Blog Archives

Nov 29 2015

Interview with Remington Jewell — Dedicated Model

Remington Jewell is a 20-year old model residing in Lexington, Kentucky.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello! I’m Remington Jewell, I’m from Dallas, Texas; raised by my older sister with my two older brothers. I grew up in a big city with a ton of great people, who give me nothing but support to reach my dreams, and thanks to that I started modeling pretty young but not only did I love being in front of the camera, I also loved being behind it. Yes! photography is a huge part of me, and modeling my absolute passion and profession. However I enjoy other forms of art and expression such as writing: I write every day, various things, even if what I write will never be read, I love it, and I enjoy reading as well, I’m the biggest book worm! But most of all I love spending time with my family and friends, without them my work, my art, would be gloom.

Remington Jewell on high heelsWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I was about 11 years old at the mall with my family and I was standing in line at the ToGo Chilis getting a refill of coke for my father. There was this huge stage taking up half the food court and as I stood in line I just watched the stage trying to figure out what was going on. There were crowds of people of all ages standing around, and as I was looking I caught eyes with a woman standing behind stage directing people, she starts to wave her arms for me to go to her and so I went and she said she wanted me in her fashion show, that I was absolutely perfect. Turns out for me it was a modeling contest, and I won out of over 300 people. I’ve always wanted to model but that day, when I was so nervous but went out on stage anyways, I felt like I never had before, and I knew then that I would become a model. The following day, my father starts to receive phone calls from multiple talent agencies asking to meet with me, which I did but I decided on my own to wait until I was a little older before I started modeling, shortly after I moved to Bulgaria for a few months. When I was 15 I started to build my modeling career and I’ve been doing it ever since.

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

My sister -who is a hair stylist- and I plan to open a hair salon and spa together. It has been a goal of mine since I was a very young girl to do this for my late mother who passed away too young, before she could reach her dream. I will continue modeling also of course, but our dreams will rise together.

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

I model 3 to 5 times a week and I do various types of work. I mostly do photoshoots and runway, modeling fashion, art, commercial, athletics, glamour, boudoir, many different types. The only thing I have not shot was nudity; which is just a personal thing for me, however I’ve shot implied nudity.

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

Oh every time is the best time! Although I do have a worst experience back when I first started, when I was supposed to meet with one of my photographers but a few days go by and I never heard from him until one day he calls and asks to see me for a shoot that next day so I go and when I get to the studio, he sits me and my companion friend down and tells us he hasn’t called because his 12 year old daughter just passed away the day before. So I’m saying “What? Why am I here to work when you should be grieving?” and he replies “Well, I stole a ton of flowers from her funeral so I can cover you in them.” His face when saying that still send chills down my spine and actually just because of him I spend my time talking with girls on how to be safe and properly build their portfolio with great photographers. Needless to say, after he said that I did not continue working with him.

Remington Jewell modeling long white bootsHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I’ve had a few embarrassing moments like when I had one of those famous nip slips or when I’m doing an outdoor shoot and people who are just passing by start to stop and watch and once there is a good sized crowd the wind decides to blow my dress straight up.

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

Honestly, all I think is models, especially women should take more time to talk to the young girls and women. The way some people perceive models can be all wrong and we shouldn’t let these unrealistic ideas and images wash the young minds.

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

I absolutely love working out! I start off with yoga early in the morning, then I run 6 to 10 miles, I then do my core exercises and light weight lifting and tons of squats and before bed I do yoga once more. I’m a huge sports fan too and basketball is my favorite, so me and a few friends will go play sometimes. Working out makes you very hungry as we all know, and I am always hungry, so eating right is very important to me. I only cook at home and the great thing is it is so easy to prepare healthy delicious food: I typically eat skinless chicken, brown rice, all my veggies, lots of salmon and other fish, fruits, whole wheat pasta, and much more, those are just my favorites!

Remington Jewell modeling a bikiniPlease share something people don’t know about you.

My mother passed away when I way 3 years old and my father was never really around. When I was 12 my father took my brothers and I out of school but didn’t put us in any homeschooling program. So at 12, being too young to work, I pulled together as much money as I could find and bought school books for my brother and I. I taught myself at a college level and got my first job at age 15 when I was able to get a job.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Absolutely not. We are all our worst critics and even though I may see every little “flaw” in myself I know I’m beautiful and unique. I don’t even look at it as “flaws”, how can one have flaws if we are all to be different and unique. Honestly the only thing I want to say I’d change is that I care far too much about anyone and everything, but maybe more people should.

