Who's That Girl?

Hey guys! Let me introduce you to Michelle. She's a firecracker who may look like a normal model, but she's actually living a double life. Michelle is currently studying Mechanical Engineering and has spent the last two years doing research for the Air Force Research Laboratory. Wowzers! After growing up on a farm in Maryland, Michelle moved to LA to become a special effects makeup artist, but then landed a modeling contract that took her to Seoul, South Korea then Milan then Paris then Dubai and a few places in between. That girl gets around. But how did she make the jump from modeling to science? Let's get familiar...

1. What's your style?
I guess I could describe my style as biker-school-girl. I love leather jackets, motorcycle jeans and my black on black Yankees fitted, but pleated minis, collared tops and platform stilettos just as much. I am a sort of girly tomboy; my favorite wardrobe items are my purple heels and all/any of my leather.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
If I had to pick an animal with which I can identify I guess I'd say a butterfly and a tiger. The butterfly for personal transformation and attraction to beauty, art and the evolution of life and the tiger for strength and vitality, independence and willpower.

3. If you had a super power what would it be?
My superpower would be hyper-learning abilities, kind of like LeeLoo in the 5th Element learning all of human history in a flash. I could have a port in the back of my head or something, plug in, download a bunch of information and just have it all immediately processed.

4. What prompted the switch from glamorous model to super science chick?
Modeling was great because it provided me a lot of freedom, and the opportunities to travel to foreign countries and to meet interesting people, but I was always really into science when I was young. I grew up working with my hands, helping on the farm, raising animals, and fixing and building things. After traveling and modeling for like 6 years, I started feeling like I wanted a new challenge which would give me more job security and the ability to plan better for my future. I started taking classes and fell back in love with science and the learning process. Meanwhile, between classes and modeling jobs, when the weather was good and work was slow I found myself out on my patio building things like a doghouse with passive ventilation and a greenhouse made from salvaged materials. It was like everything just added up and engineering became a natural and fun transition for me.

5. What challenges have you faced in your career or life?
Career-wise I've faced some challenges. Traveling internationally on my own was an experience, I had to learn to be very adaptable and independent, to move to a new, foreign place in an instant and find my way around to castings and jobs. In Asia our agents helped us a lot more by driving us around and translating, but in Europe and the Middle East I was essentially on my own to work it all out. Transitioning into college after an eight year break was also a huge challenge for me. Most of all it was very hard to give up the freedom that I had grown used to. Specifically I didn't want to start in low level courses so I had to work really hard to catch up (mostly with the math) since I had spent years forgetting anything I had learned in high school. Both of these challenges were well worth the effort though.

Bonus Question - What keeps you motivated everyday?
I'm really self-motivated. I get a lot of pleasure out of learning and working and I really just love science and engineering. It feels great to work in such a critical field. I also want to try set a good example for my nephew and make my family proud. All of my friends are super supportive of my new career path too. I'm very lucky and it all makes it really easy to stay motivated.

Oh wow! Seriously, this girl blows me away. When I met Michelle years ago, I had no idea that all this was inside of her. But I knew there was a spark and lots of confidence to go with that pretty face. From farm girl to makeup artist to model to engineer... I wonder what's next for this spitfire. We'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for sharing your story, Michelle. If there's a model you want to get to know or if you're a model with an interesting story, shout me out.

Who's That Girl ?

If looks could kill... She's not the girl-next-door, but this chick's bad! Meet Lucy. She's an LA girl who enjoys painting and plays the bass guitar. When it comes to talent, Lucy's got lots of it. Besides a mean stare, she also knows how to ride a unicycle and juggle. In a previous life she was definitely in the circus with another former featured model Hannah. Alright, guys. It's time to get to know Lucy.

