Blog Archives

Oct 27 2016

Interview with Jerrika Pettry — Farm Girl in a Models World

Jerrika Pettry is a 25-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Art lover, nature respecter and one very beautiful and inquisitive soul, that’s how I would describe myself. I was born and raised in WV, always barefoot and smiling, that’s the way everyone around saw me. I have had a love for all animals big or small for as long as I could remember, and have been on farms all my life and worked just as hard as my brother and tried to keep up with my father, respecting my mother and learning from my sister. The love I have for art is what lead me to modeling, as I express myself through my work and I always wish for my viewers to feel every shot as if it were a story being told. Hopefully my story is one beautiful and very long one. And I also wish for you the same, from one wildly free soul to another.

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

Art, Art, Art is why my modeling career started, as at a very young age of 13 I was admiring and noticing simple beauty that most pass up everyday and do not see. I was sketching and painting, so modeling just opened a door to a more beautiful way of expressing the artistic side of myself.

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

Of course I would love to have a successful modeling career but also would love to have a job or hobby that has to do with wildlife. Of course everyone wants a family sooner or later; a nice farm with a family and hopefully a modeling career to be proud of, I would be content.

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

I can work in pretty hectic situations, as I am able to plan shoots back to back or take a week off, and only go as far as implied nudity, nothing erotic, as well as having done acting for several videos on YouTube and Vimeo. I have written my own story to the videos, being an artist of many genres not just one. So anyway, I love to act, do video and modeling of all sorts.

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

Well let’s see… of course the worst experience for a young model is the clients who will pretend to want “swim wear” sessions but end up saying “more skin”. That’s so frustrating but I suppose it’s a much needed lesson, and I’m sure that’s happened to all aspiring models or actors. My best experiences were always with a fellow art seeker like myself or working with animals. There will always be good and bad experiences but what matters is learning from them all.

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

So funny but true. I was working on an implied piece for a New York gallery, and for this shot I had to be besides a horse. It just so happened my father has a very secluded farm and yes, a horse. As my posing started my father had came home and walked out to his barn to stumble upon his horse next to his semi naked daughter. It was very amusing to the photographer but completely embarrassing to my father and I. An out of the ordinary thing that happened was after another different shoot. It was another art piece that called for implied, and the photographer and I traveled into the woods to find a perfect place near a rock formation. After the shoot the next day I started itching very badly all over my body, and it turned out that I had been posing in and on top of poison sumac. This horrible stuff was all over and so very hard to get rid of. Almost four days of the most horrible itching and oatmeal baths I could stand.

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

Yes of course, who is ever completely satisfied with the way anything is ran. I would have a modeling agency in every state, no matter how big or small, as there are no agencies in WV, and I know there are some very beautiful hidden talents here. And the fake agencies out there, the ones that ask for money first. So many young girls waste their time with these places believing they are going to be a model, and it is heart breaking.

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 never worn anything but size 0, as far back as I can remember it has been that way, and never really worried about my nutrition that much, but starting a year ago I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables but I will only consume organic. I also eat tuna, but only in water, for my actual meals, as well as fruits and vegetables as much as I prefer. My grandmother was an herbalist and taught me a lot; I use what she had taught me to stay healthy and for a lot of my health cures. I’m very fit and it honestly comes from my very physical way of living, as I’m very active outdoors and am asked quite often what my work out methods are.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Most people don’t know that I have had several pet snakes and tarantulas. I also spend my spare time cutting grass for a few elderly couples in my hometown when I get the time. I have also actually reset broken bones in several farm animals and am a very helpful non-certified veterinarian. Haha.

Would you change anything about yourself?

My goodness what a goofy question, who wouldn’t!? Haha gosh what a list, I believe everyone has a few things that they do not like about themselves, but I’m very very blessed and should not at all complain. But I would make my feet smaller, make my breasts larger, my hair blonder and my teeth whiter, to be specific and ungrateful sounding.

How do you think you are most likely to die?

Predator attack, bear, mountain lion etc. Possibly a snake bite. I am so active outside and am always in the woods, gathering herbs and such, and I believe I will not die a normal death, but it will have to be something very unlikely or very unexpected. Loving the nature will be the death of me.

