Blog Archives

Jul 25 2015

Interview with Kae Violeta

Kae Violeta is a 23-year old model residing in Chicago, Illinois.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I go by Kae or Karina Violeta which is just my first and middle name, very original I know. I was raised in a strong single parent home by my beautiful mother with my younger brother in a small town near Chicago’s north side. I always was drawn to the Arts from a young age from singing in talent shows to joining drama club, and took knitting and crochet classes when I was 12 and briefly played piano. As an adult I’ve been able to work Creatively both behind and in front of the camera in the fashion and beauty industry as a stylist and model, as well as taking a couple acting classes and working on a few independent projects.

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

I was recommended by a high school friend to join her in promotional modeling for amateur MMA fights at 17. She thought I had the look they wanted so I applied and kind of just got jobs here and there from word of mouth.

Kae Violeta modeling an exotic hairstyleWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I hope to gain enough confidence to dive completely into every experience or opportunity I ever dreamed of doing, so that I don’t ever wake up wondering, what if? I would like to see myself in 10 years with a successful business of my own preferably in the fashion and beauty industry.

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

I wouldn’t consider myself a model. I’m more of a visual arts enthusiast and we will just pretend that’s a thing. I’ve mainly been cast for beauty shots, including face, maximum 3/4 length shots, and hair campaigns or ads; actually all the print work I’ve done has involved hair or makeup in some way. Most recently I’ve been experimenting with video, and have been featured in a Kinto Sol video for their song Todo por ti. It definitely sparked my curiosity and after encouragement from a few close friends I am enrolled in acting courses to further explore that area of work.

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

My best experience was working with Lock & Loaded men’s grooming on their 2011 photo submissions to the North American Hair Awards. I remember walking in casting room and seeing a picture of Natalie Portman with a shaved side hair style for V magazine and the directors were like that’s what we are looking for and me just thinking what am I getting myself into? It was the craziest risk I ever took because it definitely hindered my future hair bookings but most amazing experience. One of the main reasons I joined cosmetology school was influenced from that photo shoot.

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

While being body painted for an event one of the models being prepped asked if anyone ever passed gas while being painted and for some reason I was taken aback by her question and turned red. It was a funny embarrassing moment for me.

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

I wasn’t a very athletic girl growing up, however nutrition and exercise play a huge role in my life today. There are things I would rather do than wake up an hour earlier to meal prep each morning but it gives me a sense of relaxation and that way I know exactly what I am putting into my body. I have a few dietary restrictions so sometimes last minute options can be tricky. I try to squeeze in a quick 30 min work out before work but if I can’t I just wait till after, that way I can ask a friend which keeps up the positive energy and I usually up it to a 60 min session. I do miss days sometimes but try my best to work out at least 4 to 5 Times a week, it’s a constant struggle for me to be consistent.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I sing a little happy tune to myself when I’m about to eat really good food ha ha.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t mind having a little wave in my mane so I wouldn’t have to manually do it daily.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Stalking the Biebs IG feed.

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Dec 11 2014

Interview with Sierra Lanae — Fitness & Fashion Model battling MS

Sierra Lanae is an 18-year old model residing in Aurora, Colorado.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Thorton, CO. My mom, Jen Brown, is a fitness model and competitor in the NPC & has been competing for over 5 years. I go to school for cosmetology but at the end of the day there is nothing I love more than going to the gym.

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

I got into modeling in the summer of 2014. I started because I want to make sure I do everything I’ve ever wanted to do before my Multiple Sclerosis takes over, one of those things on my list is modeling. I also had huge insecurities with the way I looked. When I was younger struggled with anorexia and bulimia. After that I struggled with eating too much and never wanting to go outside or be around people, I was so ashamed of how I looked. My insecurities got better when I started going to the gym everyday and saw how my hard work & passion was improving my life for the better. I was still really insecure when I started modeling; I thought if I put myself out there I may like what I see & I do! Modeling has changed my life completely!

Sierra Lanae wearing shorts and topWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My biggest dream was to fight MMA until I found out the stress it would put on my body with MS would make it worse. I now wish to pursue my modeling career and compete in NPC. I also wish to graduate cosmetology school and after get certified in personal training and nutrition. I also want to do modeling workshops to teach other models how to use their insecurities to their advantage.

