Interviewing model Marissa Ricci (Part two)




9. Social media has completely changed the modeling industry. Do you see it as an opportunity, a challenge, or a little bit of both?

I honestly think it's a little bit of both. Social media has created incredible opportunities for models and actors like myself because it allows us to showcase our talent, personality, and creativity to a global audience. It gives aspiring models/actors as well as established talent a platform that never used to exist. Models used to be scouted at malls and other public places, wait hours in line for castings or to be seen or signed and knowing that the percentage was high of being turned down. Back then I feel as well that the casting directors as well as the talent agents and modeling scouts were only able to see a glimpse of you with mainly just focusing on of course your physical appearance and features. I don't think that talent was given an opportunity to let the judges really get to know who they were, their background, their personal stories, individual traumas, weaknesses turned into new found strengths and wisdom, along with resiliency. Even when social media became a thing, trying to make something of yourself and show the world your talents and worth, it didn't truly change into the opportunities we have now or were we able to really even network outside of our personal groups and form relationships with casting agents, designers, other already established models, or have the option of doing submissions the way we can now or have access to now. Social media has given us many different places to connect directly with fans and followers, brands, casting directors, and other people in the industry who might not have discovered us otherwise.

At the same time, I believe it can be challenging because there's so much pressure to maintain a certain image of yourself along with keeping up with the ever revolving beauty and fashion trends. For me at least, modeling and acting are about more than just appearances and followers; they're about authenticity, versatility, hard work, and the ability to tell a story through what you do. 

I see social media as a powerful and important tool because it's what started my career, it is what got me seen in front of not just a national audience but also an international audience. Once I gained traction and loyal fans and followers on one app it would roll over onto another and another - and it just kept going. My modeling and involvement plus wins within multiple elite global competitions, got me noticed by casting directors for feature films, reality TV series, writers, producers, other agencies with major clients such as Victoria Secret and Skims, Honey Birdette, etc. The important thing to note with that though is I never want it to define who I am as an artist. My goal is to use it to keep on creating and maintaining meaningful and important connections, showcase my journey, and open doors to new and exciting opportunities while continuing to grow, challenge myself, and stay true to my passion, and extreme drive and motivation for modeling and acting. 

10. Have you ever considered expanding your career into acting, television, presenting, or other areas of entertainment?

Absolutely! I believe modeling is a wonderful foundation for exploring different areas of the entertainment industry, and I'm definitely open to expanding my career into acting, television, and presenting. Even possibly writing a book in the future. I love to write, and express myself through words or telling stories, I find it very therapeutic. But, writing any sort of thing would be much further out in the future. It's definitely a hope though as well as a possibility. I just love the idea of all the endless ways of being able to express one's self, take on new challenges that you thought were never in my realm of possibilities, and bring different characters and stories to life. 

For me, entertainment and the industry as a whole, is all about connecting with people from all over the world, creating memorable and fun experiences, and just constantly evolving as an artist. Modeling has definitely helped me develop and gain confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of presence in front of the camera, and I believe those qualities translate beautifully into acting and TV.

I am excited about what's ahead and all the different possibilities that may come my way. I would love to explore honestly as many as I can, allow myself to continue learning and growing, especially given the constant changes, showcase my versatility, and reach new audiences from all over the world. Both male and female, and all age groups (especially given the story behind my entrepreneurship). Seeing all the wonderful things by building and opening my nonprofit for sexual and domestic assault victims, and what all will come with that. Ultimately, in the end, I want to build a long-lasting career in the entertainment industry, stay open to new experiences, continue pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, and hopefully be a role model for others along with giving strength, guidance, and motivation, overall just making an impact somewhere in this crazy world. 

11. If you could travel back to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?

Hmm, if I could go back to the very beginning of my career, I would probably tell my younger self to keep on believing in the journey, trust the timing, and never let rejection define my worth. The modeling industry can be very unpredictable, and there will be moments when things don't happen as quickly as you had hoped they would, if even at all. But, to always remember every experience teaches you something valuable that you can take with you throughout your career. 

I would remind myself that success is not just about how you look or how many opportunities come your way; it's about your confidence, professionalism, work ethic, and the person you build and become along the way. I would also add, never compare your journey, your body, your individual unique look that you have, because everyone has their own path and purpose, and with that, their own time to shine. 

Most importantly, I would encourage myself to take more risks, embrace every opportunity to learn, and never lose the passion that made me start in the first place. Of course, never forget where I came from, and always remain just as grateful and humble. Looking back, I realize that even the challenges and setbacks were apart of my growth. I wouldn't change anything about my journey, because every step of has helped shape the person and professional I am today.