Oct 24 2016

Interview with Ilvy Kokomo — Full time model from small Latvia

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

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credits: Mark Crislip

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

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

Please share something people don’t know about you.

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

Would you change anything about yourself?

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

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

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

Visit Ilvy Kokomo’s website for more photos and information

Oct 22 2016

Interview with Sunshine Shen — Playboy Playmate

Sunshine Shen is a 25-year old model residing in Beverly Hills, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Harbin China, grew up in Florida and currently reside in the beautiful Beverly Hills California! Although I feel like everyone always expects my life to be filled with excitement 24/7 or I’m a huge party girl but in reality I’m actually such a home body lol. I enjoy watching HBO reruns and I’m obsessed with Game of Thrones! Of course when I do attend an event I usually like to go for a cause, for example I often host the ‘Babes in Toyland’ charities in Hollywood. Hobby wise, I’m like many bunnies, I appreciate the finer things in life, including luxury travels, upscale shopping, fine dinning, among others and think I am a princess.

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

I first became very interested in modeling when I was selected to be a Hooter Calendar girl in 2014 however, I was unfortunately let go unfairly by the company and interestingly enough my co workers at the time did not like me very much so I set my mind on becoming a Playmate to prove everyone wrong. So I did.

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

I would like to further my career as a Playmate in the next 3 years then I would like to start my own family. My dream would’ve to be becoming a mother to my own little princesses. I’m absolutely obsessed with children I love their innocence and vivid imaginations. Sometimes I feel like I’m such a naive little girl on the inside myself.

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

I often shoot for International Playboy spreads, unlike the US edition, we’re still upholding the traditional Playboy value of artistic nudes and centerfolds. Although I do have a shy personality however I feel the most confident posing nude for Playboy. I am currently working on a project with Maxim as well which I am very excited about. Other than shooting my career is consisted of glamorous Playboy Parties. I was selected by Hef himself to be one of his Painted Ladies at the most recent Midsummer Night’s Dream party and have been painted for Hef many times before! Other than that I host many charity events in LA and make appearances in Hollywood clubs.

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

The best experience I’ve had in modeling would be meeting all the incredible people that helped me getting my career off the ground and is very supportive of me until this day. Ever since I became a Playmate my life has changed so much I can’t be thankful enough of all the wonderful things that has happened to me and all the amazing friends I have made along the way!

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

I can’t really think of any particular event now that would describe any of those things, however I can promise you life as a bunny is always exciting and filled with drama and lots of laughter, especially when we all band together!. I truly love every moment!

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

Not really anything I could think of, I think there’s a special field of modeling for everyone from erotica to runway there’s a place for everyone so who am I to change the order of the industry?!

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

Believe it or not I actually do not exercise as often as people would expect me to, I mean, my measurements are 28E-18-32. However I am HUGE in healthy eating! I try to eat Vegan and Raw whenever I can and try to only eat chicken and fish as my main source of protein. I also completely cut out dairy products from my diet. And like everyone in LA I am obsessed with green juices especially the ones from Pressed Juicery! So instead of coffee in the morning I just drink half a bottle of their Vanilla Almond Coffee & a bottle of Green 1.5 instead!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I speak perfect Mandarin Chinese and I can translate some Latin. I’m a big video gamer and always sleep naked lol.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I feel like I can always improve myself into better versions of me. I think as people we should all be able to make our own decisions when it comes to altering ourselves!

What features do you look for in a partner?

I love a well groomed and successful gentlemen, although I’m such a tiny little package I love a taller man. It makes me melt when a man who is serious and ambitious in his career can unwind and be playful with me and call me I’m his little princess. Bottom line, I love to be spoiled so my man must be confident and successful in every single thing that he does.

Jul 27 2016

Interview with Megan Starr Loxx — Your Variety Show

Megan Starr Loxx is a 26-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am 26 years old, born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, started freelance modeling when I turned 18 back in 2008, and have been modeling full time since 2010. I love skiing, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures, have a love for animals and try to give back by volunteering at animal shelters. I also have a passion for real estate, have dreams of owning many properties and renting them out to tenants, and want to fix up homes and flip them for a profit as well.

