Blog Archives

Mar 04 2016

Interview with Jillian Elizabeth — Unofficial Disney princess and Mermaid

Jillian Elizabeth is a 26-year old model residing in Boston, Massachusetts.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey! My name is Jillian Elizabeth and I’m from Boston, Mass! I’ve been modeling for about 5 years now, I’m recently trying to get into actressing, so we’ll see how that goes! My goals include being published in Maxim, Playboy, Sports Illustrated and Arsenic Mag, and I’d love to be an international playmate, that’d be pretty cool. My friends describe me as half socially awkward and half I’ll talk to a brick wall. I’m an animal rights activist for cruelty free cosmetics, and I hope to one day open up my own no kill shelter. I love shopping, binging on my favorite Netflix shows, and the beach.

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

Oh gosh I think I was like 7 or so when I found a Playboy magazine and every since then, I knew I wanted to be a model, since I love being in front of the camera! I come alive per se, but my professional side comes out more when I’m working because I’m overly critical of myself, but at the end of the day, I love looking at the work I can create.

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

My personal goals are pretty much like every other girl, just to find someone who’s like minded and to build my empire with, as well as start a family. My professional goals are to get published in Playboy both regular and International, Maxim, and Sports Illustrated. I want girls to know it’s ok to be proud of who you are, and to know you don’t need to be super skinny to be a cover girl.

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

Since the new year I told myself, I wanted to accomplish something every month: January I went to the Sundance film festival, this month I have some shoots lined up and so on; my goal is to be more productive. I love doing glamour shoots, but since it’s winter, I have to wait to do beach shoots, unless I travel.

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

All the people you meet and just the fact that you know you got there yourself, but also all it takes is that one person to help you. I’m fortunate enough to be in an agency where all the girls get along and my agent is working everyday for us, so that was kind of my starting point for being more serious. But if you do travel to say the Sundance festival, unless you’re well known, no one will even give you a glance. You have to build yourself, I’m all for helping anyone I can!

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

The more I think about what I’ve done, the more I’m like wow I actually did that, I went to the links and laces golf tour and ended up winning a trip to the finals, so that was dream come true. Working with great photographers that I’ve seen on Instagram, so it’s been amazing.

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

Telling girls to love themselves more, in certain areas they tell the girls you have to be this thin or this tall, but I believe you’re born the way you are and everyone is beautiful. Skinny girls, athletic, curvy, plus size, as long as you have a good soul that should be enough.

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

I actually took a few nutrition classes, I do Zumba, and mostly focus on toning and booty exercises.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Huge nerd, like giant; ask me anything about Batman and I’ll tell you, I love superheroes, like to the point I start spewing out how Batman is the most badass from the justice league, but captain America from the avengers is Ok. I’m also weird, it’s boring to be normal, my celebrity crush is definitely Matthew Grey Gubler… my god, what a beautiful dorky man. I’d love to discuss all things superheroes with him over coffee.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’ve worked really hard on loving exactly who I am.

What features do you look for in a partner?

I basically look to see if there’s that mental connection as physical. I saw a certain someone at the film festival and our eyes met and it was like nothing I ever felt before, I was too nervous to go talk to him so I didn’t, but I’m hoping our paths will cross again. I believe everyone has a soulmate, and I want mine to be funny, and intelligent, non judgemental, animal lover, not a cheater. Basically I want to be looked at like I’m the only girl in the world in his eyes. Someone to make me feel so loved that I’m like wow so this is what it feels like to be in the notebook…

Visit Jillian Elizabeth’s website for more photos and information

Feb 20 2016

Interview with Cyn Vicious — Tattoo model and Full time mom of four

Cyn Vicious is a 25-year old model residing in Methuen, Massachusetts.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am from Methuen, MA., and currently raising a family of four with my Tattoo Artist Husband Jake Parrington. I have two daughters Jazmyn and Morghyn, and two sons Jakekub and Maddox. I’m happy taking the kids out to dinner, the movies or to the Demolition derby; if I do have time to myself I love to take yoga and pole classes, and also just went skydiving recently and can’t wait to go again. I’m an Esthetician, Makeup Artist, Dancer, and of course model occasionally.

