SANDRA JOHANSSON TALKS MODELING

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

You are originally from the small town of Uddevalla but have lived in both New York and Miami because of your modeling career. How did you first start modeling?

Around 2016 I was asked to be in a music video for TI and Young Thug in New York. I think that was my first paid "job". I’ve always loved being in front of the camera. After that I did a few small gigs here and there, but it was not until I moved to Miami that I really started getting steady work.

What surprised you the most about being a model and working in the fashion—industry once you got a foot in the door?

Honestly, nothing surprised me, it’s exactly how I imagined. Of course the days can be long and it is definitely not glamorous, but I love it!

Is there differences between modeling in Sweden and abroad?

I’ve never actually done a single modeling job in Sweden, so I have no idea what the difference would be. But I can definitely say that living in the U.S. opens up so many opportunities. The people you meet on one job can instantly lead to the next one. And it feels like everyone’s rooting for you to succeed.

What was the most recent job?

I modeled for a designer in Miami named Ema Saval at a gala and got to wear her beautiful creations.

Fun?

So fun! Now I’m looking forward to Miami Swim Week in July, the biggest fashion week in Miami.

I have heard mixed experiences from models over the years, some say modeling has made them lot more confident, while others say the constant comparisons and competition have had the opposite effect on them. What has modeling meant to you?

Modeling has, absolutely, made me more confident. Being able to pose in front of a whole group of people isn’t always easy! I’ve never felt competitive when someone else has been "better". I’ve always seen it as inspiration to improve myself. I have always known that you can’t compare yourself to others, there will always be someone more beautiful or with a better walk. I have never had any physical insecurities though. I'm happy with who I am and I know that self-love comes from within.

Summer, summer, summer, what could conceivably be better than sun-kissed freckles and days by the sea. What do you think of when you think of summer?

I think of all the days I have spent with my family on the west coast of Sweden going on fun little trips whenever I’ve been home from the U.S. during the summers and, of course, midsummer in Smögen!

Do you like jetting off to tropical beaches abroad, or are you all about a classic "Kalles Kaviar" Swedish summer?

Right now, I live in Miami, so I have summer every day, all year round. I love summer. The ocean, the beaches, the sun, but at the same time I absolutely love coming home to Swedish summer and experiencing that as well, with Kalles Kaviar! I always have Kalles in my fridge even in Miami. Thank god for IKEA.

What's a perfect summer day like for you based on where you are?

A perfect summer day in Miami is waking up and having coffee on my balcony and heading to Miami Beach for a swim, and ending the day with an amazing dinner with my friends or my boyfriend. A perfect summer day in Sweden is having breakfast outside with my family, going to our favorite beach. And just enjoying lots of delicious Swedish food.

What dream opportunity would make you cancel your summer vacation plan?

Doing a campaign for Guess is my absolute biggest dream!