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Interview with Mariah Sue — Youtube Beauty Vlogger and Model

Mariah Sue is a 23-year old model residing in Waterbury, Connecticut.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Canada, Fredricton NB to be exact, but only lived there a few short months. I guess my father, who is a a canadian native, just wanted his only daughter to be born there. I was raised in CT my whole life, although I am not the biggest fan of it. I feel like there isn’t much of a future in the career paths I have in mind. I have a great family and an even more amazing boyfriend; I went to cosmetology school so I am a licensed cosmetologist and I also Film Beauty videos for YouTube – I go by “Pinkl0vexx” or “Mariah McLean” for which I film makeup and hair tutorials as well as other fun videos like hauls, what’s in my purse etc; I truly love what I do and it’s been a blessing to get some income from doing what I love. Makeup is my passion and I like to believe I have true talent with it. Although I continue to learn everyday.

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

Back in 2010, I had a “friend”, for whom I use the term loosely because she was a total bitch, who modeled. She always would post racy pictures on Facebook but I always liked them and would comment and be like “wow hottie!” She would always encourage me to model and I would be “great at it” so one day I asked her who to go to and she set me up with a great local photographer named “Jay Walker” He was awesome and totally a great mentor. I still talk to him, and she ended up getting jealous and told people I had copied her.

Mariah Sue topless wearing jean shortsWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I just want to be happy. If you’re happy, then life is good. I would love to see my youtube channel take off and make that my full time career and income. I would also love to be featured in Inked Magazine and any other tattoo magazines. I have a dream to be playboy centerfold but unfortunately due to my tattoos, my dreams of being a bunny may never happen. I was told by a PB photographer that the “tattoos would be an issue” and so that kind of shot me down. I still would love to submit one day though.

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

I honestly don’t model as often as I would like to. I am super hard on myself and if I am not committing to eating well and exercising often, I won’t shoot. Although I do have plans for upcoming shoots this year! I would love to break into music videos one day, that would be pretty cool. I enjoy glamour modeling, lingerie and would only do nudes for a well established company such as Playboy.

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

I have had pretty much great experiences. I have been able to network and meet some really awesome photographers who have worked alongside well known photographers. I have had the chance to actually conversate with some well known PB photographers which blows my mind sometimes; modeling has opened some doors… of course I would love to see some bigger doors open but it’s such a tough industry to get into because everyone thinks they’re a model nowadays especially with Instagram and Instafame.

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

Looking back I think some of the funniest moments were being shy to do implieds or something just because you’re stark naked, you literally can’t be shy or feel intimidated by a photographer, unless you have reason, because in this industry, if you make it big, everyone will see you naked.

Mariah Sue face closeupIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Less competition would be nice… hah. Just because it’s tough for you to get noticed when there are so many other chicks doing the same thing. You literally have to bring something new to the table! I would also like for the girls not to be so stuck up and support one another. It’s all about women empowering other women!!

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

I try to eat low carbs and hit up the gym often. I used to have trainers but that always ended up awkward, as you can imagine… haha. But they taught me some awesome techniques and good dieting tips so I am thankful for that! Nutrition is everything. Some people think they can workout and eat whatever they want but that’s so wrong! Having a healthy diet in conjuction with exercising is when you’ll see some amazing results!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I was raised in a very strict religious household and I am a tough tough cookie; a lot of people underestimate my strength, just ask my boyfriend, he always says “you would kick any girl’s ass” haha.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t change anything, God made me the way I am and I embrace it.
I used to want fuller lips and considered lip injections but the way Kylie Jenner has made every girl do it, I have no interest – I enjoy being different, I hate being like everyone else!!

If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?

I would do some wild shit – skydive, anything dangerous and something I wouldn’t typically do! I would literally take chances and be fearless for those 24 hours!

Visit Mariah Sue’s website for more photos and information

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Interview with J E M — Full-time traveling model

J E M is a 25-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Im Jaylynn, also known as JEM. I was born near Seattle in 1989, and soon after moved to Prior Lake, MN where I spent most of my childhood. I moved to Minneapolis when I was 18 to pursue a career in cosmetology, attending Aveda Institute. During my several months of school, I was involved in a few hair shows as a model. One thing lead to another, and before you knew it, I was traveling full-time worldwide for shoots and projects. Ive been doing this full-time for over 7 years now, and couldn’t be happier. I’ve lived near Chicago for a few years, then moved to Philadelphia for a little over a year. I am now currently based in downtown San Francisco for over 2 years now. I am still trying to push myself further in my career and continue to work my butt off; traveling and being a muse!

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

As I mentioned above, it was when I was 18 years old while I was attending Aveda Cosmetology Institute. I just started doing hair shows and runway shows, and quickly got into print and commercial work. As the years have gone by, I’ve gotten myself into all types and genres of modeling. I love shooting anything from fashion to editorial, lingerie and glamour, and even art nudes and bodypainting!! I never really planned for modeling, but once I started, I couldn’t turn back.

J E M next to a classic carWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I plan to stay in the industry for the rest of my life. Whether it be modeling, photography, wardrobe, makeup or even a booking agent or creative director. While I am still currently super busy with modeling, I haven’t had the chance to venture out with my photography much, but hope to get more into over the next few years here. I am constantly working on my makeup, hair and wardrobe skills, while shooting almost every day while traveling and always connecting with others in the industry.

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

I do tours, which last anywhere between one to four weeks. I usually travel more than half of every month. When I am traveling, I like to keep myself busy. I try to schedule at least 1 to 2 shoots per day. I usually hit up numerous cities on a tour, and stay in each city for just a couple days. When I am home, I tend to relax more and not book as many shoots. I use this time as my down time.

I mainly do photoshoots, but sometimes dabble in video work. I also get bodypainted and sometimes have to perform or promote as well. I don’t do much acting or runway shows, as I much prefer the print world. I shoot any style ranging from fashion to playboy style nudes.

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

The best experience was when I won the “bodypaint model of the year” award at FABAIC a couple years ago. It was so much fun to run onstage all painted up and accept my awesome award & trophy!

The worst experience is when I had a heat stroke during a desert shoot several years ago. Luckily I ended up being just fine, but it was still a scary experience for everyone there. You get so involved in getting the best shot, that sometimes models forget to take care of themselves!! Always remember to stay hydrated and eat healthy, substantial foods before shooting!!

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

Stereotypes of all genre. From photographers to models and everyone alike. There is just so many of them. It’s annoying.

J E M drinking a cokeDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I do yoga and ballast ball workouts several times a week, or at least try to. I also try to run for at least 15 to 20 mins a few times a week. It can become difficult while traveling, but just being on a shoot is a workout in itself sometimes.

I always try to eat healthy as well. I don’t eat any red meat, and minimal amounts of other meats. I personally don’t like the way meat makes me feel. I try to make my own food several times a week, so it’s a bit healthier. It’s important to get your daily dose of grains, veggies, fruits and dairies. Also multivitamins can be good too!! Even though it’s difficult to continually eat well while traveling, you can always find decent substitutes.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I don’t think I would. I am pretty happy with myself. Although it did take several years to get to this point. There used to be numerous things I was worried about and self conscious about, but with modeling and working on myself, I’ve become quite pleased with myself. Of course you can always continue to better yourself, but I think being content with yourself is one of the first steps.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Watching Disney movies. Not only are they all adorable and fun, they really have a way of bringing me back to my childhood. Who doesnt like that?

Visit J E M’s website for more photos and information

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