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LilMizzUnique | VIP Member | Verified Credits (50)

Where are you from? Where are you based now and do you travel for shoots?

I’m from Bettendorf, Iowa. I have moved around quite a bit but now I’m back in the Quad Cities. The majority of my family is located here and it is only a couple hours west of Chicago, where I model the most, so it’s convenient for me. I also tour several times a year, often with upwards of a dozen shoots per tour, as well as work with many reputable photographers all over the country. I make a pretty good living from my modeling, partly because I do not limit myself to any one genre or style. I feel lucky to be as successful as I have been and for the experiences I’ve gained through my modeling, many of which I thank Model Mayhem for being a contributor to.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

I was kind of thrown into modeling and proved to be a natural. However, every day is hard work and it takes a lot of dedication and an ability to adapt to every type of person and environment. It is stressful, and anyone that claims it is easy is not a real model, but on the flip side, I wouldn’t rather be doing anything else. I am living my dream!

How and when did you start modeling?

I have been modeling for 7-years. While I was paid and had a few professional jobs at the beginning of my career, it’s only the last three years that I would consider myself to be a professional. The first few years was training, mastering my craft, but even now I am still learning every day.

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

As I mentioned before, I do not have any style or genre of which I limit myself, but I would have to say that runway modeling is my favorite. I think the audience, surrounding, and the fear that in a split second you can make a mistake that cannot be erased, as opposed to just a bad photo or pose in a shoot. That adds a touch of adrenaline to the mix and a satisfying sense of accomplishment afterward. I also love working with product companies. I love showing my friends and family when I end up in a brochure, catalog, or large poster, and being published is always a good feeling too.

What do you look for when deciding to work with a photographer?

I work with photographers of all caliber. I enjoy working with amateur photographers and hobbyists the most because you never know the outcome of the work or content, it’s like opening a crackerjack box and looking for the prize inside, some are great and some not so, but the experiences are always fun and personable. There are a lot of egos in this realm, though I adapt extremely well to the personalities of others, and can often turnaround a negative situation or rude insult. However, I don’t tolerate lewd sexual advances and inconsiderate photographers that cancel without notice. I will not give these particular people a second chance.

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

I take my inspiration from many places, some old and some new. A favorite of mine is Bettie Page, and of today’s era, Masuimi Max. I also am inspired by many of the other models I work with regularly. I admire the other women that are right beside me every day, putting in the work.

What would be your dream shoot?

We all strive to live the luxury life of the Kardashians and similar icons that remain in the limelight, but we can at least act for a day through our modeling. Any shoot involving luxury jets, exotic animals, and exclusive locations are all on my dream list.

We all strive to live the luxury life of the Kardashians but we can it for at least act for a day through our modeling. Any shoot involving luxury jets, exotic animals, and exclusive locations are all on my dream list. 

How important is social media in your success?

Modeling without social media is non-existent nowadays. You cannot get noticed or find a job otherwise. Magazines and physical publications are almost obsolete and are now all digital. I manage several social media platforms that all cross-market to form a vast network. If the internet went away tomorrow I could kiss my career goodbye. Modeling and social media go hand and hand, its what makes you relevant to the times.

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

Travel, shop, eat and sleep, although I get very little of the last one! I like to try new things, so I am always exploring, trying new food and expanding my wardrobe. I am also an animal lover and enjoy my mini-zoo at home (dogs, cats, fish, and raccoons). That’s another reason why it is good to live close to my family, they are so helpful in watching my house taking care of all my fur-children in my absence.

What’s the best career advice you can give to new models?

Don’t be afraid to take chances and work hard. I see so many more beautiful and talented women not succeed in this industry because they are afraid of failure and because something got too hard, time-consuming, or because they weren’t patient. I said before, I modeled several years before I started to see real results and the payoff for that hard work, and I am so glad that I stuck with it because there were many times I felt like throwing in the towel. Also, as a side note, be careful in this world, and do not travel alone. There are real dangers out there. Be careful when driving, when showing up to jobs, or walking down the street to a shoot. As a beautiful woman, you become a target to predators and you cannot be too cautious.

Check out Lilmizzunique’s Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow her on Instagram and OnlyFans.