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

I always wanted to be a model, ever since I was a teenager, specially a Victoria Secret, or Venus lingerie model, as well as becoming a sex symbol. I started applying for modeling gigs the day I turned 18, and didn’t know where to look at first; I didn’t even hear about ModelMayhem until 2009, so I found all of my gigs by referrals during my first year of modeling, and took strange fetish gigs that I still participate in to this day. It has been a long and exciting journey for me.

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

I will continue to pursue modeling for as long as the money and the bookings are steady. I do a lot of fetish content, and I now produce and sell my own content, as well as I plan to continue to grow my fanbase and further market my brand. I would also like to hire a reputable web master and get my website up and running as I envision it by next year, and am currently hiring other models to fulfill custom video orders. I would also like to learn more about editing, and photoshopping, as I enjoy being self-employed, and I am grateful for the lifestyle modeling has given me.

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

How often I shoot varies greatly from month to month. There is a lot of traveling photographers that come to Las Vegas, and some are looking to hire models for professional projects they are working on, while others are what I call hobbyists. I shoot erotic, nudes, glamour, artistic, outdoors, fetish, and even video shoots. I am available to be booked for a large variety of gigs, don’t have a single tattoo, no facial piercings, no breast implants or other body modifications, and I try to keep an overall natural look that has become hard to find here in Las Vegas. Certain conventions such as CES, AVN, and Bridal, will bring in many photographers and I am always booked once to twice a day. The summer is also very busy for me, as all of June and July has had 1 to 2 shoots booked per day, with one day off a week. However, I have to use that one day off to get caught up on my custom video orders that fans placed the week before. Other times of the year are much slower, with only 2 shoots a week.

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

I’ve had some great experiences over the last 8 years modeling; for example, I have had the pleasure of driving a Bugatti topless, I’ve traveled all over the world modeling on all expenses paid trips and cruises, I’ve met some incredibly beautiful and talented people along the way, and I even created some lifelong friendships. I have had very minimal negative experiences modeling, and I would have to say the worst for me personally is the impersonation. Some photographers and videographers that hired me many times throughout the years, and had accumulated a lot of content of me, created stores and websites impersonating me, using my name, and writing in first person as their marketing strategy. This caused several fans to believe they were communicating with me directly.

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

Well… given the many different unique fetishes I have done over the years, yes tons of embarrassing things have happened on shoots. I have gotten used to humiliating myself on camera at work, but again this is just in the fetish category. There was this one time, I had to fly to Portland, Oregon for a 3 day trip were I was shooting two of those days for a well known adult site, and I had to provide my own wardrobe, as well as do my own hair and make up. Well the airline lost my luggage leaving me with nothing the entire trip! I had to use leftover wardrobe on set, I couldn’t do my hair for the shoots, and the cheap replacement razor I used gave me a horrible rash on my vagina. It was embarrassing.

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

I wouldn’t change the modeling industry at all. I would however like to go back in time and never work with certain people.

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 eating very poorly ever since my childhood. I am officially ready to change my eating habits drastically, and for the past 90 days I have been making better eating choices. I do exercise every single day for at least 30 minutes. I go on a 5 mile jog once a week, and love going to the gym.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think it is always important to continue growing and bettering yourself as a person. I am not perfect and I have bad habits I am working on, such as time management, diet, and more. As for my physical image, I would change a couple things if I could. Such as removing my freckles, having a natural tan, being two inches shorter, having thicker hair, bigger lips on my face, smaller lips on my vagina. I realize all those features make up my unique look, and even though it isn’t my personal physical preference for myself, I am still beautiful.

Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever peed?

The strangest place I ever peed was into a large vase used for flowers on my kitchen floor, and I had to hover over it. It was for a clip for my fetish and adult store. You can purchase it for $14.99 here, if you’re too curious and have to see for yourself.

Jun 18 2016

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

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

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please share something people don’t know about you.

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

Would you change anything about yourself?

