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MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 73 13MOSTMAGAZINEMOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 75Q: TELL US ABOUT THE MOMENT YOU WERE SCOUTED BY A FRENCH MODELING AGENCY IN HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?A: I was 16 and attending the G-Star School of the Arts, where I was studying film and acting. It felt like a typical day until the principal announced that a French modeling agency was visiting South Florida to scout young talent. I was wearing a simple outfit%u2014just a t-shirt and jeans%u2014but I quickly ran to the bathroom to style my hair because I wanted to look presentable.Since our school had a huge soundstage modeled after Warner Bros. Studios, that%u2019s where the meeting took place. The room was filled with students, and after the announcement, some teens got the chance to speak with the owner of the agency, but I wasn%u2019t one of them. I didn%u2019t let that stop me, though%u2014I found a way to meet with her days later. She told me she remembered me from the crowd, specifically because of how I had styled my hair. We talked for a bit, and she chose to sign me. I felt so grateful and excited, especially since I was the only student she signed that year. Q: YOUR FIRST MODELING JOB WAS FOR ANOUK WIPPRECHT%u2019S ROBOTIC COUTURE SHOW. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WORK ON SUCH AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT?A: It was an eye-opening experience for me. I think it really gave me a glimpse into the world of fashion, especially fashion shows. It was a fortunate coincidence%u2014the designer is Dutch and was staying in South Florida for some time. Through a connection, I got the opportunity to be part of the experience. I even had a photo taken with the designer and published it in the local paper. Q: FASHION AND ART SEEM TO GO HAND IN HAND IN YOUR CAREER. HOW DO YOU MERGE THE TWO, PARTICULARLY THROUGH PAINTING ON CLOTHING?A: Visual arts have always been a huge part of my life and identity. I love fashion, and I love art, so I thought%u2014why not merge the two? I started that journey very young, still in high school, selling hand-painted jackets. People really enjoyed my artwork and praised the hard work I put into my craft. As I grew older, I officially started my art business. I had an online shop and would also sell my painted accessories, clothing, and canvases downtown. Q: YOU%u2019RE A LICENSED ESTHETICIAN AS WELL AS A MODEL. HOW DOES YOUR EXPERTISE IN BEAUTY AND SKINCARE ENHANCE YOUR MODELING WORK?A: I think it greatly enhances my modeling work because I know exactly which products to use to keep my skin clear and healthy. Having clear skin is very important in the modeling industry, especially when doing fashion shows and attending events. Q: DESIGNERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS OFTEN REQUEST THAT YOU DO YOUR OWN MAKEUP FOR SHOOTS. HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR TALENT FOR MAKEUP ARTISTRY?A: I%u2019ve been asked by designers, photographers, and coordinators to do my own makeup because they love the way I do it. Although I%u2019m always open to working with makeup artists, if a client requests that I do my own, I%u2019m more than happy to. I know exactly which products work best for my skin and how to enhance my features. Sometimes, no one knows your skin and how to highlight your best features better than you do. Q: WHAT INSPIRES YOUR HAND-PAINTED DESIGNS ON ACCESSORIES AND GARMENTS? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE YOU%u2019VE CREATED?A: I honestly just paint what I like or what I think a consumer would enjoy wearing. I love incorporating real gemstones and crystals into my designs.When it comes to painting on fabric, I%u2019m mostly known for painting jackets and tote bags, though I can work on a wide range of fabric items. I always use the highest quality materials and even go as far as waterproofing each clothing item to protect the artwork and extend its lifespan.Right now, I%u2019m working on a dress that I%u2019m painting, embellishing, and sewing by hand%u2014I think it%u2019s going to be my favorite piece I%u2019ve ever created.