Blog Archives

Jun 28 2016

Interview with Kayleigh — Future MD and Model

Kayleigh is a 22-year old model residing in Omaha, Nebraska.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Omaha, Nebraska and currently attend school in Lincoln, Nebraska for Microbiology and Chemistry–not your typical model material! I have two sisters and a brother and attended an all-girls Catholic high school that was probably the greatest thing that ever happened to me. In my spare time I like to play with my 4 month old puppy, Paloma, run, cook, read, and catch up on my shows! My newest binge watch is Game of Thrones.

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

I actually began modeling before I entered Kindergarten, when I was signed to an agency at age 4 or 5 and was doing catalog and runway work before most kids know how to read. I have an entire binder of all the work I did when I was young, and it’s so funny to see me decked out in all that 90’s denim. I never thought of it as work, and I never knew other kids didn’t do what I did. I began modeling again for friends and for fun in college as a way to break out of the monotony of my studies.

Kayleigh on the countrysideWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I’ve wanted to be a physician since I was a little girl, and I plan to enter medical school within the next few years. My ultimate career goal is cardiac or urological surgery, specialties where women are extremely underrepresented. In 5 years I’ll still be in medical school, in 10 I’ll be completing my training as a surgeon.

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

I am not a full time model, as school will always come first for me. I pick up jobs when I can; I don’t model for the money, but for the artistic release and pleasure it gives me. I don’t do erotic shoots, as I cannot jeopardize my future career, although I’d love to do some private life modeling. Currently, I typically do more artistic indie photo shoots that are fun and give me a creative outlet.

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

I’ll give you the weirdest. Last summer, I did a gorgeous shoot with an extraordinarily talented photographer I met who lives in LA. She travels to Nebraska every once in a while and texted me one day that she had a special idea for a shoot. It turned out that that shoot required me to pose with a dead blue jay! The photos turned out gorgeous and I do not regret the shoot at all, but it was certainly one of the weirder experiences I’ve had, you can even see the photos on my or her Instagram.

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

My mom loves the work I do, and recently made a photo of me her cover photo on Facebook, as moms do!. The only problem is, I don’t think she’s noticed that the white dress I’m wearing is completely see through!

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

The modeling industry is inaccessible to people who do not fit the traditional pin thin body type or the plus sized body type. I am thin, but I do not have the time to keep my body to industry standards.

Kayleigh on a bed with a birdDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I run 20 to 30 miles or so a week, and I eat what I want. I know I shouldn’t say that, but I’ve been blessed with a body that regulates itself well, which is why I don’t count calories or macros. That being said, I do try to keep 80% of what I put in my body “good” for me, and that’s my rule of thumb. 80% of what I eat during the week is leafy greens and grilled chicken and yogurt and eggs and fruits and veggies. The other 20% is whatever treats I want. It’s a good balance.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m the president of an organization that runs mobile medical clinics down in underserved areas of South American countries. I’ve been to Peru and Ecuador several times to work with the people down there. I’m hoping to go back within the year.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I think every woman would want to physically change things about herself, so I’ll skip that. Right now, I’m working on some personality traits of mine. I’m working on being a better listener and on compromising. My boyfriend is very sweet and I am very stubborn, so I get my way almost all the time, which is not fair. I’m trying to learn how to meet him halfway and communicate better so I can be a better friend, girlfriend, and overall person.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is Diet Coke. I know the aspartame is bad for me and could give me cancer but I figure we’re all going to die someday. My cell phone could give me cancer too and I’m not going to give that up! I actually quit a few years ago and then started drinking it again after I went abroad.

Visit Kayleigh’s website for more photos and information

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May 05 2016

Interview with Katie Otten — Stage, voice, film actor and model

Katie Otten is a 26-year old model residing in Omaha, Nebraska.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in West Bend, WI, and have two amazing and loving parents, as well as an older brother, who instilled in me a love for video games and anime! Because I grew up playing video games, I got involved in cosplay a few years ago, and recently got my boyfriend into it too, and I love going to conventions, spending time with friends, and seeing new plays and movies.

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

I began acting when I was in my first play in 5th grade, and from then on, I knew I wanted to work in theatre. As I got older, I learned more about modeling as well, and realized that, for me, it could be another way to become a character and tell a unique story. My favorite photo shoots are ones that really let the viewer imagine a story.

Katie Otten modeling victorian clothingWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I definitely want to keep modeling, not for the sake of making money or promoting in certain fashion, but rather to create new characters and narratives. Next year I’ll be attending graduate school at the University of Nebraska – Omaha to get a Masters in Theatre. I am also currently pursuing voice acting, with two completed audio books, and in a few years I hope to be voicing video games or cartoons. I also hope to keep using theatre to teach children valuable life lessons.

