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Feb 22 2016

Interview with Olivia Black — Be Nice, Work Hard, Stay Humble

Olivia Black is an 18-year old model residing in Lansing, Michigan.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Olivia, some call me liv, or olive, or livy, I’ve never really had a consistent nickname and honestly I’ve never really cared what people call me; I feel like I’m so much more than just a name. I was born in Lansing, Michigan, lived there until about age 12, then relocated to Champaign, Illinois. Those years were some of the hardest of my life; not only the fact that I was a rebellious teenage girl filled with hormones and angst, I was in a devastating car accident where I injured my spine as well as my brain.

They later referred to my type of injury as a closed head injury or a TBI. I had to relearn everything; I lost my memory and it felt like I had also lost my mind. I spent those rough 6 years in Champaign, then moved back home when I started college at Michigan State University. Originally I was in the premedical college of Lyman Briggs studying neuroscience, I was riding on the GPA and classes I took in high school before my brain injury. And my freshman year was hard, and I mean hard, not even just academically, it was hard emotionally and physically and mentally, and as the year passed I got worse and worse.

Olivia Black modeling a jean topEventually I started to question why I was even studying what I was, and I had the guts to drop out of Lyman Briggs and declare a double major of psychology and special education. Well, turns out that was my first and only year in college, since I was hospitalized for a few weeks and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that is unknown but is most similar to both MS and Lupus and was told that since autoimmune diseases are triggered by environment, it was very likely that my brain injury triggered the onset of this chronic disease. I learned quickly that I was never going to get back to the old me, and I would always be sick. Sometimes I’d be less sick than others, but it would never go away. This is when I pretty much dropped everything and began taking my modeling and acting career seriously. I realized life is way too short, especially my life, to be doing things that don’t fulfill you entirely.

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

I began with dance at the age of 2, and the stage just seemed like the perfect place for me; when I was younger it’s where I went to feel at home. As time progressed I just craved more, began commercial modeling and did a bit of singing when I was about 10. When I moved to Illinois, in high school I had the amazing opportunity to meet people who made me look at the world differently.

The most inspirational person I met during that time was young Hannah Gottlieb-Graham. Hannah was one of the few people who showed me the world of film and my interest for both modeling and photography was lit. I began collecting old film cameras and taking picture of others: I’m still not sure if I like being behind the lens or in front of it more. Once back in Michigan, my career really took off, I’ve worked with so many creative individuals and have learned so much about the world in such a short period of time and I wouldn’t give that up for the world.

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

In ten years, I don’t really have an image of what I’ll be doing, where I’ll be living, what I’ll be wearing; because none of that really matters to me. In ten years, I want to be making a difference, I want to wake up every morning and appreciate life and live for the people I am impacting. I want to be sharing my stories and wisdom with others who may need it: wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, I want to be happy and humble.

Olivia Black standing in the middle of a roadHow often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I’ve had a shoot booked just about every weekend, and I travel to most so it’s a weekend event, but a regular day on set is anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of shooting. More like 4 if it’s in studio and 8 if it’s on location because typically you have to walk to bizarre locations for some awesome shots. Most of my shoots have been acting, fashion, street, portrait and beauty but I am trying to turn completely towards lifestyle, creative, and high fashion.

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

Oh geez, okay well I’ve only had one really bad experience: I was victim to a check fraud scam by a team of scammers who may I say, are excellent at their job. I have been in this industry for a while now and I have done everything I could to not be an easy target. But I have also always been pretty naive and assumed that everyone in the world is the same kind of person that I am. Somehow this team managed to scam $3,000 within a matter of 5 days. This industry is just so tricky and you have to always be cautious, always. It’s so so easy to be taken advantage of.

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

I would honestly say that I’m always kind of out there and awkward; so every shoot I’ve done is crazy and fun and I’m constantly doing stuff to embarrass myself. It was hard for me at first, but over time I have learned to just embrace it because it’s part of my personality and that’s why people are drawn to me.

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

I would change the stereotype that the modeling industry has. In current pop culture, beauty standards are wearing loads of makeup with perfectly winged eyeliner, long lashes, smokey eyes, deep contouring, extremely defined eyebrows and having a body that is nearly physically impossible. I feel that people often get what is popular in pop culture confused with the modeling world. Instagram models are way way different than commercial or fashion models, and I wish people would see the reality of “beauty” in the modeling industry. You are beautifully unique in your own way and you shouldn’t have to do anything to yourself because you are the reason you’re so beautiful, not all the makeup.

Raw and real faces are what’s beautiful in the modeling industry, maybe you see it as you have a larger nose, or not perfectly straight teeth, or a “fivehead” like supermodel Tyra Banks, but the modeling world is all about embracing those unique features and honing in that individuality because that’s what makes you unique. Loving yourself is what makes you beautiful from the inside, out.

