Inventing Eventful Event Experiences

        My very first experience at a group shoot was incredibly fun and equally irritating. How could that be, you´re likely wondering? I had been shooting with a handful of other women throughout the day during a group shoot, and the *one-on-one's had started. Two shoots in, I came to learn that my things had been rumaged through and discovered missing money I had stashed deep in my bags from a shoot. The annoyance that shot through my face and brain was one I can still remember. Truth be told, however, it lasted only for a couple hours and, half the time, I was mulling over my luck with thieves. All of the other girls had left full purses in an open, empty room nearly ten models visited throughout the day. How did I end up being the only one missing well hidden money? My unfortunate experience aside, I decided on a few changes that I hold true to and recommend for group shoots - no matter who you shoot with and where the creativity is going down:

1. Walk in with little, leave with just as much. Come to find out, I wasn't the only model who has experienced theft in their modeling career. While I have never had any belief that "x" "just won't happen to me", it made grateful to have lost only cash as opposed to a credit card, atm card, and $250 lingerie piece. I did not bring in a purse with me to the shoot - especially with the knowledge that the house is community property, so to speak. Keep this in mind wherever you go. Group shoot, private shoot, any shoot requires your ID, your phone, your keys, and not much else past styling items and clothing. Theft happens anywhere and everywhere. 
2. Valuables should not leave your side. Ever. I have seen brand new iPads be left without supervision in open areas. Fat wallets have been peeking out of very full purses. Brand new phones buzz just under a shirt you tossed onto your suitcase. Anything of value, including your car keys, need to go with you. Why? If I were a thief and your car is parked out of the sight of 95% of the people shooting, my chances of getting into your business are pretty good. I may not take your car, but you may have other goodies in there.  Did you bring your credit card with you? Stick it in a small purse and take it with you. ID? Gift card? Square swiper? Business cards? Phone? It also goes with you. Less is best.
3. Be comfortable with the idea that your hundred plus dollar lingerie or jewelry piece might disappear without your consent. Carrying your suitcase around with you is completely impractical and unprofessional. It isn't something I recommend. However, please, do yourself the favor of not leaving blatantly expensive pieces in broad daylight. Yes, your corset may be the most stunning thing I have yet to see, and thank you for showing me! But, don't play temptress and leave it strewn about like you could care less. Everything we purchase as models is replacable; let's be honest. That doesn't mean that we should have to replace it if we can help it. We work hard for our goodies! Let's keep them!
4. Shut. Up. Stop. Bragging. "I just bought this ADORB french lace bra! It makes my boobs look absolutely flawless, and the color looks amazing on me." Attention will get you nowhere - except for maybe a lighter bag when you leave. We all love that feeling of sheer adoration for our finer posessions - especially if we worked for it and earned it. Making people lust after you, your emotions about the piece, and desire that same feeling isn't putting any points in your corner. For all you know, too, jelousy or "putting you in your place" type of thoughts may come up. Keep the spirit light and put good intentions out into the world you're working in. Forcing your insanely expensive bra down my throat will make people avoid you - or go the extra mile to make the bragging rights their own.

        I found myself advising a new model in a recent shoot to keep her valuables with her for generic safety and good keeping. My general rule is to be able to fit 95% of your valuables in one hand, preferably something clutch size. Not the loop to a bag. Not over your shoulder. ONE hand. Uno. There are a few reasons for this: One, it's easy to keep a comb or lipgloss in there for a super fast touch up. Two, it's not hard to carry around as you change sets (don't forget it!). Three, it's easy to tuck contact cards in there. Four, you don't have to wonder if any of your valuables are safe!

        Best of wishes as you continue your journeys as artists! Be conscious of your surroundings, and never believe that you're exempt from others' will. Enjoy your shoots worry free, and it will definitely come through in your pictures. 

With Love,

Aina

Nothing is Still Something

        No matter where you are in life, the moment you choose to begin a new experience, you're change your life forever even if, yes, you do nothing. Deciding you will start running every morning or five times a week? Congrats! You have altered your mindset forever. Decided to travel the world? Great! You have altered your mindset forever. Have you elected a new friendship? Fantastic! You have altered your mindset forever. How you have chosen to alter yourself, however, is up to you. You have two options: The first is to fully pursue this new endeavor. Consequently, you may meet new people, experience new sights, and gain life experience points. The second is to do nothing, which may result in "would-a, should-a, could-a" mentality or a self-esteem lowering. Regardless of what you choose, your decision, period, will change you. 