What is your favorite thing to do alone?

I sing and dance like none other when I’m alone and boy, does it make me feel good! I’d probably die of embarrassment if someone were to catch me but when no one is around it’s all hanging out!

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Nov 11 2015

Interview with Morgan Matchuny — Computer Engineering student and model

Morgan Matchuny is a 19-year old model residing in Louisville, Kentucky.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am from the middle of nowhere in Greenville, Indiana, directly across from a cornfield, actually. I spend the majority of my time messing around with computers, reading philosophy books, watching horror films and modeling of course. My family is extremely supportive of all of my interests and always has been my rock.

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

I first started modeling professionally in May of 2015, when I got asked by an old friend to do a shoot for Elegant Magazine, and I happily obliged, although I had previously been modeling recreationally, just building a portfolio and a name for myself. Modeling has always been an interest of mine as I find it a unique art form.

Morgan Matchuny dressed all in whiteWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My professional goals for modeling are essentially to keep climbing the ladder in my area and continue meeting new artists, and would also love to travel for modeling or maybe get signed by an agency as well. In five to ten years I see myself working as a computer engineer and making lots of art in my free time, maybe writing a book.

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

I usually have one shoot a week, as it is hard to fit in more than that with full-time school, and I mainly do fashion photoshoots, occasionally more artsy work, if I’m lucky!.

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

The best experiences I’ve had in modeling come from that moment in a shoot where something is off; it might be that the hair doesn’t look right, or that the equipment falters, and what comes from this is a time-crunch for creativity, and usually the best work. It is amazing to have a team of people so diversely creative come together and find a brilliant solution. My other best experiences simply come from seeing published work, as being an unsigned model by choice is rough, because many photographers only want agency models, but I have made a name for myself and built my career, and it is phenomenal to see it all pan out on paper in a published work.

My worst experience has only happened once, and that was the dreaded “creepy photographer.” I had a photographer repeatedly ask me to get naked, and it was honestly the most degrading and uncomfortable situation I’ve ever experienced in the industry.

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

Ha, this is a good question, since I seem to always get picked for the most interesting shoots. I have had panty hose wrapped over my face, I’ve been painted head to toe, worn pounds of leather, laid in a bath tub filled with milk… and loved every second of it. The “weird” shoots are the best ones, for sure.

Morgan Matchuny face closeupIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would certainly change the standard of body weight, since I’ve realized throughout history there are usually a few aesthetic qualities romanticized, but in the fashion industry these qualities are often very unhealthy. I do not currently do runway modeling, but seeing the girls who go through hell in order to lose weight is extremely saddening and should not continue. Every body is beautiful, and I am a huge proponent of the body positivity movement. I would love to see this movement take hold of the fashion industry and show the world that not only one body type is beautiful.

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 always been an active person, as I was a dancer for about 10 years, and growing up I never ate particularly unhealthily. However, the past few years have been a journey for me, through recovering from an eating disorder with restriction issues, it was very difficult to safely move back into eating normally. I am finally settling into a healthier weight and diet, as I do not obsessively track what I eat, and now I enjoy eating healthily and take pride in my exercise routine. Nutrition is important to me, because I had to learn the hard way how detrimental it can be not to practice healthy habits.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m an artist! I will be selling prints soon, so look out for that on my social media.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wish I was a vampire.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is still playing my Nintendo… actually, I have no shame in that

Visit Morgan Matchuny’s website for more photos and information

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Nov 08 2015

Interview with Brooke — Jill of All Trades and Badass

Brooke is a 25-year old model residing in Louisville, Kentucky.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a 25 year old entrepreneur born and raised in Louisville Kentucky with 4 other siblings by two wonderful, hard working doctors. I have had the opportunity to travel to most of the US states and over 30 countries. I received a BFA from University of Arizona and have opened my own small business, which is a letterpress. I have held all sorts of odd jobs including: kennel tech, AR15 designer and builder, security officer, motorcycle mechanic apprentice and model, and as you can see I have trouble being idle and at any time could be doing a hobby, picking up an odd job, or in the gym, and if it’s a DIY project, I’m doing it. I’m self sufficient and determined, maybe even a little hardheaded! I am a serious dog lover and my two dogs come first, and I also love tattoos, so I’m not stopping at the 13 I have now.

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

I became interested in modeling at a young age, maybe 13 and joined a so-named school, which turned out to be really just a money pit, and landed one acting job but quickly realized the company for what it was and was tired of being told “you’re not tall enough” to be a model and get an agent. I moved to Arizona in 2011 and really put in time and effort and quickly built a good portfolio and met some wonderful photographers and other models, while I was a college student, so modeling was some good side cash and really fun for me.

