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Jul 09 2015

Interview with Marie-Michelle Rousseau — Cosmetologist French model

Marie-Michelle Rousseau – aka Irame soul– is a 23-year old model residing in Honolulu, Hawaii.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Marie-Michelle Rousseau, and I was born in Quebec, Canada in May of 1992, although I moved to Hawaii, Honolulu in December of 2005. I am engaged to my fiancé who is a woman, whom I have been with for 4 years.

I am a fully trained cosmetologist and am now working for Sephora as a fragrances expert and hair care expert. Modeling was always a passion for me, and that’s why I also help out models in need with their look, poses and portfolio photos.

I worked as a hair dresser in a professional salon line called Regis salons in Hawaii kai Honolulu before working at Sephora, and have always been connected to the beauty industry through modeling, beautician, hairdressing or as a makeup artist. Beauty is something for me more than a hobby, more than my job; it’s just what I love to do, not only on myself but for others too. Everyone is beautiful, you just have to highlight the best features.

Marie-Michelle Rousseau in a fantasy worldWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I started modeling when I turned 18 years old; at that time a family friend was a beautiful model and she told me about Model Mayhem. Her name is Julie Leblond, and she encouraged me to do my first shoot with Kaveh Kardan back in 2010. This is how I had my first shoot, which had turned out beautiful; Kaveh was extremely talented and then I made my account on Model Mayhem.

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

I wish to be working in a salon once more, as well as to be a talented hair dresser but also I wish to model on the side and help my fellow models friends who need the plus and encouragement that I’ve received once.

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

I mostly do Hawaii shoots, including beach, forest, ocean, under water. I have done some BDSM shoot to experiment with my comfort zone, as well as some urban fashion; the latest work that I have done was this commercial for this new skincare brand called Lavo a few months back.

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

Let me start with the worst; I had done this shoot for a Thai photographer when I started, during which he had made me drive from Hawaii kai, located on the east side of the Oahu island, to Kapaha, located on the west side of the island. To someone who doesn’t live on Oahu this would seem simple, it’s a 3 hour drive.

Marie-Michelle Rousseau next to a treeI finally arrived to the location which turned out to be an extremely underdeveloped area of the island, and not a too friendly neighborhood for a person of my color unfortunately. I was promised specific pictures from the photographer that he would photoshop my body into a feline-like figure, he even made me sign a contract to secure the arrangement. So the location was this enormous empty field on a very hot day, and after we shot everything we needed, he told me he was gonna work on the pictures that he promised me with.

It’s been almost 5 years and he still hasn’t given me any pictures we had agreed on, despite the fact that I have contacted him many times and he’d replied that he was working on it or that it was on his to do list. That is one of my bad experiences, so guys don’t worry, it happens to everyone; you just keep asking until they give you what they’ve promised

Another bad experience was with a other guy who wanted to shoot with me: the pictures turned out nice but it was in a Forest set up and far away from changing rooms. I was changing and the first time he was polite enough to walk away, but after a few outfits, he stayed around and behind me and I was getting very irritated for his lack of common sense.

So guys, specially ladies, be extremely careful who you work with, do your homework: I do that to help out my model friends who are starting, and let them know who they shouldn’t work with. There’s a lot of dangerous photographers out there, so it’s important to be safe and bring a friend to your shoots for the first few times working with a new person.

Best shoot ever? Easy, I did this nude ocean underwater shoot with a photographer called Musashi Flores. We went to a secret location early in the morning, and to be honest I was very nervous, although I had worked with him before but this was the first time to be completely nude. So we got there and I was wearing a bikini at first to warm up.

We started shooting with it on to get used to it and then I told him that I was comfortable enough to start: once I was ready, it was a beautiful experience. Musashi is an extremely professional photographer, I truly trusted him and still do today; the pictures came out so beautiful, I couldn’t even recognized myself.

This experience was the best of my life because this man who is now a close friend of mine was a true gentleman and it felt like a safe environment.

Marie-Michelle Rousseau nude under a waterfallHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I did this waterfall shoot once and it was a nude shoot; we had to hike up to the location so no makeup or anything was possible, it’s was a very natural shoot. We get there and I get into the water where the fall was, the water was so clear but freezing! Sitting in that water was quite difficult for me but I did it and the picture turned out so beautiful.

Then when we where finishing up the last poses, we heard voices coming from the trail leading up to the water fall and I panicked, trying to dress up as fast as possible. They turned out to be two ladies which was less embarrassing than some dudes showing up; it’s was very funny then. At the end, pictures turned out amazing: I had a good workout and a cold bath, but no cold, was such a great time.

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

I would make untrustworthy photographers banned from ever shooting again, and to create more opportunities for growing models out there.