        Modeling is my thing. Networking makes me happy. Using my body to create pictures that are worthy of hanging in a gallery or a wall at home makes me happy. Being true to myself makes me happy. I was tossing around the idea about starting my journey as a model for about a week. "To hell with it!" I told myself. "I would rather try it, than never know and wonder." I did it. I continue to do it, and it has been one of the most rewarding things I have chosen to do.

        I had the opportunity to do a semester abroad in Spain. I wanted to go. I decided to go. The idea of borrowing someone else's money, however, to support my adventure was dishonorable. I had the support, both monetarily and emotionally, but asking for help in funds made me uncomfortable. Truth be told, it still does. I had the option to work my butt off and obtain at least a good portion of that money myself - if not all. But, I opted not to. I ended up talking myself down and thinking I couldn't do it, despite how much I wanted to. There's more history to that story, but the point remains: My decision to do go on this trip changed me as it was one more Domino that fell and shriveled in it's lifelessnes. I was acting out a helpless story, which was how I felt, in many ways, at the time. This decision fed that story and fire.

        If you decide to do something, I want to encourage you to follow through and do it with a realistic mindset. There is nothing wrong with putting a pause on a plan to re-evaluate what you believe you will be doing and how you will be doing it. As you go through the decision making process, be aware as to why you're doing what you're doing as well. Having ill intentions for yourself or others may not hurt you now, but what come's around goes around. Be selfish and make a decision for yourself. Plan. Work for it. Read motivational blogs or books. Immerse yourself. Just do it. (Insert Nike Logo Here)

With <3,

Aina

        

            Photographer: MSlygh

Fighting Yourself on Your Own Turf

      I have allowed myself to be put through the ringer and pushed myself down a hole or two. I'll admit it. Initially, especially on websites like Model Mayhem, glamour modeling is HUGE! Initially, some of it was pretty. Some of it. Was. After a while of doing my own research, partaking in the genre, networking with the masses, I came to determine that I am not a glamour model - not in the typical American sense at least. While I firmly believe that we can be anything that we want to be, I also firmly believe in acknowledging the limitations due to the cards in your hand. 

                      Photographer: MSlygh

       I am me. I am an artistic nude model. I'm an artistic nude model with a sex appeal switch. I'm an artistic nude model who can pull of some sexy pictures without the need for a big rack (my blessings went down to my ass - for those of you who didn't know). I have also come to acknowledge that perhaps my distate for glamour modeling stems from an overwhelming type of people that I ultimately end up surrounded by. I have met very few people who were less than honorable, but it's simply not very satisfying to me as an artist to have sex appeal all the damn time. Not THAT type of sex appeal. 

       I am me. I'm not a sex object. I love sex. I love being sexy. I love pictures of my sexy self being sexy. But what I love most is this beautiful body that I have been gifted by the Universe. It's meant for greatness - spiritually, physically, mentally, and all wrapped up in one satin red bow. (SIde note: Many people, including myself, like being objectified - even if just for a moment at times. When every shoot I participate in revolves around this objectification, I don't feel as human and, in turn, like I'm not living life the way I should and strive to.)

       I am me. I love glamour. I love artistic nudes. I love cosplay. I love fashion. Hell, I even love tasteful bondage! In no way will I ever bash any sort of genre, but I do implore that you experience more than one genre and determine which one feels like it clicks with your soul. It doesn't have to just be one! I've begun my genre as a cosplayer, glamour, artistic nudes, life style, fashion, etc. I like being me. Me has many facets - and it shows in the projects I do as a model. Don't limit yourself. Have fun. Say yes. Say no. Smile. Get pissed. Fight for someone else. Respect yourself. But never say that you "just can't do it" because "you don't have what it takes". Liars don't get very far in life.

With <3,

AIna

Practice your Kegels (men, you too)

     Le gasp! What does this have to do with modeling?

Everything.

      Initially, I wanted to type say that I wished that the world was not focused on beauty and aesthetics, and that we should label things based on society's standards, but I caught myself before I typed the first word. Scratch that. I am glad that our world is focused on beauty and aesthetics - whether we are aware of it are not! How dull life would be if our attitudes and personalities didn't show through in our craftsmanship! 

