Interview: Model Shariza Tamara (Netherlands)

Can you tell us something about you?

My name is Shariza, in the modeling world I'm known to some as Shariza Tamara. I'm 40 years old, half Antillean, living in the Netherlands and I work in care for the disabled.

In addition, I love to travel far and express my creativity through (TFP) shoots, making my own (models) websites and (digital) models business cards.

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

To be honest, I'm quite happy with myself. I went through some beautiful personal developments. In my opinion as a human being you are always evolving. For example, I used to be very insecure; I grew up having pimples and weighing 25 kilos heavier then I do now; I didn't feel comfortable in my own body. Entirely on my own strength I created a different lifestyle for myself, which made me lose weight. Discipline and hope for the better had set me on the right track. As a positive result, I was also able to advise many people in my social network about this, which I found very valuable.

What are your good qualities, and your less good ones?

I often hear from friends that I can express myself well on an emotional level and I'm also very empathetic to others.

The lesser ones… well I can be quite forgetful. I'm very organizational, so I have ideas all the time (light bulbs I call them). I don't want to forget any of them so always write them down for convenience.

How did you get started as a model?

Because I had lost 25 kilos, I wanted to have the results recorded. Through a friend I experienced my first TFP shoot in 2009, which made me delve into the TFP world, built up a network, after which many other fun shoots followed. The nice thing about that was that I contributed the concept myself, put together teams and often took care of my own styling and make-up. Because of this I have met many new people and experienced a diversity of special experiences for which I want to thank everyone ♡.

I get a lot of pleasure & enthusiasm from modeling so I don't consider it to be work. The preparatory work, expressing creativity & everything coming together as I had planned, makes it a passion for me!

My slogans: Loving the camera; Step inn a different world, Expressing creativity, Amaze yourself.

What do you think of working as a model?

I've done mostly TFP shoots and a few commercials through casting agencies. I notice that it is quite difficult to get a good paid assignment since the competition is quite large. In addition is it difficult to combine my permanent job in care. You must be able to be flexible for modeling work. Because of this I unfortunately had to let go of many paid assignments, so I wasn't able to show enough of myself.

What is your beauty regimen?

I drink a lot of natural teas, eat a lot of vegetables and other healthy products (but of course I also sin sometimes ;) ), I rub my face daily with 100% almond oil and sunscreen (even though it is winter) and I walk for at least 2 hours every day . I also try to give myself a rest, in which I don't always succeed haha..

What are your plans for the future?

I want to see even more of the world. I've already had several beautiful trips including Thailand, Vietnam, New York, South Africa and Curaçao.

What are some of your favorite experiences to date?

One of the special things I found was the shoot weekend in Prague. That was with a large team of photographers, models, make-up artists and hair and clothing stylists. A very much mind-blowing experience!!

What would you still like to do as a model?

I would like to do some noble figures in commercials.

Do you have any advice for those who want to start as a model?

Above all, believe in yourself (that's where the power lies) and don't think too big. A small step in the right direction is already worth a lot. Casting agencies, for example, offer nice assignments to many people and you do not have to meet certain sizes, etc. for this. Anyone could be suitable for this since it concerns more the 'the girl or boy next door' types.

What do you think of the Model Land Magazine?

A lovely varied magazine in which I get a lot of inspiration from and find recognition.

https://www.facebook.com/shariza.tamara

https://www.shariza19822.wix.com