EMMY PARNEVIK TALKS MODELING

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

Didn’t you actually get scouted when you were only ten?

(Laughs) Yes I did. What happened was I was in the city playing laser tag with my relatives. When we were done, my dad and I ran as fast as we could to the car because it was pouring down rain. I suddenly heard someone shouting, “Hey! Wait! Hey!”, and both my dad and I turned around, sweaty and soaked. There was a woman standing there, and yep, that was when I got scouted. She talked to us and was completely obsessed with my hair color. We went with her to the office, and well, that’s how it all started when I was just ten years old.

I'm guessing you had not thought about it before then?

Hmm, I don’t think I had ever even thought about becoming a model before I was ten. (Laughs) The idea just hadn’t crossed my mind back then.

How was it starting so young?

When I was about ten to thirteen, it was mostly just exciting and fun, as far as I can remember. I got to wear cool clothes, have my hair done, get my makeup done, it was all really “wow” at the time. I didn’t think much about it beyond the fact that I was interested, and it was something new and exciting.

What kind of jobs did you do?

In the beginning, it was both photoshoots and commercials. My very first job was a commercial for Playhouse Disney, if I remember correctly. It was a mix, H&M, KappAhl, Lindex, IKEA, the Aladdin chocolate box, and more.

How do you think modeling has affected not only how you think about appearance at large, but also how you see yourself?

Oh wow, that is a tough question! Honestly I don’t think the industry has affected me that much, because I’ve never allowed it to if you know what I mean. I have two very grounded parents who have always been clear about valuing myself for who I am before any number on a scale, measurement, or height. That said, I have seen and heard a lot of stories about models struggling to meet certain measurements, and that is something I don’t like, at all.

How would you describe your personal style?

Ooh, I don't really have one. (Laughs) It changes so much! One day I might plan an outfit down to the smallest detail, and the next day I will just throw something on, I have no specific style at all. (Laughs) But I do love knitted sweaters, and cardigans, straight-leg jeans, and a pair of sneakers. That’s probably my go-to outfit.

What’s the least “fashionable” thing you own but still love wearing when you just want to dress however you like, without rules or trends?

(Laughs) That would have to be my boyfriend’s one-piece jumpsuit that’s five sizes too big. It’s so comfortable, but I’d probably never wear it out in public.

What’s been the best job ever?

Probably the one that’s yet to come.

Which agencies are you signed with today?

Right now, I’m with Surprise Model Management and ERA Models in Istanbul.

This industry can be pretty unstable. You might start out not knowing if you’ll get any jobs at all, then suddenly have several in a day, then maybe none again for a while. How do you keep some balance?

I think it’s because I have never really seen this as a “job,” more like an interest, for most of my early years as a model, I was in school, so it was not a problem because I was so focused on student life. I’ve also had other jobs on the side over the years, I’ve done voice-acting for films and series, babysat, worked at a school, and just a mix of things really. So, it has been pretty easy to find that “balance”.

Who are some of the people you’ve loved having with you along the way?

Definitely my family, a hundred percent! I haven’t had the biggest career but my family has always been there for me, they help me with everything. Contracts, talking to managers you name it. (Laughs) Maybe because I’ll probably always be their little girl but also because we just support each other in general. I also love meeting new people and making connections, that’s something I really enjoy!

You also have this cheerleading background?

Oh, cheerleading, I love it! Yes, I was active myself from around age ten to fifteen. I also became a coach when I was about eleven or twelve and I continued to coach even after I stopped competing. I still coach today. I’m a coach in a newly started club called Ultimate Cheer Xtreme, and I coach three teams there! It takes a lot of time and energy, but it is so worth it because seeing my athletes develop is what keeps me motivated!

Is that where you get your training still now?

Nah not really. (Laughs) Since I’m not active anymore I don’t get much physical training from being in any gymnastics center. But until I was fifteen, it was a lot of training. Both mentally and physically.

What kinda workout routine do you do then?

I wish I had one, but unfortunately, I do not. I go through phases where I train regularly, then I quit for a while. But honestly it’s kind of nice that way. I'm probably lot lazier than people think, but at the same time, I take on a lot of responsibilities elsewhere.

What do you do when you just want to relax?

I watch 'Jane the Virgin', eat something delicious and chill on the couch all by myself or I simply hang out with my boyfriend and friends, which I really value a lot!

Did you set any New Year’s resolutions, are you the type to keep such things?

(Laughs) Honestly, I do not think I’ve ever had a New Year’s resolution, and if I did, I definitely didn’t stick to it. (Laughs) But if I had to choose one it would probably be to have patience and live life the way I want to live it.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up that you can share or something you’re hoping to do this year?

I do, I do. I just signed a new modeling contract and will most likely be heading to Istanbul to work for a few months! Exciting, scary, and fun, but I’m just going for it. Either way, it’ll be an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life, so I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity. I also hope to be able to hug all of my loved ones for real again, and for the world to become a calmer place.