12. What is one misconception people often have about being a professional model that you would like to change?

One of the biggest misconceptions I would like to change is that being a professional model is simply about having a certain look or standing in front of a camera and that's all there is to it. In reality, modeling requires a great deal of discipline, patience, professionalism, hard mental emotional and physical work, along with long hours. There is so much that happens behind the scenes that people don't always get to see or hear about. From preparing for castings, and maintaining your confidence and composure, to handling rejection and constantly improving your skills in all areas. 

Modeling and acting both are about adapting to different concepts and connecting with your audience on a real life basis. Every project you get into, requires it's own individualized creativity, dedication, hard work, and the ability to bring a certain vision to life. Modeling and acting in my opinion is not just about the image you present to the world or post on social media, it's about your attitude, and the passion, drive and positive vibes and energy, that you bring to every set, audition, casting, interview, etc. 

I would love for people to be able to see and recognize modeling as a true profession and an art form that requires talent, resilience, and constant continuous growth.

13. What are your biggest dreams and goals for the next few years, both professionally and personally?

My biggest dreams and goals over the next few years is to continue to grow as a model, actress, and entrepreneur. To continue to expand and utilize what I've learned in one area of the industry so I can use it in another. To continue forming wonderful, meaningful long lasting connections with brands, casting agents, everyone behind the scenes, photographers, my audience, and so much more. I hope to be given the chance to work with inspiring creatives (old & new), continue collaborating and networking, and take on projects in both acting and modeling that are constantly challenging me, and allowing me to showcase my versatility, and to help me reach and broaden my audience. At the end of the day, I hope to build a strong, long-lasting, career that reflects my passions and goals, dedication, and of course, individuality. 

On a personal level, I want to continue growing into the best version of myself, while becoming more confident, grounded, all the while of keeping an open mind. I'd love to look back years from now with my loved ones by my side and feel proud of all that I've accomplished, how far I've come not only as an entertainer, but as a person as a whole, reminisce on all the different opportunities I have been grateful enough to embrace. I really do have big dreams and goals, and i'm excited to keep working toward them with patience, grace, determination, and keep an open mind, because I believe some of the best chapters of my story/journey are still ahead of me. 

14. Finally, what would you like to say to the people who follow your journey and support you? And where can they follow your upcoming projects?

Oh my gosh, where to even begin. First of all, I wouldn't be where I am today with out my fans and followers. They are the ones who rode the ride with me, went through many grueling rounds, the wins, the losses, the tears of happiness and sadness and/or let down for not being granted a wanted opportunity. I would not be sitting here today talking with you right now if it weren't for every single person or every single vote and push. They believed in me when sometimes I did not, and I literally wanted to just throw in the towel and say "F this". The love, encouragement, and motivational words kept me going. It all means more to me than I feel I could possibly describe and put into words. They things in me, that at tines I did not see in myself. My children are my biggest perseverance, and giving them opportunities that not only I never had, but also showing them and teaching them, that you can be living in constant survival mode for years, go through unimaginable things that no human being should ever experience in this world, and hit rock bottom, but at the end of the day turn all of that pain and suffering into strength and motivation and show them that the impossible is actually possible given the right grind, dedication, long hours, and hard work. Every single time I felt like giving up I'd just look at my children and that's all I needed to stay in the game and giving it all I got. There is and was no giving up. I will continue on with this same mindset as I continue my career, as I build my nonprofit, and just continuing to continue on no matter the trials and tribulations. Because there always will be bumps in the road, bad days, anxiety, heartache, because that's just life. Life is so unbelievably hard, I think most people can attest to that. But, there is nothing more liberating to have my children see where we were and what we were stuck in, with little to no resources in the outside world to really truly help us get on our feet. Little family surrounding us to help when times were the hardest and I was the most broken. They went through all of this with me as a single mom, now widow, and watched me cry myself to sleep many nights or at times when I couldn't hold it back and just started bawling in front of them feeling helpless and hopeless. They've watched all the emotions and feelings of living in constant fear or survival mode, and for years - actually the majority of their lives. 