1. Describe your style?
Androgynous and fabulous. Messy combination of glam rock, English dandy, punk, European boy with the occasional delicate feminine piece thrown in. My favorite things include platform boots, glitter, suits, leather jackets, suspenders, red lipstick, bowler hats, teeny tiny rings, velvet, plaid, cat eye sunglasses….I like to have fun with the way I dress.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
Fruit bat! Wide eyed and creepy, hanging out upside down in dark caves all day, emerging to crush fruit with their teeth and drink the juices—sounds like a typical weekday for me.


3. If you had a super power what would it be?
Definitely mind control or mental manipulation. I’d make a great villain.

4. What challenges have you faced in your career?
They’re all mental. Seven years of modeling has had its perks, but rejection comes with the territory. The greatest challenge for me has been seeing past the negative opinions and focusing on the unique things I have to offer.

5. What keeps you motivated everyday?
I am motivated by competition. I’ve always had to be the fastest runner, the best actress, number one in whatever endeavor I decide to take on. I compete against myself and that keeps me going.

Lucy's totally a go-getter. If you cross her path, she'll run you over. Keep that motivation, girl. You're freaking awesome! Next month, I'll introduce you to another cool chick who's doing her thing. If there's a model you'd like to get to know or you think you've got the stuff to make the cut, hit me up. Until next time.

Who's That Girl?

Well hello there, darlings! It is my pleasure to introduce you to Marquita. She's an adorable model from the great state of "Everything is Bigger in Texas" that I had the honor of meeting some weeks ago. This crop-topped beauty enjoys eating and trying new foods and loves playing sports. In fact, she says if she weren't modeling she'd either be coaching or playing professional volleyball. Marquita is the middle child in a large family, but she's claims not to suffer from middle child syndrome. Ha! We'll see about that. Let's get familiar...

1. Describe your style.
My style is casual and fun fashion. Shorts or skinny jeans with a tank top. Always have to have a scarf for a splash of color. I absolutely love t-shirts! You can always make a t-shirt look like quality fashion that's trendy.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal your identify with?
Not sure what my spirit animal is, but I like dogs and fish. Awkward combination but they are different and always keep a smile on my face. If I had a dog, I would name it Chi and my fish would be named Uno.


3. If you had a super power what would it be?
If I had a super power it would be the power of making sure every child had a fair and equal education along with food. I love to eat!!:)

4. What challenges have you faced in your career?
Challenges throughout my life have been not feeling like I'm good enough for certain things in life even though I know I am because God is ways on my side.

5. What keeps you motivated?
My family keeps me motivated and they push me. Food motivates me and brightens my day when I'm down.

Marquita is such a doll. She's got a good head on her shoulders and a very big heart. Next month, I'll introduce you to another model who's making moves and doing big things. If there's a model you'd like to get to know, let me know. Until next time.

Who's That Girl?

Whoever said size matters has no imagination at all. Meet Hannah. She's a spunky sprite with a likeness to Milla Jovovich and a love for old silent films. Hannah is also a super nerd who tried to run away and join the circus when she was 14, but to no avail. With one parent who's a landscape photographer and another who's a filmmaker, it's no wonder this girl is so freaking talented. Oh, and did I mention she's shorter than your average model? Well it's not holding her back one bit. Let's get familiar...

1. Describe your style?
Casual punk, upscale mad-maxian, and a touch of gypsy carnival.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
It is a toss-up between a wolf and a crow. Probably the crow - and not just because I like the movies. A crow because they are astute observers, extremely intelligent (much more so than their cousin the raven), they have language, are pragmatic, loyal and spiritual, not to mention hauntingly beautiful. And they are often overlooked and misunderstood. Did you know they hold funerals? If a family member dies, they gather in a tree above where the deceased crow fell and sit silently for a couple hours before flying away.

3. If you had a super power what would it be?
If I had a superpower I'd be density woman - I could lessen my density enough to fly around and allow bullets to pass through me OR I could become so dense that I'd literally be my own planet. Beat that!

