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Interview with Dayna T

Dayna T is a 25-year old model residing in Fontana, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi I’m Dayna T a young spunky single mother of many talents that loves to laugh and smile. I am a lover of life.

Do you have a nickname or artist pseudonym? Who came up with it and how?

Well one nickname that I have would be Lyrik I got that name by becoming an exotic dancer. I was told that my body moves around the pole like lyrics to a song. Lol whatever that means.

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

I would say that I was about 17 or just turned 18, I wanted to be a professional dancer and was actually on the set of a music video for an artist. I wasn’t supposed to be in it but I was approached and asked to do some scenes, which sounded like fun to me. From there I was approached and given business cards and asked to do some photos, I was just having fun but somehow got discovered.

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

My personal and professional goals are pretty much the same. I want to one day own a business either a dance studio or have a place for young girls that needs a little encouragement to come. I have a little girl and as a female it’s a pretty cruel world out there. I remember it being times where I felt like I wanted to give up and didn’t have anyone. I wish that I could’ve gone to a place and had someone there to talk to, I think I would’ve made better life decisions.

Dayna T pole dancingHow much do you typically charge for a photo-shoot?

In the beginning I wouldn’t really charge but all of that has changed, since I have a little one. So now I charge 60-100 per hour depending on what type of shoot.

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

The best experience would probably be, doing the BET’s blaze the stage fashion show. I loved it and I was the shortest person there. I’ve always been told I was too short to do fashion shows. That goes to show you that you can do whatever you want to do.

The worst would have to be going to a meeting to discuss business and had something put into my drink and then told “it’s nothing personal, just getting you ready for the industry” that had actually broken me. But I did not give up I quit for a second but I didn’t give up.

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

Ha! When I first started modeling I didn’t know how to walk in heels, I was such a tomboy growing up. But the photographer named Adrian of akm photography gave me a pair of heels to put on. I remember to this day they were some really tall clear stripper heels and I tried to walk down a little hill and tumbled. My knees were all tore up so funny.

Dayna T wearing an orange swimsuitIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

I would change the type of look that they expect you to have in order to be published. Just because someone doesn’t have a gigantic bottom doesn’t make them less beautiful than a woman that has a huge bottom. I think that the way society views us women is ridiculous. I just want to live and take amazing photos that makes it to magazines. Without that being determined by my body type; everyone is beautiful in their own way.

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

In high school I played volleyball and also played a little in college. As far as my food habits hmm that’s bit tricky. I tend to just eat whatever as long as it doesn’t have tomatoes or onions. The only exercising I do would be pole aerobics, that is extremely important to me, I also teach it.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I would have to say that I’m a computer geek. I would get to school extremely early to get to the career center to be on the computers and help the students that needed help. After high school I would be at home troubleshooting other’s computers, and I wear glasses.

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

Besides the fact that I am blind, not literally but no I wouldn’t. I think that I was made the way I was supposed to be. That is good enough for me.

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Interview with Ariana Jenée — Aspiring Petite Model

Ariana Jenée is a 22-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Ariana Jenée. I was born August 20, 1992 in Reno, Nevada, but I have moved a lot in my life and California is my home. My mother, Lisa Morton, was a young single mom; she passed in 2007 at the age of 36, and I never met my father.

I have had a passion for being in front of the camera since I was a young child. My grandmother is a photographer and always used me as her model. We both learned and practiced together throughout my life. In high school dance was my second passion but even dancing couldn’t replace the happiness I get from being on camera.

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

My grandmother, Valerie Morton, started practing photography on me as a toddler. It became my passion as well. As I got older I really started to become more dedicated and interested. I started working with other photographers and learning on the way. The information I learned from them I used with my grandma for practice as well. Then I started trying to do little modeling jobs as much as I could and now at almost 22 years old I am ready to go full speed ahead.

Ariana Jenée climbing trees in jeansWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I am a dreamer and goal setter. The list is miles long. I could go on and on about all my different goals but in my mind they all lead to two different things: Happiness and Success.

In five to ten years I hope to have completed my college education while also making a career out of modeling and even acting. I want to be financially stable and able to travel.

10 years from now I hope to be the woman I have growing up to be and working so hard to become in all aspects.

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

I have worked for many clients; for staples as a model for their website, for an ad for a boutique, many music videos, modeling for flyers, a calendar, as an extra for talk shows, and plays and dance recitals throughout school.

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

Best experience is having somebody completely random come up to me in the grocery store and recognize me from some of my work and tell me how they started following me on social networks and how I inspire them.

Worst experience is getting turned down because I am not a giant tooth pick. I believe that being tall and skinny is not the definition of a model. Beauty comes from all shapes, sizes, cultures, and more. A model is more than someone with a skinny waist, it’s someone that can make people inspired and motivated, someone who can be looked up to.

