Blog Archives

Dec 23 2014

Interview with Roxey Mcloo — Jack of all trades master of some?

Roxey Mcloo is a 24-year old model residing in Blanquillo, Durazno, Uruguay.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a native Colorado pup born in Boulder Colorado, I’m half mutt, a 1/4 Slovak, and got some french and chitimatcha in me. I always wanted to be knowledgeable about something the way my big bro knows all about cars and mechanics. My dad is an amazing nobody from Kansas, who never graduated college and lived life as an artist and VW mechanic, my mom is a High School dropout from Fairview high who carved her way in the world despite accidentally becoming my mom when she was 19. She’s got huge saggy boobs and grows a dark mustache under nose naturally, which are two traits I’ve always been proud of and loved her for, because they make her uniquely her. My dad ended up becoming a dental assistant in the military and became very sick from Mercury poisoning, he’s been challenged by his health and ongoing shooting pains as long as I can remember, and therefore doesn’t get out much. He used to be an artist in Boulder until I came around.

I grew up dirt poor in a trailer with an outhouse and no running water in Cotopaxi, Co. I would totally do it again too! I had the great privilege of having my mom and father available to me, we couldn’t afford stuff, or food very well either, but generally always got by. I played Soccer for 8 years, became lazy and paunchy and soo friggin inflexible after I quit due to some chronic knee pain from an underdevelopment of my quads and lack of development in my Sartorious. I started to have really bad knee pain and quit soccer but not the athletic diet I had. I started dancing Argentine Tango when I was 15 about to be 16, I have a BS, I know ASL -American Sign Language- Spanish and some German; I teach Pole fitness, I have my cosmetology license, and I’ve always struggled with reading and comprehension, but I love math and am a totally movie buff, star trek geek, and I love to play video games!

Roxey Mcloo in the countrysideWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

A friend of a friend was modeling, back when I was 11 and had me go with her on a shoot, the photographer actually thought I was a total dud at first, then he took us back to the studio and became impressed with my expression of self as we got to raid his modeling closet of clothing. From there I always enjoyed being in front of the lens and slowly built my confidence in myself. I really had no concept of self image and was regularly surprised when any boy would take interest in me. I was used to being called a slut for having cartridge piercings in my ears, I wore boxers, baggy jeans and loose t-shirts, growing up. I’ve always had a knack for body language, and have always been involved in the arts, I am more of a drawer and a sketcher at heart and have found the new confidence in myself to peruse tattooing.

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

After trying to have children for three-ish years, I’ve shifted my focus and bought a puppydog for the 1st time and plan to continue my work with health and well being and inspire confidence in one’s own image and beauty, my husband and I are hoping to open a gym or life fitness center that shares our love and passion for life and well being. I’m an aspiring tattoo artist so I imagine that should pick up in 5 years as well. My newest endeavor is my work as a model and a hair make up artist for Nika P Photography. I plan to continue connecting with people and inspiring them to be their best. So performing for pole dancing, aerial silks, Argentine Tango, traveling, dancing, eating and meeting other fun loving quality of life enthusiasts.

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

As far as the modeling world goes I’m still a nobody, I mostly enjoy creating beauty, My husband is a photographer so I get spoiled with the opportunity to model for him, I haven’t done anything too main stream, thus far but am making my way athletically and do modeling more on the side, most the time it consists of studio creativity or on-site city walking around and using unique backgrounds, I love doing funky and old things as well.

Roxey Mcloo dancing tangoIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Yeah, I’ve found there are a lot of egos in any of the Art worlds, and if I had the magical power of granting wishes, I would hope people would treat each other more respectfully, and not just to conclusion and be so attached to their assumptions of people, but I usually keep that to myself.

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 health and nutrition! It’s been an intellectual pursuit as well as an ongoing lifestyle. I don’t believe in quick fixes or dieting, I believe in healthy and thoughtful living, I do my best to be well and respect my food and the sources it comes from. I personally avoid cigarettes, and believe in feeling out what feels good for me to eat in the right moment, it’s always been a matter of common sense and forth coming effort to treating my body good. I regularly practice Bikram Yoga, I teach pole fitness and dance, as well as Argentine Tango and recently have connected with Awaken Gymnastics, I love dancing and moving and stretching.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have never been shit faced drunk. and I often enjoy awkward moments, umm also most people fail to notice I have freckle on my lip, like the pink part, not the ‘skin’ part, oh, and I love blueberries. Like Hard core.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Nothing really, and I say nothing simply because I believe in loving and accepting myself for where I’m at in life, and I fail miserably a lot of the time, but such is life right? just gotta keep trying and keep on keeping on, I always say expect the worst and hope for the best and be happy either way or do something about it rather then waste energy on complaining.

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

I did it yesterday, the breeze was great, I just might do it again.

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Oct 09 2014

Interview with Ruthie — Mommy-Scholar turned Model

Ruthie is a 21-year old model residing in San Jose, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’ve always thought if I were to write an autobiography I’d title it ‘Entertainer.’ To me, it’s all about the story, about the adventure. I’m living mine. I was born in Legos Nigeria but my family relocated to London England a short 3 months later due to unsafe living conditions. Six years and two more siblings later we were in London, Ontario, Canada where the bulk of my life so far has been spent. I’ve been an artistic person for as long as I can remember forcing my brother and sister to act in my plays till I told my parents I wanted to audition for a school for performing arts at the age of nine. After getting in, I learned how to dance, sing, act, draw and play the recorder, piano and cello. I also discovered high jump which I competed in up to the varsity level. Pushed by my parents to find a “real career” and unsure of how to focus my energy, I found myself a freshman with an undeclared major.