4. What challenges have you faced in your career?
I'm no amazon. At a little over 5'7" I barely make the cut-off for what's deemed "an acceptable height" for models. This has brought about some challenges in my career, but I choose to see it as an advantage and something that sets me apart rather than something that slows me down. I am not a blank canvas runway girl, I am unique and independently me, and all my successes in this industry are a testament to that fact. Besides, my very favorite models (and many of the most iconic faces) are shorties!

5. What keeps you motivated everyday?
What keeps me motivated everyday, besides my loved ones, is my need to create and constantly have my hands on a new project. Whether it be modeling, making music, painting, writing, or collaborating with other artists to somehow combine all these things I need to feed the creative monster inside me. And I want to start a modern fashion movement because there's lots of us models out there that have brains and beauty and can do stuff, and we want to be seen and celebrated for who we are, not just what we're made up to be.

Wow! Now that's what I call tenacity. I really admire people like Hannah who are real creative individuals who don't let anything stand in their way. Fantastic! Thanks for this, girl!

Next month, I'll introduce you to another model who's making moves and doing big things. I hope you guys enjoy hearing these models' stories as much as I do. Until next time.

Who's That Girl?

A model's road to success is like following the yellow brick road. There are lions, tigers, and bears and it takes a brain, courage, and a heart to get where you want to go. This has definitely been the story for Alabama-native Jana. She's been freelancing as a model and commercial actor for years and now this beauty finally has an agent. Let's get to know her.


1. Describe your style?
Skinny Jeans +T-Shirt + Sneakers + Hoodies or Leather Jacket : I like to be cute, but comfortable. You'll always see me in my studded diamond earrings. I mainly wear jewelry that has sentimental value to me; each piece has a story. Then, there's the edgy side of me who loves Ruby Woo, for hawks, and my septum piercing.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
A lion definitely represents me. It is known to be a strong and courageous animal. The lion protects his pride. I am very protective over those I care about. People saying things in an attempt to cause me harm doesn't bother me as much, but coming for someone I care about will cause me to roar. I protect, help and love those in my life.

3. If you had a super power what would it be?
Super speed, so I can quickly get through LA traffic. I'd like to be able to leave at the last minute, but be on time everywhere. Wouldn't it be cool to travel a great distance in seconds? I would travel the world without delays.


4. If you weren't modeling or acting what else would you do?
I would own my art bar, helping young artists get their foot in the door. My bar would be a central location for artist to connect and support one another. It's a strong support system driven by young, great artist ready to change the world through their art. Come hang out with your friends and enjoy art.

5. What keeps you motivated everyday?
I have family in Alabama who are rooting for me. I don't want to let them down or myself. I have grown so much in the 2 years that I have been in LA and I want to keep growing and becoming a better person, so that I can help someone else. My trials and tribulations weren't in vain; they happened so I can guide someone else. Someone needs to know that their goals can be achieved. I want to be the person to let them know that.

Jana is so committed to achieving her dreams. She is such an inspiration, and the campaign with Sseko Designs is beyond beautiful. You go girl!

P.S. Don't forget to take advantage of 20% off for Sseko's 30 Ways 30 Days for Education special. Use discount code Sseko30x30 at checkout. It's the last day!

Who's That Girl?

Models aren't all blue steel, sexy face robots. In fact, there are a number of cute approachable girls in this business too. Meet Dominique, a curly-haired African American and Asian PYT hailing from the Bay Area. When she's not busy on shoots, she likes to sit on the beach and write in her a journal. Let's get familiar...

1. Describe your style.
I'm normally a jeans, wife beater, hair in a bun and flip flops kind of girl. That's my go-to sh*t. Small, delicate jewelry. I like to keep things simple.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
I identify most with a turtle probably. They love to bake in the sun, as do I and move fairly slow but get to their destination without any noise. It's like they just pop up and you're like hey how did you get here? That's totally me. They also have this hard shell they can hide in to protect themselves from predators. I can say I also have a hard outer shell in the sense that I don't allow people to know me too quickly. I'm very specific with who and what I allow in my personal space because I don't believe all people or things deserve to be there. Just like you wouldn't let any old stranger into your home, I'm not going to allow any person into my personal space/life/thoughts unless I feel that connection to want to do that.