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

I have at least a couple photo shoots a month. I haven’t done any catwalks and only one video commercial.

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

I would say my best experience in modeling is when someone messaged me on Facebook after my first time being in a magazine and told me they were a huge fan and loved my work. The worst experience would have to be a photo shoot I had where he would take one picture put the camera down and make sexual jokes followed by comments on how I should consider nude.

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

In my very first photo shoot someone stole my shoes downtown that I was borrowing from a friend.

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

That in order to make it in the industry, everyone thinks you have to get nude and you don’t.

Sierra Lanae hanging from a fork liftDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

Fitness and nutrition in everyone’s life, not just models! Proper Nutrition is one of the most important factors in a healthy lifestyle. I personally eat a lot of protein, fruits and veggies; any carbs I have I cut off at about 4pm. I also eat 5 to 6 times a day and drink as much water as possible. Fitness side of things cardio and I are not friends but I try and at least get 20 minutes cardio session in the early morning and after a workout. Mixed Martial Arts is the only cardio I love to do and would suggest it for everyone to try. I love lifting being able to go into the gym put on your headphones and drowned the world out for an hour or two makes all the difference to make you happier & more relaxed. Not to mention when you reach a new max weight or see progress, that amazing feeling you get knowing it’s because of your hardwork! A healthy physique is something that can’t be bought and has to be worked for.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a superman nerd -everyone knows this-. Every boyfriend I had until graduated high school somewhat looked like Superman or reminded me of Superman. I use to also read the comic books and do different voices for each character. I would also play the radio show to put me to sleep.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I take people’s criticism to heart too much.

What features do you look for in a partner?

I guess my answer to that is someone that I can be myself around. Someone I can go to the gym with because I am not giving that up for anyone! If we can’t have a real conversation it’s not going to work. They also have to be funny. I care about personality more than anything else.

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Sep 13 2014

Interview with Charlee D — Full time Mom and Model

Charlee D is a 25-year old model residing in San Diego, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. to a homemaker Lawanna Dawson and a full time worker and musician Curtis Dawson. I am number 10 of the 14 children that my parents gave birth to together. I was always a shy quiet bookworm who loved to sing. I eventually broke out of my shell in high school when I became the president of my show choir and did plenty of performances. Growing up in a household with 14 siblings with 1 working parent was not always easy but it was fun and I had to find a way to stand out on my own.

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

While in high-school my dad was having health problems so I took it upon myself to go out and find a job on my own so that I can be self sufficient and that’s when I was hired to work on at Hollister Co and the job title was “model”. I loved my first job and took whatever shifts I could. While working one evening there was a buzz going around that one of the staff was a real model and everyone was trying to figure out who it was. I found out that they thought it was me! I never imagined being a model I just loved to sing, but the actual model he approached me and asked if I was a model I told him “no!” That’s when he revealed that he was a model in Mexico and that I had a great look and could make a good career out of it. He then gave me a card with a photographer’s number on it and told me to give him a call. I gave him a call and set up my first photoshoot, I couldn’t believe it! Then it went on from there.

Charlee D wearing a green dressWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My professional goals are to become a professional singer and model and travel performing and doing shoots. In 10 years I see myself as being a big name that is a great role model for not only African American women but young women in general. My personal goals are to have a family and my masters degree in 10 years and be the best mom I can be.

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

I mainly do photoshoots, promotional modeling and some catwalks. Before giving birth to my son I was balancing modeling and working but I would love to only be able to support myself and my son solely on modeling and performing. I just need to be presented with the opportunity to do so.

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

All of my experiences so far have been amazing and I am truly blessed to have had them! My worst experience with modeling is the schedule. I was going to school full time and working full time supporting myself so most gigs that I got I was not able to do them. Also I signed with an out of San Diego agency that never got work so it was a waste of a contract. The best experience that I had with modeling was meeting different photographers and learning new things about myself which helped me grow as a model. I have never had a class in my life and growing up I was always camera shy. Once you get a great photographer you are comfortable with, you can capture some amazing shots.

