{"id":4489,"date":"2019-07-31T15:36:57","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T13:36:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cherrydeck.com\/blog\/?p=4489"},"modified":"2019-11-11T17:18:37","modified_gmt":"2019-11-11T16:18:37","slug":"5-models-answer-to-5-questions-insights-from-mika-van-winkle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cherrydeck.com\/blog\/5-models-answer-to-5-questions-insights-from-mika-van-winkle\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Models Answer to 5 Questions — EP. 3 Industry Insights from Mika Van Winkle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the series “5 Models Answer 5 Questions” different models share their experience and key advice when it comes to working in the fashion industry. Today, Mika Van Winkle<\/a> brings a feminine perspective into the topic.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Having studied communications and nutrition, Mika Van Winkle<\/a> never thought she would one day be one of the many models in New York City. Although modelling was never a career she wanted to pursue, it is now over a decade since she started in the fashion industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this interview, we talk about her career, do’s and don’ts, and the importance of self-care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The state of your mind is important – if you\u2019re nervous, it will inevitably show in your body language. Try to work on staying calm and present in your own body. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\"Models<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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First of all, could you please describe yourself briefly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name is Mika Van Winkle, and I\u2019m a half-Japanese half-American model. I grew up first in Japan then the US, and am now based in New York. I\u2019ve been in the modelling industry for over a decade, and over the course of my career I have lived and worked in the US, Asia, and Europe. I also completed my BA at NYU and graduate program at Tufts University in communications and nutrition. I\u2019m passionate about health and well-being, and am a certified yoga trainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What were the key steps you took to become a professional model?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modelling was not a career I ever meant to pursue, but I was \u201cdiscovered\u201d when I was fifteen in my hometown of Seattle. The owner of a local agency saw me walking with friends, and came up to me and asked, \u201cHow tall are you?\u201d I thought he was crazy.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the main do’s and don’ts when showcasing yourself to an agency?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main thing is to go as your most natural self. No hair extensions, crazy make-up, extravagant outfits, etc. They just want to see what you look like! Dress simply with minimal make-up, bring a pair of heels, and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you meet with them, they will let you know if they\u2019re interested. If they\u2019re not, do not be discouraged – just because one agency may not be the right fit for you does not mean that another will not be! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you master the art of posing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I suppose like anything practice makes perfect. Use the mirror in the beginning so you can see how certain poses feel and look. The state of your mind is important – if you\u2019re nervous, it will inevitably show in your body language. Try to work on staying calm and present in your own body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Models<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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When working as a professional model, what are some of the aspects attached that people do not always see?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may seem like all photoshoots and glamour, you must also educate yourself in understanding and negotiating contracts as well as managing finances. This is a business after all, and things can get complicated fast when you\u2019re working with different agencies and clients all over the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice would you give to your younger self if you knew what you know today?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put your health and well-being first and enjoy the process! I would tell myself to be present instead of focusing on whether I was and that it is okay to take time for self-care. I never imagined that I would be in the industry for so long, and at times it can be hard on the body and mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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