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

My mom was actually the one that got me into modeling: when I was younger I took different training courses and was with an agency, but I hated it, as I thought the poses were boring, and the people were too. In High School, a friend told me he wanted me to be one of his models and I was aprehensive, since I hated photos being taken of me up until then, but I loved it! It was fun feeling creative and getting the almost immediate reward of seeing the photos afterwards.

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

My short list of photograpers and designers I hope to collaborate with as soon as possible! Photographers including Radiant Inc, Laura Dark, Keith Selle, Sonja Lux, Rev Vegas, Winterwolf, Lew Mew, Tiffany Ann; Designers including Dawn Matrix, Ashley Rose, Couture Rubenesque Latex, I’m forgetting so many right now, but I’m trying to keep this short, and these are who I’m currently drooling over. My goal for 2016 is very general but also very well planned: I have a list I have been compiling full of hundreds of magazines and their submission requirements. I hope to submit my butt off to as many as possible this year.

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

I do have a very limited time allotted for modeling, but I try to sneak in as much time as possible because it makes me happy. I do mostly photo shoots but I’m open to all styles, because when working with a photographer, you are a collaborative team. I have a list of different concepts and things I hope to create and when I offer one of those to a photographer, they take them and add on their creative perspective. I usually do my own makeup and styling and have been designing the things I wear for the shoots that are very important to me. I’m not sure how to classify all the things I have made into one category, as the styles I love to look at would be more gothic in nature, particularly gothic lolita and I also love anything that seems steampunk influenced, and wherever the victorian era is incorporated, I am fascinated. My personal style is very different, I’m very minimalistic and my look is more bohemian. Here are a few of my portfolios: ModelMayhem.

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

Worst experience would have to be SNC Photography. He’s a creep that promised me 100 an hour for three hours, made me pick him up after driving two hours out to him, put me in extreme danger, and then had me drop him off. He gave me only two photos he took on a cell phone and never anything from the actual shoot. Best experience hands down was at the very beginning of my modeling career. My very good friend Ron Bork flew me out to Florida and we shot 3 sets a day for a week. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

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

I’m just saying some body painters get really weird.

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 have a gym membership, but with four kids I wouldn’t have time for one, so I incorporate “workouts” into my everyday routine. I eat right and provide healthy homecooked meals to my kids because I want their bodies as happy as possible, but I also know the importance of knowing when to treat yourself. Pizza and ice cream are always going to be a part of my diet.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

My nipples are a little surprising because they are tattooed entirely over to look like natural hearts.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I suppose everyone has flaws they find within their body, but I find it really important to love yourself just the way you are. I’m not a barbie doll, and I’m not looking to trade in my parts for plastic just yet.

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

My husband, and father to my children is Jake Parrington. He is the incredible Award Winning Tattoo Artist, out of the Massachusetts area, responsible for the work I’m very proud to have adorning my body. We travel all around the country together attending tattoo conventions. Check out his work on Instagram @Tattoosbyjake

Visit Cyn Vicious’s website for more photos and information

Feb 18 2016

Interview with Anashi — Cosplay enthusiast and model

Anashi is a 24-year old model residing in Salem, Massachusetts.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in the states, New Jersey to be specific but I didn’t really live there. My family traveled all around and maybe that’s why I have such wanderlust and a restless spirit. I’m Czech but unfortunately I don’t know much about my family’s background. I’m also a super big nerd who loves comics, anime, video games, manga, cosplay, you name it, and I also draw and would love to work in the comic or movie industry.

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

My mom had me in beauty pageants and things when I was really little but I started a few years ago just as a hobby cause a lot of people were telling me I have a good look for it. I just basically posted a profile on Model Mayhem and immediately starting booking shoots and shows.

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

If modeling could get me into the movie industry that’d be amazing but other than that I’m really hoping to get my foot in the door with my art. Maybe do character designs for Disney and Pixar or work on comics or video games. Being a paid professional cosplayer who regularly attends conventions would be pretty amazing also!