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

I teach dance to keep active, which is hard because I’m constantly hurting but honestly, exercise makes me feel so much better. So I do as much yoga as I can and try to squeeze in a workout maybe once a week, if I’m feeling up for it. I’m on a vegan, soy free, gluten free, all organic diet because of all of my health complications, so all I can pretty much eat is fruit and non-starchy veggies. It was hard at first but now that I’ve gotten used to it I don’t think I’d rather eat any other way, since good nutrition has definitely been a life changer for me. I never realized that what you put into your body has a huge impact on the way your body functions.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a huge nerd, and books are a huge part of my life; for fun, I read textbooks on neurology, criminal psychology, abnormal psychology, and others. I am a huge fan of non-fiction and transcendentalist writing, and have always really been a tree hugging hippie at heart. I also have a huge love for Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. The typical Friday night when I’m off work is going to the book store, getting a latte, and spending hours and hours paging through hundreds of books that I will read there and never buy.

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change one thing about myself I would change my outlook on life, because I am proud I have accepted the fact that these terrible things have happened to me but I’m constantly a peaceful depressive. I have accepted death way before it has come and lost all attachment to the things I used to love more than life itself. I wish I was able to look beyond myself and have an entirely positive outlook on life. Hopefully someday I will be able to adopt this perspective but only time will tell.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

If I had a super power, it would have to be teleporting. If I could just instantly be anywhere in the entire world in the snap of my fingers, I would have the entire world to explore, since I would go to every mountain, every sea, every lake, every tree… I’d see the world for everything it has to offer. I think travel is so so important, we are so tiny in the grand scheme of things and I think you have to step back to take a look at the bigger picture to really understand that.

Visit Olivia Black’s website for more photos and information

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May 11 2015

Interview with Denise Tapia — Singer, Songwriter and Freelance Model

Denise Tapia is a 23-year old model residing in Atlanta, Georgia.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello! I am Denise Tapia. I was born in Brooklyn, NY to Dominican parents, but am currently residing in Atlanta, GA. I have been here 2 years now working as a Receptionist at a hair salon, and freelance model, as well as learning the ropes in the music business. I am currently in the process of returning back to school to receive my Bachelors in Biology.

Modeling has always been a favorite hobby of mine, which I have been doing since I was 18. My true passion is Music. I remember writing my first song in the 5th grade for a math project, in which I was awarded a page in the newspaper. Ever since then, I knew music was my calling. I am looking forward into expanding and collaborating with other great artists and personalities. My dream is to one day own my own record label.

Denise Tapia modeling a long necklaceWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

My first official modeling gig was in 2011, when I decided to take a break from school and move to Los Angeles. It was a music video for Ace Hood. While in LA, I was also in a commercial for the Hairfinity hair product. I have always been a photogenic personality and love being in front of the camera.

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

In 5 years, I see myself established with my Bachelors degree, as well as working on music and maybe so still modeling as a hobby. However, music is my first passion and I definitely see myself successfully owning my own label 10 years from now.

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

I model often when I have the free time to do so. It consists mainly of music videos for various artists, including independent and established artists. I have also been in fashion shows, high fashion, urban, glamour, and implied nude modeling, and try to do photo shoots as often as I can.

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

The best would definitely have to be me meeting new people, photographers, and the like, as well as learning more about the industry as I go, and looking back and actually seeing myself grow throughout the years. The worst would have to be when people don’t take business as business, and become unprofessional.

Denise Tapia pointing a gunIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Yes! I would change the height requirement for high fashion modeling!

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

I do not practice any sports currently, but I was an active cheerleader from middle school throughout high school. I am so slim, but I eat crazy. However, I do tend to exercise at least 2 to 3 days out of the week.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

People may not know that I was born with Inverted Nipples-grade 2, which is a condition where instead of pointing outward, the nipple is retracted into the breast. I recently found out about this condition. Also, I do not believe in religion.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would change my shyness. I tend to be very shy, especially when I really like people. I love everything physically about myself.

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

I hate underwear! I cannot remember the last time I have even purchased a Bra!

Visit Denise Tapia’s website for more photos and information

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Feb 12 2015

Interview with Lauren Poole — Full-time freelance model

Lauren Poole is a 22-year old model residing in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, I moved to south Florida when I turned eighteen years old with the hope of pursuing a career in the talent industry. Since making the move back in 2010, many things have happened which have all made me the strong person I am today.

There have been losses – my brother passed away on May 16, 2011 because he couldn’t see the point in living: I found his dead body upstairs after visiting my grandmother- , triumphs – overcoming such a burden, battling working as a freelancer and making it in small magazine publications, and working practically full-time as a brand ambassador, promotional model, and model-, and endless days and nights of wondering how to prove to the world that I am that girl who knows exactly what she’s doing and deserves the chance to prove herself to top clients.

