Model Interview: Kelly Foss

Kelly Foss is a 21 year-old model and university student studying media, information, and technoculture. As a model she is based out of Toronto, but she recently did a photoshoot in the Caribbean, which was followed by five months modelling in Asia. Outside of modelling, she has worked for CBC Television in Toronto and has completed an internship in Hollywood, California at CBS’ The Young and the Restless. These jobs, combined with her modelling experiences, have helped prepare her for her future goal of becoming a television host.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST BEAUTY TIP?

When people ask me how I keep my skin so clear, I tell them my secret is this: cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face everyday. Drinking lots of water is also great for your skin!

For my hair, I only wash it every other day to help retain moisture and I do a deep conditioning treatment on it once a week. This doesn’t have to be expensive: just apply conditioner to your hair after shampooing, put it up in a towel for an hour or leave it in overnight. I do this every Sunday night and then shower it out in the morning and my hair feels silky all week!

HOW DO YOU KEEP A FIT AND HEALTHY BODY?

Getting regular exercise and eating healthy and balanced meals are the secrets to maintaining a healthy physique. As a busy university student it can be difficult to find time for exercise; however, I recognize that it is important to make time. Each day I walk from home to class around two times per day, which equals out to a couple miles of walking. Plus, I stretch every morning, and go to the gym three days a week doing strength training exercises. I am not looking to lose weight but rather maintain a good weight and focus on toning.

I also follow a healthy diet. Everyday I have three meals and three to four snacks. A typical day would consist of yogurt, granola, and fruit for breakfast. For lunch I might have a ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat with a side salad. And for dinner I try to split my plate into carbs, protein, and vegetables (maybe salmon or chicken with rice and mixed vegetables). My snacks include things like: trail mix, energy/granola bars, biscuits, popcorn, or rice pudding. In terms of beverages, I usually have a protein shake mid-morning and I drink three to four glasses of milk and a couple glasses of juice and water. I recommend eating every two to three hours and following a high protein diet to help keep your energy levels up.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Very eclectic! I usually sport the preppy, Abercrombie and Fitch/Hollister look. But on some days I feel like something dressy, edgy, and fashion forward. I also like to experiment. I bought a bunch of new clothes from Hong Kong and Tokyo that are quite different from the majority of my wardrobe. For example, when I am tired of my Abercrombie wardrobe I will pull out white or black leggings and pair them with a long t-shirt and a hip European-style cap. By evening my style becomes formal and fancy. I really enjoy getting dressed up, so if I were to go out to a party I would probably opt for a short black dress and heels with gold accessories. If my destination was a university bar or music event, I would opt for light Guess jeans and a black tank.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SENSE OF SELF-ESTEEM AND POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE?

I admit that at one point I was quite shy. My confidence has completely improved since I got into modelling and university. By getting out and meeting clients in the modelling industry and delivering speeches and being active in social events at university, I gained full confidence in myself. Now I am outgoing and I love delivering speeches (previously a huge fear of mine during high school).

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE CITY TO VISIT OR WORK IN SO FAR AND WHY? WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL TO NEXT?

I would have to say Hong Kong, hands down! I could live in Hong Kong! It is a nice combination between the East and the West. I found myself comfortable in Hong Kong because of the British influence there. The majority of the population speaks English, which makes it easy. You get the benefit of exploring Chinese culture without the communication and cultural barriers. I easily learned some Chinese phrases and tried new Chinese foods.

The next place on my list is to travel to Milan or Greece. I have always wanted to travel in Europe because I have a huge interest in old architecture and historical buildings. Plus, in Europe you get the opportunity to explore a bunch of countires because they are all so close together.

WHAT MOTIVATES OR INSPIRES YOU TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

I think the idea of success itself is what motivates me to want to succeed. I have always been a very driven person in all areas of my life. I aim high in everything I do. I believe that achieving your ultimate dreams is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. I find that many people sit back and wait for their dreams to come true or just don’t think high success is possible – my advice is that anything is possible if you think positively, work hard, and are determined. I stand by the book The Secret that says if you think positive, positive energy will come to you in return.

IF YOU WERE STRANDED OF A DESERT ISLAND AND COULD ONLY HAVE ONE BEAUTY PRODUCT AND ONE FASHION ITEM WITH YOU, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?

No doubt about it, I would bring my L’Oreal moisturizer with a tint — it helps keep my skin moisturized, and gives me a healthy, sun-kissed glow. (I often pair this product with an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect my skin from the sun’s rays). In terms of a fashion item, I would bring my favorite university hat or my D&G sunglasses to protect myself from the sun.

Kelly Foss is represented by B&M Models.

Thank you, Kelly!