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

My modeling varies from infrequently to booking shoots and events several times a week. I mainly do photo-shoots but I get called for local fashion shows and video shoots. I’ve done some fashion, art, glamour, editorial, and a lot of the shoots I’ve been to are the kind of “supply your own stuff” so I supply the clothes and I usually do my own hair and makeup also.

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

I haven’t had a lot of really bad experiences to be honest. I did work with a really amazing photographer from New York who ended up never giving me pictures from our shoot. I was very heartbroken about it because we basically spent all day on this shoot and we were both so excited about the outcome of the shots.

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

You know, some of the most insecure people I know are models and I don’t think it’s a coincidence. There’s this image that we have to look a certain way, be a certain weight and it’s not healthy and so many of the people that I’ve met and worked with are so beautiful and they still are pouring over their flaws and obsessing over how they could fix them. It’s always good to strive to be better and be the best that you can be but you should never do it to an unhealthy extent…

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

I’m not much of a sport person, never have been but I’ve always been very active. I try to go to the gym 4 to 6 days a week and while I’m there I always do weight lifting and at least some cardio. I always change it up though. As for what I eat, I don’t eat much meat but I do indulge in sushi, mainly raw salmon and I do eat eggs. Other than that it’s a lot of veggies and rice, quinoa, basically I try to eat as healthy as I can but I do drink loads of coffee haha.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think there’s things all of us don’t like about ourselves and honestly sure I could say I wish I had a smaller nose or a less round face but these things make me a unique looking person. As far as personality goes I’m a bit of a procrastinator and I do get moody from time to time… I’ve always wanted to be one of those girls that people say “she’s so sweet” but I’m stuck with my resting bitch face and my sarcastic humor.

How do you think you are most likely to die?

I’d really love to say that if I die I’d like to die doing something exciting but I think in all actuality, when I die it’ll be something really stupid and my last thought will be “wow, I can’t believe this is happening” or “well that didn’t work out as planned” haha.

Feb 16 2016

Interview with Chelsie Raleigh — A little bit about me!

Chelsie Raleigh is an 18-year old model residing in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Chelsie Raleigh and I am eighteen-years-old, born and raised in Massachusetts, currenty living with my parents and my sixteen-year-old sister Kayla. I work at a local company, My Princess Dream Party, and dress and act as a princess at events and children’s birthday parties. I am also a full-time student at Western New England University pursuing a degree in civil engineering. I love playing the piano, modeling, going to the beach, and spending time with my family!

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

I first began modeling when I was twelve, after a friend of my mom forwarded my photo to a company in New York. I was then contacted to do a test shoot, and when my photos from the test shoot were released, I was asked by other companies to appear on advertisement brochures for their businesses. As my photo spread more and more, more
opportunities came to me, and I soon signed non-exclusively with an agency in Boston and in New York. I have ever since fell in love with modeling.

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

My goal is to complete college and obtain my PE license to further my career in civil engineering. I also hope to continue to expand my modeling career, and basically to try my best to be successful and follow my dreams!

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

Modeling often comes in spurts, since I find myself some weeks to have a job four times a week and others to have only one. I mainly do print work, but have also walked in several fashion shows for designer companies, as well as appeared on many promotional advertisement cards, been on the cover of magazines, been featured inside many magazines on multiple pages and spreads, and have been on the cover of multiple children’s game boxes. I have also been featured on billboards hovering over highways. I range from high fashion to fitness and all the way to swimsuit.

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

Almost every experience I have had in modeling has been amazing. One of my most favorite things about modeling is that my sister Kayla does it with me, since many times we are modeling together, which only makes the experience more enjoyable, because I get to share it with my best friend. We always encourage each other to try our best, and help each other with anything; having your best friend by your side in an experience like this is incredible.

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

I was once modeling for a magazine in Times Square, and was dressed in all high fashion apparel with many cameras and guards around me. With my hair blowing wildly through the wind, it made for quite a scene, and during the middle of the shoot, in the dead center of the over-crowded times square, the naked cowboy approached us and began singing “I need you” and other funny tunes. The gentlemen with the “Free Hugs” sign also came over to us. Needless to say, I soon had a large crowd around me, including some times square entertainers who made the experience unforgettable.

