| model
citizen >>> chanel ryan
| widemag
proudly candidly interviews on a monthly basis, the most interesting and dynamic
people on the the web.
Chanel
Ryanmodel
Interview by: silverio pantalla
Who
is Chanel Ryan?
I am a Model/actress based in Los Angeles. I started my own production
company earlier this year called: Babes With Brains. My first
project was the CHANEL 2004 Calendar and DVD, then a series
of posters.
I
am also writing a book which is a guide for aspiring models filled with
advice, shortcuts and trade secrets I wish someone would have told me
as well as stories about some of my experiences - some of them funny
, some great , some awful! And am working on a series of exercise videos
which will be release in time for next Christmas!
Is
modeling all that you thought it would be?
Modeling is not what I want to do forever but is a great stepping
stone to branch off into other careers, acting, hosting starting my
own swimwear/workout line, writing books; and all the perks that come
along with it are pretty amazing!
There
are not many other jobs I can think of that have some of the benefits
that come along with it. Traveling to beautiful locations and staying
in first class accomodations. Free clothes, make-up, shoes, hair products
etc, etc, etc!! I am constantly invited to all sorts of great parties,
events and movie premiers! I meet a lot of interesting people. And the
money is not bad either!
Why
do you feel that you that you have an advantage over other models?
Do I have an advantage over other models?! If I do it would
be only that I view modeling as a business and a stepping stone to help
me achieve my goals.
Which
magazine photoshoot do you feel most proud?
The print job that I am most proud of would be the CHANEL
2004 calendar.
I learned
so much producing this calendar. I did everything from start to finsih
myself from helping with the swimwear designs, hiring the photographer
and make-up artist, to choosing the locations, and handling all the
productions coordinating, to choosing the final images, and of course
modeling for the whole thing!
It was
my first calendar and I made some mistakes but had a great time! It
is a really empowering feeling to have a vision and see it all come
together. It's like a drug!
What
would be the ultimate(or dream) magazine photoshoot?
The cover of Maxim magazine because it is the
first really sexy, edgy, current magazine of that type that I ever came
in contact with. It has been around the longest (that I know of anyway)
and in a way is the mother of all the other mags. I remember checking
out Maxim and thinking wow! These girls are hot!
If
you could meet anyone living or dead; who would that be and why?
Goldie Hawn. She has this amazing positive energy that just
draws people to her. She is successful, intelligent, gorgeous, funny
and seems to have an amazing relationship with her man and kids. She
seems to be a genuinely happy person who has it all and has figured
out how to juggle everything. I would love to ask her how she does it!!
If
you had to choose one outfit: what would it look-like?
One outfit! You are talking to the girl who overpacks
when she goes camping! If I absolutely had to choose I would say jeans
and a sexy top. I love to dress up but am much more comfortable and
myself in my old levi's and a little top!
What
kind of advise would you give someone starting out in the business?
Have fun no matter what you do and remember it's just a job
you can't let it define you!
Do
you have any secrets for your success?
If I told you it wouldn't be a secret anymore!
Who
have been some of your main influences as a model and as a person?
I love Pam Anderson and Carmen Electra for
being sooo sexy and not taking themselves to seriously. I really admire
Kathy Ireland for all her business ventures such as her clothing
line, acting career , fitness videos. Cindy Margolis for her
entrepreneurial sense. Not only is she beautiful, but she is incredibly
smart and business savvy! I would love to some day accomplish the things
they have.
How
was your experience with Howard Stern? The show..etc
The
Howard Stern Show was crazy! Nothing prepares you for it! You can't
take anything they say to seriously. You just have to have fun, laugh
and go with it, and remember they will do anything to get ratings!
I was visiting my family in New Jersey when it aired on E! and
they of course found out (much to my horror!) My Aunt Jo called every
one of my relatives, including my Dad, and all of her friends. I hate
to watch myself anyway, and this is not the kind of show you watch with
your family especially when you are the guest in the hot seat!
My
Aunt was really cool and we just hid downstairs with a bottle of wine
watching it together!
Where
do you see yourself 10 years from now?
In
ten years from now I hope to be living in the country somewhere running
the CHANEL empire from my home office overlooking a rambling
creek!!
Traveling
to the city periodically for whatever business venture I might be working
on be it a movie, commercial, fitness video, etc - you get the picture!
All
photos and graphics courtesy of Chanel Ryan and published with permission.
| 