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

Everything is an extraordinary experience for me. I never thought that I would be able to experience any of this. Especially with the life I’ve lived. It’s all a blessing the good and the bad. I just keep looking forward to more.

Ariana Jenée having a coffeeIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Modeling isn’t one type.
Like I stated earlier, you shouldn’t have to be tall and underweight to be a model.

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

I used to dance and do yoga. I now go to the gym as often as possible or do at home workout DVDs. I do not eat fast food or junk food and don’t drink sodas. Next month I will be starting a whole new extreme workout plan and diet. Nutrition and exercise mean everything in the modeling industry. So I have to really be dedicated and focused on them both.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love to write poetry.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I am beautiful and perfectly imperfect, completely comfortable in my own skin. Of course everyone has room to grow and improve as a person, and that happens with time. I’m human. I like learning from my mistakes and I never regret them because they’ve made me who I am today.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I am terrified of clowns.

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Interview with Rachael Elise — Glamour and swimwear model

Rachael Elise is a 21-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi there! My name is Rachael Elise. I currently live in Hollywood, born in San Dimas, and raised in Northern California, all of them in California. I love to hike, play sports and drink wine! Currently I attend school, will be graduating in September and pursuing a career in modeling.

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

I began modeling at a very young age, and began fashion modeling. As my looks changed I was more suitable for swim and lingerie modeling. I began appearing in music videos for various artists, and doing print work for local companies. I continue to do large amounts of print and video work to this day.

Rachael Elise wearing a green swimsuitWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals are to find that special someone, and to share my life with that person, and in the next few years start a family. I also hope to broaden my horizons when it comes to modeling, I would like to travel the world and experience new things.

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

Currently I do 1 to 2 jobs weekly. From music videos, promo modeling, glamour print and commercial work. I try to keep myself well rounded, 1 to 2 times a year I’ll walk for different designers in LA fashion week or other private fashion shows.

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

I Got the opportunity to work with amazing glamour models along with well known recording artists from Chris Brown, The Wanted, Baby Bash and many more. No negative experiences so far, fingers crossed!

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

The one thing I would change would be the expectations of women’s figures. From skinny to curvy, I believe all women are beautiful in their own way and feel that the fashion industry along with other parts of the modeling industry should accept and embrace models that aren’t the typical “cookie cutter”.

Rachael Elise modeling a wanted tshirtDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I do! I love keeping active and eating healthy; I tend to eat 3-4 balanced meals a day high in protein, and low in starch. I cycle 2 to 3 times a week, and weight train 2 to 3 times a week as well. I cannot stress the importance of taking care of your body, especially when you are young!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m a natural dirty blonde!

Would you change anything about yourself?

I mean who wouldn’t want to change something. Do I wish I had thinner legs and a smaller butt? Yes. A straighter nose? A more symmetrical face? Of course. But I’m glad to have my little quirks and imperfections. It’s what makes me…. Me!

What features do you look for in a partner?

Well, first off the physical attraction has to be there! Let’s face it, we’re all driven by physical attraction -I know it sucks, but it’s true-. I’d say the guy has to have some sense of humor, I can’t stand guys who can’t laugh. Someone who is extremely driven, and passionate about what they do, because I myself am that way. Last they have to have some sort of family values, I like men who are caring and think of others before themselves.

Visit Rachael Elise’s website for more photos and information

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Interview with Nakiesha McCullough

Nakiesha McCullough is a 21-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey everyone! I am 21 years old and have been modeling since 2010. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California. I have 2 siblings, a little brother and a little sister. I am the oldest child. My hobbies; I love to shop, dance, and time to time create clothing.

Nakiesha McCullough wearing a feathered costumeWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I always wanted to be a model; I used to watch America’s Next Top Model all the time. Tyra Banks is one of the reasons why I’m modeling now.

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

Personal goals to stop procrastinating, since I tend to do that a lot. My professional goals to start going on acting auditions. In about 5 years I see myself owning my own business and I see myself fulfilling my dream of being a huge model.

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

I’m a freelance model so my work can be everyday sometimes or here and there, it’s never and actual schedule that I have. I mainly do photoshoots, music videos, and commercials also working background for tv shows . I plan on doing more than that I want to start getting tv show roles.

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

Worst experience was getting a fake check from a modeling job. I went to the bank deposited and then the check returned they wrote me a fake check, I was upset. My best experience was being a main girl role in a music video.

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

I had an embarrassing moment I was modeling and my boob popped out of my shirt I was so embarrassed.

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

The height limit, that tends to hold me back from getting a lot of jobs.

