Have you ever wanted to to talk to a model and ask them all of your burning questions about the modeling world and its effect on the real world? I was able to do so recently! Monica Olsen began modeling at the age of 14 and soon found herself relocating from Canada to NYC. Monica has since been featured on countless magazine covers including Elle and Cosmopolitan, various commercials, ad campaigns, etc… Today, Monica resides in Los Angeles, CA with her rocker husband and has her own skin care product line, Skin by Monica. I learned a lot about her line too. It’s all below!
You entered the modeling world at the early age of 14, but did you ever consider going into modeling prior to?
Well, I had people at school and family friends tell me that I was really tall and I should be a model but I never really considered it. I had a really laid back life and it didn’t occur to me to model until my neighbor who was a photographer started taking pictures of me and submitted me to an agency. I was busy doing sports and everything before.
Have you noticed at all if over the years that modeling agencies have changed their standards and requirements weight wise?
I came along when Kate Moss was really popular so for me it was very hard. NY was harsher from where I grew up. Kudos to Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and the women who have curves that believe that this is how they are and this is how it should be. When I was in NY, it was probably one of the toughest time as far as weight goes. Curves were not in. I am glad that it is slowly coming back though. I encourage the media to reinforce that a real woman has a shape to her.
What did you notice early on and even now about models’ self esteem?
That’s the part that I didn’t really get…the constant being preoccupied of your weight and what you eat. I was pretty lucky because I have a good metabolism. I never starved myself but I knew people who had battled with anorexia. I was very grounded though. There is a very shallow aspect to the industry but I try to do my best and always stay healthy. We all of our insecurities but I am so glad that my parents put their foot down. Nothing is worth your health and happiness.
Was your self esteem really effected when you got into modeling?
I would be lying if I said no. When I went to NY and was told that my chest was too big for what was acceptable, it kind of put me back. At times, I would be told that I should be a size zero. That irked me a bit. All throughout though I try to keep a level head. I just think, this is me and I am lucky to be here and I just want to do my best and move on.
So what do you have to say to the girls who try to look like models?
All of these magazines have the best re-touchers. Don’t think that is 100% realistic. They can make your lips look bigger, make you look thinner, everything. There is a lot put into these photos post production after the hair, makeup, and photos are taken. Be accepting of yourself. Look at the qualities you have and celebrate yourself.
Sex sells but how far is too far when it comes to the modeling jobs that you take?
That is a really good question. I have been in positions where I had such opportunities such as Playboy and I have never considered them. Being married and being a mom, I just want to keep that side of me private. Nudity is something that if you are comfortable with it is okay. There are certain well known photographers who have asked me to go somewhat nude and if it is classy, and you feel okay with it then go for it. Just always remember that whatever you do in life, especially nowadays with social networking sites, you will be tied to it. There are some girls doing really stupid things out there and it is coming out on the internet. Think twice because you never know where you are going to end up.
Is there anything that really sticks out about the modeling world that you wish you knew when you were 14?
Oh gosh. I think the image of the industry is all too glamorous. When I was in NY I was in a loft where there was no air conditioning and I had to walk about 30 flights of stairs. I am really thankful for the opportunity but behind the scenes it is not always glamorous. People should enter this industry with their eyes wide open. There are a lot of people that linger around and promise you the moon so you have to keep your eyes open, be focused on what you want, and never compromise who you are.
Do you have a favorite photographer that you have worked with?
One of my favorites right now is a friend of mine, Justin Monroe. I really appreciate photographers that think outside of the box and want to be creative. Photographers who go out of the boundaries I appreciate so much! I appreciate so many types of photography, it is hard to say.
Who is your favorite designer?
That varies as well. I like Marc Jacobs. I like so many different designers though.
What makes skin care products (SKIN BY MONICA) organically and environmentally pure?
I didn’t want any chemicals in the line. The other thing is that there are certain natural ingredients that aren’t beneficial to you because they don’t belong on your skin or can be irritating. The line has ingredients that are an added benefit to your skin other than just moisture. It repairs your skin. I love Methyl Sufanol Methane (MSM) which is a mineral that helps hydrate the skin. I like to wash my face without stripping it and drying it. It is like a breath of fresh air. I got really technical and scientific with this line.
Did you always know that you wanted your line to be available for men and women of all ages?
Yes, I wanted it for the whole family. Also, I believe everyone should treat their skin as it is sensitive baby skin.
What was your favorite part about going to NY Film Academy?
My favorite part was learning the craft of acting since I had little formal training acting. Not only were we developing various techniques but we learned how to find our own techniques. There is no one good way of acting. The whole history of acting was interesting as well. The highlight was the teachers. It was really nice to work with directors as well. It is really important for actors to know what it is like to work with directors since you will be working with them. NY Film Academy did a great thing bringing the two together when filming on the lot and coaching us.
Can you tell me about the documentary that is currently in pre-production in South Africa?
That documentary is taking place in Johannesburg. This was brought to me because they needed a female reporter. Because it is so dangerous and I was sick, I was never able to go down there. I think the world really needs to know what is going on there. It will definitely be an eye opener for everyone.
What has been your favorite country to travel to?
I love parts of China. I really enjoy Hong Kong. I like the culture and food. Argentina is so very European but with a South American flare. I love Portugal. I love it all. I have an appetite for travel and new cultures.
How many languages can you speak?
My husband says I speak 7 but I think I speak 5 fluently. I speak Russian, Hungarian, Polish, French, Spanish, Italian, and English. I went to a French school for 12 years. I am working on my Italian. I’m a linguistic. I grew up learning many different languages. My parents speak so many different languages and every time they didn’t want my sister and I to know what they were saying, they would talk in German or any other language we did not understand.
When did you get into pilates and yoga?
I got into yoga when I lived in NY and had a stressful lifestyle. I went to a yoga studio downtown. I seriously got into it when I was 21/22 years old. The benefits are tremendous. Pilates was recommended to me because I am tall and I had back issues. I incorporated pilates into my workout about 2 years ago.
What do you have going on right now?
I have a project that will be announced at San Diego Comic Con. It was something that fell into my lap. I love science fiction. I love escapism. I have been to Comic Con before and I watch the Saturn Awards, etc… I really try to do things that I am interested in so I am really going after what I love.