She is a model, actress, brand ambassador. She enjoys print & runway modeling. She represent companies, brands working expos, trade shows and events. She also enjoy the marketing and promotions involved in business. Her passion is acting.
Her favorite quote: “Everything you dream is on the other side of fear” and “If your dream doesn’t seem impossible then it’s not big enough”.
Her hair color is Blonde and eyes blue. Her vital statistics: Size 2 dress, Size 10 shoe, 34D-27-35.
Shannon-Lee is an exceptionally talented and accomplished model. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You must have an inclination towards the world of beauty from your early childhood as you made your career in modeling and acting. Later you propelled your modelling career to the height where you are a leading fashion and glamour model and excelled as an actress. Tell us something about this fairy tale journey?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I attended a modeling school when I was about 13 years old. They taught us a bit about make up application and we did a version of runway but not much came of it. I was booked for one hair show where the hairstylist drastically cut my hair on stage and I swore that was it for me. I was horrified, although looking back at pictures, the color and cut suited me quite well. I also had terrible acne and was told by an agent that unless my skin cleared up I could never model. I had low self esteem and after these incidences I gave up.
I was married at the age of 21 and gave birth to my first child when I was 22. I was pregnant and nursing for the following decade and had 7 children. I was a stay at home mom for 14 years and never had the ambition to pursue a career outside of the home. Unfortunately, my marriage ended in divorce and I needed to discover my individual purpose in life and find what work I could do to care for my children. One day while listening to the radio, I heard about Wilhelmina Agency holding an over 30 years old nation wide casting call.
I was 34 years old at the time and thought “Maybe I’m not too old to start modeling. I think I should go.” I attended the casting and although I didn’t win, spoke to several people there that encouraged me to pursue modeling.
At a Fourth of July festival in my town when I was approached by a photographer that asked me if I had done modeling. I said I had not and he asked me to do a photo shoot. I said yes and after that shoot opened an account on Model Mayhem. Through Model Mayhem I began submitting for work and attending casting calls for extra work in tv & film, fashion shows and modeling. I started networking and building a portfolio through many photo shoots. This in turn brought more opportunities my way. I worked hard and tried not to turn down an opportunity that could be a door way to a better life for my kids and I.
It has not been a fairy tale but I am very thankful to have been able to meet so many wonderful people, travel, learn about business, life and the way the world works. I have not reached the height of my career and am looking with excitement towards my future in modeling, tv & film.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are leading media personality, model, actress and a brand ambassador. How you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I enjoy connecting with my friends and supporters through social media. I use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. My life is incredibly busy. With so much going on, it is easy for me to share updates about my life. My 7 children are in 5 different schools and I have also gone back to school this year. I exercise regularly and believe in the importance of fitness for a healthy lifestyle. Most of the work I do is for multiple agencies and companies at trade shows. I am human and exhausted most days. I believe in excellence, and try to be the best I can be, by pushing myself to my limits in all areas of life.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
There is an outdoor track not far from where I live that I power walk around 3-4 times per week. The track is over 2 miles per lap and I try to do 2-3 laps each time. Even though I’m not running, I do work up a sweat. I also meet with a personal trainer at a gym 2-3 times per week. I have a naturally athletic build, and also grew up doing gymnastics, so I could become very muscular depending on the exercises I do. This means my goal and focus is on using lighter weights and higher reps in order to tone my physique instead of building bulky muscle.
I was afraid of going to the “machine side” of the gym and used to stick with the treadmill. I didn’t know which muscles each machine targeted or how to use them. Ladies, do not be afraid of using weights or exercise machines. I highly recommend booking sessions with a personal trainer, at least when you start out. Learn how to use the machines and weights in order to achieve your fitness goals in a healthy and safe way.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
Although I do not diet, I have made significant changes to my lifestyle and have formed new healthier eating habits over the past few years. I used to drink pop and eat fast food at least once a week. I stopped drinking pop a few years ago and try to stay away from fast food. I confess that I do have moments of weakness here and there and might crave and eat French fries.
