model citizen >>> laura alicia

How long have you been a model and what made you decide to become one?
I started modeling when I was 14. That makes it on and off for 20 years! I was living in Hong Kong when I started. Dad worked for a major oil corporation which took use there.

I heard about the opportunities and thought it would be a fun thing to do, so I just waked into the agencies and started working! I did really well when I started. Within six months I was working under professional rates while other, and more popular girls in my school, were the background. It was unreal!

I had many opportunities to go to NYC with some of the clients, but didn't see modeling as a way of life easily come by. I guess I shouldn't have listened to what people told me. I think you should follow any opportunity you can - that old saying "Follow your Dreams" lol I started my site about a year ago. It started out as an easier way to get pictures out - and has grown fast!

How is it like to be a model in Las Vegas?
It is a great central location in Vegas. If you want to do convention work - this is the place to be! I prefer print commercial though! Flying in and out of Vegas is easy and LA is close by. The internet has really opened the market place back up!

What projects do you feel best describes you as a model?
Commercial - editorial - lifestyle.... Though I tend to get quite a bit of bikini requests! Lol....

What has been your most exciting gig as a model?
When I was younger, I did Wrangler print and commercial which was all over the orient, TV, posters - so I would have to say that and Sahara Club which was backlight i all the underground railways... more recently? I am the 2001 Crank Up Scaffolding girl (www.crankupscaffolding.com)!

We made a 2001 poster size calendar and I am in all the prints ads as well as asked to appear at shows and conventions throughout the year! The people I work for are great and the places I have been so far (Florida, Alabama, North Carolina) were so much fun! I stayed a few days after Alabama so I could see Nashville - did the same in North Carolina! I tend to spend what I make where I make it so I can take advantage of seeing new places!

What is your most important goal in life as a woman?
To become a better person - discovering my spirituality, doing what is "right", touching people in my life in a positive way, accept things I cannot change, understand that no matter how hard I try - people will do what people will do... but trust anyway, hold no grudges, and be a friend always.

What is the biggest misunderstanding about yourself?
I am pretty straightforward and sometimes rather blunt. I think that leads to misunderstanding. I am someone who prefers not to beat around the bush and respects others to be the same way. I can take bad news, not excuses.

Who have been some of your main influences?
Bill and Babbs Neal - my rodeo coaches in highschool (Bill has since past on and I lost touch with Babbs) they were great people. They happen also to be Mormon and lived their life accordingly - shared their beliefs without being pushy, led exemplary lives, cared for all of those around them even through rough times. They were so unjudgemntal.I also love Roy Rogers and all that he represented.

I love how Sandra Bullock handles herself. Irregardless if I "Make it Big" or not - I like how she is and would love to be like her.

Tell me about your upcoming projects, activities and or events
I am in the running for the Xtreme-Talent.com Miss Xtreme title...doing well so far! I would be at extreme sports events through out the USA! How fun! In the HitTheBeach.com competition too - tough competition, but the chance to go to the islands for finals is worth trying!

I also am going to be at a model and Import Car Expo in September in San Francisco. Details will be on my site when I get them. I am trying to get some new products (posters and such) to sell!

Finally, doing several exciting projects with some great photographers and looking fo ran agent who will help me more. I have been free lancing and it is hard work!

All photos and graphics courtesy of www.lauramartin.com and published with permission.