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, and I eat what I want and spend up to 9 hours on my feet everyday for work; girls who wants to be skinny out there, you should get a job that you have to move around and drink plenty of water, for food try to eat organic like milk, butter, bread and veggies. It makes a difference in your skin and figure. On the other hand, I’m a Chocolate freak, I’d eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I could…

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m an Otaku, I love the Japanese culture and I am trying to learn Japanese, in fact, going to Japan is on my bucket list. For those who do not know it, Otaku is someone who adores Japanese anime and manga, which is a type of comics.

I also am a huge dork, I love Disney movies, Ninja turtles, Avengers and Dreamworks movies.

Marie-Michelle Rousseau modeling a necklace on dark backgroundWould you change anything about yourself?

I would like to tone my body a bit more, straighten and whiten my teeth, mainly because I’m a smoker, and have long hair. Things that are easily achievable just take time and money.

And I would like to have more money… Who wouldn’t?

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

I am in a relationship and will be getting married next month August 15 on her birthday. Yes I am going to marry a woman in the state of Hawaii. I have been with her for 4 years and love her dearly, she is my greatest support. She’s an extraordinary woman and I am proud to have her as my life partner, so if I win this I would take her to that trip as a honey moon gift.

Visit Marie-Michelle Rousseau – aka Irame soul’s website for more photos and information

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Aug 08 2014

Interview with ArtemisAesthetic

ArtemisAesthetic is a 21-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Konichiwa everyone!

I am known as Artemis the ever changing mistress of disguise. Or at least, that is what my fanbase refers to me as! I was born in San Diego, then moved with my family to the Sacramento area when I was around 8, underwent homeschooling up until 3rd grade then endured through the social game of hell from 3rd-8th grade in which I was the “shy nerdy goth girl” that most bullied, or did not notice I existed. I then transferred to an independent study based school called Shenandoah for 9th grade, which changed my life forever. My passions, interests, and professions all coincide; anime, playing ps3 video games, modeling, makeup, hair, corsets, latex, traveling, making artwork, gogo dancing, aerialist with lyra, acting in music videos and films, performing live on stage for events and bands, eating sushi, reading… I am an anime girl in the body of a high fashion runway model.

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

When I was about 14, while out with my girlfriend at the time – I was lesbian for a period of my life, then bi-sexual- taking photos of her; I enjoyed photography of nature and my friends, we ran into this well known Asian hair stylist in a cafe. She asked if I had ever modeled before, I answered with curiosity, ” No, but I have always been interested in the art form, why?” She then told me to walk for her, so I strutted my bondage pants, corset self down the cafe shop. She asked if I would be interested in modeling for her salon, and being taught how to catwalk by The Caren Templet of New York City!! I was utterly blown away and in shock, I accepted it without a second thought. I was in the prime shape and porcelain complexion of my life at that point. You can see the photos for the salon here and here.

From then on I put the photos up on Deviantart.com first since I had already posted my poetry, and photography so I had somewhat of a following, then I decided to join ModelMayhem. I networked online pro-actively, modeling independently for local Sacramento photographers that were worth putting in my port and gaining experience within modeling beauty, glamour, alt fashion, and lingerie.
Was not until I was 18 that I left for L.A. making great high quality art but that is a story for later. I fell in love with the idea of acting out different persona’s, characters of my psyche with costumes, makeup, hair, posing, props, settings, emotions, creating a story without speaking.

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

My personal and professional goals are one in the same and finally are now being realized after 6 years of hard work!! There are agency plans in the future which has been a dream of mine ever since I began so it means the world to me that someone who is reputable, professional, and straight up in the mainstream industry sees the passion in me and is willing to make it a reality. My ultimate goal which I will make happen no matter what, is to travel the world creating art, modeling for designers, walking on runways, acting in feature films and music videos! Especially for Japan! Anime and their entire fashion culture is my top inspiration!
I am also working on getting my cosmetology license in hair, makeup, and nails at Federico Beauty Institute!

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

When I lived in L.A. for almost 2 years, I was actively out every single day from morning until night working my model butt off, going to auditions, casting calls, booking paid gigs for shows, designers, magazines, and more. Now I travel to SF about once or twice a month for publication work and acting work. Over the 6 years of modeling I have been apart of countless runway shows like I was in L.A. Fashion Week for Kicka Custom Design, rock indie music videos, extra in catherine hardwicke’s PLUSH with Emily Browning, published in Gothic Beauty Magazine issue 44, and more!