So, for them to know what we've been through with whatever they remember, our love and bond is what kept us alive and moving forward with each coming day. Not knowing what ever to expect, it was always so unknown and for a long time very dark. Now they see for the past 9 months the blood, sweat, and tears, I've put into not only obtaining my EIN from the IRS to become a business owner, but winning big competitions (3 in Maxim) the most current and biggest one Cover girl 2026, where I will be officially published on Maxim.com along with a photoshoot/portfolio in the coming months or early 2027. Making the top 1% in another competition, and with that came a lot of exposure due to promoting myself throughout the entirety of each competition on most of my social media apps. Being signed to NYMMG international, and most recently Stella MGMT where they have offices in Melbourne, Australia, London, NYC, so on and so forth. Now being on a reality TV show come May 2027 which has been made official due to execution of their contract, and moving to LA to be apart of an unannounced production with well known writers, directors, and producers. Which I of course will keep everyone updated on throughout the coming months and will announce once i'm given the date and allowed to share publicly when the press release will be. Last but not least, my fans, followers, mom, and children, will read this interview that I had the pleasure of being asked to be apart of by you, Carlos, Which I am eternally grateful for. 

I hope with this interview and with whomever decides to read it once fully published, the audience is able to see a different side of things, and the industry as a whole. Maybe even become motivated to chase their individual dreams and goals whatever those may be. I believe we are never too old to change our lives for the better, the sky is the limit. I also, speaking from my heart because of my own personal experiences, want to scream this from the rooftops, when you feel like giving up, or you feel you've lost all hope, may be feel empty, or like life is repetitive with no new movement or excitement - close your eyes, take a deep breath, blow it out slowly even if you're sobbing on your knees, and know that you are here as we all are, here for a reason. Think about that one place, thing, person, people, that makes you the most happiest and just sit on that and take every little bit in as your motivator to keep moving forward, and to never give up, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes we just have to wait a little bit longer to find it. Good things come to those that wait, we all just have to live in the moment, keep persevering, and most importantly but the most challenging of them all, be patient. 

I am excited for these next few upcoming opportunities, excited to share them as i can along the way with you all. You can follow me on my social media accounts as I consistently post updates on what's going on in my life. Especially Instagram, TikTok, and snapchat. 

Thank you so much to everyone who continues being apart of my journey. Please know that your individual support means the world to me, and I look forward to sharing many more exciting moments, behind the scenes footage, etc. This is only the beginning ya'll, and I can't wait
for what's to come! I love you all!






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Interviewing the actress, model and musician: Abigail

Image
1-. How was your childhood? "I moved schools and cities in British Columbia quite a bit growing up, which meant I was constantly the 'new person' having to figure out a new system. Dealing with that much change early on taught me how to be highly organized and proactive. Because I didn't always know what was coming next, I learned to prepare thoroughly for every situation. Today, that translates into a very disciplined work style—I’m someone who stays ahead of deadlines and anticipates challenges before they become real problems." 2. - From what age did you decide to be an actress and how did you know you had theskills to go on TV? "It wasn't until I was 18 that I made the definitive choice. Before that, it was just a hobby. I knew I had the skills for TV specifically when I did my first student film. I realized that while theater is about projection, film is about truth. I felt very comfortable with the intimacy of the camera, and my dir...
Read more

Interviewing actress and filmmaker Jane Elizabeth Dillon

Image
1-. How was your childhood? My childhood was not the most normal. My mum was a Spanish Speaking Tourist guide, and my dad was a Grip in the Film Business. My dad worked behind the camera and my mums speaks fluent Spanish. They were both freelancers and I was also close to my uncle who used to come over to the house, and he was very comical. 
He was a funny character. We lived on the outskirts of London in the suburbs a town called Ruislip. 
We were happy but not an average family. 2. - From what age did you decide to be an actress and how did you know you had theskills to go on TV? My mother said that when I was a child, they asked me to do a play at school, and I did not want to do it. I was defiant because my best friend was not gonna be in the play, so I was unhappy and I was sulking throughout the whole stage.  I was little, I must have been about three or four but then after that, I found my love for acting.  I got cast in the school play when I was like fiv...
Read more

Interviewing actress Ashley Kirkland

Image
1-. How was your childhood? When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with an incurable childhood kidney disease. One way I managed to get through it was by focusing on art instead of the illness. I was a creative child with an active imagination, always drawing, painting, writing stories, or making movies with my mom’s video camera. I remember creating characters in my head and building entire stories and universes for them to exist in. I believe this skill has deeply helped me in acting, especially when it comes to connecting with characters. I was a shy child, still am. But there’s something about acting and stepping into a character that removes the walls I normally carry. 2.- From what age did you decide to be an actress and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV? This was something I struggled with for a long time. I wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember, but I lacked the courage and confidence to fully pursue it. Growing up in the southea...
Read more