Interview with Celina Valdez — 2/3rds Passion, 1/3rd Pride
Celina Valdez is a 20-year old model residing in Gardena, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My full name is Celina- Christine Valdez, born and raised in the South Bay. Half Asian persuasion and half Saudi Spice. An only lonely child who had to find a way to keep my idle hands busy before I went crazy. I’m a Freelancer at best, I like to model, design, style, make music, belly dance, rap, and craft. I spend most of my time on my online store Priscillaesque.com, my true passion.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I moved out at an early age and started going to school for fashion merchandising and business. My ultimate goal was to further my online business by taking merchandising classes. I used to model all of the clothes on my website until someone approached me with proposal to model for their online store. This was my first real modeling job where I actually got paid. The photographer was super sweet and gave me tips to further myself in the modeling business. I made a black book, social networking pages, business cards for myself to get my name out there and eventually the gigs started rolling in.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My personal goals are my professional goals. I’m working towards turning my e-commerce into and actual physical boutique. In about 5 to 10 years I see myself as my own boss, like how it’s always been since I was 15. Another goal of mine is to remain happy throughout my life and hopefully having a career doing something I love will do just that.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I usually do about 2 to 3 photo shoots a month. I’m very picky with my photographers, like every unsigned model should be. The industry likes to give people “an image” and if you do a shoot that’s overly provocative or has some nudity, other companies or photographers may want to stray from you. I strictly state No Nudity on all my sites so please do not ask! My favorite photo shoots to pose for are Cosplay, Fashion, Pinup, Dance, Editorial, Promotional, and Au Naturale!
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I haven’t had too many bad experiences with photo shoots besides the occasional walking up a steep hill in 5 inch heels or the 7+ hours in the makeup chair. It just irks me how some photographers take months and months and months for them to send back pictures or prints. Otherwise, I enjoy most every photo shoot! I meet new people, have new places to stay around the world, learn about new cultures and fashions, it’s really all so for the experience!
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I got really drunk at a music video shoot and ended up puking.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Most definitely! There are numerous accounts of harassment going on and no one even knows it! Some companies buy photos off of photographers who don’t pay their models and then they’re surprised when they see their ass hanging out on an American Apparel billboard. I can go on and on…
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I am a vegetarian, have been for 12 years! I do little workouts every day and make sure to stretch every morning. I was in and out of hospitals as I overcame a battle with Anorexia and I found out the hard way that if you don’t have your health, you really have nothing.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I get mad props for my freestyles fiya fiya!
Would you change anything about yourself?
I would get rid of my blackheads maybe but that’s all.
Have you ever stolen anything?
I can name 4 stores that I’m banned from.
Visit Celina Valdez’s website for more photos and information
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