That is, until I discovered psychology which fascinated me like no other academic topic ever had. Having a son a week before my 19th birthday was not part of the original plan, but instead of using it as an excuse I’ve used it to motivate me that much more to focus and better our lives. I continued in school throughout the pregnancy, I carried it well, only my room-mate noticed!, spent the final trimester in Europe with my extended family and returned to class when he was a month old. Now I’ve done that degree and am discovering myself as a model in California while I pursue where my heart really lies: in screen writing and production.

Ruthie wearing a blue topWhen, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I first started modeling when I was thirteen. I was actually at an acting convention in Toronto and as I was walking to the ballroom it was being held in, I passed by another ballroom where a modeling scouting convention was being held. A woman standing by the door assumed that I was lost and tried to direct me into her room, I guess I have my height to thank for that!. Upon insisting that she was the one mistaken she enrolled me in the talent search, paid my fee and kept me up all night teaching me how to walk. I owe this lady my walk and start of my modeling career and yet do not remember who she is or her name!

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

My number one goal is to live in a way that my now two-year old can be proud of. I keep integrity and professionalism very dear to me. I hope to offer him experiences and education that will open his mind and show him a world that you can work to achieve any goal you set your mind to. Professionally I hope to explore and see where modeling will take me. I plan on returning to school to get a film degree and eventually write an produce films; I was’t kidding about the autobiography, I’ve seen a lot of things!.

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

Right now, being a mom limits how much I put myself into. Also I have only been living here in California for a couple months. I tend to shoot about 1 to 2 times a week and it’s usually something outdoors incorporating my tall build or physical ability. Studio shoots tend to be product or fashion. I am yet to do runway here but that will change soon I’m sure!

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

My best experience was actually my first shoot in California. It was for a shoe company and I was really nervous and not sure what to expect. I was modelling with 4 other models and everyone from the HMUA to the creative director was so friendly and loved that I was Canadian. My favorite part was when the Owner of the shoe line cracked open a bottle of wine and the creativity really started flowing. I got to model with a sexy red corvette and we got some killer shots from that shoot!

Ruthie interacting with a treeHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

This could also double as my worst experience I’ve had so far…where to even begin. I was told that I was interviewing to be a spokesmodel for a fashion jewellery line. After an initial interview in my city I was told that I was going to have another interview in LA with someone higher up in the company and was offered a ride. The beat up van that was provided for me had an ant infestation and the other models spoke loudly in Chinese from the onset of our journey till the 8 hour drive, including a popped tire, was complete. When we arrived at the interview, I quickly realised that I was the only non-Chinese speaking person and when I asked a model to translate I found out that I was actually at an audition for a beauty pageant being held for a jewellery company! The entire day’s events were conducted in Chinese and no one was assigned to make sure I got any important information. After a long day, 6 hours longer than I was told, I was one of the 2 out of 16 who made it to the semi finals… needless to say, I turned down the opportunity.

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

Hmmm, good question. There are several things about the industry that aren’t “ideal” like unrealistic standards or a skewed perspective of reality but I see that more as a problem with society and not something that the modeling industry creates but rather reflects. I make every modeling interaction as professional as possible, things that most other industries demand. Things like prompt and precise communication, doing things in a timely manner, showing up on time, clearly laying out expectation and following through. I think as a business, a surprising lack of that is tolerated.

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

As mentioned before, I was involved in athletics for the majority of my life thus far. Track and field runs in my blood and I was pretty good at it. The arrival of my son put a halt to that and while other mothers have bounced back, becoming a mother rearranged my priorities. During my pregnancy, all thoughts of health went out the window and I found myself 60 pounds heavier right before delivery. I had to lose about 30 pounds of that on my own. That is when my personal fitness journey started. Gone were the days that I could eat whatever I wanted and I had to learn dietary discipline for the first time in my life. Now fitness is super important to me and it pains me to skip a day at the gym. Nutrition is a little harder but I have found realistic way to make it a part of my lifestyle without feeling deprived. I am somewhat of a mad scientist in the kitchen; let there be flavour!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Something people may not guess about me is that I am a Christian. It is something that I grew up with but after I became a mother it became something very personal to me, not as a religion but as a relationship in my life. That faith has definitely given me the strength to overcome some obstacles and take chances I would have been too scared to before.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Of course like most girls I do not love 100% of my appearances but I focus on loving myself which includes my flaws. You can’t have originality and perfection at the same time. Otherwise, I would love to be able to nail this motherhood thing someday. Never have I appreciated my mother so much, this stuff is hard! I would love the ability to make him sleep whenever I wanted. ha!

What was the meanest rumor ever spread about you?

Once in my freshman year of high school, someone started a Gossip Girl Facebook account for our school and stated that they would be posting people’s secrets. Somehow, for reasons unknown to me, word spread that I was the anonymous creator of the account and someone even hacked onto it and changed the name to my own! You would think that would make my innocence obvious… I ate lunch alone in the girl’s change room for a couple months. That’s probably the most alone I have felt in my life.

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