Interview: Model Mary Laxina (Belgium)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I'm 29 years old. I studied Philosophy minor in Clinical Psychology at a University in the Philippines. Now, I'm studying International Business Management in Antwerp, Belgium. I moved to Europe since 2014.

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

I would want to change my height. I have an average Asian height but as a model, if I am taller, I could do a lot more projects and have more opportunities.

How did you start modelling?

It all started as a fun shoot. My best friend is a photographer and another friend of ours is a make-up artist, so we decided to do a fun shoot with me as model. The result of the photos was amazing. After publishing it online, some photographers noticed me and asked me to model for them. One shoot led to another, more offers came along and sometimes I do commercials and I did one short film.

What do you think of the work as a model?

I love working as a model. It's just like playing while working and yet being so passionate about it. I can express myself in different ways when I'm in front of the camera. And I also use it as an escape from reality. Whenever I'm stress out from my normal job or exams, I like to do photoshoots so I could live that different part of my world where everything seems so perfect.

What is your beauty regimen?

I don't have a special beauty regimen. I just wash my face and use moisturizer, that's it. Although I don't use makeup every day. I only put makeup for special occasions or when I go out. I don't really like the feeling of it on my face for long hours. In terms of keeping my body in shape, I regularly go to the gym. I just love working out. But I also love eating just as much. I don't have any special diet. I eat a lot and I'm always hungry, so I balance it out by working out.

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

I would say that I'm the kind of person who always speaks her truth. When I believe in something, I always stand my ground on it. I know that one of my qualities that people know me by or kind of my personal brand, is that I'm a feminist. The kind of feminist who studied feminism and have valid arguments about it. In line with this, as I have been told, argumentation skills are one of my strong qualities. I like engaging in conversations that are intellectually stimulating. I do have an open mind to see different perspectives and learn something new.

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?

My favorite experience as a model so far is when I joined the Top Model Belgium 2019. I was one of the finalists that competed in Paris. I walked the runway in front of well-known people in the modelling industry – photographers, hosts, celebrities, models, designers, and people who are in the same network. It was so surreal. It was the best experience ever.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to continue modelling for as long as I can. Build my network and in the future, I hope that I would be able to create a business in this industry in a sustainable way.

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

Yes. Believe in yourself. Work hard and be professional. Be friend your photographers and make-up artists. They will make your life easier and help you towards your goal. Don't let the opinion of others stop you from doing what you love. Take the risk but learn to say no when you're not comfortable in doing something. Speak and share your creativity with your team. They will appreciate it.

What do you think of the magazine?

I love this magazine. I was published last year here as well. It's a good online platform for models to show their work in a larger scale. I like seeing these photos because it gives me inspiration and motivation.

Website: www.marylaxina.com

Facebook: Mary Laxina

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary_laxina/