Blog Archives

Oct 24 2014

Interview with Melissa Ann — Model, full-time student, & young mother

Melissa Ann is a 21-year old model residing in Palm Springs, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Palm Springs, CA and I grew up in the beautiful high desert, basically in the middle of nowhere. My childhood home has a huge backyard which was ideal for my thriving imagination growing up. I had to travel to the next town just for groceries. It was an interesting place to live. I really feel like living in that atmosphere helped to ground me as a person. I try to imagine who I would have been had I grown up in a large city or something… and I just don’t think I would be the same. I’m currently enrolled in school, and attend full time while taking care of my beautiful two year old son. Hard? Yes! Impossible? Obviously not.

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

I remember seeing some of my friends getting involved in the industry and I had always wanted to try it. One day I told myself that if I didn’t just do it, I never would. It’s easy to let your dreams and desires sit in the backseat, while other things take priority. So I seriously just sat on Facebook, searching all the local photographers that my friends had done “test” shoots with and messaged them. I really put myself out there and found that very many people were interested in taking photographs of me. That’s how I began networking. Because I had lived in the middle of nowhere -and quite honestly, didn’t have the self confidence to go to an open call for an agency at the time- for about a year I shot mostly local. Eventually It got to the point where I no longer had to search for jobs, or people to photograph me. People were emailing and calling me, and it felt great. I was shooting multiple times a week. However, I didn’t start making money, or decent money for my gigs until recently. Now that I am living by the beach, near LA county, I decided to give it a shot and make a meeting at an agency for the first time. Luckily, they loved me and wanted to sign immediately!

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

I really have no idea where modeling will take me. That’s the beauty in life, we never know. In terms of my future, I am enrolled in school for a reason. I want to become a Communication studies teacher at a Community College. I want to mentor my students and give them an outlet they may not have at any other place. Mostly, I want to bring passion back into the classroom and I feel like I am fully capable of doing that.

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

As of right now, I am in school and raising my son on my own. That will always consume a lot of my time. But when I have the opportunity to go to a casting call, or work for a company that I met through connections, hell ya! I love to model. It’s such a fun “job.” I mostly shoot print. However, I am all about opportunity and growth. If a cool casting comes up for an acting gig, I’ll totally try it out. I try not to bound myself to anything in particular.

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

Modeling has helped me develop as a person in so many ways. I have acquired an immense amount of confidence and comfortability within myself by pushing my boundaries in ways I never would have. I have met so many cool people, and experienced so many rad things. I think my favorite experience yet has been the Grand Theft Auto short films I was involved in for a youtube series. For the second episode, I had the opportunity to fly in a stunt plane, just the pilot and I. The funniest thing about it was I had absolutely no idea that was in the script until I was on set. I get claustrophobic easily so it was hard to breathe with all the equipment and small, enclosed space. The pilot’s job was to fly the plane in directions where it realistically looked like we had been shot in air, and then free fell. Scariest, but most exhilarating thing I have ever done, hands down! The worst experiences I have had are probably just people trying to tell me to do things I didn’t want to. Like “take this off,” or “get involved in this,” when it’s really not me. You just have to know who you are and what you want and stick to it.

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

I have become an expert at changing my clothes anywhere! haha

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

First, honesty. People are always trying to be the best, or seem the best, and often lie about themselves to look better. Authenticity is key. And secondly, I wish people had more empathy for others. If someone isn’t adequate for a job, tell them respectfully.

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

I’m all about nutrition! I love to eat well, and I have found that it helps me maintain my body more than anything else. It’s all about cooking whole foods! I can work out all I want, but if my diet is off, I can’t expect the results I want. Outside of my diet and going to the gym, I love anything outdoors! I enjoy some natural vitamin D.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I saw Kristen Wiig naked. Is that a fact about me? I don’t know. But I like to brag about it.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I am constantly growing as a person and I am completely aware of my faults. Would I change them? No. All I can do is project the type of love and energy to others that I would expect to receive.

What is your favorite thing to do alone?