Nakiesha McCullough wearing a white dressDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I normally eat seafood and chicken; that’s basically my diet. I love vegetables, and fruits. Lately, Ive been slacking on workouts but I’m going to get back on it

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I love food, I’m literally obsessed.

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

No I wouldn’t, I was put on this earth to be exactly who I am. I have my insecurities but who doesn’t I love myself the way I am and wouldn’t wanna be any other way.

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

My boyfriend is very supportive, caring, and loving. I really respect his honesty, He wouldn’t tell me nothing I wanna hear, he tells me what I need to hear.

Visit Nakiesha McCullough’s website for more photos and information

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Interview with Leokadia Hope

Leokadia Hope is a 25-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

As a down to earth, sunshine loving Australian comedian, actress and host. I was born and raised in the small city of Adelaide, Australia by my Polish parents who migrated to Oz in the 80’s. My family is everything to me and I am super close with my parents and younger sister. Over the years, I have been incredibly blessed with plentiful opportunities, fun experiences and beautiful friends. I have traveled, lived and modeled all over the world. Some of my favorite things in life are relaxing in the beach, planning my next vacation, charity work, dancing, singing, handsome latin men and buying cute new shoes.

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

I began modeling at age 18 when my boyfriend at the time suggested I give it a try. I submitted a few pictures to a FHM Magazine’s  ‘Girl Next Door Competition’ and soon after, I began collaborating with various photographers around town to build my portfolio. Modeling was something I had always wanted to pursue and I am extremely proud of my modeling achievements over the years. These days however, my focus is now on performing stand up comedy and producing my own sketches.

Leokadia Hope showing her hairWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My ultimate goal is to be the executive producer of my own sitcom that I write, direct, star in and hire all my friends and family to work on it. That way, everyday feels like a fun day with all the people I love whilst producing something creative.

I have a lot of smaller goals too, but we’d be here all day listing them all! Most importantly, fulfilling my personal goals and making money is always lovely, but my parents taught me it is always important to give back and help others who aren’t as fortunate with the same opportunities. Therefore, I’d love to start my own charity or charities aimed at helping teenagers and one that empowers women.

In 5 to 10 years, I’d love to have my ultimate goal accomplished, I’d love to own my first house, have my first charity open, traveled to all the countries on my bucketlist and to be in a sturdy financial position to spoil all my loved ones! Life has been kind to me so far so I am excited to see what happens next!

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

I work in the entertainment industry full time and every day is different because this industry can be very last minute, so each day is a surprise. I am also very open minded to opportunities, so one day I may be dancing with a band on set of a music video, the next day I am on a runway modeling wedding dresses and then that evening I am on stage delivering dirty jokes at a comedy club, I don’t always know and I love that spontaneity. I am happy as long as I am working and being creative in whichever way possible. When it comes to modeling, my specialties are editorial, beauty, glamour and commercial.

Leokadia Hope wearing a swimsuitPlease tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

One of the best modeling experiences I’ve had was my very first fashion catalog shoot 4 years ago. I had just moved to LA, I was very new to the modeling scene and I was booked to model clothes for 2 fashion labels. I had to model 100+ outfits in 4 hours so it was a huge learning experience for me. It was fairly hectic on set with stylists, makeup artists, photographers and other models running around, and as a team we all had to work quickly and efficiently. I brought my sister to set as well, and she ended up booking her own catalog shoot with the team the following weekend. That day I learned so much about posing for catalogs and I had such an enjoyable time on set. Eventually the catalogs were printed and I sent a copy to my mum who is my biggest cheerleader.

Another great modeling experience was working with Clear Haircare as the new spokesmodel for the brand was Heidi Klum. They were conducting a huge launch and press release in the middle of the Grove in LA. It was an exciting set up with photographers and camera crew everywhere, a hairdressing salon where people could have their hair washed and styled with the product and then of course Heidi Klum was on stage promoting the line. She is absolutely beautiful and has always been one of my modeling inspirations so it was wonderful meeting her and working alongside her. She is by far one of the sweetest, down to earth and funniest celebrities I have met so far.

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

So many things just popped into my head. Things always happen to me! I am known to be a little clumsy so that’s when things go wrong, but it provides entertainment for other people and I am a person who can laugh at herself in any situation.

The most recent though, well I won’t go into too much detail, so the readers aren’t too grossed out, but I had a very important test shoot with one of the biggest, well known brands in the world, which unfortunately fell on the same day as my time of month. I had to model lingerie and let’s just say something leaked…..all over the lingerie…. After making a joke about it, I excused myself, cleaned up, changed, got back to set and began posing in front of the camera. The show must always go on!

