Tori A.
Tori A.
Nevada, USA.
Age: 21
Measurements:
Waist: 26
Hips: 34
Bust: 32
Height: 5'2
Weight: 120 lb
Hair/Eye Color: Red-brown/hazel
Tell us about yourself (where are you from, age, whatever you want to add)
I’m Tori, I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV where I currently live and work as a paralegal. I’m a recent summa cum laude graduate from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX where I received my B.A in English with a specialization in creative writing. After this year, I plan to go to law school to study immigration law and eventually work in the pro bono sector for asylum and refugee seekers. In addition to modeling, I love to hike, crochet, and work on my novella.
Tell us about your modeling experience.
I’ve been modeling for about 4 years now, mostly volunteer work for photo classes and conventions. I was introduced to the industry through pageantry and have loved it ever since. I’ve dreamed about modeling since I was young, but never thought I could break into the industry with my height. That last 4 years have been a dream come true.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream in modeling is to walk in New York Fashion Week. Runway shows have always felt like the most unattainable thing in my career, even as I’ve advanced in other areas. Walking in the most well-known and largest show in the U.S would be breaking an important barrier for me and would be the chance of a lifetime.
What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?
Being your own kind of beautiful means to value and love yourself for who you are. “Beautiful” shouldn’t be a word that has a universal meaning, because everyone’s beauty is unique to them. Embracing the unique qualities that make us who we are is what it really means to be beautiful.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is very girly and flirty. I love tops and dresses that have unique cuts and that aren’t afraid to show some skin. Spring and summer are my favorite times of year because I can finally bring out my sundresses, crop tops, tanks, etc. I also love high heels for any occasion, whether that be a nice dinner out or just to complete an outfit for a day of classes.
Who or what inspires you?
My mom is someone who inspires me a lot. She went through life with people constantly telling her that she wasn’t good enough or that she couldn’t achieve her goals. However, she only used that to fuel her, and she learned how to turn the negativity into her motivation. She broke the barriers of what she “couldn’t do” and achieved everything she set her mind to. That’s what I strive to do every day.
What is your advice to someone who is just getting started with modeling?
My advice would be to have fun with it. When I first started out, my jobs were few and far between, and it was the most “no” I have heard in a while. So, I decided to make the most of the few jobs I did get, allowing myself to feel pampered by hair and makeup and glamourous in wardrobe. I made the jobs about my own joy, (while also respecting the wishes of the client, of course), and it helped so much through the first couple years.
Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.
Though everyone in the world went through it as well, the height of the COVD-19 pandemic in 2020 was one of the hardest obstacles I’ve ever faced. The isolation was horrible for my mental health; my friends were scattered across the country, and I had never felt so lonely before. Instead of spending my extra time being “productive,” like some people, I spent my days wishing for something better and had a really hard time making the best of it. Since then, I’ve learned how important it is to put my value in myself, not in other people. The isolation was so hard for me because I was so uncomfortable with myself, and I had been relying too much on outside affirmations and experiences to make myself happy. It's still a work in progress, but I’ve been trying to be happier with myself and focusing on my own life, rather than making my life dependent on others.
What makes you beautiful/handsome?
Everything about me is beautiful, but the one thing I’ve always loved most is my eyes. They’re really unique, not quite one solid color or another, and it’s usually the think that people notice first about me. I think my eyes are one of my best physical qualities, and they do a lot to help make me beautiful.
What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?
I would tell them to ignore the world as much as they possibly can. Society is filled with standards and images that usually exist outside of the reality of what a person can be, and even if it is realistic for one type of person, it can’t be for all people. No type of diet, body shape, exercise plan, life path, etc. will work for every single person in the exact same way, so why bother? Focus on who you are, what works for you, what makes you happy, and ignore whatever else is happening around you.
