Felicia
Agencies
Mother Agency (MA): Peggi LePage
MONTREAL: Montage Models
South Africa: Cover Model Management
Hamburg: MGM Models
London: Body
United states: One Management ( LA, Chicago, Nyc )
Answers to Q&A
Why did you want to become a model?
Modeling was never something I saw myself doing honestly. I had no confidence as a teenage girl. My focus when I was young was always on soccer. This kept me busy and helped me throughout middle and high school. I was scouted to be a model in 2011 and I could not believe it. I started doing some test shoots, signed with my first agency and this gave me a huge boost in courage and poise. My priority continued to be my sport, however I ended up getting badly injured and never fully recovered. I believe things happen for a reason, and it was this moment that led me to focus on my modeling career.
I enjoy getting to meet new creatives on set and travel to different cities that allow me to discover a new market and culture. It's always exciting to me when my loved ones send me pictures or messages of campaigns and different work they’ve seen me in. Hearing how proud they are of what I’ve accomplished has been a blessing. It has been a great feeling to me, knowing that I can inspire young girls who feel represented in this industry and to know this can be a possibility for them. Representation and empowerment as a proud french-latina woman continues to be of huge importance to me. All in all, I love collaborating with other creatives and helping to bring a project to life. Something that the team will take pride in, knowing everyone who participated made it happen!
What makes you special?
Something that helps me succeed in this industry is my genuine energy and the real human connections I build. I believe that the people I work with recognize my authenticity and this is what helps me create more meaningful connections with clients and peers. Having this sort of impact with the teams I work with make for an overall more collaborative spirit, enhancing a more trusting and positive environment. Just like any job, the days can be long and mundane at times. Having the ability to connect honestly with photographers, make up artists, stylists, makes for a more enjoyable workday for everyone. I get told that my spirit and humbleness is what helps me stand out in this competitive industry and will continue to bring this type of liveliness to set!
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about food. I grew up in a French Canadian household where my mom was alway cooking. Whether it was family recipes such as meat pies and ragoût, or a wide variety that she would find from the Food and Drink magazine. She had a binder full of clippings and whenever she was hosting, she would try something new and it always impressed the crowd. On the other side of the family I have my Peruvian roots. My grandma was the cook I looked up to when I would go visit Peru. Things like ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina... these are all staple dishes in Peruvian gastronomy. They hold a special place in my heart, and it's no wonder this cuisine is one of the most famous in the world.
I grew up around food, it was what brought people around me together. I was taught to try everything, I'm definitely not a picky eater. It is my love language. I love to feed my people, and honestly it's one of the things that brings me the most joy. Travelling has allowed me to experience different foods and explore the culture whether it be in a restaurant or in someone's home. Of course, when I'm in a new city I’ll explore the local restaurants and cafés, but one of my favorite things to do is go to the local grocery store. It may feel like a chore or not very exciting to some, but I feel right at home, regardless of which country I'm in. I could keep going on about all the different types of cuisine I like most and the dishes I enjoy making, but I hope this conveyed my love for food in a decently short but sweet way.
One thing people may be surprised to find out about you.
People tend to have a certain image for models. A surprising thing about me is that I ride a motorcycle. I have been riding for a few years now, and shockingly it was my mother who got me into it. She got her first bike when she was 16 and has been riding ever since. Riding was something she wanted to share with me and has become a sort of mother-daughter activity. Many are taken aback when they learn that I own a Harley that weighs over 600 pounds, and I always love the reaction. Riding allows me to express my adventurous spirit and enjoy a sense of freedom. Connecting with nature is a huge part of what makes this so special to me. The confidence and focus that is required to handle a motorcycle translates into different aspects of my life, and my work as a model is definitely one of them. There is a sense of control I find thrilling and just to be fully present during is essential. I find that this hobby showcases part of my dynamic personality. The sense of community I get from being not only a rider but a female rider is also a really cool community to be a part of. One of my favourite rides has been with my mom for a weekend called “Babes Ride Out”. This is an all female weekend experience for both riders and enthusiasts, in both the east and west coast of the States. It is a camping weekend that allows women to have a judgment free and fun weekend to build a stronger community in the motorcycle world, and I’m here for it!
If you could give an aspiring model any advice, what would it be?
A big thing for me in this industry is staying in shape without compromising my health. Something I was told by my mother agent from the beginning was that if I could not keep my physique in a healthy manner, that this may not be the right career path for me. Being so young when I started, this was something that stuck with me throughout the years. I will forever be grateful for this piece of advice, and will continue to keep sharing it. The industry can be harsh, and I have definitely had my struggles with trying to stay in shape. Both your mental and physical health should be a priority. Without these, it is hard to navigate through life. My journey began as a teenage girl, whose body has constantly been changing over the years and being able to adjust to new environments and conditions is crucial whether you stay at home or travel. It is vital that a person cultivates a positive relationship with their body, and I will always convey this message to younger models starting or thinking of starting their career. This industry can be extremely demanding but in my opinion it is essential to prioritize your health above all else, to have a successful and fulfilling career. This confidence in yourself will radiate in your work and I believe it is important to surround yourself with supportive people who not only believe in you but can help in guiding you on the path of your well-being. This is what I trust will create a prosperous and sustainable career!