3. You've got great curls. What's your hair regimen?
I deep condition once a week with Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque. I only shampoo when I feel my hair has a lot of build up and I'll use Kerastase Reconstructing Shampoo (green bottle) or Giovanni Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo. I use Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner 1-2 times a week depending on my hair style. I normally wear my hair in a high bun and massage my scalp with coconut oil and rosemary oil to keep it moisturized. I also use olive oil from time to time although I don't care for the smell too much. For castings they like to see my hair out and curly so I use a 1/4-inch Hot Tools curling iron to create consistent wavy curls. I used to wash and air-dry my hair but I recently had a fight with my flat iron (I believe the heat was on too high) and I damaged most of my hair. Sadly it does not curl like it used to so I have to re-create the curls with a curling iron. The only time I put heat on my hair now is for castings only because that it "my look." Otherwise it's in a bun or au-natural when I'm just hanging at home. I've decided to start trimming my hair every 3 months to help with the growth because I'm not in the position to cut off all the damaged hair yet.

4. If you had a super power what would it be?
I would be able to teleport. I love to travel, that's one of the things I want to do more of and if I could teleport I could go everywhere! To name a few off the top of my head I would teleport to Australia, Africa, Philippines, Bali, Monaco (been there, beautiful, need to go back), Japan, Fiji, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Greece, Amsterdam, Brazil. That's all I can think of for now.

5. How do you survive in this industry?
I try and find other things to do outside of this industry that I like. I do yoga. I have 5 dogs (maltipoo family crew) that take up a lot of my energy. Just got a library card… I love to read. I used to be in a book club in elementary/middle school reading 100 books a month. I'm just trying to get back into things that I enjoyed before modeling started. You have to find that balance. It's more about finding got those other things outside of modeling. Although I love modeling that's not the only thing that I have a passion for and I also don't want it to define who I am as a person.

"I'm such a go with the flow person and will accept almost every opportunity that comes my way. Mainly for the journey that will come of it. The people I might meet along that journey and discover more about myself, dig deeper into finding out who I really am and what I have to offer to myself and others."

Dominique is an absolute gem and such an inspiration. Look out for her smiling face everywhere. I'm so glad I can share her beauty with you.

Next month, I'll introduce you to another model who's making moves and doing big things. Until next time.

Who's That Girl?

In an industry full of illusion and superficiality, you can still find a few diamonds in the rough. Allow me to introduce you to Mirte. We met a month or so ago when I was in Amsterdam and we're repped by the same agency, Rocket Garage. She's a Dutch beauty who's just finishing up her studies at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute. There's definitely more to her than just a pretty face, so I sat down with her for a little chat to see what makes Mirte tick. Let's get familiar...

1. Describe your style?
Baggy t-shirt, leather jacket, skinny jeans, heels / sneakers + head phones, back pack and my single speed (bike).

2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don't really remember? ...but as a teenager editing and making films.

3. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
Uuuhhmm, I don't really knoww... haha. But I love dogs? My boyfriend and I had Banjo, a curly coated retriever. But sadly he passed. When I move to Australia in August we will get our first curly puppy!

4. If you had a super power what would it be?
Teleportation

5. Why do you make so many funny faces?
It's fun!! ... and it pulls down those awkward barriers. I work with different people all the time and when I make fun of myself, not take myself too seriously -I hope- others feel more relaxed too. If we can laugh together, have fun, appreciate each other while being professional and hard working. Then we all walk out of the door wanting to work with each other again...... right?

Mirte is creative, quirky, and just an all around cool chick. When you're working with her on a project, you know you'll always have a good time. I mean, how can you not adore this girl.

Next month, I'll introduce you to another model who's making moves and doing big things. Until next time.