Model: Artemis AestheticPlease tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

The best memorable experiences in modeling, acting, performing would be every gig in L.A., such as for Ryder Makeup Labs Bootcamp, being in Beverly Hills transformed into different characters everyday for a week was super exciting and having a poster of one of my photos in the Paul Mitchell headquaters I am still very grateful for. Acting in a music video for Lesser Key that was rich in cult symbolism which hit very close to home. Meeting, partying, and seeing Emily Browning act, talk, sing in person was a dream come true and the highlight of my gogo dancing/acting experiences! Performing as a grindkore girl for Perish Dignam of Swoon Entertainment at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas for the Fantasy and Fetish Halloween ball made my theater nerd inside all wet haha; performing on a stage that big to over 2,000 fetishists was fucking surreal. Modeling an other worldly headdress that was almost as tall as I am and weighed so much my temples were splitting a headache at L.A. Fashion Week was the most exhilarating runway show of my career. Just really meeting all of these super unique creative eccentric artists made and makes the journey perfect. Creating art with fellow artists that have inspired me like Miss Mosh, Ulorin Vex, Ophelia Overdose, Le Mew photography, and others.
The worst experiences would have to be dealing with fake, unprofessional, flakey models and photographers on set, which is why I work with industry professionals that I trust and have a good friendship with that makes being on set enjoyable and not stressful. Also, dealing with GWC (guys with cameras) that have tried to fuck me, and I was sexually molested by two different “photographers”… which gives me more reason to change the beauty industry and stand up for woman not being treated like sex objects just because they are models.

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

Meeting Emily Browning randomly at a party in Hollywood, I am friends with Nick Launay and he brought her, that was extraordinary. Meeting and working with James Ryder who was special fx makeup artist for the cell blew my mind. Every gig I was in from L.A., Anaheim, San Diego, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills were all out of the ordinary because I felt like I was dreaming every time I was booked and living my dreams. Though one was quite out there, when I was booked to star as Artemis in this indian film about the greek gods and goddess, the director and one of the models that I stayed with at the palaces near Long Beach for a week which was fucking crazy waking up to the beach every morning haha they believed they were working with the Reptilian race which if you are unaware is an Alien race in Scientology. That was interesting to say the least haha.
Couchsurfing and being homeless off and on while in L.A. was embarrassing and makes being a clean cut reputable model more challenging but I surmounted every road block because I was not okay with giving up after coming so far.

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

How the mainstream media portrays beauty to the masses, appealing to a certain criteria that has to be met otherwise you are not cool, attractive, or good enough in society. That is the root of our problems. I was afflicted with an eating disorder when I was younger, no one knew, but I was affected by what I read in magazines, billboards and others; now it all does come down to thinking for yourself, realizing that saved me and I began a body image group. Presented for peers and saved a few friends’ lives. I want to change how we perceive beauty, beauty is subjective, I see beauty in everything but we need to know the difference between models being altered or enhanced with photoshop or being on a killing-yourself-fashion-statement suicide mission. I want to show and teach people to look deeper, love yourself for who you are, not what you look like, not who you look like, not what brands you own, not what car you drive. I aspire to create art that opens the minds of society. Also, to put celebrity photographers who hide behind the camera while forcing models to fuck in jail and to be exposed for the manipulative monsters they really are.

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

I was Vegan for 2 years, lost too much weight and became too weak. Now I strictly eat non gmo, vegetarian, organic, low carb diet. I love sushi so that is my only exception which I only have like once a month. I go on a raw “fasting” for 4 days-6 days out of a month, every month, where I only eat raw fruit, veggies, and that is it.
I walk, run every day along with pilates 2-3 times a week. I have a background in gymnastics, tumbling, and cheerleading. I think positively, and believe in being self aware while caring about animals and the environment, because without that we would be nothing.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am an otaku for life. I am addicted to death, blood, vampires, anything supernatural or other worldly. I know how to read, write, and speak Katakana and Hirigana of the Japanese alphabet. I have traveled to Portland, and Alaska. I used to be a fine art nude and fetish model. I had an eating disorder when I was young, alone with being bullied. I almost went to juvi for runaway to see my boyfriend at the time when I was 13. I am obsessed with House of Leaves. I have fallen from grace, I am not perfect, yet have a fixation with symmetry. I am flexible and a contortionist. I can perform with the lyra. I have experimented with drugs. I proudly support Ganja. I am a horror fanatic. I auditioned for America’s Next Top Model twice.

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

Yes and No, while I find plastic surgery an intriguing advancement of science and follow Anastasiya the real life anime girl, personally would never alter my body even though I would love to look like an anime girl it would limit my career. I really have come to truly accept myself internally and am happy with who I was, who I am, and what I will become.

Are you currently in a relationship? How would you describe your partner and sex-life?

I have somehow found the love of my life, the love that breaks through your skin into the deepest parts of your soul inspiring you to fight with everything you are to love them, to give them your all, to achieve dreams together. My other half explains it perfectly at his poetry blog, that he and I would appreciate if you would follow here!

“We met once briefly, we exchanged pleasantries a quick hello and a hand shake. Then you were gone, some time passed and we ran into each other again. Neither of us knew it was the other. Then strife occurred in my life and darkness arose, then you were there to hold me and help me. From the moment that you held me there was an awakening deep within, my soul screamed and I knew not why. I couldn’t comprehend what had awakened, it was foreign to me something that I lusted after my entire life. As time passed I grew to understand what it all was, my soul resonating with yours. I fell in Love with you from the moment I met you and will continue to till the day that my existance ceases. Koishiteru my Artemis.”

Visit ArtemisAesthetic’s website for more photos and information

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