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

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

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

Jun 15 2016

Interview with Emily Dodson

Emily Dodson is a 25-year old model residing in South West Missouri.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Emily Dodson, I’m 25 and I’ve been modeling for nearly 9 years now. I was born in Miami, OK, moved around a lot as a child, and finally ended up in Joplin, MO. I have two older brothers, both of my parents, and a fiance who fully support my modeling, and encourage me to strive to be better. There is also a pretty large network of models and photographers in the Joplin, MO area that are very lovely and supportive of each other. I am truly impressed and inspired by these people; so many of them break their backs just to help another photographer or model in need. I’ve never seen a community work this hard together so that everybody involved can succeed.

If there’s anything my family and friends know about me, it’s that I am mildly obsessed with foxes and I love to model. I work as a cashier in a small town, with small town problems, but the people are genuine. Some customers there would never guess that I could take such shots, but some ask me on a regular basis when my next shoot is so they can check out the photos.

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

I started modeling at 16 years old. I saw a calling for a promotional shoot, sent in my information and was invited to participate. After that my self confidence was majorly boosted and I started reaching out to photographers myself. I had a main photographer when I lived in Springfield, MO which allowed me to express my “Jim Morrison and Rock N Roll” side, and I began branching out to different photography styles. In 2012, I moved back to Joplin, where I was able to book shoots with Brian DeMint of Eyeworks, which is when my modeling bookings skyrocketed; I was even featured in a 3 page spread in BeautyLook Magazine in 2013.

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

My goals are to branch out even more with different photographers and different styles, and to limit myself less because of confidence issues. Although I’ve been modeling for 9 years, I haven’t been putting myself out there as much as I would like. However, in the long run, my goal is to have an animal sanctuary for misplaced and rescued wild life, and if I can raise awareness through modeling… my life would officially be perfect.

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

I don’t model as much as I used to due to my conflicting work schedule and personal life, but I want to start doing it more than one shoot every few months. My portfolio mainly consists of Art, Nature, and Glamour, but isn’t limited to these categories.

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

The worst experience I ever had modeling was when I went to Shutterfest in 2015. I was asked to be a make up model for an MUA who was supposed to be one of the best, so as you can imagine, I was very excited. When I reported to the requested room at the requested time, I was informed that they were pulling and replacing me, I was never told an exact reason why. But, as if that wasn’t bad enough, they told me they were taking me to get hair and make up done so they could immediately get me into a shoot with a photographer who was waiting; that got my spirits slightly up.

I was put in an Asian style dress, where my hair and make up were executed very poorly. And now, the icing on the cake! When I met with the photographer, I was already in a bad mood, but I was still trying to make the best of the situation. We found a spot to shoot, when she then informed me I was her first human subject, and that she was a dog photographer. She asked me how models should pose, and how or where she should take her shots. I wasn’t angry or anything, I was just disappointed. I went from feeling on top of the world, to thinking, “I’m so bad, they won’t even put me with a photographer who even works with people.”

My best experience is so hard to pin point, but I suppose, ironically, it was also at Shutterfest 2015. First of all, I wouldn’t have even had the opportunity to go if it wasn’t for the support of my mom and the network of models and photographers I previously mentioned. We all worked together to make sure everyone had transportation, rooming, wardrobe, and a great time. I was invited to be in a closed conceptual event created and hosted by Kendra Paige. All of the models invited where extremely pampered while we all waited for hair and make up. We felt amazing walking through the sea of people, trying our best to hide our make up and outfit through Grand Station Hotel; people trying to stop us for photos, yelling how amazing we looked.

It was an after hours event so it was already somewhat late when we started. We had many photographers participate in the event, and were able to create many different amazing photos and settings. Walking back to my hotel room at 1 in the morning, I have never been so exhausting and adrenaline pumped at the same time.

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

Once I was invited to be a model in a “Recyclable Fashion” runway show. I figured it’d be a great way to get into the runway business, seeing as how I’m fairly short and have always been told it’s for models 5’7″ and taller. In my head, when I pictured it all going down, I was thinking a news paper dress with a soda can purse, or something like that. When I got there, I was dressed in an XL blue fleece pullover and given a thermos. But I looked so silly, I wasn’t even disappointed. I definitely had fun and a good story to tell by the end of the day.