Brooke holding a badass gunWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I hope to build my letterpress company, have a family and continue doing all the things I love, which includes modeling. I’d also like to continue body building and do more fitness photoshoots.

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

In Arizona I did about 2 to 3 shoots a month including video shoots, but when I got into grad school things slowed down, and I also worked for a lingerie company in Arizona for a bout a year. Now that I am back home in Kentucky I have maybe 1 to 2 shoots a month, and although I love video work, I usually end up doing nude, implied, fashion, lingerie and fitness shoots; in general I love outdoor work and anything badass.

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

I have definitely run the gambit with photographers and modeling shoots, and have also found a few photographers who I have absolutely loved and continued working with on silly shoots or just for fun shoots pretty regularly, and I have also met the “guy with camera” about 100 times, so I am pretty good at weeding through those. I can read how a shoot is going to go from the first encounter with a photographer, and I have also learned to expect at least half the payment upon arrival after doing a 6 hour shoot and the photographer refusing to pay me.

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

Plenty of inappropriate behavior from photographers for sure, but one particular photographer stole all my lingerie from my suitcase when I wasn’t looking! And I once did a “group shoot” with some other girls where we dressed up as zoo animals, probably a bit more scandalous than we should have, and went to a zoo where a giraffe licked my armpit, gross.

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

If I could get rid of all the “guys with camera” that would be great, and also anyone who preys on models, since I think no one should feel uncomfortable at a shoot.

Brooke sitting next to a tree in a forestDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I go to the gym 5 days a week and am big into weight lifting; in fact, I’ve gone from 90 lbs in 2011 to 115lbs by 2014, all 25 lbs being muscle. I love to swim and be active, I eat extremely cleanly, and I do not drink alcohol, take any type of recreational drug, drink caffeine or carbonated drinks and tend to eat balanced meals. I’ve seen people not be well enough to play with their children or grandchildren and I have sworn to never be that way… I want to be healthy and active until the day I die.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have trained on a flying trapeze.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Honestly I wouldn’t change anything about myself, but perhaps I wish some things had not happened to me; although those experiences, despite being horrible, have made me who I am today and I am pretty proud of that. Physically? OK maybe I wish I had been blessed with more defined calves.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I do not have many vices, I don’t drink, or do drugs or really have an addictive personality; I have tattoos, though, but I grew up in Kentucky and love betting on horses. Also peanut butter oreos, whoever invented those I want to kiss you and also kill you.

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Nov 05 2015

Interview with Hali Slone — By Day, Mother. By Night, Model!

Hali Slone is a 21-year old model residing in Georgetown, Kentucky.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello!
My name is Hali Slone, I am a 21 year old model that was born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, where I overcame the odds of teen pregnancy, and continued on to work hard and be able to do the careers that I love. I am currently the head manager for an entire gym named Snap Fitness, and I also have achieved my goals of becoming a model! My son is 4 years old, and is the absolute light of my life; my interests are unique for someone like me, since I am obsessed with Video Games, Reading, Cooking, and Fitness. I also do cosplay and guest appear at Comic Cons, as well as Horror Cons! No matter the odds, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.

Hali Slone listening to an old radioWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I first got involved by getting asked to attend a group photo shoot in Lexington, Kentucky, and once I started my modeling, my career took off. I have heard multiple times that I have a very dramatic and unique look about me, and have also met a lot of amazing people and celebrities, including Larry Elmore, who is the illustrator for Dungeons and Dragons -I am one of his famous fantasy characters now-, as well as the first Jason Voorhees. I started modeling about 2 years ago, and have stayed steady with my work since then, and has always been a passion for me, even though at first it was just a dream. When I found out that people were interested in my work once I started, I didn’t waste a moment and started working on my portfolio.

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

My personal goals would be buying a house, getting more sponsorships for my modeling career, being the best mother I can always be for my son, and continuing on with my college, to get my degree in Psychology.

My professional goals include having my modeling career take off, and be able to become a super model, even if my height makes it challenging, since I am a very short 5’0 tall even!; gain high enough experience to own my own gym one day, to let people know that they don’t have to look like a model to feel good about themselves. Getting up and coming to the gym is a huge step in itself, and is the path to a healthy lifestyle; become a famous cosplayer, and meet more of my idols in the industry.

