You need to love yourself before getting into modeling : Lesleigh

Where are you from, and how would you describe your life growing up?

I am from a sleepy little town called Estevan. I feel so lucky for the life my parents provided us. I had a typical childhood full off mud, parks, street hockey, playing make believe and lots of family time. I remember spending a lot of time with my extended family, those are some of my best memories.

How did you find your way in front of a camera, modeling?

My friend Denna needed a model, needed help and I always like to help. It didn’t take too much convincing being a mom of two littles, it was nice to step out of mom mode. I would never have jumped in front of the camera if it wasn’t for her. Thank-You Deanna!

What do you like best about being a model? 

Do you remember playing dress up as a kid? I do. I loved dressing in different outfits from princess, witches and even my favorite spice girl it was magical to me. That is how I feel about modeling. You let that inner child come out and play pretend because let’s be honest, who you are in front of the camera isn’t who you are in real life.

Besides modeling what is the most important thing in your life?  Do you have any unusual talents?

The things I cherish the most in my life is being a good mom, being a good wife, being a good friend and being a good daughter and sister. Most of all being the best version of me I can be. The world is so crazy, so I just try and do better than I did the day before.

We all need support in life.  Where do you get your support?  What or who inspires you?

Oh Lord, what would I do without my people. My support comes from my husband, family and a few good girlfriends. If that doesn’t help, a vodka or a glass of wine never hurt.

What inspires me, it sounds cliche but my kids. I want to show them living your life, loving your life however that looks, is a life well lived. Here is a truth for you, when I’m drowning and need a hand to pull me out, I turn to my husband, a few amazing women in my life, books and podcast help me breath again.

What do you think is the most challenging thing about modeling and what advice would you give to new models?

Your self-worth is not wrapped up in modeling. You need to love yourself before getting into this business, because the job of the business is to judge you on everything. I still struggle with this.

What is your favorite way to relax?  What do you do for fun?

Give me a hot bath, glass of wine, a good book or podcast and I walk out of that bathroom a new woman.

My fun time is filled with photography, camping, quadding, dinner dates with hubby, hanging with the kids and spending time with family. I have an amazing extended family; I feel so lucky to have them.

What would you consider your strongest attribute?  What do people compliment you most on?

My strongest attribute would be listening and asking questions. It has taken me a hot minute to learn to listen without judging ears and to ask questions out of kindness. We all have stories that a good and bad, we feel judged all the time. I try to listen with an open heart.

Please share something about yourself that may surprise others.  What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

My husband just laughed! I’m pretty vanilla and ok with it.

If you were in a magical machine that could transport you to any place and time imaginable, where would you love to be?  Why?

I would love to go back in time to meet my grandparents as young adults. At a certain point in life there are only a few people who can tell you stories of what your grandparents were like. How amazing would it be to go back and ask those questions yourself? To become friends with your grandparents at that time or be shocked as hell at who they are at that time.

What’s one thing about yourself that everyone should know?

I make mistakes, I’m not perfect but I always try to be the best person I can be.

Do you go to college? What do you study?

Do you have any favorite quotes that you would like to share?

“If you aren’t in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.”

 – Brene Brown

What does being published in this Modelz View magazine mean to you?

It’s an opportunity that not everyone gets, and I feel blessed that I get to experience it. When I’m 85 and looking back at these photos, I imagine myself saying dam I was one hot b***h!! The was one hell of a ride!!

Photography : Deanna Brown Art & Photography