Flower Crowns by Josie Smiles

Jewelry by Pattie Parkhurst in photo 10

Styling and Photography by Danielle Herzog

 

Q: How long have you been modeling?

A: I’ve been modeling for about a year and a half.

Q: What do you take away from modeling?

A: After every shoot and event I take away something different, whether it’s a new friend, learning something new about posing and facial expressions, or tweaking my runway walk. I also have learned a lot about myself and have met a lot of really great people in the industry that I am lucky enough to call my friends.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in very rural West Virginia, to this day there is still no cell phone service at my Mom’s house unless you go to the very top floor and stand as still as possible in the perfect spot on a clear day!

Q: What inspires you?

A: I can be inspired by anything, honestly! Part of the reason I love modeling is because I feel so inspired after collaborating with a designer and photographer at a photo shoot and creating something beautiful and unique that they all used different parts of they’re creativity to make.

Q: What are some of your limitations/obstacles that you have with modeling? How are you overcoming these limitations?

A: Well, I am definitely not among the tall crowd. At 5’ 7” I am just at the cut off for most casting calls. However, I think carrying yourself well, presenting yourself as confident and being an easy and fun person to work with goes a long way.

Q: Are you involved with your community? If so how?

A: I volunteer when I can and it is something I’m passionate about. I’m a sucker for animals.

Q: Whats your favorite thing to do with your time off from life?

A: Well lately I have been really into sewing and making my own clothes. I also have a little dog Ozzy, who I love to spend free time and share a bag of cheese puffs with!

Q: If you could model for any designer, who would that be?

A: Ahhh! That is such a hard question. How do I pick just one??? I’ve been really into Christian Sirano’s designs and watching his career develop.

Q: What are some of fashion tips you live by?

A: I wear whatever matches how I am feeling internally at that moment. I see fashion as one of the largest and most prevalent ways to express myself. Some days I want to channel my inner 70’s boho-chic, other days 90’s grunge, and some days I just want to wear whatever outrageous outfit I can put on to see what kind of reaction I get!

Q: Have you always felt comfortable in front of the camera?

A: Not at all! Especially growing up my Mom and Dad always wanted us to pose for pictures and I was always like, “Whyyyy??? I don’t want to’”. Still to this day I always get a small amount of nervousness right before a photo shoot .I’m a pretty goofy person and I love to have fun, so I always just crack jokes as soon as I get there and have a good time to lighten the mood and get more comfortable.

Q: Why do you want to be a model?

A: Well first off, I am obsessed with fashion, clothing, the culture, and just everything. However, after doing it for a while and seeing the reaction you get from people, I want to use it as a way to inspire other girls to chase their dreams and to not be afraid to go after want they want. Growing up in a small town in WV, modeling and fashion in general was not prevalent and I never saw a real opportunity to go for it, plus I was scared as heck. I also was the goofy/nerdy girl growing up with glasses and braces, so I definitely got picked on. I want those same girls who are currently getting picked on, that the moment doesn’t last forever, eventually the tables turn, and just embrace everyone moment for what it is and who you are, because it makes you the amazing person you will become!

Q: What do you do to stay fit and healthy?

A: Well, good genes honestly I think plays a large part of it. Also, I really focus on eating healthy and I try to routinely do yoga. I love healthy food, so it isn’t too difficult, but sometimes I fall off the wagon, which honestly makes feel run down and sluggish, so I want to get back on it.

Q: What is your life motto?

A: Be Free, not cheap. I feel like it totally sums up how I feel about life and can be interpreted on so many different levels.

 

 

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