When I’m alone I enjoy anything relaxing. A bath, some comfy pjs, a glass of wine, TED talks, a good read, and maybe a peaceful nap.

Visit Melissa Ann’s website for more photos and information

Oct 19 2014

Interview with Amanda Whipple — Professional Dancer

Amanda Whipple is a 24-year old model residing in San Francisco, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a Bay Area, California Native dancing my way through this crazy thing called life. Being an artist has been a struggle, but I consider it a blessing to follow my passion. When I started dancing, I was just 3 years old, and I have never wanted to stop. After getting my BA in Dance, I started focusing on teaching, choreographing and performing.

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

Opportunities to model found me through my qualities as a dancer. Photographers were intrigued with working specifically with a trained ballerina. Majority of my shoots and videos are all dance related, so I love the fact that I can fuse dancing and modeling together.

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

This past year has really brought me to a place in my life, where everything is right where it needs to be, and I’m so grateful. I just finished filming a new show airing this Fall and I stay busy teaching and modeling. In the next couple years, I want to travel worldwide to teach and perform. Ultimately, I plan on starting my own company and a studio that provides education in all forms of dance and health.

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

90% of my modeling has something to do with movement. I choose projects based on their relevance to dance. I’m definitely not limited to dance projects, and I love shooting for events that benefit charitable causes. If I’m approached with an amazing theme or idea I’m all for it! I prefer performance jobs, but I take on pretty much anything that comes my way, either print, runway, commercials, films, and more.

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

So far, I’ve only had positive experiences when it comes to modeling. I’m pretty selective when it comes to who I’m working with, so I think that has a lot to do with it.

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

There’s been a few instances during a shoot, when a pedestrian walks up and asks to take a picture with you, or is interested in where they can see the photos and video. It gives you that boost of confidence as a model, that you’re actually saying something through your work.

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

I’m in the studio dancing abut 5 days a week. The other 2 days I’m at the gym either strength training or taking a yoga class. As most people know, nutrition is key to a dancer’s career. To me, it’s not about how many pounds you weigh, it’s about how you feel. I’m a Vegetarian, so I’m always aware of what I’m feeding my body. I typically eat veggies, fruits, and fish for protein. Oh yeah, and coffee, lots of it.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I used to choreograph and write songs when I was little. I would teach the neighbor kids and then set up a talent show for the whole complex to watch us perform.

Would you change anything about yourself?

Everyone has their flaws, and yes I’ve had thoughts about what I would change about myself. I’ve always wanted to be taller, but at the same time I love the fact that I’m petite. I am who I am, and at the end of the day I wouldn’t change a thing.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

Teleporting! In my busy and hectic life, I would love to avoid traffic in any way possible, not to mention, you could literally travel anywhere, anytime…freakin’ awesome.

Visit Amanda Whipple’s website for more photos and information

Oct 17 2014

Interview with Sonia Tiger — Bay Area Alt model & Gogo Dancer

Sonia Tiger is a 21-year old model residing in Santa Cruz, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey,

My name is Sonia Tiger. I’m currently living in Santa Cruz, Ca and I’ve lived in Northern Cali most of my life. I have been modeling and Gogo, burlesque and Character dancing since I was 18 and now I am 21. I also work with medical marihuana and plan to get a BA in Communication and Social Work.

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

I have always been attracted to tattoos and modeling. I love to create art on, and with, my body. I use my pictures to promote myself as a performer and alt model.

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

My current goals are to further my schooling, my career in the edm music industry, and to see the world.

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

I am currently only a print model and I try to be published a much as possible. I shoot a couple times a month and focus on pin up, tattoo modeling, and implied work.

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

My best experiences have been when I get pampered with hair, makeup and wardrobe for a publication shoot.

My worst have been when photographer’s lag or never give me my pictures.

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

The most funny and embarrassing thing that has happened so far, has been doing an underwater Photoshoot. So much water goes up your nose and you drool everywhere!

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

Being an alt model, I notice that I would get more exposure if I shot nude. I wish it wasn’t like that.

