Anchal

1. How old are you and where are you from?
- I am 23 years old. I was born in India and currently reside in Miami, Florida.
2. What languages do you speak?
- English, but I also speak Hindi.

3. How did your family feel about you wanting to be a model?  Did they instill a certain moral code or value within you?
- Both my mother and father have always been supportive of my career choice. My mother is a bit old fashioned and she does question a lot of the assignments. My family overall is very supportive, but they have instilled great morals and values that make me who I am today. My family is also a firm believer in the power of education which I agree with 100%!

4. Who discovered you?  Or did you send pictures into an agency?
- Who discovered me? Hmm, well I used to work at my parents candy store. I was about 15 years old and a lot of people would approach my dad and I, in regards to me becoming a model. I was hesitant about modeling, but inquisitive as well so my dad went about his way. My dad introduced me to a wonderful and sweet woman named France and her husband, they shot my first photo shoot and France actually went with me to all of the agencies in Miami. So that was my beginning, from there it is long story - I have many people to thank and I am grateful to all of them; without them I would have never met my wonderful manager (Manny Roman). As they say things happen for a reason.

5. Who was your 1st agency?
- I never had an agency. All of the agencies in Miami denied me, because my look was to exotic or some other excuse they could think of.  A small agency that had my picture and information did get in touch with me for an editorial shoot with Bruce Weber for French Vogue and another test shoot which was featured in Zoom magazine. 

6. Did you ever pay for pictures?
- I have been very blessed and never have had to pay for photos.

7. Did you attend a modeling school/scouting convention as a kid?
    Nope, I never attended any modeling school or scouting convention.


8. Did an agent send you to the audition for ANTM, or did you go to an open call on your own?
 - Believe it or not a scout from ANTM actually found my profile on MySpace and requested that I come to the audition. I initially did not believe her and asked her to please stop contacting me. The scout messaged me back and said I could bring the whole family or any guardian to meet with her and to the auditions that upcoming weekend and with that in mind I went with my dad and here we are today. =)

9. What would you recommend or suggest to a potential model/new face?
 -If you have a dream, follow it! For those who want to give modeling a shot, I say go for it, but remember that it is not glitz and glamour. The business is very competitive and there is always someone you will be competing with and you will hear ton of critiques, but it is up to you and to either make that critique into a negative or positive aspect. I also recommend having a backup plan, if you are in school stick to it! In this day and age there is no excuse with so many schools online you can have an education as well.

10. Can you name a few photographers you worked with, and would like to work with?
  
- Manny Roman
- Bruce Weber
- Matthew Jordan Smith
- Tyra Banks
- Al Ruben
-Oliver Bronson, Dylan Don
-Tracy Bayne
- Charlie Altuna
-Mike Rosenthal
- Jeffrey Jones
- Randee St. Nicholas
- Patrik Giardino
- Lazaro Llanes
- Jason Setiawan
- Alex Rivera
-Tya Tiempetch
 
I have been truly blessed to have worked with all of the above mentioned photographers. Other photographers I would like to work with would Andrew G. Hobbs, David LaChapelle, Michael David Adams, Annie Leibovitz, Thomas  Kettner, Dimitris Theocharis, there are so many more I can mention.

11. Do you have an idol/hero (famous model/designer, etc.)?
 -     The designer I admire is Max Azria.   I have a few models I respect one would be Nikki Taylor, Natalia Vonda-nova and Gisele.

12. Which magazines to you tend to pick up 1st.? (Even if its not fashion related).
 
- Road & Track, Car & Driver (I have a passion for cars),  & Travel

13. You are using your modeling/spokesperson success an a platform for causes?  Which one do you feel most strongly about?          
 
-I am so thankful that I am able to contribute in any way possible to many causes. I have volunteered for mentoring young women, psoriasis, breast cancer and Aids. A cause I feel most strongly for is AIDS Awareness. AIDS is the main cause for awareness, but overall the awareness of all STD’s should be acknowledged for preventions and cures.

14. Do you still have an agency or just a manager?  What are they're names?
 
-I currently was placed with Mega Models in Miami ( Commercial Print Board ) and yes, I have Manny Roman who is a great manager.

16. How often do you exercise?
 
-Not as often as I should. LOL. I get terribly bored on a treadmill and I dread cardio, but to make up for my excuse for not being in the gym I leave my cardio running around with my dogs, kayaking, biking on a trail, roller skating or ice skating; basically any outside activity to keep me entertained. Also I try to put in at least 2- 3 days of strength training.

17. Do you eat what you want or do you diet, etc.?
 
-Oh, how I wish I could anything I wanted. LOL. Though, I never deprive myself of delightful foods, I do control portions and avoid certain foods once in a while; like ice cream, cakes, chocolates, etc. I could eat it every day, but I treat myself to one or more of those sinful delights 2 or 3 times in a month. Diets do work, but not for me. If you eat everything in moderation and become active, I believe you can eat and enjoy anything you want.

18. What is your favorite snack, if you indulge?
 
-Mmmm, favorite snack would be white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies. Yummerz! Sadly now that I think about it I haven’t had one in a while. My weakness would be a McLeche.Flurry and my addiction is white Chocolate mochas Starbucks and Café con leche

19. What is your favorite city so far?
 
-My favorite city so far is Miami. How can you not love Miami, the weather is amazing and I enjoy the diversity of people. Though New York is stealing my heart! New York is beautiful. There is so much history and so many things to discover!
-Outside of the USA my favorite city is Lucerne, Switzerland.

20. What are a few of your favorite beauty products? Like whats in your purse right now, that you can't be with out?
 

-I did not believe in make-up much, but it is heaven sent! I cannot leave the house without Make-Up Forever's foundation, mascara, eyeliner and lip gloss.

 - UNKNOWN