FWM: What have you discovered as a model and influencer in LA?
Living in LA as an influencer and model has taught me a lot about myself that I didn’t even realize I needed to learn. The main concept I got from trying to pursue my goal as a model was to be unapologetic of myself and who I am and represent. A lot of the time once you start getting into the industry you tend to be persuaded into following the social norms or trying to be like others to fit in. I learned a lot about self love and what self confidence truly is, and I am still learning everyday. I embody self confidence by making promises to myself. Self confidence is about having a good reputation with yourself. If you have a great reputation with yourself you are not so concerned about your reputation and what others think about you. Always remember that no one can be better at being you than you. I am a free spirit at heart and I will always stay true to that.
FWM: Tell us about your background.
I am from a small town in Minnesota called Apple Valley. I was born in Kansas City, Missouri and moved to Minnesota when I was 3. My mom was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to America when she was 19 years old and my dad was born and raised in Missouri. I am half Filipino and half American. My dad’s side came over to America from Germany many many years ago. So I have mostly Filipino and German in my blood. I come from a family of hard workers. My family has always been work oriented and hustlers since I was born. I was instilled at a young age to always be working towards going to a good college, have a good job, and to always be educating myself on something important. It was hard understanding that at a young age, when all I wanted to do was play and have fun. My parents and my brother are smart people. They all went to college and got really good jobs. I have always been a hustler since I was 15. I worked many jobs while going to high school, even at one point I was working 3 jobs at once so I could afford to go on trips with my friends or buy new clothes that I wanted. I was always into traveling and fashion and that was what most of my money went towards when I was young. My parents were quite hard on me to be successful and really made me work for everything myself. I moved out when I was 18 on my own.
I have been taking care of myself ever since I was 18. Trying to explain to them that I wanted to be a model and move to LA was not the most comforting thing for them to hear. I told them I was quitting my really good job at bank of America and dropping out of college to pursue my goal. I told myself I am going to prove them wrong and be the first millionaire in my family and nothing more or less about it. My Mom has always been very supportive of me and my dream and I am very grateful for that, and my dad became more supportive once he saw I was making consistent income and could provide for myself at a comfortable level. If it weren’t for the worth ethic my parents showed me at a young age I would never be where I am today. I am very grateful for what they taught me, and even though it was a hard concept to grasp, my parents always chose work over our family; I understand why they did, It was to provide so that we could have a good life and take these skills later on in life so that we ourselves could be successful. I am a self made millionaire and I am so grateful that social media was able to help me achieve that goal.
FWM: Share your most memorable photoshoots.
My most memorable photoshoot would be my first editorial cover shoot for Now Magazine. I remember sitting there while getting my hair and makeup done and being styled by the most amazing team, thinking to myself “wow I am so proud of myself”. This is my first high fashion magazine cover that is showcasing WHO I am. Not me working for a bunch of different brands and showcasing their clothes. This shoot was about me and who I truly am as a model. Underneath all the hard work I put into my career, it was now time to showcase my true authentic self.
FWM: What do you look for in a brand?
When I am interested in working for a brand there are a few things I look for. The most important thing I look for is having a good relationship with the brand. I think it is so important to create a strong, respectful, and professional relationship in the beginning. I think it is key in any business transaction that I am doing that I have a good relationship with them. They know what I am expecting of them as well as me knowing what they are expecting of me. Another thing I look for when working with a brand, is how can this helps to elevate my audience. I am always looking for ways to spread awareness in spirituality, self confidence, and creating a safe place where we as artists can co create to help bring our subconscious minds to the present. I love when brands are accepting of my free spirit and allow me to be creative in providing them amazing campaigns or content. We are all creatives and it’s amazing how we can bring those thoughts to reality and create amazing IDEAS.
FWM: You are also a makeup artist. What do you enjoy most?
I have always been into makeup since I was a young girl. I would always watch my mom do her makeup and get ready. My mom went to beauty school to be a cosmetologist for a bit of my life so that she could make extra money on the side apart from her full time job. I started doing makeup on other people in the begining of highschool for school events, prom, homecoming, and any other small events. I worked at ulta for a while when I was in highschool so I had some experience and knowledge of makeup products.
When I got into college I put all that beauty stuff behind me and tried to follow my parents advice and get a job that offered good insurance and a 401k. So I started working at Bank of America and was there for about 3.5 years. Once I decided to drop out of college, quit my job, and move to LA it all kind of spiraled into this mess. I thought I was going to be fine moving over to LA trying to pursue modeling full time. It was very hard, so thankfully with all that experience of makeup I got a job a Sephora in Beverly hills and worked as a makeup artist there for 7 months. I decided to leave Sephora and freelance makeup on my own. I started doing big events, weddings, and working with models. I have a lot to thank for my knowledge in makeup. That is what got me networking and meeting the right people which eventually led to my social media taking off. I still love doing makeup, but I don’t do it as much as I use too because I am working on other projects. It’s nice when I have shoots or I am creating content that I can just do it myself and not have to hire someone. However, with that being said I love getting my makeup done! I have such a respect for makeup artists. They are true artists and they are on their feet all day slaying your face away.
FWM: Tell us about your achievements.
One of my biggest achievements this year for me was walking in Miami Swim week for forever 21. I worked really hard and I am so grateful for my management and team for helping me achieve that goal. I had never walked in a runway show before and it had always been my dream since I first started modeling when I was 15. I was always told I don’t have the height or the “look” they are looking for in runway shows. So to be able to walk for one of my favorite clothing stores ever growing up in a swim week was a huge accomplishment for me.
FWM: Who would you like to work with?
One of my biggest goals is to work with VOGUE or ELLE magazine. I am very into high fashion and travel all over the world being inspired by the culture, people, food, and fashion. I am also very into fitness as well so another goal of mine would to work with NIKE or PUMA on a campaign. There are many respectable brands that I have a list of that I would love to work with but these are definitely at the top for me.
FWM: What is next for you?
The next step for me in 2022 is focusing on creating my business. I recently opened up my own business and will be planning to launch it spring time of 2022. I am really taking time to focus on that and bring my vision to life. I am very excited about it and to share it with all of my friends, family, and followers! I am still modeling full time and doing social media as well. I travel a lot and I grateful that a lot of what I do I can do from anywhere in the world. I have a few countries I want to visit this coming year and am planning to shoot my business campaigns around the world!
Instagram- @desireeschlotz
tiktok- @desireeschlotz
