Only 21 and out of Ontario, Canada, Stephanie is a rising model. Not only is she be the next Coors Light Maxim Girl of Ottawa for 2004, she is featured in Menz Women of Canada Calendar for 2005.
Check out the interview we did with Stephanie:
I am a model/actress/host from Ottawa, Ontario. Being from Canada, it's not the greatest place to start out in the industry but I have been really busy. I am a very driven person and I work really hard to get what I want. I have recently graduated from College studying Television Broadcasting. I have put that on hold for now and started to work towards modeling/acting. Although, at times it has been a challenge, I haven't let it stop me. I love challenges!!
How did you get your start in modeling?
I've actually only been modeling since July 2004. In June of 2004, I was chosen to go to a modeling convention in New York. I accepted the offer and went to the convention. I met a lot of great guest�s speakers, actors, models, agents and photographers. That's where I really got my start. The guest speakers really were influential. So, when I got back home, I started working really hard...shooting with photographers, getting in touch with my callbacks from the convention, getting myself out there. However, I believe a huge part of my early success was due to OMP (www.onemodelplace.com). There I was able to put up my portfolio and talk with people in the industry. A lot of my bigger job offers came from OMP as well.
What is your goal with your career?
Believe it or not, I did not think I would get such a great response as I did, since I am only 5'3(1/2) and from Ottawa, Ontario. However, it's been really great. So, if you would have asked me this question 5 months ago, I probably would have said this was my goal. But now getting the taste and having the passion of modeling/acting, I hope to shoot spreads for magazines or even make it onto some covers. I have been featured in magazines such as FHM, UMM, AU, etc. But it would be awesome to have a full spread. As well, I'd like to get into commercials or films too, maybe even soap operas!
What are you doing to achieve this goal?
I was also recently named Coors Light Maxim Girl of Ottawa. That was a huge honor. I will be heading to Nationals at the end of January to compete against 14 other girls across Canada. The winner will be the face of Coors Canada for the year as well as shoot a spread for Maxim. So, this is a huge goal I am aiming for.
What was it like to win Coors Light Maxim Girl of Ottawa? What all did you have to do for the competition?
I first was told of the competition from my dad. He saw the ad in the local newspaper. It was for an open casting call to make the cut for the Regional�s. I went to that and brought a couple pictures and they took a few more there. I then received a phone call a couple days later to inform me that I made the Regional. From there, I had a week and a half until show time. For the Regional�s show, there were 4 categories that the 13 girls had to take part in. Fantasy Wear, Sports Wear, Lingerie and Q&A. I worked really hard to try and be original for the show and to show off my personality. All the girls were great and it was a tough competition. But out of 13 girls, I ended up taking the title of Ottawa and moving onto Nationals in Toronto, Ontario. I am really looking forward to it.
You were in FHM. How did that come about? Do you get noticed from guys on the street yet?
Haha. Well the FHM gig actually came from OMP. An editor from FHM saw my portfolio and asked if I was interested in being in FHM. He explained to me it was for a section called "20 Hot Dates" and that they would do a fun interview and put a little quote under my picture. I didn't think that I would get such a good response from it, however, I have had a lot of people search my name on google to find out more information or pictures on me. But the funniest part is getting e-mails or seeing people from high school whom I haven't seen in a few years, who can't believe that I am in FHM or are trying to get free stuff out of it now. Even people who didn't even talk to me in high school! A lot of people however now, will stop and ask me "Is your name Stephanie" or something like that. But I'm not sure if that's from winning the Coors Light Maxim Girl or from being in FHM... Haha!!
What has your favorite photo shoot been that you have done for a magazine?
I would probably have to say UMM (Urban Male Magazine). It was for an ad for a band for their new CD release. So, what the photographer decided to do was put 9 people in one bath tub. There were the 4 guys fully dressed and 5 models in their bra and underwear. There was water and bubbles everywhere. It was a lot of fun but for sure a challenge!!
What do you enjoy more acting or modeling?
I have a passion for both of them. When I get the opportunity to act, it's great. But being from Ottawa, Canada there are only big productions in Toronto or Vancouver. I have done more modeling assignments so I'd have to say I enjoy that more. Both of them are challenges, I enjoy challenging myself. I love to see the results of shoots though, it's really strange to see yourself in magazines or on the internet. Both of them are an overwhelming experience!
You graduated from Algonquin College with a Broadcasting degree. Do you prefer to be in front of or behind the camera?
I love being in front of the camera, especially when it's a live show. It is such a rush to be delivering information or having an audience watch you. I enjoy writing as well, so being able to write my own stories or script and being able to read it for an audience is always a great experience. I hope eventually to be a news/entertainment anchor or better yet host my own entertainment show. I would love that. But I also enjoy producing, I love coming with up with ideas and making it a reality. That's a great challenge as well!!
Your website says that you competitive lip sync. How did you get started in it?
Haha, when I learned I couldn't sing!! Haha. No honestly, I was taking performing classes at this performing arts school, and they had a lot of contests and lessons on how to lip sync. So when I was about 7, I tried it out. It was a lot of fun pretending to be the person singing, acting emotions out or even dancing with it. At first it was just for fun, but then teachers started telling me I was actually really good at it. So, I started performing more. I did it for shows, contests, classes, ect. I haven't done a competition in awhile as the program ended at 15 years of age... but I'm sure I still got it
Is modeling paying your bills currently?
Well, living at home, I really have it good. I don't have to pay for much except for my regular bills. So, it's paying enough that I am able to do this full-time for now. But starting off, I did a lot of work for free because I wanted to get my face and name out there. Now, it's slowly starting to give me money, good money!
Do you have another job currently at this time?
Not right now, it's hard to maintain a job when I'm traveling about twice a month for about 4 days at a time. I do a lot of promotional work though when I can for extra money though.
Where can your HSO fans find out more about you?
They can check out my website at www.stephanielavergne.com to find out more information about me. And while they are there they can check out my Resume section to see where I am featured and where they can find more pictures, articles, work, ect. Soon, I will be adding a merchandise section as well.
Any last words?
Well for sure, thank you for this opportunity. I really appreciate it. As well, I always love to receive mail from fans or anyone who want to know anything whether it be about myself, modeling or anything in general. If you believe in something, you can make it happen!
Random Quick Questions
What is one food that you could eat 24/7?
Haha. I love food!! I'd probably say Chinese Food...their Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls
Do you collect anything?
Anything with Butterflies on it! My dad and I have this butterfly symbol thing because of the song "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle.
Who�s currently in your CD player?
Usher... he's the only man who can make a break up sound sweet
Are you single?
No, I have an amazing boyfriend. We have been together for 3 years.
Interviewed and posted December 04
Stephanie's OMP site