Grace Cascarilla is a successful professional model who is currently working with UNIK MODELS. Besides working in the fashion industry Grace also combines a career of a professional tennis player with being a post abstract expressionist. In her interview, she told us about her ways of getting inspiration, how she manages to combine all the activities, and how the pandemic affected her career.
Grace, you are a talented model with numerous photoshoots and shows. Tell us more about your activities. Why did you choose the modeling direction?
I think I have a personality, intelligence and a unique appearance through which I can offer something edgy and new to the fashion and beauty industry! My favourite decade is the 90’s and I have always loved classic super models like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer and their chic and classy style! I think a combination of my talents and physical acumen are far-ranging and I’m also pretty versatile in how I express myself. I love to create impact and make a statement with my looks, and hence why I chose modeling!
Your love is the ocean and the beach. Which beach location is your favorite? Are you attracted to other wonderful places? For example mountains and forests?
Yes, my true love is the water. It makes me feel at peace and safe. It’s my little getaway on Earth. I know I can go there if I need a pick me up! I love nature in general. I have always wanted a country home. I also love the mountains in North Carolina and San Diego – really breathtaking! They give me a sense that there’s something bigger, more majestic than me. I absolutely adore connecting to places in nature, gather my thoughts and put my mind at ease and I am glad that I get to freely experience them as I travel.
You are a professional tennis player. You adore everything related to sports. Would you like to continue your career in it?
Yes, I do love sports. Tennis has been my passion since I remember. I also treat it as my getaway where I can really focus on the game and get “in the zone”. I hope to continue my career, get better in the game and gain momentum. I think through hard work, training and given the right opportunity I could definitely become very successful!
You are also interested in the Post-Expressionism style and are engaged in artistic activities. Tell us more about the drawing process. Why did you choose this style for yourself?
Yes, I love the post abstract expressionism style. I have learned from some of the masters! I would love to showcase my work in the MoMA or even the Louvre Gallery in the future! I have studied at SMFA BOSTON/TUFTS DUAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM. I think through this art style I can best express myself and my vision as well as showcase some of my colourful personality.
There is an incredibly large number of different hobbies in your experience. And some of these hobbies have turned into real work. Would you like to learn some other skills?
I think I am always inventing and experimenting with newness. With art, I like to put my knowledge and finesse to the canvas and combine it with new perspectives from my mentors. I definitely love learning new skills and trying new things! I would love to go to Italy to model and paint in the future! I also love to dance. I think the melodic flow and the beauty of putting my body in motion creates an incredible feeling of freedom and harmony. I like being in motion at all times but also executing tasks at hand with precision and commitment. It pushes and motivates me to always be better and to give something meaningful and impactful back to the crowd/public. I find that extremely rewarding!
You are the winner of two major modeling awards. Tell us more about how it all happened. Did you think you would reach that level?
I always thought I had something unique to offer. I have caught the attention of multiple people in the past and was told that I should model. I did a lot of photo shoots, but I think my first breakthrough was when I submitted my work to @promodelandtalent and got noticed by Ginger Pangas who loved my look. She said I looked like Eva Longoria and wanted me to train in their modeling and acting school, that’s when it all began. From there I went to IMTA and received a medal for my commercial print photos. My boudoir shoot with Kayla Speicher received an honorable mention as well. Recently, Hollywood Image Magic Mag asked me to do a cover. I love being a cover girl! I think I gained a great momentum and I am always hungry for more. I would love to do L’Oréal Paris one day, sky is the limit!
Your work is distinguished by purposefulness and responsibility. You manifest yourself in many currents. How do you manage to keep up with everything? Was there a desire to give up everything or did you want to go forward?
I like to keep myself busy and well-versed. I always strive to be good at everything I do. Hence my multitude of interests and activities. But I have to say that modeling has always been my first love. I think with hard work, working with the right people and through proper drive one can achieve so much! I am making strides to become a more prolific model and I know it’s all about patience, perseverance and the right timing. In the future I would love to be a positive influence and motivate other women striving to make a mark in this industry.
The pandemic has taken a terrible impact on people and their businesses. How has the world problem affected you? Has COVID-19 interfered with your career?
There are a lot of great styles and designers out there, but some of my favourites are Donna Karan, and, of course, Сhanel, the all-time fashion icon! I love the classic style these brands were able to deliver on throughout so many years while staying relevant and on top of the industry. They have demonstrated that you can be elegant and sexy at the same time without the necessity to wear less clothes.
What I love about this industry is the ability to express oneself through style. I love the fact that fashion is constantly changing and evolving and is not afraid to take risks or invent something new. I love the fast pace, the excitement and the challenge. And of course the payoff once your hard work becomes noticed and appreciated!