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

If I had to change something about the modeling industry, I would change the height requirements. Being not too tall myself, I find it difficult to book certain jobs; some of the most beautiful faces in the modeling industry come from those not reaching the height requirements.

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

Ever since I was two I have been involved in competitive gymnastics, and currently attend group exercise classes at the fitness club I belong to about two to three times a week. I eat typically healthy, but am not afraid to have sweets every now and then, although if I am craving it, I am most likely going to satisfy that. Nutrition and exercise is important in my life because I feel it’s the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Many people don’t know my love for music. I am self-taught on the piano and play whenever I get the chance.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t change anything about myself. I believe one of the most beautiful qualities is loving yourself.

What features do you look for in a partner?

When looking for a partner, I look for honesty, kindness, trust, respect, reliability, and overall lovable qualities. I feel if you love someone for who they are, looks should be the last quality to make an influence.

Visit Chelsie Raleigh’s website for more photos and information.

Feb 14 2016

Interview with Ali Zagame — Vocalist, Writer, and Model

Ali Zagame is a 21-year old model residing in Boston, Massachusetts.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Ali, I was born in Paris and raised mostly in MA, USA. I have a small family and a huge passion for writing, modeling, and music. I study at Berklee College of Music and model for artists and photographers in the Boston area while writing my third novel.

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

When I was 12 and at my half-brother’s wedding, the wedding photographer approached me and asked if I would like to work for his modeling agency. My mom and I checked it out and signed up, receiving a free portfolio, although it didn’t really go anywhere, he mostly stuck to wedding photography, but I loved being behind the camera.

Later, at 16, one of my friends was going into art school and asked me to model for her project. She told me I was a natural and should consider taking it up as a side hobby. So, when I got to Boston to attend Berklee I signed up to Model Mayhem and now work with a large variety of artists in the area.

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

I really hope to be performing my own music. I write songs as well as novels and if I can make an impact with my writing, that would be huge for me. I write songs about personal experiences and serious topics, not just love. My EP about mental illnesses, if that went somewhere and got myself noticed by a record company, I’d be thrilled.

Modeling wise, I hope to be doing it on a more consistent basis and modeling for my own album covers someday.

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

Typically once every two weeks, sometimes less, sometimes more, though I’d say that’s the average. Usually people I work with really want head shots because I have a unique look and really large, blue eyes and huge, puffy, curly, brown hair. So mostly photo shoots, I’m too short for runway work.

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

The best experience was modeling for a book cover; I had to wear a wig cap and get ‘tattooed’, which was all paint of course. To see my face on the cover of a book was incredible, I’d love to do that again.

The worst experience was when a photographer gave me more and more odd requests about our upcoming shoot as time went on. First, he couldn’t find a studio so he asked if it could be in a hotel room, then he said a girl from the previous shoot would be there, and they were doing a lingerie shoot when I specifically said I wanted no nudity or sexually implied themes. Then he said could his wife be there and in the end, I cancelled; it was weeks in advance that I cancelled but he got angry and called me crude names. Awful.

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

I was modeling for a painter in a park and we were getting to be good friends, so he offered to take me out for dinner to catch up. I thought nothing of it until I realized how fancy the place was, and afterwards he told me he’d actually fallen for me and wanted to be together. It was extremely awkward when I turned him down and the relationship sort of fizzled out after that for a long time. He recently contacted me again though, and we’re o.k.

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

Yes! Short models should be able to do runway too! I’m 5’1 and there are so many females my height or just a little taller. I understand you want tall models to show off the clothes but few women are actually that height; we have plus size models, we broke that barrier, let’s break this one!

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 exercise almost at all unfortunately, I have lyme disease so my joints are extremely sore when I walk around too much or exert a ton of energy, and I do walk as much as I can though on campus, and eat fairly healthy. I love fruits and veggies but I don’t avoid sugar, I just keep an eye on it. I don’t need to be a skinny mini person, I do like having some curves so all in all, if you feel healthy and your weight isn’t fluctuating dangerously, then that’s what matters.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I adore multi colored lipstick. On a regular day I wear blue lipstick or purple or green, I can’t wear that for shoots obviously, but I wish.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I know that when I’ve had a long, stressful day I get whiny and so pessimistic about it instead of calming down and taking a moment to breathe. I need to relax more instead of worrying about every tiny detail. Appearance wise, I actually like my puffy hair and crazy big eyes, although there are some days I wish I were more toned, but overall, I’m happy with my appearance.

