Melissa Sardar is an upcoming fashion model from North London. Despite her hectic schedule completing her education as well as castings and work she kindly agreed to complete a spotlight interview for Urbanity Chic. Read the full interview below to find out about a particularly interesting casting and shoot she enjoyed with Akon in 2008, what her modelling career highlight has been so far and what she does to relax to when not working.
Melissa Sardar
Q: How did you get into fashion modelling?
I was approached several times by various scouts from the age of 14 and soon gained a passion for fashion and the modelling industry
Q: How was 2010 for you?
2010 was quiet for me as I decided to focus on my education and gain further insight into the industry before making my comeback in 2011!
Q: Who inspires you?
Anyone who has come from nothing, I am always inspired and motivated by others who have succeeded with perseverance and determination. A rags to riches story always uplifts me and helps me strive to fulfil my ambitions in life! So generally I seek inspiration from any positivity around me.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
I love shooting outdoors as it its more adventurous and enables you to own different backgrounds, making anything from a dull run down estate to an idyllic beautiful, fashion. The opportunity to shoot outdoors but yet seclude yourself from everything else going around you is addictive. Capturing the essence of a story or getting the selling point correct is more challenging sometimes, but the process is organic.
Melissa Sardar
Melissa Sardar in a music video
Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot, or a casting you’d like to share?
I have many! But the most memorable is a casting and shoot I did with Akon in 2008….I was call backed for his video “we don’t care” and selected to be transported with him to the chosen club for shooting. So I’m sitting there next to Akon, bit of small talk occurring then a man runs in front of the traffic lights and moons everyone! Bearing in mind it was central London. Then to make matters worse my mum rang so there was an awkward moment of me telling her “yes mum, I’m in the car next to Akon now, Akon not acorn”.
It was also memorable as I was selected for the full job the next day. It boosted my confidence, and made me aware of my capabilities as there were so many stunning girls at the call back. Sadly my agent refused the job but I seek solace in the fact I was chosen.
Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
I always make sure I have had a good night’s sleep so I am well rested and energised! I comb out my hair as I’m always fretful a hairdresser won’t be able too! I select an outfit and put on natural make up. I always like to be well presented mentally and physically. I tend to drink an energy drink too!
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
Yes, my favourite photograph is one taken for an upcoming magazine named Arista. It is a side profile and I feel it captures the three ethnic groups I am; and shows my full potential
Melissa Sardar
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?
I would love to work with Noami Lenoir and Emanuela De Paula
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion means individuality to me. It lets me make a statement and personalise my clothes and accessories to create a uniqueness no other person can! I like to follow fashion but add the Mel twist to it.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
I love to mix long tops with leggings. Typically a dress top that is hourglass figured and I have a countless amount of black shiny, sequined, ribbed leggings with a leather bomber jacket to tie the look together!
Q: Where are you based?
I am based in North London
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
It’s quite dull as the area I live in is quite dated and small. However it is beautiful despite being unlively. I love the bustle and excitement of central London so it’s a bonus as a lot of castings are based there
Melissa Sardar
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
The Bread and butter show Berlin!
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
I hope to have my modelling business set up and establish myself within the industry. I’m hoping whoever reads this interview will know who I am by name towards the end of the year!
Q: What do you do to relax?
Slightly weird relaxation technique but I like to clean! I am bit of a clean freak. Other than that I love to read or watch a movie with a hot drink or glass of wine
Melissa Sardar
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
ermmm Marsha Ambriousa, amazing voice! Musiq soulchild and Miguel
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
I think the approach I take to my hobbies makes them interesting! I apply my quirkiness to everything I do and love to have fun! So my singing, acting and working out tends to be a laugh.
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new models or aspiring models what would it be?
Never give up. Pursue your dreams till they come true and are a reality. People will knock you down and there will many hurdles to overcome. But only the handfuls of ambitious people who are passionate to continue no matter what succeed! So believe in yourself and bide your time. Nothing is instant in this industry and it can be difficult but gaining knowledge and experience is the strongest advantage you can have!
Melissa Sardar
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
My yearn to make a stamp on the modelling industry and buy eat caviar. No I wouldn’t seriously. But making my family proud and being able to provide for them is my main motive.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I stand out in a crowd as I am diverse. I am quarter Indian, quarter Arabic, half St. Lucian so my look is adaptable. I am a highly motivated and determined individual, always keen to gain new knowledge and further my experience in the modelling and singing industry.
Editor’s Note: Melissa has an intelligent and relaxed sense of humour, commercial style and cosmopolitan look which will surely see her grow in the fashion world through 2011 and beyond.
Melissa Sardar
If you’d like to contact Melissa just follow the links below:
twitter link: http://twitter.com/MelissaSardar
facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=634183464
web page link: http://melissasardar.com coming soon!
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