I had the pleasure of meeting Natalie at the start of her modeling career.  We shot several times in 2013 and once in 2015.  We lost touch in 2014 at the same time her career took off.  Appearing in magazine after magazine she’s now headed to NY to audition for NYFW.
The BC born girl is tall, slender and striking, She fits the stereotypical ideal of a model. However, I was quite shocked when she said she felt she has an unusual look. Perplexed, I pressed for details and she shared the bone structure of her face and her thin lips give her a different look. Instead of  being self-conscience she said ,“Don’t try to be a Barbie doll, love yourself for who you are and find a market/agency that likes your look.”
One aspect of modeling that’s often overlooked is personality.  Reality shows like “The Face” and “America/Canada/Britain’s Next Top Model” have emphasized (and perhaps manufactured) the dramatic and catty side of modeling. However it's the kind, attentive, polite, fun, hardworking models that get hired repeatedly.  Add in a dash of good natured optimism and close family ties and you’ve just met Natalie.  She smiles easily and isn’t afraid to work hard.

SR: You’re headed to NYC. How were you invited to NYFW?
NL: Photographers saw my work on Instagram and contacted me. They know designers at NYFW.

SR: How did Smart Model Management (SMM) discover you?
NL: They found me on Instagram also. They’re organizing my schedule and are scheduling castings, auditions, fashion film shoots and photo shoots. 

SR: Will there be photos of you on the runway?
NL: It’s a possibility but not a guarantee.

SR: How are you preparing for your big trip?
NL: SMM put together a Press Kit for me. I’ve been going to the gym every day. I’m making sure I eat healthy meals and drink lots of water. I’ve also been messaging photographers to let them know I’m coming.

SR: How long have you been modeling?
NL: I started modeling seriously 3 years ago.

SR: Do you have a website?
NL: No I don’t. Instagram is my main promotional tool. I also use Facebook.

SR: What advice would share with models starting their career?
NLa: Get out as much as possible and promote yourself. Go to all the fashion events you can. Talk to people and give out your business and comp cards.
b. Meet with a few agencies before signing with one. It’s easy to be flattered when an agency wants to sign you but it may not be the best fit so it’s best to explore your options.
c. Realize that modeling is hard work. It’s a lifestyle. It means changing your diet and exercising regularly.
d. Be careful when selecting photographers. Do a background check and have your agent or parents look at their work.
e. Also love yourself for who you are. It’s not about being a Barbie doll. Rather than change yourself, try to find a market that finds your look appealing. What they want in NY is different from Tokyo. Do your research and an agent can help you find markets that cater to your look.

SR: What expectations do you have about NY?
NL: I want to leave it open to see what comes but I would hope to visit with designers, wear their clothes, shoot a lookbook and walk in some fashion shows.

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Photo caption
01: Ariel from the Little Mermaid  in Brilliant’s charity fundraiser
02: An Uptown Girl in Yaletown!
03:  Natalie’s 1st appearance in Asian Pacific Post March 2013
04: An impromptu shoot when the designer’s dress didn’t fit.

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