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

I tend to do photo shoots with local photographers, usually when we both have an image or idea in mind. I do a lot of time period shoots, like Victorian, or cosplay-related, like Steampunk or various shows and video games. I would say I average about two or three shoots a month, and I definitely like to have a plan in mind ahead of time.

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

Yes! I actually found out a few weeks ago that I’m going to be on the cover of VC Andrews next novel, “Whitefern”. It’s a very unexpected honor, and I’ve already pre-ordered a copy!

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

I wish that society didn’t stress the notion that women need to be thin to be beautiful, which is even more so in the world of modeling. I know that many companies are trying to change this view, but I think we still have a long way to go.

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

I love doing yoga and going walking or hiking. I think it’s important to eat healthy, especially because, as an actor, my body is one of the most important tools that I have, and I especially enjoy fruits, strawberries are my favorite food ever!, yogurt and bagels.

Katie Otten modeling cosplayPlease share something people don’t know about you.

I love rainbows! Whenever I see one while I’m driving, I have to try really hard to not let it distract me. Sometimes I just pull over so I can gaze at it.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Hmmm, that’s a tough one! Sometimes I wish I was better at slowing down in my life, and appreciating all of the accomplishments that I’ve already made, rather than always wishing that I could achieve even more things. Sometimes we forget that we’ve already done so many amazing things, and there’s no need to always be comparing ourselves to others.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I really want to get better at singing, as I always get nervous about singing before an audition, but I really enjoy doing it when I stop worrying about how I sound. I also own a mid-size Celtic harp that I want to keep learning how to play. Music can do such amazing things!

Visit Katie Otten’s website for more photos and information

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May 02 2016

Interview with Brittany M – Model

Brittany M is a 22-year old model residing in La Vista, Nebraska.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a 22-year old normal blue haired, dog-mom born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. In my free time I like to go to shows and support local art, usually music, have a love for reptiles, my family and I have been breeding and rescuing snakes since I was 8 years old. I do have a full time job as well as modeling, and work with the elderly as a CNA. Not the most glamourous, but very rewarding.

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

I kind of stumbled into the modeling industry actually, as I had a friend who liked to have someone go with her to make sure she stayed safe, and the photographer just liked my look and wanted to do a test shoot. We set up a time and the photos came out great! He told me I had a natural talent and I should try to pursue something and helped me get started; that was just over two years ago now.

Brittany M showing her back tattoosWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal goals is just honestly to be happy in whatever I do. My professional modeling goals, I would absolutely love to travel -with my dog- and see the world and work with new people! Be in photography workshops, continue to be published, walk and showcase fashion shows. Mainly just create art! I don’t want to stop creating art!

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

How often I have shoots varies honestly. Sometimes I have several a week, other times only a few a month. Just depends on how often amazing concepts pop up. My look is very versatile so I can do pretty much any look: Fashion, Boudoir, Glam, Gothic, etc. Occasionally I walk in shows, and they are just so wonderful to have all the local talent come together.

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

My worst experience was probably with a photographer trying to weasel his way into forcing his models to do pornographic photos. Literally shoving my face, forcefully, into another model’s private area even though we were both saying no. However, that model has become one of my best friends, but also have had so many great experiences, you really get to know people when you work with them several times. Mostly good experiences!

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

Several embarrassing things can happen when you are modeling. When holding poses, you can easily fall on your face, My shoots however, everyone is laughing pretty much all the time. I am pretty weird, when testing lights I make some of the most hilarious faces and poses; a lot of joking around. But it’s gotten pretty normal for me and not so extraordinary.

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

The main thing I would like to change is all the hate, since a lot of the girls are straight up mean to each other, just likephotographers too. I know so many girls who break down all the time with how they are treated, it breaks my heart. Also, That everyone realized we make a living off this. Photographer pay your model. Citizens pay your photographers. What they are worth, because we are worth every penny!

Brittany M modeling yellow jeansDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I honestly don’t do anything to crazy. I will run and go on walks with my dog, crunches here and there. I just try to eat food that’s not horrible for you, and drink lots of water, and no pop. Avoid super greasy and fatty things. That sort of thing.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Anybody that knows me, knows that I am actually super shy. However, everyone seems to think I am not before they get to know me, because I do tend to speak my mind.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I rather like the way I am usually. I mean, sometimes I wish I didn’t have any acne -but don’t we all- Other times I wish I have a slightly larger cup size, so that clothes fit better. But overall I love myself.

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

This has actually happened more than once! Why? Because I didn’t want to do my laundry! I just free balled it and avoided jeans. Seriously guys, It’s actually really comfortable! But other times, It’s very nice to have your underwear on. Really depends on the clothes you are wearing for the day. You should at least try it once.

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