What is the sickest thing you have ever done?

So many college students my age go out drinking and have incredibly hilarious drinking stories. The sickest, best college experience I ever had was when I was stone cold sober at 11pm on a weeknight. My friend Matt told me his mother had just finished her stay at the Hilton hotel and still had her key-card. He then proceeded to invite me to go to the hot tub with him, in October, that night, at the Hilton hotel behind my dorm room building. Heck yes! I didn’t have any swimwear so I wore tight shorts, a cami and sports bra with a huge overcoat. Problem is, they deactivated the card. So we waited outside the pool area and asked a young boy to let us in because we ‘forgot’ our card. The hot tub was on the first floor so we didn’t need the key card to get in to the floor or anything. When we left, soaking wet, we could see it on the security guard’s face that he knew what we did, haha! Best college experience I had.

Visit Ali Zagame’s website for more photos and information

Feb 11 2016

Interview with Lauren Marx — Mother, model, singer, actress

Lauren Marx is a 24-year old model residing in Boston, Massachusetts.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Lauren Marx, I was born and raised between Leominster, Massachusetts and upstate New York. I am a full time mother, model, singer, actress, and apparently juggler now that I have a moment to slow down, catch my breath and do this interview. I am a mother of one amazing little boy named Charlie and when I’m not working my focus begins and ends with my family. I’m a sucker for the simpler things in life, with an equally matched love for travel, arts, fashion, the outdoors, and success. I am a Spanish, German, Black Irish Taurus and I will do whatever it takes to have my cake and eat it too.

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

When I was 18 years old I walked into a Honey Dew Donuts in Worcester, Massachusetts and was stopped by a woman named Donna Sobieski. She was an agent with New York Model Management, she was both lovely and sweet. She complimented me on my shoes and my smile, and she signed me on the spot.

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

Professionally? The sky is the limit. My laundry list of professional goals has no end, but when it comes to life; in the next five to ten years all I can hope is to be as happy and blessed as I am in this very moment.

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

On a typical work week I’ll likely have 2 to 3 shoots, whether they be commercial based, editorial, glamour, or film, the one consistent thing about my job is that no matter what I do, I always have fun.

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

My best experience with my job, hmm. Let’s see… How could I possibly decide? I would have to say that being in Vogue Italia definitely makes the list, getting to sing on stage with rock legends from James Brown Band and Bob Marley Trio, shooting for WAAF, starring in From Ashes To New’s hit music video or getting to be in Shaggy and Pitbull’s music video. Frankly I have had so many experiences to be thankful for, I couldn’t possibly choose just one.

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

All. The. Time. I would have to say my best, funniest, most embarrassing, and out of the ordinary moments are more ordinary for me than I would like to admit. Also, I’m a dinosaur without coffee… Which is quite literally all of the above.

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

If I could change one thing about the modeling industry it would be the negative misconceptions people make about the models in it. We’re not dumb, drug induced, mindless fembots and we’re certainly not bullet proof. People should be kinder to one another, although I suppose that means that what I would change doesn’t necessarily apply to the industry alone, it applies to the world.

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

Once upon a time playing sports was my life, but now that I’m a bit older and a lot busier I would say solid nutrition comes before all else for me, although a little yoga and gym time never hurts to throw into the mix to keep everything firm and on the up and up.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a wealth of useless information, a nerd to my core, and a diehard Trekky; live long and prosper.

Would you change anything about yourself?

My inability to do accurate mental math. That or my arms, check back with me in a week.

What features do you look for in a partner?

Kind eyes, sincere smile, strong hands, big socks.