Lauren Poole modeling a white dressThe talent industry is what I live for, so I consider that to be my hobby. Whether it’s spending countless hours trying to market myself, find work at some event, set up photo shoots, work as an extra, brand ambassador, promotional model, model, or whatever — that is practically my life 24/7. The perks of working at big events such as auto shows, boat shows, golf tournaments, festivals, shoots, sets and productions, and other kinds of events is that I am able to speak to many original people in the world; people I would have never been able to meet if I wasn’t doing the jobs that I do now. I love being so social. One reason is because you can learn a lot from other people, hear their stories, feel their pain or happiness, and it leaves me with such great feelings in the end. When I do have some time off because it’s a slow season or what not, I like to be outdoors and participate in such activities such as gardening, taking long walks, bicycling, and exploring hidden areas of south Florida.

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

I first grew an interest in acting and modeling when I was twelve years old. I have always been a bit of a drama queen, so I figured acting would suit me well. I took some acting and modeling classes. While attending, I realized that I may actually have more of an interest in modeling than acting. I started to focus more on setting up photo shoots. Now, I am open to both acting and modeling.

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

My goal is to find an agent or manager who will seriously try to help me make it in the talent industry. There are so many people, strangers even, who tell me I have what it takes. I may have what it takes, but ultimately it’s all about connections and knowing the right people.

I am visiting Los Angeles in August of this year. The reason is because Los Angeles has bigger productions going on than south Florida. I feel that my opportunity may be greater over there. If things turn out well, that’s where I see myself moving to.

Lauren Poole wearing nerdy glasses eating appleHow often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

Unfortunately, modeling does not come around as often as I would like for it to. Some months, I may set up to two or three shoots which is probably the average. I have everything from avant-garde, high fashion, beauty, swimwear, commercial, hair modeling, jewelry, and maybe a few other looks. I have also been involved in a few video tutorials.

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

I have had some great opportunities with modeling in south Florida. I met a spectacular male photographer who gave me a shot at proving petite models can shoot high fashion. We have been published in a few magazines so far and have worked together close to a dozen times in one year. We work together so well, and I am so thankful to have met him.

I haven’t come across any horrific experiences yet fortunately. The only downfalls I have had are usual ones such as shooting with a few photographers and never receiving the images back.

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

Oh, wow. Working with my stellar high fashion and avant-garde photographer, there’s always something funny going on. The first shoot we ever did together, I should have known things would only become crazier from then on. He has put me in size stilt like heels, loves to put me in the water, put things on me as clothing that weren’t really clothes -i.e. paint swatch dress creations, simple jumbo clothes, a lamp shade, among others-, and put every color wig on my head you can think of. It’s always a blast, and it seems like I make him laugh somehow at every photo shoot because of the crazy faces I make sometimes while in the zone trying to shoot.

Lauren Poole face closeupIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Yes! I do not believe that it’s right for models who are 5’8″+ to have it made while if you’re under 5’6″, you have the biggest struggle. Of course, I understand that one reason for this is because the clothes are made to fit models who are 5’8″ and have perfect measurements. To me, that is living in an unrealistic world. Models like myself are not treated fairly or shown enough support. I have the longest eyelashes you could ever imagine, porcelain skin, and big, mesmerizing eyes. The world may never know this though because agencies and clients do not give me a fair chance.

Please, look at true beauty for what it’s really worth. Don’t try to determine beauty by numbers and height. Those things don’t mean anything to me personally.

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 rejoined the gym. I now go there at least four days a week. While I’m there, I like to work every muscle in my body – head to toe. I use just about all the machines available to make sure I have strong muscles everywhere. It’s also important to increase your heart rate which is why I use the step climber or elliptical machine. Generally, I spend about one hour at the gym to receive a sufficient workout.

As for eating, I became a gluten free dieter back in January 2013. Since then, I have only experienced this type of eating habit. I love it because I feel like I have more energy, less full, and happier overall. I have learned about several new foods which I probably would have never known about if I didn’t make the switch. I now try to make sure I am consuming enough key nutrients such as protein intake, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and so on.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Some people who don’t know me extremely well may not realize that I like to over analyze things. I like to dig deep into people’s thoughts and life. I like to learn new things on a daily basis. I’m a perfectionist. I try to see the best in people. I don’t judge anyone because each person is unique. I like to treat everyone fairly. You could say that I’m somewhat of a hippie with the information provided. Just about every new person I meet tells me I am very interesting. The reason is probably because I am nowhere close to being like your typical twenty something year old. I live life in an unusual way and that’s what keeps the world guessing about me.

