Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Model of the Month: March 2014: Kezziee Mariee


  • Name: Kezziee Mariee
  • Age: 19
  • Location: Hesperia, California USA
  • Q: how did you get into modeling?
  • A: I had my first professional photoshoot when i was 15 years old at the Wiltern Theatre. then I started working with local photographers and sent my portfolio around and went to casting calls.
  • Q: who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model? A: Jeffree Star. and it's helped me not care what others think of my art and to be true to myself. He never cared what others thought of him, he dressed in drag and showed me i'm able to be anything i want to be.
  • Q: other than looking sexy in front of the camera, what else do you enjoy doing? A: Writing. Playing Volleyball, and spending time with my friends and family. My friends and family mean the most to me. I've learned that life is precious and you can't take anything or anyone for granted.
  • Q: if you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead? A: Acting. I love this industry and it's been a dream of mine since i was 9 years old. I also used to take acting classes and i was in drama at the performing arts high school Encore, i used to go to.
  • Q:How old were you when you found an interest in modeling and what made you want to start? A: when i was about 9 years old. I used to put a fan in my bathroom so my hair would fly around and i'd take pictures of myself haha. I was diagnosed with a rare life threatening disease called HAE with normal c1 in december of 2012, that's when i really decided that this was something i was going to do and accomplish. I wanted to show others that they are beautiful despite what set backs thrown their way.
  • Q: Where is your favorite place to shop? A: Probably Hot Topic. a lot of rad shit their.
  • Q: what is your favorite beauty product? A: Lotion. I am addicted to lotion and chap stick.
  • Q: what advise would you give to a young girl who wants to pursue a modeling career? A: to know yourself and what exactly you want to accomplish. Never do anything that you are not okay with, always have your morals and goals in mind with every photoshoot you do. and never go alone. Always be yourself, and don't let others bring you down or make you feel less than.
  • Q: where was your favorite shoot so far? A: In a hotel room with my friend Krista and Jay Woolwine (photographer.) the energy was just really fun and good. I was tweaking in red heels and undies. haha. it was a good time.
  • Q: what would you like to accomplish as a model? A: to inspire others to step outside of the box. to be themselves unapologetically, and to never give up.


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Model of the Month: February 2014 Katie Gradie

Name: Katie Gradie Age: 22 Location: Maine
Q. How did you get into modeling? 

A. When I was 17 my roommate was an agency signed model and my sister was dabbling in free lance modeling, it looked like a lot of fun so I thought I'd give it a try.
Q. Who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model?
A. My role model is my grandmother. She's an amazing woman. She taught me I can do absolutely anything if I put my mind to it!
Q. Other than looking sexy in front of the camera, what else do you enjoy doing? 
A. I absolutely love hula hooping, dancing and creating things, I love art projects.
Q. If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead?
A. If I weren't modeling I'd become an American sign language interpreter. I took a few ASL classes in high school and fell in love with it. I'm still thinking about going back to school to get certified.
Q. How old were you when you found an interest in modeling and what made you want to start?
A. I was 17 when I found an interest in modeling. I set up my first photo shoot with my sister in law's uncle and had a blast, I set up a Model Mayhem account and started booking shoots with local photographers.
Q. Where is your favorite place to shop?
A. Honestly, I love shopping at Goodwill! I've scored some incredible things there. I also love shopping at H&M, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe.
Q. What is your favorite beauty product?
A. My favorite beauty product is coconut oil, it has a million uses! I used to spend a bunch of money on expensive hair products to tame my curly hair, now I only use oils (avacado, coconut, and castor). My hair loves me and so does my wallet ;p
Q. What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to pursue a modeling career?  
A. I would tell them that you always need to check your references when working with new people to avoid any bad/uncomfortable situations. Trust your gut and never do something that you're uncomfortable with.
Q. Where was your favorite shoot so far?
A. I've had a bunch of fun shoots but one of my favorites was modeling outfits for Pretty Thoughts Latex with Surrendered Souls Pin up Photography. We were shooting in an empty hair salon, it was me and about five other girls covered in silicon lubricant squeezing into latex outfits! Definitely a silly time.
Q. What you like to accomplish as a model.
A. Right now my goals as a model are to get signed with an agency of some sort and to have one of my images used on a magazine cover.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Developing Positive Self-Esteem

Self esteem is how you feel about yourself – and whether you respect and value who you are. It is very different from self-confidence which relates to our talents, abilities and skills. In summary, self esteem includes:
1.    Our core beliefs about ourselves – and whether we agree with others’ views of us (our worth or value as a human being).
2.    Our sense of control, or the influence we have, over who we become and what happens to us.
(Note: People with an internal locus of control see themselves as being in charge of their own destiny. In contrast, those with an external locus of control tend to see themselves as being helpless victims of others.)
3.    Our sense of belonging, and unconditional acceptance, amongst our family members, colleagues, friends and peers. This is a measure of our lovability.
4.    Our sense of being able to meet life’s challenges and to cope successfully with what life sends our way. This is a measure of our capability.
We know success is related to a healthy self-esteem, so how can we work on enhancing this?
1.    First, stop comparing yourself to other people. Set your own expectations and personal goals – and take the steps you need to walk towards, and reach, your goals.
2.    Identify and celebrate your qualities and strengths – and keep on adding to that growing list each day. For example, are you the kind of person who’s always there for others? Are you creative, logical or practical? Are you friendly, caring, thoughtful, helpful and outgoing? Do you like to try new things, and have a real sense of adventure?
3.    Be committed to growing and changing as a person. Read books on self improvement and on personal growth. What you do with your time will affect who you become.
4.    Watch and challenge your thinking and self talk. One of the greatest hurdles to building self esteem is constantly attacking and putting yourself down. Instead, be affirming, positive, and notice your achievements. You’re committed, and progressing, so you’ll reach the goals you’ve set.
5.    We may have limited control of our external world as our teachers or our boss may dictate much of our day. But let your home be your castle, a place where you retreat to relax, recharge your batteries, and find yourself.
6.    Hang out with positive people. If you hang out with people who are always negative – and only whine and complain – then it will drain your energy. But individuals who believe in and work towards success will inspire and encourage you to walk that road as well. Thus, their positivity will raise your self-esteem.