FRIDA KARLSSON TALKS MODELING

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

When did you first become interested in modeling?

My interest in becoming a model first started in high-school, when I did an internship at a hair salon that specialized in styling and photographing their clients as models. I ended up modeling a few times for the salon myself, because my boss, who was both a photographer and the owner of the salon enjoyed taking photos. You could say it's thanks to her that I became interested in this industry. The salon was called Modellsalongen, and the owner’s name was Petra Bontegard. It all started at Modellsalongen. And I think I must've been around sixteen or seventeen years old.

One of your first runways was also as a hair model?

That was also thanks to Modellsalongen. Petra helped me get in touch with a big hair show and after that I participated in several of their events and had my hair shaved, cut on stage, dyed blue, black, red. My hair went through a lot in that time. But I loved everything about modeling and I did not want to say no or back out.

Was modeling something you had considered at all?

Not at first, but I’ve always had a big interest in fashion, styling, and photography. I’ve owned three professional cameras since I was fourteen. I used to take tons of pictures in my room, I'd get all dressed up and styled, and even had my mom act as my photographer from time to time.

What did you want before?

Before I became interested in the fashion industry, I aimed to become either a psychologist, a counselor or a makeup artist.

How has your experience in modeling unfolded up to this point?

Life comes in waves, I do not regret anything. As a model you have to be willing to take risks and stand out, some days were tough. I’m not where I want to be yet but I’m still fighting for it. Sometimes I do feel for giving it all up, and just be "normal", because the modeling world, unfortunately, often demands that you be "perfect" all the time. I’m definitely not perfect far from it. Sadly many people also think that we models believe we're better than everyone else just because we take lots of pictures, pose, and live this "so-called dream life", but, no one, is perfect. There is no dream life, everyone has their struggles and the things they dislike about themselves. I love spreading joy and helping others reach their goals. I'm just me. I love myself. And I think everyone should love themselves. And just stop obsessing over how the person next to them looks.

How long did you work in Sweden before stepping into the international scene in Los Angeles and Miami?

I started when I was around sixteen years old, and I moved to LA when I was twenty-seven, then I stayed in Los Angeles for a year before my husband and I moved to Miami. I have gotten way more work in Miami than I ever did in LA. Honestly, LA feels kind of slow-paced. I never felt like I got much information or momentum there but in Miami it’s all about events and constantly working. Miami Swim Week is coming up soon and I’m really looking forward to it.

Social media has taken on a bigger role in the industry and with that a model’s own follower count is also an increasingly important factor in getting to work?

I really don’t like that social media has taken over so much as it has of the fashion–industry, everything revolves around how many followers you have on different platforms and I don't think being a model should be about your Instagram or TikTok following. If you have the look and the attitude for it nothing else should matter. I think it’s gone too far. I do understand the whole idea of wanting to post and show yourself, I do it every day and I love it. But I do not care about the number of followers or likes. I used to think I did because I wanted to "stay in the game" but now I just post what I want. I want to be happy, while I am so grateful for the people who want to follow me and like my pictures, I’m not putting my energy into caring more than that. It’s almost become a competition, who posts the most, who has the best videos or the best-looking body.

Modeling isn’t always as glamorous as it seems but when does it truly feel that way?

Every time you are on a runway and all eyes are on you, that’s when it feels glamorous. But nothing beats making your parents or your partner proud. I might not think that this life is super glamorous all the time but knowing others see it that way does help.

How does a day look when you’re off the runway?

I love spending time with my boyfriend and our dog, we often go to the park or drive away to a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, sometimes we go to the beach in South Beach, it’s only a fifteen minute drive but we actually don’t go that often because we don’t really have the time. We do often go out to nice restaurants with friends. In the beginning it was a lot of clubs and parties but lately I’ve pulled away from that, I go out maybe once a month now.

One might assume someone who moved from Sweden to Miami enjoys the sun. Especially considering Miami's version of "winter" lasts about two months. Do you think our lil Swedish summers are too short?

Winter in Miami lasts maybe one or two weeks when it actually gets cold, temperatures drop to around thirteen–fifteen degrees celsius. People do walk around in heavy winter coats and scarves. Swedish summers are way too short, that is a big reason why I moved. I want to live in warmth all year round. I don’t like the cold, it’s very depressing to me.

Are you planning to come home any this summer?

Right now I am not sure. But I really do hope I can come home and see my family. My mom, dad, siblings, their kids. And of course, my friend-o Emma.