Face of Foothills: Valerie Loo
Age: 23
City: Tempe
@valeriedabomb
Why did you decide to pursue modeling? My interest in modeling definitely stemmed from my love of fashion. It all started with me posting pictures of myself on Instagram in outfits that I put together. And as my following on Instagram grew, a photographer, Bree Cota (@breemariephotography), reached out to me, and I went on my first-ever shoot with her and another photographer, Dillon Johnson (@Dillon_ivory). It just spiraled from there as I got to work with more photographers and, eventually, with brands and designers. That's when I decided to put more effort into modeling.
Do you hope for it to be your future career? Yes. While I am currently on the path to become a researcher, I have also always had dreams to work in the fashion and entertainment industry, be it as a model, a recording artist or an actress. And I think all those professions require you to be able to 'model' in some sense, so I do hope that I will be able to model as part of my career in one way or another.
What experiences do you hope to have as a model? The dream is definitely to be able to land a campaign/job that would require me to travel somewhere cool. I love visiting new places and meeting new people so getting to travel as a model would be dope. And I also hope that someday I'd also be able to walk in at least one major fashion week. I know that the modeling industry is extremely cutthroat and being an Asian girl who isn't exactly the tallest girl out there, I already know that it isn't going to be an easy ride at all. So, while I am aware that I have to be somewhat realistic, I'm still hoping to live the dream and have experiences that current full-time models do.
How would you describe your style? My style is extremely versatile and definitely changes based on the season’s current trends. In the spring, you'll probably see me flouncing around in very bohemian-esque looks, while in the winter I tend to gravitate toward pieces that give off a more structured, put-together, high-fashion vibe. And I'm definitely the kind of girl who spots and follows trends and tries to put her own spin on it. With that being said, I absolutely love dressing according to occasions. So you'll rarely ever see me looking out of place in terms of how I am dressed, but I still strive to stand out in terms of how I styled it.
Which models do you look up to? My all-time faves are definitely Naomi Campbell and Liu Wen. Everything they do is 'goals'! But recently I've also really been admiring Romee Strijd and Gigi Hadid. I think they both really encapsulate what it is like to be an 'It girl' of our time. As a model, you're not just going to walk runways, be on covers of magazines, or be the face of certain brands. You're going have to be a social media influencer, a style icon and build your own personal brand.
What do you love to do in your free time? Because I'm in school and at work a lot [Loo is pursuing her Master's in Biochemistry at Arizona State University and works as a breast cancer researcher at the university's medical institute], my free time is usually spent on my blogging, modeling and styling endeavors. But if I really do have down time, I love making covers and writing songs, or attending open dance classes. Music and dance are definitely my first loves.
What are your hopes for the future? I want to continue balancing my endeavors in both the STEM field and in the entertainment industry for as long as I can. I do really hope to be able to have a successful career in the entertainment industry and use my earnings to fund research for cancer and other diseases. I also want to be able to give back to my parents and take care of them like they’ve done for me all these years.
Since you are pursuing your dreams, what advice do you have for young girls who hope to pursue theirs? While it is important to set goals for yourself, know that you don't always have to have things all figured out. While it may not seem so, not everybody has their life mapped out fully. Do your research on the industry you want to work in so that you can prepare yourself for the challenges ahead, and remember that there is always, always room for improvement!
Fast Favorites…
Clothing store: Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Wet Seal
Beauty brand: elf, MILK Makeup
Spring trend: Asymmetrical tops, tropical florals, micro purses
Instagram accounts: @imjennim, @amandasteele, @tesschristinexo,@gigihadid, @romeestrijd
Face of Foothills Teen: Samantha Maxwell
Age: 16
City: Scottsdale
@Smaxwell23
Why did you decide to pursue modeling? Last summer, I was given the opportunity to travel to Paris and attend a workshop where I received positive feedback. That experience, along with my love of fashion, took my interest in modeling to the next level.
Do you hope for it to be your future career? I definitely want modeling to be a part of my future along with attending college and getting my master’s degree in business.
What experiences do you hope to have as a model? I hope to have a campaign, sign with multiple agencies, and travel internationally to become a fashion model.
How would you describe your style? I like a variety of styles. For example, wearing a sleek polished look, denim on denim, or bringing back the bellbottoms.
Which models do you look up to? Elsa Hosk, Caroline Kelley and Adriana Lima.
What are your favorite subjects in school? World History and Spanish.
What do you love to do in your free time? Play volleyball, practice guitar, attend sporting events, cook and hang out with friends and family.
What are your hopes for the future? Being successful in every aspect of life and giving back to my community. I want to not only be a model on the runway but a role model for young girls.
Since you are pursuing your dreams, what advice do you have for young girls who hope to pursue theirs? If you have a passion, set a goal and achieve it because you’re a force to be reckoned with.
Fast Favorites…
Clothing stores: Zara, Glam Squad, Lulu’s
Beauty brand: MAC
Spring trend: A monochromatic outfit broken up with bright accessories
Instagram accounts: @k.els.e.y, @oliviajade, @kaiagerber
Quote: “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
Face of Foothills Junior: Mia Bella Chavira
Age: 12
City: Gilbert
@miabellamodelaz
Why did you decide to pursue modeling? I decided to pursue modeling because I really enjoy doing it, and I like the confidence that it gives me.
Do you hope for it to be your future career? Yes, I would love for it to be my future career, but there are many other things that I would like to accomplish as well.
What experiences do you hope to have as a model? I hope to be in more magazines like this one. I'd love to be able to travel and also appear in TV shows and movies.
How would you describe your style? My everyday style is comfy and casual; however, I do like to dress chic for special occasions.
Which models do you look up to? I don't have one specific model that I look up to. I admire all models because they have the courage to put themselves out there.
What are your favorite subjects in school? English Language Arts because I love to read and write.
What do you love to do in your free time? I love to read, draw and hang out with my friends and family.
What are your hopes for the future? I hope to continue my modeling and acting while still being successful in school.
Since you are pursuing your dreams, what advice do you have for young girls who hope to pursue theirs? My advice for young girls is to do what you love and don't let other people's opinions affect you.
Fast Favorites…
Clothing store: Tillys
Beauty brand: Maybelline
Spring trend: Floral prints
Instagram accounts: @teenvogue, @official_laneya_grace, @gigihadid, @khialopez, @kaiagerber
Quote: "Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." –Theodore Roosevelt