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

I haven’t heard of many issues in our area, and I myself haven’t had many, but I have heard about individual’s who’ve had horrible issues with photographer’s boundaries. That’s the scariest thing to hear about. You expect to go make art, and return feeling degraded and dirty. I am thankful every day I have not had any real issues with this.

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

In all honesty, my main exercise comes from disc golfing. There’s a lot of walking and movement so it really gets your heart pumping and keeps it that way; getting a sun bath in the process is also a plus! When it comes to nutrition, I make sure I get my daily dose of the food groups, but I also eat a lot of fatty foods because I have always had an issue with my weight. Ever since I was 16 I’ve been a skinny gal, so I try to gain healthy weight every chance I get.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

When I was around 5 or 6 years old, I pulled a “monkey see, monkey do,” with throwing trash into a fire. I put my sucker wrapper into a candle, which then wrapped around my right thumb and was engulfed in flames. The doctors tried everything to make the burn heal, but nothing was working. They told my mom and dad their last resort was Silver sulfadiazine, and if it didn’t work they would have to remove my thumb because the burns were just too bad. A week or so after using the cream, they said it was healing, and faster than expected! My thumb, thankfully, healed so well you can’t even tell; there is absolutely no scarring!

Would you change anything about yourself?

There’s not much I would change about myself, I don’t look like anyone else and I like it that way. I guess if there is one thing I’d have to pick, it’d be that I wouldn’t mind being a few inches taller. Runways and catwalks have always seemed to be out of my reach being 5’4″, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a model.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I am absolutely terrified of birds! When I was young, I was playing at my grandma’s house, and walked in on Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, when it shows all the birds flying away from the old man and his eyes are gone. I to this day can’t be around a bird for the fear of it pecking my eyes out!

Jun 07 2016

Interview with Barbara — Athlete turned model

Barbara is a 25-year old model residing in New York, New York.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Russia, started traveling at 18 years old, and for the last 5 years I have lived between France, Greece, the U.K. and the United States. I love to meet new people, new cultures, taste food, love cooking any kind of food. I’m a very active person, in addition, graduated as a lawyer and love modeling.

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

About 6 years ago, a photographer at a company I used to work for as a lawyer, told me that he practiced photography and would like to work with me. In a few days we had an art and comercial shoot, I was very happy with it. Since then , I’m always ready for the camera.

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

Well, as I said before, I’m a lawyer, which was a dream from childhood. But appearance and the way I look is still important as well. So modeling is a motivation and inspiration for me. In the future, as every woman, I see myself as a mom of a few kids, but still in a perfect shape and doing modeling.

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

I feel free in front of the camera. In particular, I prefer doing sports, glamour, acting, and commercial shoots. Definitely, sports is always my favorite; since I practice sport from childhood, sport is my second language, it’s enjoyable to express myself in it.

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

All experiences have a place to be, you just keep on practicing. My best so far was an advert shoot for Yoga clothes shop in Miami. On the sunrise I had to show all possible flexibility and give expressions a photographer asked me for; it was something new to me to work from 3 am.

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

Well, since I have a very small feet as size 5 to 6, every time I work for advertising I am getting at least size 9, and once I fell in the ocean because of that.

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

I’m pretty happy as it is.

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

I don’t eat meat, mostly raw and vegan, love wine, running and do gym everyday for 2 hours, from time to time I go swimming, practicing tennis, and mountain ski.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Passionate about traveling and discovering new things.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Never.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I’m afraid of heights, somebody told me that if I get as highly as possible I’m gonna kill my fear. So, I jumped with parachute from 4000 meters for the first time, and it seemed it didn’t work out. Now I do jumping in different countries at different heights just to prove an extra time to myself that I’m not afraid of anything. As Julius Caesar said “Faster, higher, stronger”.

