Model: Antoinette Love Ransom @antoinette_love_tansom @Lynnette Madsen Management
Photographer: Daniel Images @daniel_images
Makeup Artist: Rachel Gallenberger @rachelmariemakeupartistry
Hair Stylist: Kalia White
Dress Designer: Tanya Jenkins @nea3s3tj
Jewelry Designer: Gfash @gfash_nowAntoinette, how did you get involved with modeling? Where are you based now?
I started modeling when I was 25, I got started late. At the time, I just moved to Los Angeles from Kansas City, Missouri and my agent at the time got me into “catalog” or print modeling. My real passion was dancing and acting. I really didn’t take off in modeling until years later after I relocated to San Diego in 2010. At that point, social media was at its height, and I got into “promotional and commercial modeling” for companies and small businesses. I’ve worked with some well-known brands such as: Macy’s, Starbucks, Maya’s Cookies, DianneO Cosmetics, and LUSH Cosmetics. I’m still based in the beautiful city of San Diego, CA.
What do you love most about being a model? And, what do you least enjoy?
The best part about modeling is marketing the clothing or products. I feel models need to understand that it should be less about them, and more about the creators behind the shoot or the products you promote. I feel that’s why I get so many calls, because they love the fact, I always make it about the clients or brands that hire me. Not to mention, it’s fun. I feel like I can manifest a different character, experience, or era when I model. It’s like a playground for me.
Tell us more about yourself. What else do you do next to modeling?
Besides modeling, I get hired to do pr/marketing, brand influencing or producing film projects or commercials. My biggest goal is become a big Hollywood film producer, of course that takes work and some big investors behind you. I do get a lot of small businesses that pay me to post their products on social media. I had to reinvent myself when the pandemic hit. Prior to the pandemic, I was a Hollywood Correspondent in Los Angeles interviewing celebrities. In addition, most people don’t know I use both sides of my brain. I’m licensed in 6 states to sell life insurance and do annuity investments. I work for myself and I’m always hustling to keep things moving. That’s the work ethic I’ve had since I was a little kid.
What fuels your imagination and provides you with inspiration?
I love looking at surreal paintings by Salvador Dali, some of the Alexander McQueen runway images, or unique surreal photography images. I get inspired by those that think outside of the box. That’s why I love MALVIE Magazine, there is always some unique image or concept you normally don’t see elsewhere.
In your own eyes, how has modeling experience changed you as a person? What have you learned?
Modeling has cured my “shyness”. I used to be so shy and quiet, but I always wanted to be in front of the camera. I remember dance classes opened me up and gave me the opportunity to perform in front of people. I will never forget when my first agent booked my first modeling gig for JCPenney’s, and I was so nervous but excited. I remember showing up to get my hair/makeup done and shaking in the chair I was so nervous. Surprisingly, as soon as the photographer started shooting all that nervousness dissipated, and I felt as though I was performing. Since then, I always look at modeling like a performance and I just open up.
Share your wildest photo-shoot/modeling story.
My wildest photoshoot (and the most loved I might add), was for a publication in Los Angeles. It was a picture of me sitting in a sink full of cooked spaghetti and drinking red wine. I remember the photographer (Rachel Murray) and I cooked 26 pounds of spaghetti and threw it all over the kitchen. It was wild but so much fun and very creative. The images turned out to be epic. To this day, people still love that image of me.
What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?
I would say posing for “Playboy Australia” was the most courageous thing I’ve done, besides giving birth to my two boys.
What is the beauty trick you do before a photo-shoot?
I love to drink lemon water and put cold collagen under my eyes. It just helps me look vibrant before a photoshoot. Taking care of the skin is everything! I do like to work out daily for two weeks before a photoshoot. I’m not sure why but it makes me feel good. ;)
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I love the modeling industry now versus how it was years ago. Now, it’s open to all types of people of size, color, shapes, looks, etc. It’s not as restricted as it used to be. There have been so many positive changes in the last 15 years. Now you see amputee models on the catwalks. Who would’ve thought we would see that? It’s amazing how much the industry has evolved.
What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?
I’m currently working on trying to get a film funded, I just got cast in a soap opera that will be on Amazon and working on a travel show tv sizzle reel for Netflix. Like a mentioned before, my overall goal is to be a tv/film producer. I know I can do it, it just takes getting the right team behind you. When I put my mind to something, I make it happen. I don’t quit or give up on anything I pursue.
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
You can go to my website: aloveransom.com. You can also check out some of my Hollywood Correspondent work on my Youtube page. You can just type in my full name “Antoinette Love Ransom”, and I will pop up. Please subscribe to my channel if you do check it out. In addition, I’m also all-over social media.