Mindy Lericke is a fashion model and singer from London. Mindy has an array of enviable talents, such as also being a trained chef. When we checked out her portfolio we were really keen to complete an interview with her so we could share her experiences, interests and photos with you. Read on to find out who inspires Mindy, who she would like to work with given a chance and how she prepares for a fashion shoot or show.
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Q: How did you get into fashion modeling?
J Well in 2007 My mother was on my case saying ‘’ you should start modeling, get online and find some agencies, starting acting and modeling’’. I was like no mom, I don’t want to do that, I want to concentrate on my music, however I always made time to watch America’s Next Top Model and always thought ‘’Man I could do better than some of these girls and thought maybe, maybe later I’ll try modeling out. Well my mother kept on sending me castings and invites to join Starnow then I joined, but never fully loaded pictures and stuff till last year October 2010 and started applying for jobs and kept on getting hits , messages asking me to do photo shoot’s and videos even if I don’t apply myself to castings.
Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?
The last 12 months have been totally amazing, always on the run around London hiding to castings and meeting new people every other day and making friends along with it. Oh yeah and actually knowing every street names in around central London. It’s been a great year, love being in love in the world of fashion.
Q: Who inspires you?
Who inspires me J Hmmm I can say many people creative minds. However someone who really inspires me, who is just out of this world amazing, always bring something new and stepping out of the box for me is Model Crystal Renn, she is super awesome and an inspiration to women and girls to just be the way you are J, She is a strong inspiration as model to me and also Tyra Banks as she has that business mind.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
Hmmmm J so many, But I really love Dolce & Gabbana, Alexandra McQueen Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson. I’m a die-hard fan for Vintage everything vintage, love retro, playing with colors being really feminine, edgy, sexy, dark, fresh scarlet’s and cheeky vintage dolls and these designers without a doubt always have what I want when I need to be unique and stand out they inspire me always.
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
I really love both but outside locations can be really daring, makes me come alive.
Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot, or a casting you’d like to share?
Hmm just this year there was a cool casting I attended and it was for a fashion show. However the show was due for a later date and it appeared that it was going take place the same day of the casting and I was not prepared lol cause I didn’t have my legs shaved and to make it even worst we had to do a proper photo shoot on the day also… I was about to cry thinking I could lose the job because we had to wear skirts. But after going nuts it turned out that there were some really cool knee length tights that came with my outfit that I could use. I thought that was a story to be told, always carry some shaving cream or shaver in your bag and forever have shaved legs even if you’re on a break. I was on a break from modeling for three weeks and hate shaving my legs (they are far too delicate and get sore easily.) Anyway I had a great photo shoot and fashion show. I had never done a photo shoot and fashion show previously all in one, it was super cool.
Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
Well I get excited first, start running around the house, packing my bags in the night and get some more excited ready to meet some fantastic creative minds and just keep smiling and ready to have a mind and step out the box. Always be enthusiastic.
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
I do love most of the photographers I’ve worked with so far including Art Director Oliver Morris (an amazing creative mind, always stepping out the box and capturing great emotions). I also do love a great editorial photographer and think these well known photogrpahers such as Steven Meisel, Mario Sorrenti, Mikael Jansson, Sebastian Kim and Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin are just just just AMAZING. If I get the chance to work with them I will truly cry.
Q: Who is your favorite photographer?
Mario Sorrenti and Mikael Jansson. I love emotions through photography, love the whole story telling thing to be captivated and think these guys are brilliant at that.
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?
Yeah definitely; Steven Meisel, Mario Sorrenti and Mikael Jansson.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
It’s about character to be daring, charming and seating on the edge waiting for the most creative unique of things to happen, that’s what fashion is to me.
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Q: How would you define your personal style?
You never know with me but to always be ready for something different. I love every, every thing and don’t have one particular style, love making up my own style but you always find me rocking a vintage/retro outfit or just chilling out in jeans and a white shirt vest top.
Q: Where are you based?
London.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
Well I’m originally from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia and I can say it’s totally amazing. I’m missing the fresh air breeze and laughter with friends and family and a good cook up. I love always having the grill out. St. Lucia has lots of character and I miss that, it’s a fun place to be from.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Everything has been a highlight cause it just keeps pushing me to do more, be more and trying to take over the world with the things that I am passionate about and love.
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Q: What are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 months?
Next year I’m hoping to really combine my modeling and music together and really launch myself out there.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I watch lot and lots of movie, and anime and cook up the tastiest meals to go with that and just chill and listen to some music.
Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?
Oohh I love Italy really love the romance and historic atmosphere around Italy, the food and wine and just being able to relax. I also love the sun a lot and the Maldives is a place to go for me… tropical weather, beach and BBQ always wins me.
Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?
Everything, I have everything on that, song from people from around the world. At the moment I’m into the Bing pink, The naked and the famous, Hurts Jamie woon, Rihanna, so many… I don’t have a big favorite just love great sounds.
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Cooking, throwing dinner parties, watching anime, reading, travelling, dancing, styling and going to the gym.
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new or aspiring models what would it be?
To be patient, get to really know the business and find the right image and best way to sell you, work with your personality and ways have and enquiring mind.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
Awww I think the love for life… life is a story and I love being able to just be a different character through out the week. Playing with different emotions and meet amazing people really jazzes me up.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
Well once upon a time I was a chef working at well known restaurants around London and really loved that cause I one day hope to open up my own restaurants, that’s one of my big dreams. I was asked to do come dine with me also and cause I worked as a chef they said I couldn’t take part… boooooo
Mindy Lericke
Mindy Lericke
Editor’s Note: Mindy Lericke is not afraid to try new things and take creative chances. This has ensured she has an enviable and cool portfolio of work. One of Urbanity Chic’s One’s to Watch!
If you’d like to see more of Mindy’s work or get in touch just follow the links below:
web page link: www.starnow.co.uk/Bluecrystalmint
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