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

I ride horses and I am constantly dancing. I take belly dance, burlesque and yoga classes and I have a pole in my house. I eat healthy but I tend to eat a lot. I’m planning on working out a juice diet soon though. I love kale smoothies.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Tiger is my middle name. My favorite character dancing is clown work. I want to be a foster parent.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I currently want to be healthier, detox and run regularly.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I wish that I could blow fire. It’s so sexy.

Visit Sonia Tiger’s website for more photos and information

Oct 12 2014

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.

What 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.

Do 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

Sep 29 2014

Interview with Sage Sibaja — Full time student and model

Sage Sibaja is a 19-year old model residing in Sacramento, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Hayward, California. I’m one of the first babies made by artificial insemination, allowing my two fantastic mothers to conceive me. I’m Mexican and Guamanian. I was very popular in high school and I played softball and volleyball for most of my time in school as well. I’ve always done well in school. Now I’m in college going for my english degree, and then to my masters. I plan to model until I get my masters. Then I will switch gears and dive deeper into my writing career.

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

In high school I became fascinated with the industry. I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera and I wanted everyone to know my name and what I stand for. I started my career small, meeting up with local photographers and going to agency castings. However, I’m only 5’5″ and although the agencies said I had “the look”, I lacked the height. Now I work as a fit model and still shoot with local photographers for fun. I’m gaining more popularity through social media so hopefully that will pick up and open some more doors for me.

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

Professionally, I want to have money. I want to be able to buy my mom all that she deserves. I grew up without money so it is important for me to sustain a nice living for myself. In five to ten years I hope to be writing my autobiography, living on my own land, in a house I designed and built, by the beach, out of the country. I hope to be happy with my loverly by my side and a couple pugs by my feet. I crave a life of relaxation and peace.

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

I mostly do fit work. Meaning, I help in the process of actually constructing the clothing to my body proportions. But in my spare time, I do print work as well. I do glamour, lifestyle, portrait, boudoir and street wear photoshoots.

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

Best experience I’ve had modeling was receiving my job and booking regular income monthly!

The worst experience I’ve had was running into the occasionally creepy photographer. Only happened to me once, but it is a regular occurrence in this industry. Be careful out there ladies!.

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

No but I have met a lot of amazing people. I love all the connections I was able to make throughout my career so far, even though it is just beginning!

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

I would change the height requirement. In the U.S, the average female is 5’4″. It makes no sense for the requirement to be 5’8″. The clothes will look completely different on the customers’ bodies. It’s in bad taste from a consumer point of view but I understand that this industry is about beauty and I suppose long legs are more beautiful.

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

I was very blessed to have a fast metabolism. My diet consists of hot cheetos and sour patch kids. However, I do squat. Gotta keep the booty looking nice.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I’m smart. I grew up poor. I have two mothers and a step mom. I have siblings of all races. I can sing. My bellybutton is an “innie” but I can pull it out. My mom named me after the indian spice because it rids away evil and my name itself means “wise”. I think it fits.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I’m a perfectionist. It has it’s advantages, but also it’s downfalls.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

I am deathly afraid of sharks.

Visit Sage Sibaja’s website for more photos and information

Sep 24 2014

Interview with Elyse Nicole Craft — The Girl Next Door

Elyse Nicole Craft is a 20-year old model residing in Salinas, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Elyse Nicole Craft, born and raised in California, USA. I am the oldest child of three. I have one brother, one sister, two cats, and my dad. All of whom I love to the ends of time. I am currently a waitress at multiple restaurants while saving up money to move to a big city and launch my professional modeling career. My passion is modeling, I absolutely love what I do and I hope to take it as far as I possibly can.

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

When I was in my Senior year of high school, I had my senior pictures taken. Back then I was so shy and mousy – I turned out horrible in the pictures. But my dad saw them, and thought they were so beautiful. He told me I had to try and get into modeling. I told him I didn’t know how, I’m not pretty enough. My dad did his research and signed me up on Model Mayhem….and that’s were it all began. Photographers were contacting me left and right, even though my pictures were a nightmare compared to all of the other models on the website. However, they all told me the same thing – that they saw potential in me. I decided to give it a try, and with endless instructions and criticisms, my photos started to get better with each photoshoot. It turned out to be the best thing that I’ve ever done, because it gives me a way to express myself and give myself and my family something to be proud of.