May 19 2016

Interview with Leslie Green — Sweet smartass with the heart ass

Leslie Green is a 22-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am originally from California and just moved to Vegas from San Diego. I love to dance and be adventuresome, I love meeting new people, fashion, art and music. I’m interested in becoming a photographer and an apparel designer sometime within the next 5 years, and would love to ultimately end my career as a criminal psychiatrist.

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

I suffered a horrible breakup with this guy I was with for years, who had always tried to keep me in a box and stifle my shine, so to speak. As soon as I broke up with him I got back into the gym and started receiving attention for my looks and I guess my progress in the gym. Maybe it had always been there and I hadn’t noticed by my creative side lends to photography and being a ‘muse’. With the new found freedom I had to express myself I enjoyed being clay as much as I enjoy playing with it.

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

Oops I think I already answered that! Lol in 5 years I’d like to have a creative business started in editing and creative photography. I’d also like to have my own line of apparel to be sold in higher end department stores. In 10 years I’d like to be working on a doctorate degree in psychology.

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

I work as often as I can because I have a full time position in fashion sales but my schedule is pretty flexible and I haven’t ran into any hiccups because of it. I mainly do photo shoots but I love the runway, fashion, glamour and anything eccentric, I’m pretty much open and game to anything I can put my spark on.

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

Best shoot? Shooting half naked in the rain and then off roading in a lifted truck through the mud to go trespass in an abandoned building. Worst? Shooting for 8 hours straight while the photographer figures out his lighting and orchestrates all of my poses.

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

In California the photographer and I smoked a bowl before his body painting project. I hadn’t eaten that much that day and I guess from standing for literally hours while he did his thing I lost circulation in my legs and almost passed out. I had to be seated for about ten minutes but then we successfully completed the job.

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

I wish some photographers were more respectful of a models boundaries and didn’t try to push them beyond what they’re comfortable with. Makes for an awkward vibe and an unusable series of photos.

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

No sports but I do try to stay active. I love to dance so it serves as my cardio but I do try to be very cautious about what I eat. Health and appearance are very important to me and I’d like to maintain this shape for the rest of my life if I can.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m double jointed in the hips and elbows

Would you change anything about yourself?

Physically I wish my head wasn’t so oval and long and I wish I had smaller feet, as they’re average sized, but aside from that, I wouldn’t.

Have you ever been fired from a job?

Yes, when I was 18, for literally no reason, and that same company that fired me hired me back two months later in a different location after the manager that fired me gave me a great recommendation? I was so confused but at least I got my position back.

Visit Leslie Green ‘s website for more photos and information

Mar 19 2016

Interview with Mary Casarreal — Cuban Model, Science and language Lover

Mary Casarreal is a 25-year old model residing in Lansing, Michigan.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba and my roots define much of my identity but I’m a straight forward yet complex individual. My heart resides within the rhythm of the caribbean sea on the west side of the island, while love and Respect rule my character. I moved to the United States with my family, graduated from High School in Michigan, and recently graduated College from The University of Michigan with a major in Bio Cognitive Neuroscience, and another degree in French and Francophone Studies. I speak Spanish, English and French fluently and my wanderlust and love for all people consumes me.

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

My first modeling job was at the age of 15, when I did a lifestyle catalog shoot here in Michigan. I remember the photographer was Quinn and it was a wonderful experience, as it was an extremely sunny day in a small town in Michigan. As we drove, there were fields of corn and sunflowers on a dirt road leading up to the photographer’s home. It was mid August and my dad came along to spend the day with me, we had our windows down driving there in late morning and the breeze was incredible. It was absolutely beautiful.

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

This year I wish to focus on my career as a model and actress more so than anything else. I am studying for some exams for my graduate career but I would like to shoot Swimwear and travel more than anything else this year. I will also be incorporating myself into the Spanish market more so, send some good luck my way.

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

I’ve been traveling non stop as a spokesmodel for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles since January which consists of working for one of the brands and answering any questions about the products with a smile, love for the position and enthusiasm. So far Philly, Detroit, Chicago and Charlotte have been good to me! Next stops are Atlanta, Ohio and NY!

