FASHION
Natalia LaLonde talks about her love for modeling and much more
Natalia LaLonde talks about her love for modeling and much more
Natalia LaLonde is a fashion model and certified health coach who splits her time between New York City and Los Angeles.
When did you discover your love for modeling and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I always loved dressing up. Ever since I could walk, I would steal my mom’s high heels and try to walk around the house in them. When I was 5, I did my first runway show in Bangkok, Thailand. Although I loved getting dressed up and always loved modeling, – but I never realized I could pursue a career in modeling until after I graduated college and moved to Chicago and starting working commercially in the states. I always thought of it as a creative passion, but never realized that it could be a lucrative and steady business.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I accredit my sense of style to my mom. She was always wearing fabulous little 90’s getups, dressing up for fancy parties, and workout classes. Her closet was the first clothing rack I raided, and I still raid her closet now! I like the style of effortless chic. Easy feminine dresses, baggy t-shirts, and vintage jeans are my go to’s.
When and why did you decide to move to New York?
I decided to move to New York in 2014. I had quit working at startups and decided to pursue modeling full-time. I knew that if I wanted to model as best as I could, I had to go to New York. It is the top market for modeling, and at some point, all model’s paths will lead them to New York City. I knew that there was no better time to move, and as soon as I made the decision to pursue modeling 100%, I had to move to New York.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Some of my greatest challenges are getting lost in doubt, and social comparison. Sometimes it’s easy to sit back and think of all the clients one is not working for or to look on social media and see how much more other models are doing.
It is a tough industry when it comes to being fulfilled since there are always more jobs to book, and it is incredibly competitive. I have learned to ignore the noise, concentrate on my own path, and just be positive, satisfied in how far I have come, and to work on the things I can control. I can’t always control who will book me, but I can control showing up on time, working hard, being easy to work with, taking care of my skin, body, and health.
I think taking a holistic approach in the modeling industry, staying healthy will help one succeed, have longevity, and not be bothered by the negative noise that can accompany the job.
Who is your role model?
My role models are Cheryl Strayed and Elizabeth Gilbert. I love their writing and their words of wisdom I also love how they come from a place of honesty, self-love, and constant perseverance.
What are your plans for the near future?
My plans for the near future are to further establish myself on the West Coast. I actually have just chosen to spend more time here and work out here. I want to book more commercials and also expand my brand as a health coach.
Health is wealth, and I want to connect my brain/body connection and utilize my modeling experience with helping others be their healthiest selves. I plan on creating some recipes and easily cleanses to reset one’s body and become immunity rock stars while so many people are staying home.
I’m also selling some commercial antibacterial face masks, since the new normal is to mask up, and it’s important to have re-usable, antibacterial masks. You can find them on the IG @maskyourself99.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
I want to thank my dear friends and family. I’m fortunate to have a community I can call my own. They are spread out but I love them and keep in touch with them frequently. During quarantine, when feeling lost and lonely, I turned to my friends and family often, and felt so blessed and grateful to have them in my life!
How can fans find you?
On Instagram @natalialalonde Also, I have a health Instagram with recipes and food pics @foodiefitmodel
What suggestions do you have for other models like yourself?
Create 3 pillars of things that are most important to you and your brand. Really think of yourself as a brand and choose out 3 pillars that you want to build your brand. Mine are Health, Beauty, and Fitness.
That has helped strengthen the brands I align myself with, work with. I have felt that my jobs have improved, and I felt a more secure peace in my career path as a model after I viewed myself as a brand with a specific direction.
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