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

My dream come true would be to become a well known international model. If that doesn’t happen, I have been studying environmental engineering. I have always been a career based girl. For me, love will come when the time is right. So my family plans aren’t very thought out right now.

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

I do modeling whenever someone needs to hire me. My modeling work has been very consistent. I sometimes have three shoots a day! Because of my height I mainly do print work.

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

I’ve had many great experiences in modeling. From being a Miss California beauty pageant state finalist to modeling ball gowns on live television on Wake Up San Diego. As for worst experiences, nothing comes to mind.

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

There is only one thing that I would like to change about the modeling industry – it’s the girls who are chosen to model for most clothing lines….they all look the same! Super skinny, pale, and too tall. We need girls who will represent the masses. Girls who will look the same as I would in the clothes they are modeling. That’s what I would love to see.

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

In high school I was very athletic. I played water polo, tennis, and was a swimmer. Now, I go to the gym every day to keep my body and muscle toned. My diet isn’t very strict; basically, I just eat a lot of protein and keep the carb intake low.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am obsessed with cats and clothing!

Would you change anything about yourself?

At times, when I see these gorgeous women in magazines and on television, I become really self conscious. Seeing them sometimes makes me wish that I look like them. Being bullied because of how I looked as a child doesn’t help, either. I am half Filipino so I have a wide nose and am shorter than most models. Those are the two things I get insecure about…but then I think about how the well-known people look -i.e. Beyoncé, Adele, and others- and they look nothing like the cookie cutter Barbie dolls. Yet almost everyone admires them. They are beautiful in their own unique ways. Thinking this way has made me see myself in a different light. I wouldn’t change a thing about myself. Life has molded me into a strong, independent woman and I am thankful for everything, both good and bad, that has happened to me.

What features do you look for in a partner?

In a partner I look for honesty, respect, equality, responsibility, and someone who loves to have fun and be themselves. My past romantic life has been too full of lies and deceiving. I’m ready for someone real and down to earth who can value their own goals while still being able to value a relationship with me.

Visit Elyse Nicole Craft’s website for more photos and information

Sep 17 2014

Interview with Dylann Swisley — The First ‘Role’ Model

Dylann Swisley is a 24-year old model residing in Sacramento, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born and raised in the cozy town of Auburn, California. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 7. At that age, it was really hard for me to understand what was going on. I would lose consciousness and wouldn’t remember how I got to certain places or why I did certain things. My parents decided to hold me back in the 1st grade and I felt like such an outcast and that I wasn’t a smart person. That negative mentality actually stuck with me all the way up until I graduated college.

I went to Forest Lake Christian School for almost my whole childhood and then transferred to Placer High my freshman year to play sports. I played multiple sports year round at the competitive level from the age of 6 all the way through college. The public school system was hard for me at first. I still remember my Biology teacher announcing to the whole class that my “grades were spiraling downward”. He didn’t know I had never been taught Biology from an Evolutionary perspective before. I also remember one of my friends laughing at me for telling her I believed in God. She literally laughed in my face.

Sports have always been my crutch. I could be having the worst day in the world and would go to practice and all my problems would fade away. High school started from being the worst experience to the best. Because I had played sports and was good at it, I gained a lot of respect from my peers. I ended up being recruited to run track for Sacramento State as a pole vaulter and hurdler. They had made a verbal commitment to give me financial help and I dislocated my kneecap before the season began, which resulted in surgery, and never saw any of that money. After two years there and not seeing any improvement in my game, I transferred up to the University of Nevada, Reno where one of the coaches recruited me and promised he had the solutions to all my problems. One week before school started, the coach calls me and says I am “ineligible” to compete for them without any explanation. After emailing every staff member in the athletic department for that whole year requesting some answers on where they got their information, I was either ignored or passed on to the next person and still to this day it has never been explained. My collegiate career in athletics and the only dream I had ever had in my life was stripped away from me.

