Stunning is only one of many ways to describe this model... so much style and talent that it's completely unbelievable!
Photos in this set by: Kitty Gallanis, Mitzi & Co., Dave Longoria, Beleium Lion & Johny Angel.
1) So how does one get out of bed one day and declare “I want to become the original Pin-Up Villain!!!”… or in other words, how did you get started?
Being called a Pin-Up Villain came after all the years of having my hair and nails this way. It's not exactly a soft traditional look so playing off my image, "Villain" seemed far more fitting. I've been told quite a few times that I look like a comic book hero. I'll take that!
2) Did you had many childhood influences that led you this the path of modeling, performing, etc.?
Absolutely. I am very close with my Grandmother and my Mother so between the two of them and their incredible style I was sure to try and follow their lead. My Grandmother has always been a big Jazz fan and she loved Ella Fitzgerald. I too became a fan of such great female vocalists of her era and the stars that graced films of her day. My mother is a musician and loved to sing and perform so I definitely inherited that gene from her. Her face always lights up when she sings and I absolutely adored that about her. You can tell she belongs on stage!
3) Are your skills as a makeup & hair artist self-taught or did you follow some specific courses in these areas?
The majority of my work was self-taught but I do keep up with tips and technology during hair conventions and shows. I also check in with makeup artists I like and try and see when they will be in my area so that I can catch a class or panel discussion with them. I am a beauty school drop out but instead finished my schooling through an apprentice program through the salon and the rest is history.
4) Can you tell us a bit about your ethnic background? You have a very intriguing and seductive look, you know…
Wow. People always try and guess but no one has ever asked me this question in an interview before. I am predominately Mexican and Puerto Rican with a smidgen Scottish and Irish. Surprise! I'm not Asian. My family came from Puerto Rico then to Hawaii until settling into San Francisco. So I have quite a bit of traveling blood and was raised with heavy Island roots and traditions. I'm an island gal.
5) Would you say that one of your trademarks is this lovely mix of black & white hair? What inspired you to come up with that look?
Yes. That and my pointy claws! I have had my hair like this for over 7 years now. My inspirations came from a few intriguing ladies. Cruella De Vil being the obvious one and Spanish singer, Monica Naranjo. I was later introduced to Alaska Dinarama who apparently at one point had two toned hair but she's more known for her orange hair now and outrageous style. I love women who aren't afraid to be fashionably loud. Siouxsie Sioux is another lady who falls into the inspirational category for me.
6) Oh, tattoos! Lots of ‘em! Are you planning more ink work soon and would you like to express more?
I have a few that I have been waiting to get but am still looking for the right artist. I am a collector so I try to get a new piece by different artist during my travels. In a few months I will be back in Europe and getting tattooed by one of my favorite girlie pop artist, Candy Cane. So I am very excited about that. I take my time. After all, each piece tells a story and I'm still quite young so I need to save room for other life experiences that will take place and impact my life.
7) How flattering can it be to have someone do some fan art about you?
Very! It's exciting and still shocking. Even more so are the emails I get about people getting Tattoos of me or of art inspired by me. I never would have thought that would ever happen for me. I feel very honored and blessed.
8) Tell us a bit about the performing side of your activities. How would you describe your style as a burlesque entertainer?
I'm a crowd pleasure. I prefer to be in contact with my audience than up on stage. I enjoy the connection a performer can have with the people who came to see them. It's a lot of fun for me to get them involved with what I am doing rather then having them stand there with their hands in their pockets. I absolutely love wild performers. The kind of dames that really seduced you with their eyes and looked like they were in a trance as they performed. Have a look at Tempest Storm, Satans Angel, Tongo Le Le, Princes Do May, Lili St. Cyr. I can go on and on!
9) Among many (hell, tons!) of others, we adore the Taming the Lion pic! What’s your degree of comfort when posing with other models?
I'm pretty open to working with others. I play nice. Hell if it'll get a killer shot then why wouldn't I be?
10) Can you claim that there’s a thin line between your private life and your modeling activities? In other words, do you “play” with others in time of intimacy?
I keep my personal life and my modeling/performer life completely sepperate and very much private. A lady never kisses and tells.
11) Is there something that frustrates you regarding the general public’s view on alternative models?
In a nutshell, ignorance. Most of the time they assume that because we have tattoos and piercings that we must not be making any money or that we are all party animal, drug crazed free loaders. Maybe that's a slight exaggeration but I've heard some crazy things. Nothing surprises me anymore.
12) OK now if flattery got us that far… what will it take to make you visit us in Montreal soon? :D
It's as simple as you saying, "Hey so we have your flight booked and your staying at:..." and I'm there! My bags are already packed!