Visit Lauren Marx’s website for more photos and information

Feb 05 2016

Interview with Liya — Singer and Model

Liya is a 20-year old model residing in Boston, Massachusetts.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! My name is Liya, I’m 20 years old and I was born in Sofia – the capital of a small Easter European country called Bulgaria. I have only one sibling, a brother, and both of us grew up in a very loving and supportive environment. Almost two years ago I came to live and study in Boston, MA, where I live with my boyfriend and am a full-time student, majoring in music. Music is my biggest passion in life, I love singing and composing, but even so, I am generally an artistic person. Except expressing myself through music, I love expressing myself through photos and that is why modeling has been a big part of my life in the last six years.

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

I got into modeling in 2009 when I was thirteen years old, and I did it because I was amazed at what people can create in photography and also wanted to be a part of that. It all started with improvised shoots with friends who also liked photography. After that I slowly began getting into the industry and making a lot of contacts, which led me to be involved in many projects.

When I came to the States I had to start from the bottom, since I didn’t know anybody in the industry here. But I am slowly meeting new people and having more shoots, which does, however, lead to some problems. For example for my latest project me and the photographer are looking for local Boston designers and fashion stylists but it’s hard to find any, since both of us are not from the area.

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

In five to ten years I see myself married and even having a family of my own. I don’t know if Boston is the place I want to spend my life in, but I definitely want to stay in the States. Professionally, my goals revolve mainly around music: I want to be performing on a big stage, but I would also want to do shoots in my spare time, when I’m not creating music.

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

Now that I am a student in Boston I am not allowed to work, and that is why I choose the photo sessions I do very carefully. When I spend my free time doing shoots, I want them to be interesting and I want them to involve the right people. I love having good chemistry with the people I am working with, since that way we are able to create beautiful images in a short period of time. I’ve created some of my favorite shoots in about two hours -hair and makeup included!- Speaking of makeup, I love it and I love experimenting with it, which is why for a lot of my shoots I do my own makeup.

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

During the years I’ve had mainly good experiences. I’ve met a lot of amazing people and have worked with a lot of extremely creative and talented people, and some of my favorite photoshoots are ones in which I am among friends. Last summer I had an awesome shoot with friends, it lasted until 3 o’clock in the morning: We were eating, drinking and taking photos, it was a lot of fun. On the other hand, the worst experience I’ve had was during a shoot in which nothing seemed to go right and most of all I felt extremely exploited because I spent more time than I should have and was necessary and at the end I didn’t even get good photos. But I try to look at the bright side; after that experience I now know what to ask for and what to put up with.

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

One summer I was having a pool shoot with the talented Bulgarian designers from Prototype23 -which you need to check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashioncreativecrew/?fref=ts-. During that shoot I somehow ended up in the deeper end of the pool and almost drowned, trying to protect my full face of makeup. The worst part was that the situation made me laugh, which only worsened the problem.

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

I think the biggest problem in the modeling industry is that it creates in many models a feeling that they are never good enough and need to starve themselves. I think that models should be fit and healthy: there is nothing more attractive than a healthy person in good shape. Some Victoria’s Secret models are a good example of that; they still follow a strict regimen of diet and exercise but it’s more like an athlete preparing for a competition rather than simply denying yourself food.

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

I’m a very active person and I’ve been that way ever since I was a child. To me exercise has always been important not just to look better, but to be healthier; I go to the gym a lot, love doing cardio, fat burning or regular yoga and I recently started boxing, and although I also like swimming, I don’t do that a lot anymore. I love eating clean and healthy food, and I’ve been a pescatarian for a year now and I love it. I also eat a lot of fruits and veggies, rice, seafood and pasta once a week, but if there’s one thing I can live on it’s definitely sushi.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I really like the water from canned corn. Don’t judge, it’s delicious!

Would you change anything about yourself?

I love change. I love changing how I look and my body is something I’m working on every day, but I don’t do it because I don’t like the way I look, but because I love my body and I want to be healthy. I try to be a better person with each day and that’s a change I think all of us should strive for.

Do you have any tattoos? What are they?

I have one tattoo so far, on the wrist of my right arm. It is the writing “Freedom” in Bulgarian and has the Treble clef woven into the letters. Shortly, it is there to remind me to always be free when I create and perform music; I had the drawing in my purse for a couple of years before I got it. I always knew that I wanted it and I got it done when I was eighteen, a couple of days before I came to the States to follow my dreams of becoming a musician.

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