     Consider the child (or adult) who creates massive Lego structures, pouring their blood, sweat, and soul into their baby. Consider the finance student who fell asleep on his books, beyond fatigued in his venture to learn the makings of his trade. Perhaps I can tickle your fancy with the knowledge you already have of the time he/she/they spent being denied before they were picked up and focused on. Or, be daring and get brave. What about your hobby? That thing that gets your blood simmering and pumping?

      There's a book I'm reading called "Ooh La La!" by Jamie Cat Callan. It's all about French women's secrets to beauty and feeling top notch, beautiful, and glowing every day. My birthday recently passed, and I was gifted gift cards to Barnes & Noble - one of my favorite stores. In the effort of trying to save money and trying something new, I randomly picked two books from the clearance to section. Truth be told, I didn't and still do not want to read them. I have yet to crack them open, and I have decided to return them as soon as I am able to. I picked up "Ooh La La!", feeling slightly silly about wanting to read a book about beauty, French women, and little tips. I should be reading more interesting and valuable materials! Expanding my horizons! Psh. Yeah. That's what I have imposed upon myself that I "think" I should be doing - not what I want to do. So, I bought this little book - money aside.

     My last blog post was about learning lessons wherever you wanted and could. Life throws lemonade your way, premade - you just have to find those little pitchers, sit down, and drink some. I'm not even half way through the book, but I am completely in love. Why? Do I not know the secret to being beautiful? I am a model. I do know the secret. I've known the secret for a very long time. I've made it a bigger deal in the most recent years. Would you like to know what it is? This book agrees with me. So do countless other blogs, self helps, and people.

I am myself. No more. No less. I am me without shame.

       That's it! Now, with that said, a person never stays the same throughout their entire life. Your body changes as you age, as it should. Why can your mind and soul not do the same? One of the reason's why I brought up the book "Ooh La La!" is because there is a very important point mentioned that I have realized to be true and quite intriguing: Women in America feel as though vanity is a chore and obligation, but should be cherished from a distance (hence botox, implants, avoiding aging, etc) and all "cheats" must be payed for right now while you are ridden with guilt. French women, however, want to be seen AND touched - hence why they take care of themselves so well. Spending time to be happy, present, investing in relationships with every person you meet (even in stores!), spending time on yourself, eating that piece of chocolate cake, and not feeling guilty about ANYTHING? NO choice they make? Sign me up.

      Granted, I've been very much tuning into the workings of my mind, soul, and feeding my brain with things that interest me and make me happy more-so - especially as of late. I've been taking the time to REALLY take care of myself - not just superficially. I don't diet. I naturally eat better because I want the best for myself and am quite in tune with how things make me feel and why. I meditate. I relax. I take a bath. I have been investing in my candle collection again as well as my bottles of lotion. Mmmm..... In turn, I must say, I have been happier on a different level, and it affects everything I do.

       Here's my biggest kicker: I don't feel guilty for wanting to spend time with myself. It's actually time to reset my button and allows me to think without the stress of constantly doing something. And it changes a person's persona when they meet their own needs, are happy with themselves, THEN take care of others. I've noticed that I have more to give after I have given to myself. I've been raised to believe that you put others first, and, now that I'm thinking about it, it doesn't really make sense. Eventually, you won't have anything left to give and will become just a shell. Nothing inside. Just a shell. No one's home. Not even the light's are on.

      Do you want to be a good model? Take care of yourself for more than just the reason of being pretty. Feel good about you. Feel good about your body. Feel good about taking a nap during the day, about getting a massage, about taking a walk when you have sixty million things to do, and about buying that candle that you adore. More than just your modeling will change. 

You Never Stop Learning

     ( Unless you're dead, of course. )

     In the course of time that I have been a model, I have been exposed to a variety of situations that could be taken for better or for worse. Some of those situations cause me to cringe, and some of the others make me smile despite the turn of events. Life can be a harsh master, but it is one of the best ones I can have ever asked for. In the two plus years that I have been talking with strangers, promoting myself, building myself as a person and model, and stripping for cameras, the stories are great, but the lessons are greater.

    I had a shoot with a photographer who is very involved in Los Angeles and Hollywood PR work. It was one of my first shoots. We decided that we would be shooting test shots for a clothing line I wanted to represent as well as doing a few outdoor nudes in three tier waterfalls (I had never seen my skin turn close to blue before that day). I met the a very energetic young man with a professional air who was geared with a camera bag, two water bottles, and a good sized camera that didn't appear to fit the case hanging from his shoulder. This shoot, to my realization, entailed us walking a solid three or four miles uphill, downhill, across brooks, and through VERY thick brush. As we started out, he found a rock he wanted to shoot me on. Great! The shot would look great if we worked together well. I agreed to get to it. I wasn't aware that the way to reach this large rock was via walking through dry, dense bushes about one hundred feet until I could crawl onto this rock for safety. Truth be told, I was not a happy camper, but I had committed to this shot that he and I wanted. My poor legs rapidly became decorated with scratches and small beads of blood due to only bringing shorts for this particular shoot.