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

The most embarrassing moment I have had while modeling was when I was hired on to do a fashion show and I am a model with curves -breasts, hips and butt- and I was the only model there with my figure all of the other models were stick thin with no curves and were all very catty and mean towards me especially when we had to change in the back. I felt extremely bad and insecure about myself but once getting on that catwalk and seeing the crowd’s reaction towards me I felt a million times better!! Even after the show I was approached by several photographers that wanted to work with me.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?Charlee D wearing jeans

If I could change the modeling industry I would make it more vast. I would have agencies in small towns so all the people everywhere that wanted to model didn’t have to give up everything they had just to take a chance at getting signed. I would also take away all of the scam artists and perverts who prey on young aspiring models who have no clue what they’re doing or no guidance in the industry.

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

Before I was pregnant I would do Mixed Martial Arts as my fitness routine at least 5 times a week. I also practiced extremely healthy eating habits. I was a pescatarian and ate 6 small meals a day and only drank water and took a woman’s vitamin every morning to help supplement my nutrition.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

What people don’t know about me is that I am terrified of crickets. I can handle any other bug but crickets!!!

Would you change anything about yourself?

If I could change anything physically about myself is that I would have healthier skin and lose the baby birth stretch marks.

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

I am currently in a serious relationship with the father of my son. He is an amazing talented person. He loves me unconditionally and does the best he can for my son and I.

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Sep 03 2014

Interview with Raze Hell — Jack of all trades, master of none Model

Raze Hell is a 24-year old model residing in Ventura, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Raze Hell, and I was born in the small city of Ventura, Ca. I grew up with my mom and little sister but was raised my all my friends that were guys so I’m a huge tomboy. I like playing video games, camping, traveling, learning new things, and building things. I was never really one to be girly. My girly side only comes out when I’m modeling.

Raze Hell dressed as a rockstarWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got into the modeling industry when I was about 13 years old. I was a bit of a nerd in middle school so I attended a modeling school thinking it would make me pretty and popular. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case after I had graduated modeling school so I didn’t really start my modeling career until I was about 21 years old. I had gone through one of those “what am I doing with my life” phases so I decided to at least try it and ended up loving doing what I do now.

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

I want to be one of those people who look back on their life and say “I’m glad I did that” rather than “I wish I had”. So to me it doesn’t really matter where I end up in ten years. As long as I’m happy with the life I’ve lived so far and I get to see that great big world out there nothing else really matters.

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

I usually do fashion or cosplay photo shoots once or twice a month. More if I go to a comic con. I write for a website called LegionOfNerds.com so we usually go to quite a few comic cons and we’re all cosplayers so we get pulled aside for photo shoots a lot. It’s a bit hard to find work since I have a lot of tattoos but I keep my head up.

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

I think the worst experience I have so far is all the tattoo shoots I get offered. I appreciate the opportunity but I can only do so many of the same pictures. I want to be able to expand in my art and not get stuck doing the same thing over and over.

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

I did a photo shoot with an 8 foot boa constrictor once. I’m not afraid of snakes in any way but his tail was trying to get really frisky with me.

Raze Hell wearing a black dressIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

The idea of beauty. Beauty comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Let’s face it, no real person is going to look like the photoshopped model on the front of a magazine. So why not find the beauty in what’s real instead of what’s fake? That and the fact that high end fashion modeling should include tattooed models. I just think the clothes would look way better.

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

Ok this is where I get real. I love pizza! I will never give it up. But I don’t really do anything special as far as a diet. The only tricks I really use is waking up and drinking a glass of cold water a half hour before I have my coffee or breakfast. I also try to include something green and crunchy with every meal. However, I do exercise about 3 times a week since that’s what they say is the bare minimum. I also do it because all the guys I hang out with are stronger than me so when it comes to outdoor activities I like to try and keep up.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m an autodidact. I can learn anything I set my mind to on my own. My latest accomplishment is learning Japanese since I’m going to Tokyo for my birthday. I can also quote almost every Disney movie word for word but that’s just me being the nerd that I am.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I love everything about myself. The only real thing I would change is my bad eyesight. Without my contacts I can’t see 3 feet in front of my face.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

Super Powers! I really really want super speed like the Flash. I did mixed martial arts for 6 years so if I combine that with super speed I’d be unstoppable.

