An unique and colorful talent, this one of a kind personality has touched so many fields that it's almost impossible to list all of her achievements. Be prepared to learn more...
1) Tell us about yourself before becoming a model... were you a very social child or a solitary kid with a vivid imagination?
Well, the first time I modeled for a photographer was at the age of 12, so there wasn’t much of my childhood that I did not consider myself a model. From that first photo shoot, I loved modeling, and being in front of the camera. I always knew it was something I wanted to pursue. I was pretty much a social child with people that I liked, of course. I also took dance when I was young, so I was used to being in the spotlight, if you will. I would say I always had a vivid imagination, as well. Often thinking about being in movies, modeling or dancing on stage.
2) Obviously, you were influenced by actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Why do you think that these two legends still captivate us today?
I get compared to Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield a lot. Having been inspired by the two very early in life, this is always a flattering compliment to me. It came very natural to me, early on to achieve that classic blonde bombshell look, but I think I add my own uniqueness and individuality to it as well. I was called Marilyn from the time I was young by certain family members and I use it to this day as a tribute. I feel they still captivate us today because women look and act different today. They also had a certain radiance, class, grace and glamour that is why they are still icons to this day.
3) Was there a defining moment when you decided that modeling was the thing for you?
Oh yes, as I said earlier, I had my first real photo shoot at age 12 and I remember loving every single minute of it. I felt so comfortable in front of the camera. After the shoot, I went out with a good friend and I remember walking around with my hair and face still fixed and feeling elated. I still get that feeling to this day. I knew that day at that shoot this is what I want to do.
4) Being a plus size model and also working on more alternative photo projects, would you say that this is a “double challenge” that pleases you?
I usually love a good challenge. I had not modeled steadily from my youth into adulthood, but I did when I could. Now I model pretty much steadily. Also, I was not always plus size really. When I started focusing on modeling in the last recent couple of years as a plus size model, I did feel a tiny bit doubtful at times because my look is sort of one of a kind. I never doubted my modeling ability at all, but sometimes felt like I was the alternative to the alternative. As I kept up gigs, shoots and was contacted by more and more photographers and got positive reactions, I began thinking this is going to work.
Any little doubt I had went away in November 2008, when I got a contract with a well known NY talent agency that signs unique looking models and actors, I really began to feel really confident. Also, I saw Velvet D’Amour, who is another plus-size model on the television modeling on a Paris runway for Jean-Paul Gaultier. She looked so beautiful and confident. I noticed that all different type of models were becoming more acceptable in the industry, which I think is great. Although I was no stranger to modeling, I felt the time was right for me to model a lot more and now I have modeled for things in the last couple of years I used to dream of.
My career has taken me to all genres of modeling, even mainstream fashion when I modeled for the Elizabeth & James Look Book this year. I have done many runway shows for underground alt fashion designers such as Redbuttafly, hair shows, sites, ads, music video, online catalogs and magazines, including Penthouse recently which featured an interview/photo about myself being a Satanist and model.
I love being so versatile and have fun with every project I take part in. It has all been very exciting but not that challenging for me. When usually confronted with a challenge, I put everything I have into it. That has taken me where I am today.
5) Would you consider doing a dramatic hair color change, at some point? :)
No. I have mostly been blonde since young. The first time I lightened it was around 12 or 13. I always wanted to be platinum blonde, especially after I dressed as Miss Monroe in the fourth grade and wore a platinum blonde wig. I am also a cosmetologist, so in the past working in salons, I had a very short period where I had black hair, red hair, but didn’t quite feel like myself. That didn’t even last a year and I was back to blonde. I love different, darker shades on others, but blonde is for me. I think it suits me best, and the blonder the better!
6) Is it true that you’re a Satanist? What can be the main reason to become a follower of that religion?
Yes, I am a Satanist and proud to be one. I am a member of The Church of Satan. I don’t know if I would call it “following a religion”. True Satanists are born Satanists, they do not become Satanists. I found that out when I first read The Satanic Bible (by Anton Szandor LaVey) during my youth that I was born a Satanist. I agreed with the philosophy and was pretty much already living as a Satanist, I was just not aware until that point. Most people hear Satanist and are afraid, or get ideas that are false. Being a Satanist is like being an Atheist. We do not worship the devil. In fact, we do not even believe there is such a thing. To me, the philosophy of Satanism makes complete sense and it is something I hold very dear to me. Hail Satan!
7) Of course, you should be in a main film someday, right? What would be an ideal role for you to play?
Yes, I would love to be in film and the sooner the better! I was an extra for a couple of things and loved it. I would love to have the chance to show off my acting ability. I have loved many actresses and actors of the 50s. A lot of the television shows and movies I enjoy are from that era. I would like to play a sexy blonde bombshell role but would not like to be limited or typecast the same every time. I also love thrillers/horror movies. I would love to have a role in a film like that. A drama or series would be nice too. I also have a very humorous side to me so a comedic role would suit me as well.
8) You must have wore like dozens of different outfits, shoes/boots, accessories, etc.; does the appeal of the wardrobe still hold great pleasure for you?
I have worn so many different outfits for many different shoots and things. I love wearing fetish attire such as corsets and stockings. Pin-up clothing is another favorite of mine. Tight sweaters, pencil skirts, etc. are my usual attire. Getting dressed up always have and still does bring me pleasure. I was always a glamour gal! I am really big on shoes, heels in particular and have dozens of different styles and colors! I really enjoy doing a runway show or shoot and being styled as well by designers. It’s exciting!
9) Where do you see your career going in about 10 years from now?
I cannot predict the future, however it seems today women are modeling even when they are older. If I can have it my way, I will model until I die. I love it that much and can’t see myself stopping at any point unless for some reason I must.
10) What do you do when you’re between assignments and just want to relax?
Besides being a model, I am also a mommy so I am kept quite busy in between assignments. I love spending time with my children and family. I try to network and set up shoots and gigs as much as I can. When I want to relax these days it is usually during the evening hours. I will watch a favorite movie of mine, or an educational TV program, or read a book by candle light in my robe, with a glass of wine next to me. I also collect reborn dolls and dressing them and such always relaxes me. An evening out now and then to dinner or a night club where I can dance and see friends is very enjoyable for me.
11) Is there a thin line between your private life and your modeling activities?
Basically what you see is what you get. Most of the outfits and such I wear in pictures, I go out to clubs in. I have become friends with a few photographers and designers I have worked with so a party can easily turn into a photo shoot. I think my modeling work clearly expressed who I truly am and how I live my life.
12) Do you have the chance to travel a lot? Any chance of meeting you in Montreal? :D
I do not have the chance to travel a lot and I have never really had a desire to travel until early this year when I went to Hollywood to help promote a magazine I modeled for called Old Nick. I never cared for planes much after having been to Florida a few times when younger. After my trip to LA though, I can’t wait to go back and visit many other places, Montreal being one of them! Hopefully one day soon!
Photos in this set by Christopher Mealie, Joseph Rossetti and Michael Roach.
