Willainterview
An interview with the beautiful and inspiring NY based model, Willa and this sensual series captured by the talented Will Hollis (instagram.com/willhollis), enjoy!
Know more about Willa at instagram.com/ghostface_willah
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
Curious, playful, loyal, warm, open.
How long have you been a model?
I’ve been “modeling” since I was 18. But I’d call myself more of a collaborator than a model. I don’t seek out photoshoots for any sort of personal portfolio, I wait until a photographer with a special vision approaches me and then together we work to produce something new and beautiful and interesting. It’s always bilateral.
How did you get into modelling?
I had just moved to New York City, and I was on my way to an open call for employment at American Apparel (RIP). On the way, I’d stopped at Sephora, and ended up being roped into getting my hair and makeup done for Josie Maran’s new skincare line. I walked out with bright pink lips, some twigs and berries in my hair, and as I was walking to the interview a Porsche whipped around the corner and an older man with a gorgeous Nikon stepped out and asked to take my portrait. His name was Eraj Asadi, a hybrid banker-photographer, and we’ve been good friends since.
How was your first shooting? Tell us a bit about that first experience.
Eraj met me at my then-boyfriend’s apartment in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, and armed with minimal makeup and a collection of basic outfits, we drove around and scouted the best environments for me to interact with and shoot in. Eraj was a master at creating these intriguing model-environment juxtapositions, which was something completely foreign to me at the time. Some of my favorite images to-date were produced that day, despite my baby face
What does modelling mean to you?
To me, modeling means an opportunity to be unabashedly sexual, sensual, striking – whichever tone the shoot calls for. My career is in consulting, where there’s no room for vanity. So modeling, to me, is an outlet for celebrating my youth, my energy, my looks – the aspects of me that aren’t reflected in my daily work.
A model you particularly admire?
Madison Paige, @madisonpaige. She’s my cousin by marriage, but also my sister, friend, and mentor in so many other ways. On the surface, she is destabilizing beauty standards and challenging the industry to blur the lines between male and female models. But behind her gorgeous face is this bundle of dramatic, raw creativity that she releases through her modeling, sure, but also through her music and more intimate relationships. She’s very complex, in all the best ways. I think the world of her.
If you could choose, where would you like to shoot?
I think my dark hair, pale skin, and rosy complexion lend themselves to more of an icy environment, so I think my dream set would be some glacial landscape. There would be steam (hot springs, perhaps?), there would be frost, and, obviously, there would be a lot of “nipping”. I love a hard nipple.
What is your dressing style in everyday life?
During the day, I stick to a comfy-cozy-professional look: slacks, un-tucked blouses, Nike tennis shoes. If I’m going out, I’ll wear something much more wild: lingerie as a top, wide-legged pants, and high heels comes to mind. Either way, you’ll catch me wearing something easy to move in.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Right here in New York City. When I moved back to Texas at 19 to finish my degree, it broke my heart to leave, and I spent the next three years working to get back here. It’s a magnetic city, I don’t see myself breaking free from that magnetism any time soon.
What is happiness?
Happiness is feeling like your personal expressions, in whatever form, are encouraged, welcomed, accepted, and valued. That is what has made me feel most happy, at least.
Where can we find you on a Friday night?
Well, any other night of the week you’ll find me being at home, relaxing. But Fridays have become my token night to let loose, so you’ll probably find me at any of the Manhattan spots at which I’ve become a regular: Acme Basement to drink, Happy Ending to dance, the rooftop at Mr. Purple if I’m entertaining visitors, or the Box if I’m feeling voyeuristic.
What’s your next goal?
To attend an acclaimed law school and earn my JD. Applications were due a week ago, so by April, I will know whether I’ll be on my way to achieving that goal this fall. Wish me luck!