I first met Xana (pronounced Shana), in a small computer class in August 2016. The only spot left in class was next to this tall, delicate looking girl with a beautiful tan, and an even more beautiful face. We quickly became friends as she has a very light and playful spirit that compliments my silly weird self quite well. Xana and I continued to become closer and closer over our time studying at LaSalle, bonding over photography, clothing, life outlooks, love, friendships, and most of all our desire to have fun and create. Xana and I used to (still sometimes will) leave class to go get a good picture for Instagram, I know… I’m rolling my eyes as well. But truthfully it is fun, and with Xana it was even more fun, I am one who prefers to be behind the lens and Xana makes this the easiest thing. her effortless beauty and silly nature makes her a dream to photograph. It is truly no surprise that Xana has now decided to sign to an agency.
Below you will get a glimpse into Xana’s experience and mentality when it comes to modelling in a day that is more competitive than ever. Enjoy!
fff: Xana, when did you first realize you wanted to be a model?
X: Oh, thats tricky. It wasn’t something that was an obvious decision like many people think. Growing up I was actually quite funny looking, I was much too tall and thin which led me to look a little off balance and awkward ‘haha’. It was only later in high school where I started to come into my own, that was also when Instagram was really taking off with heavy use of influencers… so at this point everyone was already taking pictures of themselves constantly, it was from this that I realized I enjoyed it and was actually quite good at it. But before all this I wanted to be a painter and a mother ‘haha’, very simple.
fff: How did you get started Modelling, was it solely through Instagram?
X: Well, it really all started with Instagram, having friends who were interested in photography and couldn’t afford paying an actual model would hit me up to shoot. At first I would say no, unless it was someone I was very comfortable with… I felt very shy at the beginning, still do today. So I really got a lot of practice from this, and Instagram is actually how I got discovered by Montage, the agency I’m signed with. That being said, my sister Zara is an amazing photographer and studied it in University and would often use me for her projects, which was amazing as she is one of the most creative and loving people I’ve ever met. So to work with someone who has her level of skill as an amatuer model was amazing practice for me, I think that really helped me get into the mindset of the photographer as well as the model.
fff: How do you keep a healthy mentality as a Model? any tips?
X: Ah, good question. This is something that is a forever struggle, not just as a model but as a person in today’s society. I am definitely someone who can get sucked into the world of comparison, and as a model that is a huge part of my job, it can be challenging to be sitting in a casting with beautiful women around you and not question yourself… but you really have to remind yourself daily, that you are made perfectly. You are you for a reason and the people that you need to be around will see it and feel it and chose to work with you, or spend their time with you etc. I’m a big believer in that truly, and that helps me stay sure of myself… its not easy but it helps. Also, really giving my body what it needs. enough sleep, meditation, water, and food… both healthy and junk is important.
fff: What do you love so much about Montreal Fashion, and being a model immersed in it?
X: Oh, I love this question. Montreal fashion is so unique, as unique as the city itself. Montreal is truly such a melting pot in so many aspects, music, art, culture, and fashion its hard to compare us to another city because we are all so eclectic as a whole. That’s really what I love about Montreal Fashion, we are never all following just one trend… even if we are you can see so many different unique twist to it, it’s always so fresh and inspiring. Being a model within Montreal is amazing because every job is so incredibly different, and I constantly get to work with amazing stylist who play with the versatility of Montreal.
fff: Where do you see Montreal heading when it comes to Fashion?
X: Ou, Montreal is really making waves right now in the industry. We have so many amazing Montreal Brands that have created a name for themselves across North America, like JJJJound, Saintwoods, Dime., and so many others. We have definitely surpassed Toronto when it comes to local houses that are killing it. We are even giving local New York Brands a run for their money. I really think the dedication to the art and the city is what is truly differentiating us, I know just between you and I everything we want to do is solely for the pureness of creating and keeping it local and in Montreal. I feel like a lot of us feel this way and its driving us all forward as individuals and a city.
fff: You just briefly touched upon this, But what is it that Inspires you to succeed in this industry?
X: Simple, I enjoy what I’m doing and I want to be able to do this for as long as the industry would let me… so until I’m 30 ‘haha’. But truly, it is when I feel most myself, and that is a very addictive feeling. I love to work with people that inspire me, seeing how many amazing creatives we have in our city and learning how their minds work, and watching their drive propel them forward is something I want to be around for the rest of my life.
I hope you guys enjoyed my little conversation Xana as much as I did, she is truly such a genuine and kind person and to work with her in any manner is always so fun and leaves me feeling so fortunate. I am always reminded of how important it is to take care of your mental well being as well as physical. In today’s society we are so over stimulated, with social media and technology it is important to take a step back and allow yourself to just be. I only allow myself 1hr of social media every second day in order to keep my mind in my present. let me know what you guys think of this interview and some tips or tricks you guys have for keeping a mentally healthy mind.
See you next week for our interview with Montreal Designer Noah.
dearly,
fff.
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