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Jul 12 2014

Interview with Katelynn Ansari – Professional model and MMA enthusiast

Katelynn Ansari aka “CupKate” was born and raised in Orange County, CA. She moved to Los Angeles after obtaining her degree from CSUF. Her degree is in marketing and her favorite thing to do is to challenge herself physically and mentally. she enjoys new workouts such as boxing, jiu jitsu, and finding hikes to take my dog on. She’s currently an aspiring action sports commentator who enjoys a quirky acting gig from time to time!

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

Growing up my mom didn’t allow me to model, she didn’t want to expose me to the industry so young so in my teen years, I filled the spotlight void with beauty pageants. I won several local titles and my desire to be in the spotlight grew and grew. When I finally turned 18, that’s when I decided to really pursue my modeling career. It was a tough ball to get rolling because I didn’t know anything about the industry but I refused to be another pretty face that would get chewed up and spit out. I received a lot of rejection and little acceptance. When I started working for Monster Energy I had hopes of getting steady work (that paid more than my waitressing job at the time) so I quit my waitressing job and haven’t looked back since. Now I’m booking steady work within the action sports, fashion, and hosting industries. I’ve reached my childhood goals but I won’t be stopping anytime soon, I’m always progressing my modeling career to be better than it was before.

Katelynn Ansari - Fashion modelingWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My professional goals are simple. I’d love to be an action sports host preferably in the Supercross circuit or in MMA. I’d also love to compete in a fitness competition within the next year. I have always been into fitness but competing would bring on a whole new level of commitment.

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

I’m modeling about 6-7 days a week. Sometimes more sometimes less but it usually consists of promotional work, hosting, and glamour shoots. There have been plenty of times where I’ve had multiple jobs in one day, which is super hectic but I really enjoy being busy!! I also sell merch on my website so when I get home from shooting I usually have to spend a couple hours sending out merch and responding to emails

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

My best experience in modeling was when I was contacted by Paramount studios to host a dessert series in Japan. Literally weeks before I had made my dream board for 2014 and going to Japan was #1 on my list. I was ecstatic to have my #1 goal come to life so soon after I had written it down. I had so much fun exploring the city and trying all the different/crazy/unique Japanese desserts they had out there. To top it off, I got to host, which is my favorite thing to do…definitely my best experience to date!

My worst experience was when I met a photographer on Model Mayhem. I had checked out his work and made sure he was legit but the situation was just terrible. I was much younger and much less experienced in the industry so I guess you could say I was naive. The photoshoot ended up being at a random dingy house and he was trying to get me to take off WAY more than I was comfortable with. I kept my cool and stuck to my guns but left the shoot feeling very gross and disrespected. Whenever aspiring models approach me with advice, my strongest advice is to “write down your limits and stick to them.” If I hadn’t been so strong I might have taken some photos that would have haunted me throughout my modeling career and not taken me as far as I wanted

Katelynn Ansari - Pink backgroundHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I had a guy get a tattoo of me on his arm!! I was super honored that someone wanted my face permanently on their body. It was really cool because he designed it like a sugar skull. I’m obsessed with Dia de Los Muertos so I love the tattoo!

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

I would change the fact that promotional modeling is turning into a way for girls to cover up escorting. Not every promotional model is an escort but the amount of girls doing it is growing and its disgusting!

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

I train in boxing and jiu jitsu and also go to the gym for H.I.I.T. I eat very clean and watch what I put into my body. As a model, I need to worry about what I look like and its been proven that what you put in your body is also what your body puts out. So a clean healthy diet keeps my body at top shape.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I was adopted! I’m not sure how interesting it is but its a random fact 🙂

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

Of course I would, nobody is perfect. I have a major temper when tempted! I would definitely change how short my fuse is. I’m learning to be more calm but sometimes the fire gets hot hot hot! Haha

Read more about Katelynn at her website.

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