Without models the Fashion Industry would not have it's most dynamic marketing point, clothes being displayed on the human body. Felicia Flaherty is one of these amazing individuals.
by Marta Bota
by Marta Bota
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Felicia: I grew up outside Washington, DC in a lovely family-oriented neighborhood I will always call home.
Felicia: I grew up outside Washington, DC in a lovely family-oriented neighborhood I will always call home.
Copa: What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in modeling?
Felicia: When I was in fifth grade, I realized my modeling potential. I was the tallest person in my school including the teachers and the principal! Basketball wasn't an option so I chose to try modeling.
Felicia: When I was in fifth grade, I realized my modeling potential. I was the tallest person in my school including the teachers and the principal! Basketball wasn't an option so I chose to try modeling.
Copa: Are you a student or pursuing modeling full time?
Felicia: I am pursuing modeling full-time at this time of my life. School will always be an option which I will pursue later. Opportunities like modeling are often once-in-a-life-time.
Felicia: I am pursuing modeling full-time at this time of my life. School will always be an option which I will pursue later. Opportunities like modeling are often once-in-a-life-time.
Copa: Do you prefer print or runway?
Felicia: I am more experienced in runway and am confident in my walk. Runway is exhilarating, where as in print there are more on-set perks! I love them both about the same.
Felicia: I am more experienced in runway and am confident in my walk. Runway is exhilarating, where as in print there are more on-set perks! I love them both about the same.
Copa: What's it like to walk the runway during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week?
Felicia: My experience at the New York Fashion Week cannot be summed up in a few words. I felt nervous at times, but I also felt excitement, disbelief and lots of gratitude. Behind the scenes, I saw many top male models like Shaun Ross. After being a fan of America's Next Top Model for years, I came face to face with some of my favorite past winners like Jaslene Gonzalez. The sponsors took great care of us with snacks and drink. Mercedes Benz was hectic, as most fashion shows are, but organized and well run. I had such a small part in the grand-scheme of fashion week, however I never felt more self-assured and connected. I belonged there!! My inner confidence, self-motivation and determination grew tenfold. It was the point in my career, where I went from 'I can do this' to ‘I am doing this.' Walking down the runway I felt pure elation. It was a dream come true to see the Mercedes-Benz logo, huge white tents and stylish people surrounding me. Next stop, London and Milan!
Felicia: My experience at the New York Fashion Week cannot be summed up in a few words. I felt nervous at times, but I also felt excitement, disbelief and lots of gratitude. Behind the scenes, I saw many top male models like Shaun Ross. After being a fan of America's Next Top Model for years, I came face to face with some of my favorite past winners like Jaslene Gonzalez. The sponsors took great care of us with snacks and drink. Mercedes Benz was hectic, as most fashion shows are, but organized and well run. I had such a small part in the grand-scheme of fashion week, however I never felt more self-assured and connected. I belonged there!! My inner confidence, self-motivation and determination grew tenfold. It was the point in my career, where I went from 'I can do this' to ‘I am doing this.' Walking down the runway I felt pure elation. It was a dream come true to see the Mercedes-Benz logo, huge white tents and stylish people surrounding me. Next stop, London and Milan!
Copa: How do you think DC and NY differ in terms of fashion?
Felicia: New York has more opportunities with established clients of all different styles. DC's market is more conservative and commercial with their established clients. However with that being said, there are opportunities with new and emerging artists of all styles.
Felicia: New York has more opportunities with established clients of all different styles. DC's market is more conservative and commercial with their established clients. However with that being said, there are opportunities with new and emerging artists of all styles.
Copa: What are some of your interests outside of the fashion world?
Felicia: Service trips! My first service trip was to the Dominican Republic to visit an orphanage in the summer of 2013. This past summer, I went on a longer service trip to Guatemala. I was so intrigued by the whole experience of first hand connection. It means so much to donate to causes and spread awareness, however there is no match having that personal relationship. I built a stove for a family in need and know that I made a lasting positive impact on at least one person. I hope my future includes service trips around the world. I also enjoy travel for fun. I've had the opportunity to visit Paris, London, Panama and islands of the Caribbean.
Felicia: Service trips! My first service trip was to the Dominican Republic to visit an orphanage in the summer of 2013. This past summer, I went on a longer service trip to Guatemala. I was so intrigued by the whole experience of first hand connection. It means so much to donate to causes and spread awareness, however there is no match having that personal relationship. I built a stove for a family in need and know that I made a lasting positive impact on at least one person. I hope my future includes service trips around the world. I also enjoy travel for fun. I've had the opportunity to visit Paris, London, Panama and islands of the Caribbean.
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Copa: What do you see in your future, or at least in the next five years?
Felicia: This is a tricky question. I try to live in the present as much as I can. I realize life can change in an instant. Over all I hope to be traveling more, going on adventures and remembering God's plan for me. Many of the best moments and experiences came in the blink of an eye, God-given. Having a family is probably in my 10 year plan. Within five years, I hope to be doing (or have done) a Mara Hoffman swimwear photo shoot on a tropical island; walk for Versace in London fashion week; blow a kiss on the Victoria’s Secret runway and be on the cover of Vogue. Family comes first but within five years, I see myself as the most glamorous model of all, someone to look up to, a role model.
Felicia: This is a tricky question. I try to live in the present as much as I can. I realize life can change in an instant. Over all I hope to be traveling more, going on adventures and remembering God's plan for me. Many of the best moments and experiences came in the blink of an eye, God-given. Having a family is probably in my 10 year plan. Within five years, I hope to be doing (or have done) a Mara Hoffman swimwear photo shoot on a tropical island; walk for Versace in London fashion week; blow a kiss on the Victoria’s Secret runway and be on the cover of Vogue. Family comes first but within five years, I see myself as the most glamorous model of all, someone to look up to, a role model.
Copa: I'm sure you've worked with many makeup artists, do you have any favorite makeup looks in your professional and/or personal life?
Felicia: In my professional life, I let the make-up artists do their magic. Every time I sit in the chair, I look forward to the end result. I love when artists try new things.
In my personal life, I like to experiment with colored eyeliners. My favorites are blue, aqua, and gold. I find this touch of color spices things up and brings attention to the eyes, the windows of the soul.
Felicia: In my professional life, I let the make-up artists do their magic. Every time I sit in the chair, I look forward to the end result. I love when artists try new things.
In my personal life, I like to experiment with colored eyeliners. My favorites are blue, aqua, and gold. I find this touch of color spices things up and brings attention to the eyes, the windows of the soul.
Copa: You obviously have beautiful bone structure, have you learned to work with your own features in applying your own makeup? What are some of your favorite makeup products to work with?
Felicia: Make-up is truly an art form and a science. I have no idea where to begin with contouring, blending and other impressive make-up techniques.
At the end of the day, after a long shoot or show, the only products I use are make-up removers and face cleansers. Skin care is so important for a model. I am always asking my make-up artists about make-up removers and skin cleansers. Right now I use generic wipes to take the make-up off and Clean and Clear Advantage to clean my skin.
~Copa
Felicia: Make-up is truly an art form and a science. I have no idea where to begin with contouring, blending and other impressive make-up techniques.
At the end of the day, after a long shoot or show, the only products I use are make-up removers and face cleansers. Skin care is so important for a model. I am always asking my make-up artists about make-up removers and skin cleansers. Right now I use generic wipes to take the make-up off and Clean and Clear Advantage to clean my skin.
~Copa