How did you first get signed as a model?

I was 14 when I first signed with Models 1. I came up to London with my mum after being contacted by a booker via email after they had seen me on a friend’s business card. I remember, at first, being so intimidated by the Models 1 office but it all turned into excitement when I left knowing I was going to be working with such a prestigious agency. I’m pretty sure I skipped the whole way home!

What was the initial process?

When I first started I was still living on the Isle of Wight, so I came to London with my mum for test shoots and go-see’s in school holidays and weekends. It wasn’t until I moved to London with my mum that I started working full time, the first few years were an important learning curve.

What do you normally wear to castings?

My taste in fashion varies daily, sometimes I want to be the boho/hippy chick and other days I like more minimalistic things, it all depends on my mood. Generally I try to wear something fitted, that flatters my body shape and something that has a little bit of personality.

What kind of jobs do you look forward to the most?

I really look forward to days where there is a concept or a story to the shoot, something you can really get into character with. It’s also really fun to work on shoots where there is a big production team, it’s pretty amazing to see what goes on behind the scenes.

 What’s been your biggest job so far?

I don’t know if it’s the biggest but it sticks out as one of my favourites, working on my first campaign with Miss Selfridge was amazing. It was a summer campaign, I just remember walking into pine wood studios and they had somehow managed to build a meadow with real grass, a tipi and old fashioned gypsy wagons. It was like walking into some kind of surreal festival.

Working with Ellen Von Unwerth for GQ style magazine has to be up there as well, she is just a truly lovely and talented woman.

 How does your average day/ week plan out for you now?

Well you never actually know what you’re up to from day to day, every day between five and six I call in and see what I am up to for the next day. Usually I will have castings a few times a week and then work on either e-commerce shoots or other shoots that come in over the week.

I also have an acting agent which means that occasionally I will have auditions to go to, or scripts to learn.

I also have a blog so my camera comes with me everywhere I go and I try to write posts for that a few times a week. http://fifislookingglass.com/

Do you think that personality plays a key role in being a model?

I think personality is the key to becoming a good model. Your looks will book you some jobs but your personality will keep people wanting to book you again and again.

Take a look at the world’s most successful models, not only are the beautiful but they have a wicked personality and that keeps them in the top spot and in everyone’s minds.

When you are given a brief for a shoot- how do you get into that role?

I try to talk to the photographer and figure out what they have in mind for the shoot, they will always have a clear vision of what they want to create, and as a model its your job to try and bring that vision to life. Mood boards help a lot too when you’re trying to get into the role, its like a silent form of acting.

How do you keep healthy & in shape?

I try to exercise as much as possible as I have a deadly sweet tooth; I enjoy running and Pilates almost as much as I enjoy cake… almost.

I also try to eat as healthily as possible, what you eat not only has a huge effect on your weight but on your mood, your skin and your hair. Your body and health is what you count on to book you work so it’s important to take care of it.

What’s the best part of being a model?

It has to be the travelling. I’m so grateful for the places that I have travelled and lived in. It really gives you a whole new perspective on the world and what’s important.

I was also very lucky because I started travelling at such a young age (16) and I got to take my mum with me, it’s amazing to have someone so close to you that you can share all of those experiences with.

What’s the worst part of being a model?

It has to be the assumption that people, out of the industry, have about models. I’m very proud that I can call this my job.

What do you think makes a successful model?

 Hard work, a thick skin, determination and personality.

 How would you describe your model / booker relationship?

I love my booker; I actually love everyone at Models 1. I feel like sometimes when I have a problem, even if it’s not work related, I can always go and talk to them about it.  It’s very much a family atmosphere in the office.

I feel like you only ever hear about models and the industry in a negative light, Models 1 have done all they can to support me and the models I know. They have nutritionists, personal trainers, stylists and life coaches on hand to prepare young models for the industry and I truly think that the help and support Models 1 gives  girls needs to be touched on more often.

Follow Fifi on Twitter: @fifi_newbery

Contact: hannah@models1.co.uk