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

I live a super healthy lifestyle and thankfully LA is very accommodating of all things healthy. I don’t smoke, drink too often and lift weights at the gym 5 days a week. I also love hiking, and LA has some beautiful and intense hiking trails, as well as boxing and running on the beach. As far as eating, I don’t do crazy diets like I used to, I am just conscious of eating unprocessed foods, I love making smoothies, fruit salads and love cooking at home. Occasionally though, I’ll treat myself to ice cream!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I was a little rebellious between the ages of 12 and 14 and when I was 12, I went and got my belly button pierced behind my mum’s back. Back then this was a bigger deal, piercings were only just becoming ‘a thing’ and you were supposed to be 15 to get pierced without an adult present. Needless to say she was not happy when she initially discovered my new body jewelry, but she thinks it’s cute now. For me, my belly ring signifies that rules are meant to be broken and we should always be fearless in life.

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

I am actually really happy and grateful with the way I am, imperfections and all. I am finally at a stage where I am comfortable, confident and at my happiest so I’ll have to say no to that question.

How do you think you are most likely to die?

I am hoping for something quick, pain free and makes for a cool story, such as getting hit by a bus in a city I love or a heart attack during crazy sex, because I’d like to go out with a bang!

Visit Leokadia Hope’s website for more photos and information

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Interview with Mary Beth

Mary Beth is a 23-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey guys! My name is Mary Beth, I’m an agency represented model in Los Angeles. I grew up in Rhode Island, yup, little Rhody produced me! That’s where I get my personality from and accent. I graduated high school there and two weeks later I moved out to the west coast. My parents told me I needed to get a degree before mainly focusing on my modeling career so I went to the Fashion Institute of Design And Merchandising where I got a degree in Visual Communications. Graduated in 2011 and been focusing on modeling since.

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

I started modeling at age 14. I wanted to do it since I was little but my mom wanted me to wait till I was at least 14 to let me in the game. Turns out I have some skills! I would book a lot of hair shows and fashion shows; it became my passion.

Mary Beth wearing a short and her shadowWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My professional goals are to become an international model, become the face of some big brands and be on billboards all over the globe. I eventually would like to open my own fashion boutique in Rhode Island and bring LA fashion to New England

My personal goals for next five to ten years are to get married and have kids. I think that’s a lot of girls’ goals in their mid twenties.

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

I model about 2 to 3 times a week. Some weeks I have off which can be nice but I would rather be working nonstop. Money never sleeps!!! I mostly do commercial print, fashion print, swimwear, music videos and occasionally runway. Runway is always exciting but at 5’7″ it’s not easy being chosen.

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

My best experience has to be last month’s shoot in Cabo. It was a calendar shoot wearing Hush LA’s swimwear line. It was so fun and beautiful plus a paid vacation! Who doesn’t love that?!

My worst experience…hmm…I’m not going to name the brand but I shot a lookbook recently and the owners of the brand had opposite ideas for what they wanted. The entire time shooting I felt like I wasn’t giving them what they wanted but in all reality it was because they didn’t know what they wanted. At the end they were happy with what I did and that’s all that matters.

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

In the modeling world everything is out of the ordinary. I honestly can’t think of anything. Knock on wood I’ve never fell during any runway walks or that would’ve been my story. Sorry to disappoint.

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

If I could change anything I would make it so 5’7″ wasn’t overlooked. If I was one more inch taller I’d be booking huge jobs but that’s not the case. And that’s why not everyone can model.

Mary Beth coming out of a caveDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I grew up from the age of 4 playing softball, taking Irish Dance, doing cheerleading, playing field hockey all competitively. Now I hike and run with my dog, go to SkyZone for their cardio circuit class and enjoy bikram yoga. I also just started surfing which I am in love with. I eat pretty healthy. I try not to eat anything processed but that’s hard when you’re always on the go. Plus I enjoy my cheat days so I can’t ditch processed foods completely. Working out and eating healthy are part of a models job; we can’t be out of shape or we’d be out of work! Plus I love feeling strong and healthy. I am so thankful that I have the ability to workout and train hard, because of that I will never take it for granted and be fit for as long as my body let’s me!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Hmm well I have a huge family. I have two brothers and three sisters, three nephews and a niece. It’s amazing. They all live in New England so I miss them a lot but trust me, when I go home after a couple weeks I’m ready to fly back to Cali.

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

I know a lot of people will automatically think “She’s going to say her boobs”  but in all honestly, I would do anything to have a longer torso. Just two inches longer and I’d be able to be a Victoria’s Secret Model!!!

If you were a type of candy what would you be?

I’d be Sour Patch Kids. They are sweet and sour which describes my personality. I am sweet and nice to everyone but once you disrespect me, forget it! You will hear my accent come out and I will be sour as can be!

Visit Mary Beth’s website for more photos and information

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