LAÍS FELISARDO TALKS MODELING

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

As a model, I imagine you’re often on planes, traveling for work, such an international lifestyle, which must be exciting. But being in different places also means being away from home, friends, and family. How do you make yourself feel at home?

Having my first international trip was a real dream coming true, everything was so amazing, new and exciting, even being away from home, family and friends. So after two years traveling and living my dream as a model I came back “home” to Brazil, and weirdly it did not feel like “home” anymore. It’s a weird feeling because Brazil will always be my home, like France is for me today as well. But the point is that when we travel so much, and get to know other's cultures and truly live there, it takes a place in our heart as well and at some point we realize that we don’t belong anywhere. There’s a bit of everywhere I have been on me and I’ll always miss something, somewhere or someone.

What is a place in the world you have not been to yet but would love to work at?

There are few places I would like to go and work that I haven't been yet, like Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Peru, Chile and wherever my job brings me.

Have you ever worked in Sweden?

Yes, I have worked in Sweden a couple times, in Gothenburg and in Borås. I have not been to Stockholm yet, or any other Scandinavian countries, hopefully one day.

When did you work as a model for the very first time?

I don’t remember exactly when was it, but has been more than twelve years ago for sure.

That was in Brazil?

Yes!

Did you always know this was what you wanted to?

Yes, I always knew but it was far away from my reality. Took some time but thankfully it worked and I’m able to live my dream, for many years now.

Where in Brazil did you grow up?

I am from São Paulo. I grew up there. I also spent one year and half in Maringá, Paraná, but it was hard to adapt as I came from a big city, so after this time I ended up going back to São Paulo.

What has been your favorite job?

That’s a hard question, I truly love modeling so I have a special care for all jobs I have done. But let’s try. Polo Ralph Lauren was very cool and Motives Cosmetics, as I had my face printed in the shadow palette, that was pretty awesome, and the Nivea shooting was insane too as I had many water balloons splashed on my face, the result is pretty cool, I loved that! And L’Oréal was a real deal as well, amazing shooting. Sorry I couldn't pick one (laughs).

What are you the most proud for?

I am proud of all my path that bought me where I am today, everything I was able to provide to my family including their first international trip, seeing them discovering the world with me and bringing them to places they used to watch on TV and never thought would be possible to see in person one day, warms my heart. All my personal accomplishments, like buying my own house. And I’m proud of all the brands I have a pleasure to work for. That allows me to live my dream until this day.

Which was your most recent work?

The most recent work was a shooting for Cica Manuka in Paris, I personally didn't know the brand but I had a great surprise as the products are truly amazing, the team was a real dream to work with, everyone super kind, caring and for the shooting they actually liked the imperfections, which is so difficult nowadays with all filters and “perfect” bodies that we see on social media, to see a brand that wants to show the real natural beauty and don’t want to hide the little imperfections everyone has, it’s an honor to be part of the project.

You have worked with brands, designers and photographers most models only dream of, what advice would you give to those inspired by you?

My advice is to be yourself, don’t doubt yourself, if you dream it you can do it, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise and doesn’t matter the job, big or small, just always give your very best, do it with love and gratitude and you will see many opportunities coming your way!

What is the best piece of advice you have gotten from someone?

Believe in yourself and what’s yours will find you. As in this industry we have so much competition, it is easy to let ourselves down, or doubt ourselves. So I always had in mind that if it’s meant to be mine it will be.