Lesson #1

Always bring pants and good walking shoes when working outdoors. Always. Even if it's "just a short stroll".

     We got some great shots! I was pleased. I quickly skittered back to the path, blazing my own slightly less painful way to safety. Next were the waterfalls. As we walked the sandy trail, we had time to learn more about one another. I asked him about his profession and how he started making his way into the business, if he truly enjoyed what he did, and where he could see himself going. In turn, he asked me the same thing. Our conversation went something like this:

Photographer: What made you start wanting to model?

Me: My parents are getting divorced, and it's ugly. Watching all of that mayhem taught me that life is short, and that I need to do what I want to do. I can't keep pleasing everyone else, and I'm an artist. This is another form of art I want to experience.

Photographer: ... That's a brutally honest answer. I wasn't expecting that.

Me: *shrugs* I enjoy being blunt and honest. Do you tend to get flowery answers?

Photographer: Yeah. I get things about how they want pretty pictures of themselves or their friend is doing it so they want to.

Me: Well, vanity is fun. I'm not going to say no to that. It's more than that to me, though. 

Photographer: I see. Where do you want to go with it?

Me: I can't honestly give you an answer to that at the moment. Not in the sense of "Vogue" or anything. I want to push myself and experience a different culture. I'm fascinated by the industry, and it's definitely a bit of a personal journey.

Photographer: How so?

Me: Ever since I was little, I would take anything anyone ever told me personally and as truth. I knew they were wrong, but I must be wrong about myself if they were seeing something different. So, they must be right. Telling people they were wrong and fighting for myself was weird. I didn't like conflict. So I bit my tongue. It didn't make me happy though.

Photographer: Happiness is very important in life. I'm glad you're making a change. I can see that you have something special. Do you think that you're good at modeling and have a future to it?

Me: I know I'm good at it. I just started a couple months ago, and I already know I'm better than your average model. I'm not trying to be full of myself, but I want to make a career out of this and work very hard for it.

Photographer: Your confidence is great! Are you charging yet?

Me: I want to, but people keep telling me that I'm not ready to yet and that I can't charge what I want to.

Photographer: Let me tell you something - maybe you just need the reminder. Charge what you're worth. You are obviously confident in your skills, and I can see that you have great potential. Never let other people limit you. If you want to charge x amount, do it! You can go as far as you want to.

Lesson #2

Angels come in many forms.

     Prior to the shoot, I had a knock out, heated argument with my parents and was feeling very small. However, whenever I model, a different Aina comes out. One who is happy, strong, confident, and far from small.

     Anyone who knows me personally will know that my parents' divorce is equal to walking on thorns while trying to balance a six tier cake on one's head. My parents have been less than supportive for my choices to varying degrees. I'll write about that at another time. Some people suffer from their significant others tearing them down and leaving them emotionally and mentally battered with their family behind them telling them to leave and coddling them when they need the love. The opposite is true for me. When this photographer told me to not let other people limit me and gave me such a pep talk that I didn't ask for, he didn't realize that he had made me incredibly happy. Later that week, I moved out.

Lesson #3

Your future is not determined by other people. Don't let someone tell you "no".

With Love,

Aina

I've Got the Ball Rolling! - Starting Out

     There are tidbits of knowledge that you will pick up as you work as a model, network, and do your research. If you were like me, you spent a solid amount of time searching the web for words of wisdom from anybody about things I should know, topics I need to cover pre-shoot, how I'm going to present myself as prepared and comfortable, and how to simply not walk into situations blind. The media is great at instilling a level of fear into society - some of it founded, some not. Do not ignore that element of caution, but do not be hindered by it either.

