando, Florida.
I’m into everything Halloween and horror. My favorite movies are the Saw series, Silent Hill, Sweeney Todd, Repo: The Genetic Opera, The Purge, House of 1000 Corpses and The Devils Rejects. Because I live in Orlando, I am naturally a huge theme park nerd and have worked at Sea World and Disney in the past, and also opened the Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida and am currently employed at the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando. I absolutely love to travel, and experience different food and cultures. I am a huge animal lover and haven’t eaten meat in 8 years. My family is from Trinidad in the Caribbean and I used to live there for a few years. I am also a huge fan of fetish clothing and love anything dark and alternative. My favorite type of music is hard rock.
When I was 15 I started taking modeling classes. I had heard my whole life that I was pretty and should be a model but never really considered it as a career or believed I could do it, but I took those comments as compliments. After 6 months of modeling classes was when I realized how impossible it was to get work. The agency I was with was John Cassablanca. All they wanted was money and didn’t care about me or my career at all… I eventually just gave up and didn’t do any type of modeling for a few years. About a year ago I decided to get back into it and pursue it seriously and I actually started getting paid jobs! Since then I’ve just been doing some shoots and making some extra money but I hope in the near future to turn it into a full time career.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?Honestly, I hate this question because I have no idea where I’m going to be in 10 years… I can tell you where I’d like to be. Obviously anyone’s goal in this industry is fame and success. I am no different. I want to be a successful model and actress. I would like to be more along the alternative line of work. The last thing that I want is to be considered mainstream… I’m looking forward to more tattoos and piercings. I am also thinking about starting cosmetology school since I love hair and makeup so much. More than anything I honestly just want to be out in L.A. That is my favorite city, and whether I’m still doing modeling or not I want to open up my own tattoo or hair salon.
Right now I probably do one or 2 shoots a month. I have slowed down a bit from what I was doing before because it was getting to be too much with working so much and driving 2 hours out of town to see my boyfriend every other weekend. I mostly do artistic nude shoots and fetish video. I want to get into more glamour, alternative, and fetish photography.
I have a lot of stories to tell when it comes to modeling… most of them are negative honestly. It’s hard to find professional people these days… or at least hard to tell if they are or not. The best experience I have had was working with this photographer named Peterson in my area. He first found me and asked me if I was interested in helping him shoot for Planet Hollywood. The photos would be used to be put up around the new Los Angeles hotel and in all of the rooms. Working with him was amazing and his artwork is really incredible. We continue to work together today. My worst experience was with a “celebrity photographer” that had found me and said he loved my look and wanted to do some coaching on my facial expressions. To sum up the 3 hour shoot it went from bad to worse and ending in molestation… needless to say I never talked to him again and now bring someone with me to every shoot I go to.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?No.
I would change all of the creepy perverted photographers who just want to see girls naked! I am so sick of those assholes!
I hate sports and exercising, so I don’t… haha. The only time I ever exercise is I will occasionally take a pole dancing class but that’s about it. I don’t eat meat or most dairy so I’m practically vegan… if I didn’t eat seafood I would be. I’m allergic to a lot of foods so it’s hard for me to find things to eat.
I have a rare disease called Toxoplasmosis and am partially blind in my left eye from it.
I would get my boobs done. I love fake boobs!
I have claustrophobia and my biggest fear in life is being trapped in a place you don’t know how to get out of. Hence the reason the movies I despise the most because they legitimately scare the hell out of me are The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland.
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