WILD & FREE
INFLUENCER FEATURED IN SELF MADE | VOL.2 | ISSUE.21
Q. How did you become an Influencer/model? What started the passion?
I started my modeling career when I went to FIDM getting a degree in fashion marketing/merchandising/business management. I always had a passion for fashion and used to work with brands as their fit model which is basically like a human mannequin. This way I learned about the process of making a garment and getting that perfect fit before the item went into production. I had a local agency ask if they can send me out for print work, runway, and commercials and I figured it would be smart to be open to the opportunity. I never knew it would lead to a full-time career that it’s been all these years. Very grateful for that.
Q. What has been one of your biggest accomplishments?
Career-wise I have worked on campaigns for brands like Visa Blackcard, Bentley, Revlon, Fila, Jockey, Bacardi, Target, Verizon, Jaguar, Wella, and Felina lingerie just to name a few. Been on covers and featured editorials of international Esquire, GQ, Maxim, FHM, and Marie Claire magazines. Also been in music videos opposite Enrique Iglesias and Justin Timberlake, on NBC’s hit show “Deal or No Deal”, have been a series regular on tv show “fashion house” that aired in 50 countries worldwide, and had guest star roles on shows like Castle, Chuck, two and a half men, Days of our lives, a cameo in “you don’t mess with the Zohan” movie and recently was one of the leads in Lifetime’s “My Killer Client”.
Q. Do you have any tips for those getting started in the modeling industry?
My advice is to still go to school and get an education, make sure to always have a support system like family or close friends around you, be on time, be professional, be nice to everyone on set, (the person who is the assistant one day can be the decision maker tomorrow) stay in touch and follow up with the photographers you work with, and know what your brand is! Don’t try to fit into some unrealistic expectations. If you actually want this to be your full-time career, you must treat it like a business. Don’t wait for your agency to set up test shoots for your portfolio or social media pages. Take charge of your career! Write a dream list of the companies you think would be a great fit for you and target those specific companies!
Q. Do you have a preference when working with brands? How do you decide who you want to work with?
I have worked with so many brands and get introduced so often to new ones I never knew about which is so fun! Sometimes it doesn’t have to be a brand that’s exactly my personal taste, but if I believe in their products and their vision, I think it’s great to be a team player and help create the best imagery and marketing materials to help sell their products. When a brand has success using my image, then I know I did a great job. Financially it also needs to make sense for all involved. Being taken advantage of is not what I’m in this business for.
Q. Tell us about your production company, your goal with it, and made you interested in starting it?
I started Straw Hat Productions with my photographer/director friend Michael Blank. I started it because of my years of experience helping produce shoots. I also went to school for professional makeup in addition to fashion so it’s been helpful for me to do my own makeup, styling, and art direction on many photoshoots. I also learned a lot of post-production skills as well throughout the years. With all the knowledge I figured we could combine our expertise and knowledge we have gained and in turn create beautiful marketing materials for brands looking for social media advertising, video, and editorial content.
Q. For those interested in growing their social media channels, what advice would you give them?
My advice is to be authentic, be your unique wonderful yourself, and stop looking around or worrying about what anyone else is doing. Staying true to yourself and putting out a message that makes you feel good or perhaps inspires others will always be more interesting than a sexy selfie or booty shot. Also, make sure to always reach out and connect with talented photographers that you can collaborate with and create beautiful content with.
Q. Tell us about your production company, your goal with it, and made you interested in starting it?
I started Straw Hat Productions with my photographer/director friend Michael Blank. I started it because of my years of experience helping produce shoots. I also so went to school for professional makeup in addition to fashion so it’s been helpful for me to do my own makeup, styling, and art direction on many photoshoots. I also learned a lot of post-production skills as well throughout the years. With all the knowledge I figured we could combine our expertise and knowledge we have gained and in turn create beautiful marketing materials for brands looking for social media advertising, video, and editorial content.
Q. What would you like to accomplish in the next 2-3 years?
I would love to continue being a brand ambassador for different brands, help companies grow their business with the proper advertising materials and also launch my own product line where I’m the face of it. I want this product to help women to look and feel their best!
Q. How do you keep your flawless figure?
I have a trainer a couple of times a week and also like to sometimes add yoga or hiking in the mix as well. I also love food but refrain from eating red meat, sugary sodas, and prefer to eat gluten-free versions of pizza, bread, or pasta. I do love French fries though and would take that choice anyway over a piece of chocolate cake.
Q. What has been one of your biggest challenges as an entrepreneur?
In this day in age, a lot of people are offering services for trade or for free so I find that to be a sad and most challenging reality that’s being faced more and more. The good news though is that people always end up realizing the importance of quality and that you end up getting exactly what you pay for at the end of the day. It’s always worth it to invest properly in your brand.
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Model: Donna Feldman @donnafeldman
Photographer: Noah Nash @noahnash
Stylist: Angelique Salzmann @whitemonkeystyle
HMUA: Donna Feldman @strawhat_productions
📍Los Angeles, California
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