Reprintable Interview Questions – Modeling and Body Image

What do you like and dislike about modeling?

I always felt like sort of an outsider at school because I was artistic and didn't fit into any of the cliques and modeling gave me confidence. It helped me get pass some of the insecurities that all teens have. But the international modeling scene really isn't a very healthy environment for a teenager. I've never done drugs...and it was probably seeing all the drugs and excess within the industry--mostly overseas--that turned me so against drugs. When I was barely 18, I decided modeling wasn't where I wanted to be. I remember seeing my face on two magazine covers in one month and I realized that I'd gone as far as I wanted to go with it. At the ripe old age of eighteen I realized that I wanted to be appreciated for my talent and who I am, not for the way I look. So I focused my time on business, which I thought would be better for me in the long run--and it was. Since then I was scouted by Elite and have started doing the odd assignment here and there, but it's hard to find time now that I have employees and a business to run.

How long did you model for?

I was a model with Ford for a couple of years when I was in high school. I'm glad I did it because I got to travel and see the world. When I was 18 I decided that I'd rather focus all my energy on my businesses, but as fate would have it I was scouted by Canada's top agent several years later and started up again. I'm currently repped by Elite.

Where did you model? What was your first job?

When I was a teenager I was with the Ford agency and I traveled to Tokyo and Taipei. My first modeling job was supposed to be for a magazine editorial but they liked me so much that they used me for two magazine covers, two editorials and the cover of a wedding calendar! A week later Taipei had the worst typhoon they had seen in twenty years and the studio where I did that job burnt to the ground. It was only a block from my hotel!

What did you do with what you learned from modeling?

I created several ebooks while I was modeling. They're a compendium of all the things I learned during my time modeling. My goal was to help aspiring models get into the business without getting ripped off or taken advantage of.

Did you ever consider pursuing acting?

The day after I appeared on TV at the Golden Globes in Hollywood, a number of casting agents, including Stephen Spielberg's office, called and said they noticed me on the TV and wanted to set up a meeting. Then, a month later I was at a dinner party and I sat next to Aaron Spelling who told me he wanted to put me on his TV shows. He insisted that I call him and come in the first chance I get. I entertained the idea for about a month, tried a couple of classes and ended up deciding that it just wasn't for me.

As a model, do you think you have a positive or negative influence on women?

I learned from my experiences modeling and in HILARY Magazine I try to write articles that help people in some way and make people feel good about themselves. There are several articles on Hilary.com right now about body image and the modeling industry.

Have you ever had an eating disorder?

I have never had an eating disorder unless you consider chocolate addiction an eating disorder! However, I have known models who have had eating disorders and I have tried to help them start being healthy again. It's crazy that agencies tell these girls to skip lunch and have an apple all day. It's really damaging!

Do you follow a diet or watch what you eat?

I allow myself to eat whatever I want in moderation, and I walk just about everywhere! I don't deprive myself. I love food far too much to do that. I'm sure it'll catch up to me eventually though! [Laugh]

Are you still modeling?

I had stopped for a number of years, then when I was in my mid-twenties, I was walking to the corner bakery to get a chocolate croissant and this guy stopped me and started talking to me. It didn't take me long to recognize him, after all, he is on TV and in magazines quite a lot. It was Canada's top model agent. With my business, NewFaces.com, I still need to be somewhat involved in the modeling world, as it's partially my personal connections with top agents that makes New Faces so successful. I am currently represented by Elite Model Mgmt. but I am very choosy about which jobs I accept. I don't have a lot of time during my business day to do modeling, especially since I have employees I manage.

What advice can you give to young girls who want to model?

If you want to model, read the ebooks I wrote about breaking into the industry. You can download them on NewFaces.com. I wrote them specifically for girls who want to be models to help them avoid the pitfalls of the industry and to share insider info about how to get free photoshoots and how they can get ahead quickly. NewFaces.com is also a great way to get yourself an agent and modeling jobs.