      Let me state one caveat: If you feel the need to walk away, do so and do not wait. Your life and safety is worth more than anything anybody could ever offer you. I'm not talking about, "Oh, you know, I just don't feel comfortable doing this shoot that I agreed to do and have had time to think about how comfortable I am with this type of work." I'm talking about knowing where you stand with yourself, your limits, arriving on set and getting that gut feeling telling you to turn around and walk away from that door (and this can happen at any time during the shoot). Your reasons are your own, and, while I do not endorse flaking, there simply are moments that require you to take care of yourself and listen. If you are paranoid about your safety and listen to all the hype, taking it to writing in stone, do not model. It will drive you insane. I know people who are not models, photographers, anything related to the industry who are driven nuts by the sheer fear factor.

     Back on a positive note and into the business of it all, you must take care of yourself and respect the world you live in. If you gain nothing from the rest of this article, remember this alone:

 

Always be prepared. You are your own brand, business, and company.

• Know Your Basic Needs
• It's a safe bet to say that if you have a four hour shoot ahead of you, or even an hour long one, you may get thirsty. Bring a water bottle. Bring two. Bring something to keep you from fainting from hunger (not a burger or pasta dish - something light and preferably not overbearing in smell).
• Whenever you model, your appearance is a key factor and Photoshop only works post-shoot. Until then, you are your own Photoshop, and you must keep yourself looking exactly as the employer desires. Hairs will stray or not look as full. Curls may fall. Sweat may be a factor. If you're female, Mother Nature may deem that it's time to start shedding another month's of hard work. If you're male, you could be one of the random men that happen to have a tampon or pad on them when they know they work with women on a daily basis (Yes, I have seen it happen a few times - pick your jaw off the keyboard), but by no means must be. Mascara may run. You may not be "shiny" enough (hello, baby oil or vaseline).
• Congratulations! You are human. Humans intake and excrete. Make sure everyone involved has a location agreed upon for bathroom use. Not everyone is comfortable with a bush. Not everyone brings toilet paper. Get my hint?
• Know Your Job Details 
• References are your best friend. If you are approached by someone or would like to work with someone you have never heard of, do some digging! If you can navigate the internet, you can manage to be your own background check. Check references, websites, check references of those references if need be. Particularly on networking sites such as One Model Place and Model Mayhem, you are blind to the person you are working with. The more time you spend in the social circles of your peers (and potential employers/partners), the more you will learn about reputations and the values of them. Also keep mind that my positive experience may not have been Georgia's experience with said make up artist/hair stylist/photographer/model/retoucher/etc. Ask more than one person! People like to talk. Trust me.
• You've received an address to where you will be driving to for your shoot. Great! Google Maps is amazing for it's ability to see street views. If you're new to an area or in any way are unfamiliar with it, Google Map it! It will help prevent you from driving in circles, wasting everyone's time, money, and your gas. If you have questions about which place to go, it also allows you the time and opportunity to inquire the exact location of said shoot.
• I would hope this goes without saying, but we will cover it for the sake of it. Date, time, location, content, who is coming, how long you are shooting, what you need to bring or NOT bring, waiver details, paid or trade, what your face and hair needs to look like, and even nail color are all incredibly important details to know. Ask questions. Don't be shy. If you are a smoker and know you will need smoke breaks during the shoot, bring it up before hand and make sure there is a safe/appropriate location to smoke! It's unprofessional to be in the middle of a shoot, stand up, and state that you need to take ten minute smoke breaks four times within an hour and a half. It annoys everyone, wastes time, and breaks up the dynamic. 
• Basic Manners
• Look people in the eye and have a firm handshake
• Stand up straight! You are your own resume and artistic piece!
• Do not yell, speak over someone, or nearly whisper while communicating. All are annoying and take away brownie points.
• Procrastination isn't useful. Ever.
• Address what you need to address. Be sociable! Smile.
• Be honest. Be genuine. Be you.
• Be aware of your surroundings for the simple fact of knowing where everything is located should it be needed and not wanting to get lost.
• Deliver. Do your job. Do it with a great attitude. No one invites back a lazy person, a grumpy person, or a walking drama tv show.
• Listen.

     Those are three of the most important topics I deem necessary when communicating and starting out as a model, starting any form of communication. It truly isn't hard to use your brain, trust your gut, and make sure you cover all of your bases. Body language, eye contact, and appearance all make and form impressions - especially with people you have just met. Be on your best behavior for you are present to do a job. Oh, and always remember to take breaks if you need them. A dead model is a useless model.

With Much Love,

Aina <3

I Want to Be a Model! Can I?

     Congratulations!