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

I was modeling a lot for a while, probably a photo shoot at least every week. Once my portfolio was pretty much done, I cut it down unless the shoots were paid, or benefited myself in some way, since it is a very expensive career, and you must be able to know your worth. I usually do photo shoots, or cosplay at Cons, and I am a freelance model, but love my boudoir, cosplay, and fashion shoots the most.

Hali Slone wearing underwear next to a windowPlease tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experiences include becoming a fantasy character by world famous fantasy artist Larry Elmore; getting invited to a VIP party at Scarefest, which is the world’s largest horror con, by the original Jason Voorhees; coming in the top 10 out of 100 girls in the Miss Jetset 2015 cover model contest; and appearing as a Guest at Cons.

My worst experiences would include a photographer who got mad because I would not do nude photography, which I have no problem with, but it’s just a personal moral of mine; and the other one would be my first photo shoot, when I was so nervous that I was stiff, and had to learn the ins and outs of poses, facial expressions, and more.

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

I tripped at a photo shoot one time and fell on my face. I wear heels that are taller than my legs to my shoots… ok, maybe I exaggerated a little bit, but still!. I twisted my ankle, being very lucky I didn’t break it, and the shoot still went on!

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

In all honesty, I hate the fact that you can get offers for really great opportunities, and then be asked to do immoral things to get ahead of the competition, and I am not a believer in that. If I am to win, I will do it with dignity and the right way, not sleep my way to the top. I was very naive to this when I first started, and some people who have money to spend on you will try and bribe you.

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

Let me get one thing straight, I have a terrible diet: I am obsessed with cheese, and other unhealthy foods, although I do slim down before shoots by eating salads, and dinners that will not bloat my stomach. Nutrition should be a more important part of my life, but I make up for the slack in my exercise, since my routine consists of running 3 miles a day, doing 150 crunches, 45 lifts on the leg machine, 75 side crunches, 30 minutes on the elliptical, and then sometimes I will lift light weights. Exercise is extremely important, not only for modeling but for anyone; it makes you feel better in your day to day life, as well as toning your muscles, building muscles, or just cutting your weight. It helps your mental state of mind, to make you more energized and happy. What is there to lose?

Hali Slone in a jaguar bikini next to a motorbikePlease share something people don’t know about you.

I mentioned before that one of my favorite hobbies is video games, and when I say I am the epitome of a nerd, I mean it; I collect video game memorabilia, especially Legend of Zelda -I actually have a real Mastersword-, I have a Pokemon tattoo on my side, and a whole wall of my apartment is decorated in posters, and trinkets from different video games. I also play a lot of Xbox, Nintendo, and Table Tops as well, as well as cosplaying as Link From Legend of Zelda, or Kitana from Mortal Kombat the majority of times I go to Cons.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I would not, because I am happy with how I am, and physically speaking, I have achieved so many of my goals already, and the fact that I can say that I am happy with my body is amazing, since it helps my mental state for my self esteem to be high. I suffer from Endometriosis, which is the leading cause in infertility in women, for which there is no cure, and it causes extreme pain all the time, as well as being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Panic Disorder, it is an accomplishment that I can say I am happy with where my life is. I am in careers that I have always wanted to be in, and I have fun doing them; I am a mother of the most loving 4 year old in the world. What else could I ask for?

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I have an intense fear of Clowns, not dolls or anything like that, but people in costume, despite the fact that I know they are just regular people and I know it is not rational, but it will send me into a complete freak out if one acts like it is going to scare me. Funny Story, I had a panic attack form one a few years ago, and actually saw the guy again at Scarefest, where I was also appearing, and he remembered me! He said he thought he had killed me, and so we talked and now the clown and I are friends!

Visit Hali Slone’s website for more photos and information

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Nov 02 2015

Interview with Sabrina-Cole — Ordinary girl turned plus size model

Sabrina-Cole is a 26-year old model residing in Florence, Kentucky.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Los Angeles, California but moved to Kentucky when I was very little, although I feel like I belong both to the West Coast and the East Coast. I grew up in a small town but never felt like I belonged; I love living in the country but that came with people all around me having this very narrow minded way of thinking and I always felt the opposite. There was very limited resources to do anything other than the stereotypical southern hobbies like riding four-wheelers, camping, drinking, and others and that was never my forte.

I ended up having a child in High School and ever since then I’ve always felt like I was fighting back against the odds that are against me to just be another statistic in society. I have a wonderful family support which helped me graduate High School, and eventually I finished College and became a Certified Surgical Technologist and have a very talented son. I’m married with another one on the way. I never would have thought that I would enjoy my mother’s small farm but she has the small breed of goats and it has been such a great experience for me and my son, since I’ve actually always loved animals and wish I could have more of my own.