Sports were the only thing I knew how to do and was devastated I couldn’t do the one thing in this life that made me feel complete. I focused my attention on school and believe or not, I was actually pretty good at it. I got one of my literature reviews of research I had studied published in a school book, received a scholarship to be an editor for that book the following year, and was asked to join the Lambda Pi Eta National Honors Society for the Communication department. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Communication and was within the top percent of my field. My graduation day has been the happiest and proudest I have ever been of myself in my entire life. I went through a lot of obstacles to get to where I am today and am very anxious to use what I have learned and put it to good use.

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

I first got involved in modeling in 2009 when I booked a photoshoot with a local photographer, Marie Clark, to celebrate my friends and I graduating high school. She has been the one ever since then pushing me to become more and more involved in the industry. I had always been too busy with sports to really focus in on modeling. To be honest, I just didn’t believe I was modeling material. Once sports had ended for me, I realized modeling was something that kept trying to push itself back into my life whether I cared for it or not. So I gave it some attention and it has been blossoming ever since. I am very excited to keep working with it and take it to the next level.

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

Ever since I was 6 years old, I have wanted to be a professional athlete. That has been a constant dream of mine and is something I still secretly desire. However, after dealing with the horrible experience with college athletics and all the corrupt politics involved, I ended up getting a bad taste in my mouth with the whole industry.

I just want to help people. My goal in life is to be able to look back on it and know that I made an effort to make this world a better place or that I made people’s lives a little easier. I have always had a strong desire to help disadvantaged women all around the world. It shocks me that women are still treated unequally today. I am a feminist at heart and I want to make sure that I am involved in bringing women together in taking a stand against inequality so that little girls today will grow up into strong, independent, and self confident women with the opportunity to do anything they want in this life.

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

I try to model whenever I can and get the chance to. I am very cautious of the image I am portraying so I am incredibly picky with who photographs me. I have turned down a lot of photoshoots -many that paid very well- just because the image they had for me did not match the image I wanted for myself. I have done editorials, product modeling, live modeling, and advertisement print work. Most of them have been fashion, commercial, and glamour.

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

My best experiences with modeling were when I had the chance to do it with my girlfriends. I have had two photoshoots like that. The first one was with a group of my best friends from high school after we graduated and the other was with my two best friends from college after we all graduated. The confidence and joy we had within us at that time produced the best photos and still make me smile today.

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

It wasn’t funny at the time, but I’m sure this will make for a good story. I had booked a photoshoot with this new photographer I had never worked with before. I had just finished putting on my make up, perfectly, of course, and was getting ready to put eyelashes on when I realized I didn’t have any glue. Thankfully, my roommate had some glue for eyelashes…or so I thought. I started applying the glue to my eyelid and it started turning white and hardening and the eyelashes weren’t sticking! I looked at the clock and saw I was going to be late, my eyelashes were sticking, my make up was ruined, and the tears just started flowing. I had to scrub and peel off this glue and redo my whole face. I rushed over to this photographer at the location with a swollen and red eye that stung horribly the whole shoot. Photographers who have worked with me know I am never late so I felt awful this was going to be this photographer’s first impression of me. When I got home, I later realized that “eyelash” glue turned out to be nail glue. I felt so stupid and wouldn’t touch any makeup for a while after that.

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

I would like to see less editing and photoshop done. I think natural beauty is so stunning. Not only that, but I think agencies and organizations need to focus on finding a model who is somewhat of a role model too. Imagery in the media is such a powerful source. This is what our youth is looking up to and influencing them. If the modeling industry focused more on inner beauty, I honestly think we would have a lot less self esteem issues within our society.

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

Sports have been a huge part of my life. I have dipped my toes in almost every sport there is out there and can honestly talk sports with anyone all day. The art of sports has always been something that has touched me on an emotional level. The idea of people pushing their bodies to exhaustion and overcoming obstacles just out of the pure passion and joy they receive from being in the moment is incredible. I believe nutrition and exercise to be very important within everyone’s lives. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone should be on the same nutrition or exercise plan. I think people should find their own plan that makes them feel good and live a happy and healthy life and stick to it, despite what everyone else is doing.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I don’t think very many people know I have my hunting license and know how to operate a shotgun. My Dad always took our dogs out hunting for a really long time and I wanted the two of us to have a hobby together. It is a lot of fun being out there in nature with my Dad and our dogs and a huge stress reliever firing off a shotgun. So yes…I do have a license to kill.