Lauren Poole stucked in a bathWould you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t change anything about myself. Here’s why:

Tragedies happen. Life happens. Decisions are made left, right, and spur of the moment. While I have made sour decisions in the past, I don’t have any regrets because everything that has happened plays a part in the person I am today. Accidents happen that you have no control over. You can’t “change” that accident. It just happened. Maybe you were the cause of the accident, or someone else was. Either way, it happened. You must take everything life throws at you and choose how to handle it. It’s easy to become overwhelmed instead of thinking logically. In the end though, it’s important to learn to accept yourself and live life as if you are the only person who matters. That may sound like having a big ego, but I don’t mean it like that. We underestimate ourselves. We don’t give ourselves enough credit. We’re constantly patting other people on the back and sometimes we forget to pat our own self on the back.

Here’s what you have to remember in the end:

Life is one big joke. You can either choose to laugh about it or cry about it.

In this industry I chose to become involved in, it is super easy to want to shed tears all the time. I have the most awesome friends and family though who are right by my side and love me even though I’m only 5’3″.

With that said, I am going to promise to not change a thing about myself, laugh at life, and continue to fight for right to be a successful model.

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

I would spend all of my money someway.

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Jul 07 2014

Interview with Uzuri Amini

Uzuri Amini is a 23-year old of mixed Ghana and Native American descent. She works as a model focusing on high fashion, glamour, commercial, runway and print work.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello my name is Uzuri but you can call me Uzi for short. I was born in Philadelphia but raised all over. I’m an accomplished model and I also have a BA in neuroscience and psychology. I love running, singing, dancing, acting, and going to the beach. I would consider myself a professional model, SAG actress, and a dancer.

Uzuri Amini in a dance poseWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

My start in modeling began at seven years old. I did my first photo shoot. I loved the pictures and being in front of the camera so much I knew it was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

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

My personal and professional goals are to become an internationally known model. I would like to be a lead in several movies. I also would like to win the Miss Universe Pageant. I also would like to be a child psychologist with a PhD in cognitive or behavioral neuroscience. In five to ten years I see a very successful, happy, and amazing me. I know that I’ll accomplish all of my goals and more.

How often do you model in an average month and what does it usually consist of?

I mainly do high fashion, swimwear, catalog, catwalks, and featured extra work. I also do promotion work and I have worked for brands like Samsung, Pac Sun, Starbucks, Nintendo, Marlboro, Captain Morgan, Ciroc, and many more.

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

The best experience I ever had in modeling is when I had gotten cut from a bridal show. I know that seems strange. But due to being cut from that show a casting director who was apart of that show booked me for the Give me everything music video with Ne-yo and Pitbull. It was the best day of my life. I was able to meet and speak with both Ne-yo and Pitbull. I had told Pitbull that I secretly call him my husband and he said, ” Que linda, we would have beautiful babies together. We could call them cafe y leche.” That was the happiest moment of my life. I also took pictures with them as well. It was something that I never fathomed occurring. It showed me that even when you miss out on great opportunities, that even better ones are waiting for you.

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

The craziest thing that has ever happened in my career is when I was scammed by Andre Vann. I thought I had been booked for a clothing campaign. So I flew out to Boston right away. There were so many red flags but I’m a very trusting individual and I also know how the industry works. There are girls who flake all the time, so I had no problem paying for my way out there. He said I would be reimbursed. I’ve dealt with sketchier people who kept their word. But ling story short I was scammed out of 500 dollars. Luckily it wasn’t a dramatic amount compared to what he usually took from so many others. The great part of this story is that not only was I able to help make people more aware of him. I was able to assist in his capture and now he is in jail. I think when I realized that I wasn’t his only victim that I had to stop him and that’s exactly what I did. What this taught me is that I can’t trust everyone and no matter how much experience you have in the industry you can still be fooled.

Uzuri Amini with attitudeIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would change people being taken advantage of and manipulated. I would also make it so that there’s a wider representation out there. I want to see an even representation of every race in the media. I just believe that it’s a better representation of our society.

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

I work out on the regular with my boyfriend. I always do at least 30 minutes of cardio and then 30 minutes of lifting everyday. As an ex Varsity track and field, volleyball, and soccer athlete I love exercise. I also was a collegiate track and field athlete as well. So I work out because I’m just so used to it being a big part of my life for years. I really don’t have dietary restrictions but I don’t: drink alcohol, do drugs, smoke anything, drink soda, drink coffee, and eat pork. Otherwise then that my diet is very balanced and I feel that as long as everything is in moderation you’re good.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am the 6th out of seven children. My father was a hopeless romantic so that led to me having a ton of awesome siblings.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I truly love myself inside and out. I believe the only thing I would change is believing in people who don’t deserve it. I’m always so willing to help everyone but if they won’t help themselves then they’re someone I shouldn’t waste effort on. There are some people that are just set in their ways. But if they ever contact me and express that they are ready to improve their lives then I’ll definitely help them.

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