Interview by Hasan Hamze
Words by Hasan Hamze
Photography by Jenkin Au, Make up by Flora Yu

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Alicia and I am sixteen years old. I was born in St.Johns, New Brunswick, but I moved to B.C. when I was two. I got into modelling because I was scouted at 15 by a gentleman named Corey at BC Fashion Week who is now my agent with Next Models. In one sentence, I would say I think of myself as being a very confident, yet a very quiet, outspoken teenage girl.

What are your passions?

I like to read and I like to write, which is something most people don’t really know about me. Modelling is my biggest passion, though!

What or who inspires you?

In modelling, I would say Coco Rocha, because she’s really down to earth. She gives great advice. I’ve met her a few times and we had a personal conversation. She’s just not like every other model you can think of. In general, I do look up to my mom because she has taught me everything.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working on getting out of high school; I’m going to be graduating early. This summer, I’ll be going to Korea to model.

What do you do in your free time?

Hang out with friends mostly, and school of course. I also love to go shopping. Oh, and I’m also working on a book right now. It’s actually a children’s book about a duck!

What was a crazy modelling experience that you’ve had?

I’ve done an underwater photo shoot as a video so that what pretty crazy because I had to open my eyes underwater. It was a whole day thing and I was underwater for a collective two hours probably.

What was your favourite modelling experience?

I really like doing magazine photo shoots, so Zing would be my favourite. It was at a park in January in freezing weather and I was in the water!

Where or how do you see yourself in the future?

I would really enjoy moving to somewhere in the States like L.A. or New York but that’s not really realistic sometimes. I really do love Vancouver though. I see myself staying here for a really long time. In the future, I really see myself successful, done university, hopefully done the nursing program in UVIC and working in the States somewhere.

What are the advantages to being a young model?

When you’re younger and start at a young age in the modelling industry, it gives you more time to develop, travel places and you’re a new face which is good. When you start at 18 or 19 years old, you only have a few more years really if you’re something special. I would say that 13 years old is the optimum age to get into the modelling industry. It allows you to really build yourself up.

What advice would you give younger girls who would want to get into the modelling industry?

Don’t stress out and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Be your own person and don’t get too much into being an ego. Also, be healthy of course.

What are some difficulties that come along with being involved in the modelling industry?

I would say that keeping the modelling body figure is difficult and it’s something you really have to work for. Some girls kind of have it and they don’t have to work for it much – they’re very lucky. I have to work out a lot to keep my body figure, but that’s my only difficulty, really.

What kind of effect has the economy made on the modelling industry?

There’s a lot less work everywhere, not just in Vancouver. There’s basically nowhere for models. Markets aren’t taking in as many models anymore, unless you have a really good name.

What goals do you have for yourself as a model?

Become an idol to someone else and be looked up to.

What is your week usually like?

Usually school, gym, and friends. Weekends are usually when I do the modelling.

What kind of food do you like?

My favourite food of all time is Buffalo wings. I really like the spicy wings! Red Robins is probably the best place to get them. I also really like Greek Salad; I love Sushi and Curry Chicken.

What’s the most random gift you’ve ever received?

My dad thought it was really funny to put a plastic piece of dog poop in my stockings for Christmas and it said, “Made especially for you from dad,” so that’s probably the weirdest gift I’ve ever got.

What is HYPE?

When I think of the word HYPE, I think of something new and exciting, something everyone is talking about. HYPE is good when you’re excited about something and it’s bad when something doesn’t follow up with all the HYPE it got.