     From one established model to you, I applaud you for acknowledging your desire and dream of modeling! Like yourself, I enjoy being vain and creating gorgeous pictures - even more so if I get paid for it! High fashion, glamour, lifestyle, artistic nude, cosplay, pregnancy, beauty, and fitness are only a few aspects of the industry you will be exposed to and have likely already done research on. Perhaps you were like me and have spent hours flipping through hundreds of pictures, slowly deciding as to which genres you would like to dip your feet into and which ones make your bristle, if any. Whether or not you initially decided that this was a field for you or not, you've apparently become interested as you've started doing research as to how to get started.

     This blog post will not cover how to get started in the field. However, I will tell you how to get started with yourself as a person. The points I have listed below will give you some considerations as you begin this journey and thought process. While the choices are ultimately yours, these recommendations come from a model who has been in the industry for over two years and a variety of experiences, good, bad, and the random.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

      1. Your choices will make and break you. No one else is responsible for you other than you.

                 This is a general life lesson that we all must accept - regardless of our age and whether or not we are "allowed" to do something. If you become a success in whatever you do in life or manage to drive yourself into a corner with no place to go, it is your responsibility to pick yourself up and figure it out. Perchance someone will be nearby and willing to help. There also is the possibility you will be surrounded by a crowd of people with not a single hand being offered. What does this have to do with being a model? You will find opportunities to make big bucks - I won't lie to you. You will find people who are willing to pay a hefty price for something they want from you. What you invest your time into will be your reputation and character. Thoughts result in action. Learn to recognize where you want to go and your limitations.

     2. How do you see yourself and the world?

                 As we go through life, we experience a variety of beliefs, cultures, and feelings. For me, modeling helped me get in touch with how I saw myself on multiple levels. It was part of an ongoing journey of me figuring out who I am, what makes me tick, and how I function. A heads up as you grow as a human being in heart and body, you never finish growing. Never expect to be "finished". I encourage you to dig deep into your mind. Spend time alone with yourself and think about you. When I first started as a model, I had decided that I could damn well do what I please and fulfill my dreams if I so pleased. Modeling was also a distraction from a very toxic and violent family divorce. It gave me a creative outlet. Most importantly, modeling was me being selfish and starting a new journey for myself regardless of what others thought. The world was beautiful outside of my insane parent drama. Yes, of course, nothing is ever always rainbows, butterflies, pixie dust, and golden sun. Realizing where I stood with myself and the world would/did/continues to help me be accountable to myself and make my decisions.

     3. Spiritual, mental, and physical health are equally important. 

                 Modeling, in many ways, is centered around vanity at some point. The industry wants pretty people and pretty pictures and pretty colors and pretty this and pretty that. The industry has endless comments, standards, and ideas of vanity as well. I would be fooling you, the reader, if I did not admit that a person may or may not be chosen due to their physical aspects. I, for example, do not have large breasts by any means. My buttocks is larger than my chest. This natural state of my body has led me to receive declines to casting calls - if not being ignored all together. My height reaches a perfect 5'2" which is not tall enough for most runway work. The numbers on the scale, the measurements around the waist, the dress size, shoe size, hair color, skin color, etc, are all equally important details as you make your way through this industry. However, the value is very little if your spiritual, mental, and physical health are not in check. Do not let the opinions of others sway your love for yourself. It isn't wise nor kind to degrade yourself simply because another human being has different preferences. Take care of yourself. Being pretty isn't even half the battle. I promise. There is a market for everything, and your most important buyer is yourself.                            

     4. Be BOLD.

                 Learn to say no, professionally and respectfully. Speak up if you are uncomfortable or need a break. Share your passion with equally passionate people. Do not surround yourself with negative talk. Be realistic, then forget it. Be ambitious, then be realistic about the steps to getting there. Find your niché. Make mistakes, then learn from them and realize that you should make mistakes. Give yourself permission to feel how you want to feel - feelings are not wrong. Sleep for eight hours. Eat responsibly (notice I didn't say "healthy"). Push your limits. Discover yourself. Lose yourself. Find yourself again.

     Modeling is not an easy task for anybody. The most successful models have worked incredibly hard  and continue to do so. Modeling is full of acceptors, exceptions, rejectors, hate, love, and anything else you can think of. As you continue thinking about your decision to model, do so with a heart of love towards yourself, a thick skin, an open mind, and patience. Stand your ground according to your morals, ethics, and beliefs, and refuse hasty decisions. Trust yourself, try yourself, and be true to yourself.

With <3,

Aina

                                           

                                                            Photographer: MSlygh