Interview: Model Sandra Iñigo (Denmark)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Sandra Inigo. I am 23 years old, and I live in Denmark. I am born in Denmark, but I have Filipina roots. My mother is from the Philippines and my father is from Denmark. I feel so enlightened and lucky being mixed by two cultures. Growing up I understood lots of things quite differently than my friends because of my background. I am currently studying Education Science at Aarhus University, while I in my spare time work with the elders and try to manage my time modelling, having fun and travelling.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I believe that every person is unique and therefore I try my best to be the best version of myself and work with what I have been given. I only want to improve myself to the better and reach my goals. But if I have to say one thing: I would love to change the fact that I can’t stop spending all my money on snacks.

How did you start modeling?

That’s actually a funny story. It all began when I was 15 and I stood in a line in my local bank. Out of nowhere, a lady – very little, old and only dressed in green clothes approached me. She had no teeth and did not speak Danish or English very well. I thought she was a lost tourist, but she then pointed at my legs and said: “You have to take pictures of your legs and send it to Copenhagen”. Copenhagen is the capital and it was so weird, that she was all about my legs, because today I don’t really like posing with my legs. But this old green lady insisted and said, that she was a fashionista and makeup artist from Italy. She wrote her name on a piece of paper and drew my face on it as well. I didn’t call her back, but I still got that paper today. Some years after that I met a girl, I used to go dumpster diving with because we both were poor students. She happened to be a photographer and we had my very first shoot. In 2016 I also met this old and creepy man on the street. He said that he could see the dead and predict the future. He then looked very deeply into my eyes and said: “In six months you will get in trouble. And you will use your face in the future”. Six months after that I got in trouble, and today I use my face.

What do you think of the work as a model?

I think that the work of a model sometimes is very underestimated – especially by people who don’t know the modelling industry. Being a model is fun, challenging, glamorous but also very hard and it can get tough as well. For me it’s about showing a specific feeling and acting in front of the camera. It’s about being someone else and sometimes just me.

What is your beauty regimen?

My eight hours of sleep is the most important for me. Without it I feel completely useless. Furthermore, I drink two liters of water every single day while I try to only eat white bread, sugar and drink alcohol etc. in the weekends. I should definitely exercise a lot more than I currently do. I try to use products without perfume, and I recommend others to explore and find products that fit their skin and hair type, since we all have different kinds of needs.

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

I am not a quitter. When I say that I want to do something – I literally do it. I am very motivated when people say, that they don’t believe in my plans or dreams or sometimes say, that I want to accomplish too much. They then use arguments as “you need to take care of yourself”. When you dream out loud some people get scared, because they are afraid to do it themselves. They then want you to stop doing what you’re doing, because it seems impossible for them. I am currently working on a book about my life, because so much exciting, crazy and amazing stuff have happened already. A few people have supported me in that. But a lot of people will support me, when they see me standing with that book in my hand. And that’s the scary part.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans right now are to finish my book, my education and travel some more. Hopefully I will reach new lengths with my modelling and live a happily ever after.

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?

One of my favorite experiences so far has been my participation in the finals at Miss Universe Denmark. I met beautiful girls who all gave me a new perspective upon life.

Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?

Find a good photographer and keep on practicing in front of the mirror. Join modelling pages on Facebook and don’t ever think, that you’re finished practicing, because you can always get better. Maybe participate in a workshop with some other models and photographers that can give you advice.

What do you think of the magazine?

It’s so wonderful that this magazine exposes so many talented and gorgeous models and photographers who are just doing what they love. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get inspired by each other and improve their work. I am so grateful to be a part this publication. Thank you so much for your amazing work!

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