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

Best experience was touring the caribbean with Hot Tropix shooting a calendar on a two week trip to over 7 islands, that was me in my natural habitat. I also toured the caribbean with a luxury swimsuit brand called Komplique and that experience changed me as a person and my outlook on life. The worst would probably be a super creepy photographer I shot with once who insisted if we ever had to travel I needed to sleep in the same bed as him because other models thought it was normal… never normal ladies.

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

I’ve never done anything nude, but I was body painted for Comic-Con as Wonder Woman, which was amazing as I felt clothed and looked clothed although I wasn’t… it was awesome. You can google my name and body paint and it should come up, it was great.

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

The industry needs to be actually accepting of curvy, large and foreign and not have the token colored, heavy and authentic looking girl in every campaign. Also more opportunity for minorities.

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

Nutritional plan is on my Instagram and so are my workouts but I don’t eat canned foods, don’t drink pop or sodas, I drink seldomly, I swear it… I lift weights and enjoy my yoga. P90X every other day especially the plyometrics CD and fresh squeezed veggie and fruit juices in the morning. I make things as fresh as possible, no yellow #5 in my food please!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I think everyone needs to read Radical Forgiveness, Many Lives Many Masters, & 5 Love Languages. Also, I love seafood.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would be able to turn haters into chocolate and then eat them.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Homemade Chicken Stew, fluffy fuzzy socks, soft pajamas and a mouthwatering dessert with too much chocolate, snuggled up with my puppy and the people I love the most with no deadlines and no worries in that moment in time. Besides that guilty pleasure give me a bikini, a beach and some fresh seafood and I’m trapped.

Mar 14 2016

Interview with Ashley Carpenter — Full Time Mom and Model

Ashley Carpenter is a 28-year old model residing in Cadillac, Michigan.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Macomb, MI, by my grandparents. I have a twin sister, and three younger brothers. During High School I was a cheerleader, and always worked in the restaurant and bar industry, starting at the age of 14 as a Hostess at Big Boys. I’ve worked at numerous restaurants as a waitress and once I turned 18, I started my career at Hooters, where I’ve worked at 5 different units across the United States.

I’ve lived in southern California the last 8 years of my life, and 6 months ago moved back to Michigan. I love outdoor and adventurous things, including horseback riding, motocross, anything on a dirt bike really, wake boarding, boating, tubing, really anything in the water. I love traveling the world… Venice, Italy; Budapest, Hungary; Prague, Czech Republic; The Maldives, are some of my favorites. I’ve stopped in Tokyo, Singapore, Moscow, Malé… I am internationally scuba certified, and am very excited to continue working to become a dive master. I have two beautiful children, my son is 6 and my daughter is almost 4, and I am married to the love of my life, we met at 14 years old. We’ve been married for 8 years!

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

I’ve always wanted to be a model, ever since I was a little girl. I know it sounds very cliché, but it’s so true. I’ve never really been one to be camera shy, and used to make home videos on my grandfather’s video camera of my sister and I “rapping” to Eminem… embarrassing, I know, but I have just always loved being in front of the camera. I started modeling when I was 18, and when I moved to California, the door to the modeling world really opened up for me.

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

You know, I’ve always wanted to be in Maxim, and Playboy… but I’m also the girl who loves Tattoos, and tattoos don’t take you that route in the modeling world. I’ve always wanted to walk runway shows like Victoria’s secret, but again, tattoos, and the fact that I’m about 3 inches too short for runway… That didn’t really go my way either. I also love Motocross and have always wanted to be a Monster Energy girl for Supercross. I’m still aiming for that! Professional goals though… I’m about to start nursing school… in 5-10 years, I see myself with my ADN or BSN, working in a great hospital taking care of people. Hopefully between now and then, I will have more published accomplishments and can retire from the modeling world happy with the work I have done.

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

I model whenever I get a shoot I’m into. I don’t typically do Tf shoots, I am a paid and published model. If someone contacts me for a shoot or project, saying “Hey, we love your look, we want to book you, and have a plane ticket for you ready and waiting if you say yes” then I’m there. It’s not just a job for me, it really is a passion and fun for me. I will shoot almost anything, but I will not do erotic and fetish modeling, since that’s all a weird realm for me. I will do tasteful nudes, and I have, I’m very comfortable in my own skin. I find I get booked for a lot of lingerie and bikini shoots and projects though.

