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