Sabrina-Cole modeling a tiger-colored blouse black and whiteWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I never thought modeling could be a reality for me, specially because I grew up as that awkward fat girl in school that had a different sense of style than everyone else, and my mother was always very supportive of letting me express myself with my wardrobe. When High School hit I flourished into a very pretty young woman who knew how to handle all her curves, and as a result I’ve always been so called “plus size” but I didn’t gain confidence in myself until High School.

Back when Myspace was that biggest craze I would post lots of pictures of myself, and lots of people in turn would say how pretty I was and I got lots of comments about how I should model, which at that point was just a faint thought: how could someone big like me ever be able to model, I wasn’t a size 0 and 5’10. Then in 2012, after my fiancé, who is now my husband, set up a surprise photo shoot for me because he knew how much I wanted to model but didn’t know where to start, but the photographer who did my first shoot mentioned the website Model Mayhem for me to use to get started. From there it opened a door for me to get into the modeling industry.

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

Moving forward in modeling I would like to get more involved in doing promotional work and establish my own business in modeling somehow, since I want to do and explore more diverse areas in modeling. I’ve always wanted my own studio where I can have more control over how creative and expressive my pictures can be; acting is something that would also be another creative outlet for me, and ultimately raising my children is a number one priority but if I can provide for my family by being a pretty face then that’s fantastic and if not then I always have my career as a Surgical Technologist.

Sabrina-Cole modeling a black corset with an umbrellaHow often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

For me my modeling comes in spurts and depends a lot on the seasons, as some photographers that I’ve worked with didn’t have their own studio and as a result having good weather is a must when working in those situations, while promotional modeling is usually seasonal too, plus in the area I live in promotional jobs don’t usually happen in the winter months. Most of my modeling styles are glamour and slightly provocative, and I’d like to do more areas but I have to feel comfortable with the photographer and be confident that they could represent my personality.

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

I don’t think my worst experience is that awful but to me it was a let down because I actually paid the photographer money and I barely liked any of my pictures. Instead of doing my own makeup I let the photographer do my makeup and I thought I was okay because she had claimed to do other people’s makeup and her pictures where stunning, but when she did my makeup and I felt like a clown. From then on I decided I’ll do my own makeup and stay safe.

I’ve had some mild ups and downs with personalities but I think that’s just learning the industry and who you become compatible with work wise; a model and a photographer have a special working bond because you’re both trying to capture art.

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

I’ve been in some uncomfortable posture poses thinking the photographer is nuts and I look like a fool then you see the picture and it’s great. Other times you do things that the photographer wants you to do and it’s definitely an epic fail.

Sabrina-Cole modeling a pink-white mini skirt and high heelsIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I think the modeling industry needs to be more diverse. I’ve had great feedback on my modeling but I know the size I am I’m not walking into a modeling agency and being picked up right there. We do see plus size models in advertisements but to me it’s not enough, and I’d rather choose my own destiny in modeling than let agency after agency put me down because I’m not what they classify as model material.

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

My son loves to play basketball at home and always gets me to join in, and I’m also a believer that you can eat whatever you want but in moderation, although I’m sure there are skeptics out there that think because I’m big that I don’t watch what I eat but I don’t over indulge myself. I had my gallbladder removed when I was 18 and it completely changes your outlook on food and what you eat. I have to monitor my sodium content and I know what certain foods make me sick if I eat them.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Something people don’t know about me is that I love decorating for holidays: I would completely deck out the house every holiday if I could. I’ve always imagined having a home that my children would remember from their childhoods like, “oh yeah remember how every year mom would bring out those crazy Christmas pillows.”

Would you change anything about yourself?

The funny thing about me is that I would change everything from my thighs to my chest, which seems extreme to say but I wouldn’t mind plastic surgery. I think plastic surgery is an option that is okay for anyone as long as it doesn’t become too extreme; being in the operating room I’ve seen some great results and it makes you happy to see how someone’s confidence is going to change for the best.

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

One day at work I wore a pair of undies that just wouldn’t stay up. They kept rolling down in my scrubs and it was killing me. You’re in surgery for a few hours and can’t touch anything that is unsterile. I tried pulling them up a few times while taking short breaks but finally I just couldn’t take it anymore, I took them off, stuck them in my locker and went commando the rest of the day in my scrubs until it was time to go home. Needless to say that pair of undies were never wore again to work.

Visit Sabrina-Cole’s website for more photos and information

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