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

The best project to date, I’d have to say was when Chevy Hardcore contacted me to do a shoot for them, which was fun, it was in Temecula, CA. It was super windy that day so a lot of the shots my hair is flying around and it was like we had a giant fan making my hair all glamorous, when really, it was just super windy. I got lost on the way there and got pulled over, and the policeman escorted me to my shoot, so that was a different way to make an entrance. I’d have to say my worst shoot was my very first shoot, when I was contacted by this “photographer” and he wanted to do a shoot at this nudist resort. He said it was because obviously it being a place where people can roam freely naked, we could get implied and nude shots, if I was comfortable, without getting into trouble.

I was 18 and super naive, and agreed even though I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do this shoot. I checked out his portfolio when he contacted me and they didn’t look like awful shots, but they weren’t very edited and seemed very amateur. I still went ahead with it though, thinking if I didn’t do it, I never would, and who was I to be picky, it was my very first shoot ever. I went, and we started in the pool, and that part was fine, but towards the end of the shoot, it almost seemed like he was just aiming for porno looking shots, and it made me very uncomfortable so I was pretty much done with the shoot at that point. I always said after that shoot I would never do nude shoots again, and now look at me. Haha.

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

Sometimes I bring an escort to a shoot, usually if it’s a shoot at a residence and I’ve never worked with the photographer. You never know with the things going on in the world, and I’m a firm believer in being safe than sorry. So I bring my friend at the time to this shoot at this residence and I’m nude for the shoot… and during break at one point, she throws on some heels, and comes on the screen with me and the photographer thought it was really funny, so here my friend is trying to pose and he is taking goofy pictures just having fun, and then she bites my nipple. And he actually got a picture of it, and it was probably a first for him to have a model’s friend just randomly kind of crash the shoot for a few minutes, but it was all fun and he was a good sport about it.

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

If I had ultimate power to change parts of the modeling industry I absolutely would put restrictions for models with tattoos. I’m heavily inked up and because of that, it stops me from higher end fashion shoots and projects. I’d also drop the height requirement for runway to 5’5″ so I could walk in runway shows.

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

Again, I’m very into active things like wake boarding and scuba diving, and motocross. I am kind of a stickler when it comes to how I look, especially weight wise, but I don’t shy away from any foods, I love food, and I love to eat. Bar food is my favorite, and I like to drink, so I tend to put a lot of bad stuff into my body. I’m not against eating healthy at all, and I love fruit and Vegetables.

Just being a mom with two children is a lot easier to eat the bad stuff and fat filled stuff rather than trying to make super healthy food all the time. So because I like to keep my weight under control, and always try to look and feel my best, I literally went out and bought gym equipment about a week ago and have started a home gym in my basement. That way I’m more in control and when the kids go to bed, I have no excuse on why I can’t go work out for 2 hours.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I hunt. A lot of people perceive me as the girly girl, because I like to have my nails done, and wear heels and dresses and go tanning, and have hair extensions. But I really have no problem getting down and dirty, with no makeup, wearing camouflage and killing Bambi to put meat in my freezer to feed my family. I was always up north on my family’s farm during the summers driving tractors and plowing fields with my grandpa… cutting, splitting, and stacking wood all day, tending the garden, planting corn in the field, bailing hay and stacking that. To be honest, I love all the girly things, but I’d choose my cowboy boots over my heels any day.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would love to be back to my high school weight at 115, but realistically, that would never happen, and I am comfortable in my body now, I am learning to love my curves and be content with that. I definitely would change my patience though, because I have zero.

Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever peed?

I went golfing one day and I was obviously drinking. I didn’t want to drive all the way back to the club to go to the bathroom, and my husband kept telling me that we were really close to a bathroom. I literally just couldn’t even take it anymore, and when we got to the next hole, I pulled my skirt down on the cart path, and peed right there. He was like “you’re joking right?” and I was like “When you have to go, you have to go.”

Visit Ashley Carpenter’s website for more photos and information

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