“If you want to be somebody, never give up and always be true to yourself.”- Natali Pillgrim

I love model Natali Piligrim’s piece of advice – “If you want to be somebody, never give up and always be true to yourself.” As a fashion blogger, I am always faced with different challenges. One of them is time. Since I conduct a lot of interviews with fashion models from all over the world, my calendar can fill up pretty quickly. Sometimes it can be hard to find time to schedule an interview. So when Natalie and I had to keep rescheduling our interview, we were patient with each other. We just had to keep on trying to find a time that worked for the both of us. I stayed true to myself and never gave up. 

I was so happy when we finally sat down to chat! We spoke about her personal fashion experience as a model, her challenges and what makes her unique.

“If you want to be somebody, never give up and always be true to yourself.”- Natali Pillgrim

Here is our interview:

Meet Natali

Jenny A. (Me): What was your craziest modeling experience?

Natali Pillgrim: When I did an underwater photo shoot. I had to stay underwater, keep my eyes opened and look both comfortable and hot. Did I mention, I don’t know how to swim!?

Me: How did you do an underwater photo shoot if you can’t swim?!

Natali: Using my imagination plus my strong belief that everything is possible. There was a pole that I could held onto in the water, just in case (laughs). From time to time, I had to grab onto the other models who were in the photo shoot with me…just to breathe. (laughs)

Me: What was it like to pose underwater?

Natali: It was hard to stay still. (laughs) The heavy dress kept pulling me up!

Me: As a model, what do you think is the biggest challenge?

Natali: To believe in yourself. Just because a designer tells you that you’re not good for a show or their clothes, don’t give up. It is just one person’s opinion.

Me: What do you think makes a successful model?

Natali: Someone who (a) never gives up (b) learns from their mistakes / experiences (c) is social and (d) always listens. Even if someone tells you are good, always keep practicing and growing.

Me: Where did you learn to model?

Natali: I learned through YouTube tutorials and videos, I looked at other model’s photos and asked people with more experience. Some photographers are very helpful and will guide you. Never be afraid to ask what you did wrong. It’s better to ask a question and look like a “fool” for five minutes rather than keeping silent and looking like a “fool” for your whole life. It’s very important to work as a team and communicate with your photographer. You can learn faster and have better results by working together with your photographer.

Me: Which fashion shows have you modeled for?
Natali:  I was a part of last year’s FIT fashion show called “4 elements.” It was amazing! It was my first experience as a runway model and I grown a lot from then. There were so many talented students. I really enjoyed it and I am so thankful. When I was a part of NYFW ( Couture Fashion Week ), I was so impressed and happy with my designer, Pamela. It took her a several weeks to make each swimsuit. I also modeled in Tech Fashion Week, Brooklyn Fashion Week and many more.

Me: I noticed that you have a nose ring and a lip ring. Have your facial piercings ever affected your modeling career?

Natali: When I walked for New York Fashion Week, I took out both my nose ring and my lip ring since the fashion show wanted a more conservative look. Depending on the fashion event, some people don’t care about piercings or even want a punk rock look.

What do you live your life by?

Natali: My greatest inspiration is Leonardo da Vinci’s quote “Realize everything is connected to everything else.” If you want to be successful, you have to learn a little bit of everything each day.

Me: What do you like to do for fun?

Natali: I like to dance, travel, walk around and explore the city. I also like rafting and indoor ski diving.

Me: If you could be a fruit of vegetable, what would you be?

Natali: Broccoli because it is unique, healthy and makes you feel good.

Me: When’s your next fashion show?

Natali: I am modeling for the FACE THE SWEET FASHION SHOW 2017. It is a charity event to help raise money for diabetic supplies for people who have suffered from the effects of 2017’s natural disasters. The show will be held this Saturday, November 18th in New York City. For more information, please click here. 

You can follow Natali on Instagram: @nataliat666

Love always,

-Jenny A.