Would you change anything about yourself?

I wouldn’t want to change anything about myself. I believe God created each of us individually with our own special characteristics, talents, and flaws for a divine purpose in this life. The bad things that have happened in my life have put me on a path to better things and given me very important life lessons. If I am not confident in myself, why would I expect others to be?

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

If I could possess one talent, I would want to be able to speak every language in the world. I love the art of communication. I think it is a beautiful thing to be able to communicate across all different channels to all different sorts of people. We, as a human race, are so interesting and have so many fascinating stories to tell. I want to hear all of them and I want to be able to communicate with people on an international level.

Aug 15 2014

Interview with Jessica Renee

Jessica Renee is a 23-year old model residing in Roseville, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey guys, my name is Jessica, I was born in Sacramento CA. I’m the oldest daughter of 7 siblings and I’m really big on family. Family is a word with multiple meanings but to me it means the people who know your good and your bad and love you for who you are. Fun facted that nobody would ever guess I’m a mom of a beautiful little boy. I love the chances I get to spend with him, he’s my Prince Charming. I love to do things with my hands; by far my favorite would be cooking. I’m currently working as a hair stylist in Roseville while planning my move to Los Angeles to really start my career as a professional model.

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

I have been interested in modeling my whole life but I first started building my portfolio and promoting myself as a model 4 years ago working for barbizon. I love modeling and got into it because it was my way of expressing myself in the beauty industry and giving girls some to look up to especially my three little sisters.

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

My goals in life is to never have any regrets. Both personally and professionally. For me never having any regrets means if I want something I go for it 110% and if it ends up not happening then I can say I was strong enough to try and push myself. Personal main end goal would be to have a family that I can take care of and give opportunities to be whatever they want. Professionally I want to be a top model, which for me means runway print and promoting in every country and being a role model for girls like me who we’re shy and knew they were cute but never thought they were that beautiful girl. I want to be that model who shows there is beauty in all girls in all forms of modeling. In five years I would like to have my modeling career stable and starting to take off in multiple countries, in ten years I want to have change the world made an impact on people’s lifes and view of the world and continuing my career and helping those who are driven but don’t always have the means to get their dreams.

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

Usually I do 3 to 4 photoshoots a month and a few promotional events. Promoting work mainly consist of being a brand ambassador and print work depends on what client is looking to see I do all works of print work.

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

For me there are no good or bad experiences, there are just learning experiences. I learn when a project is going to be tough or uncomfortable or a struggle to get the look or when everything is on point and goes smooth straight on through. Some of my greatest learning moments were the harder experience because it would teach me a new way to see the look and how to achieve it with my body face and personality.

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

The only thing I feel this industry really needs is from everyone: models, designers, photographers, agencies and companies to do more giving back or activities to help those less fortunate not only to those in other countries but those in the USA or home towns.

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

Nutrition is very important to me; I mainly eat home made nutritious food. My body is naturally very slim so for me exercise wise I do a lot of weight lifting and yoga, it helps to keep strength and tone and muscle in my body but it will also help me in the long run to have a healthy lifestyle and stay active as I get older and wiser.

Please share something people don’t know about you.

Most people don’t know that although I am very forgetful I strangely can remember a lot of what people say to trust to tell me.

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

There is nothing I could say I would change about myself because I am always trying something new and changing and growing; when that stops then I might have to figure out a few things to change.

What is the one talent you wish you possessed?

I wish I could tumble. As a child I struggled with back problems and headaches because I had scoliosis so I was never able to tumble. This made me annoyed so I took my little sister and started throwing her around and now she is a wonderful tumbler and very strong in her flips.

Visit Jessica Renee’s website for more photos and information

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