I used to drink a lot of milk and juice but have replaced those drinks with drinking plenty of water. I actually disliked the taste of water in the beginning but it’s amazing what you can get used to and even begin to love and feel satisfied by. Our bodies need water! Along with drinking lots of water, I like to eat fruits and vegetables. I have a habit of snacking on nuts throughout the day, almonds are my favorite. I look at the labels on packaged foods and go for very little or zero sugar. Sugar is in almost everything and is not good for our body, mind or health. Moderation is key and I will still allow myself to have a dessert once in a great while. The truth is, when you start cutting sugar out of your diet, your body loses it’s craving for it.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hair to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I have to say it again that water affects our insides and outsides. If I haven’t been drinking enough water I can see a difference in my skin. I also feel more fatigued. Making good decisions about what we put in our bodies allow us to reap the outer rewards. I take a pack of women’s vitamin’s each day which include; a multivitamin, fish oil, vitamin D3, calcium and cranberry.
My skin was very oily when I was a teenager. I used to over dry my skin by using multiple unnatural topical products which caused my skin to over produce oil. This can become a frustrating cycle. To anyone suffering from acne or oily skin, I recommend trying natural products and examining your diet and ingredients in the topical products you are currently using. Understand the type of skin you have and find what works best for you. Now, at the age of 37, I use Oil of Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging facial cleanser. I like to use Laura Gellar primer and Exuviance foundation.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about one of your memorable photo shoot or a cat walk you still remember as model?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I have done many runway shows and they are each a ton of fun. One of my favorite shows that I have done is called NEXT Fashion Chicago. It’s a very professional show with the city’s top fashion designers showcasing their work. I am looking forward to walking in this year’s NEXT Show this Weds Oct 7th.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
As a model and actress you do print, promos, runway, trade shows, spokesperson, tv and films. Which is your favorite media and why?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I enjoy print modeling, runway shows and trade shows but I my favorite projects are in tv & film and runway. I love the energy of a fashion show. Walking to the beat of the music while wearing the most incredible fashions is energizing and so much fun. Acting offers the opportunity to become different characters while stepping out of reality and into another person’s world.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding fashion model girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of modeling?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I want aspiring models and actresses to know and understand that for the majority of us success does not just happen. When I started out in this industry, I had dreams of being discovered and making it big. I believe a lot of people think this way. Please understand this is a business. There are many beautiful, talented, people trying to get that booking, role, shoot or gig. What sets you apart? Is it your look? Are you willing to work harder than everyone else? Have a plan for your life. Value education and lay a solid foundation for your life. Follow your heart but have a plan and set realistic goals.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
With exceptional hard work you are credited with all your achievements as a model. Do you believe that does the hand of Providence (Supreme Being) played a role in your success?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I believe that God has ordered my steps and opened the doors of opportunity for me. I am so thankful and amazed that I am able to model in my mid 30’s after having 7 children. I have never heard of a model mom with so many children before. I give thanks to God for giving me determination, perseverance, athletic genes and a good work ethic. I also thank God for giving me favor with those that have chosen to book and cast me. I will continue to model & act for as long as He has chosen for it to be a part of His plan for my life. When the time comes for me to move onto other things, I will accept that as well.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have done bold photo shoots as a model. How you are so body confident and advice to your compatriots?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I have done many different kinds of photo shoots including; fashion, glamour, fitness & editorial. I have never done a nude photo shoot and am thankful to have followed my conscience in that regard. I used to wish I was taller and thinner for fashion modeling. But if I had been taller and thinner, then I probably would have wanted to be shorter and curvy.
Women and girls are easily discontent and can think about what we lack instead of focusing on our positives and strengths. It took me some time, especially after going through 7 pregnancies and remembering what I used to look like when pregnant, to accept myself as I am today. Be the best you that you can be. You are not the same as anyone else and God made you unique. As long as I am working hard and trying to make the best decisions the majority of the time then I am content with myself.
Women and girls need to give themselves a break and not be so hard on themselves. Keep in mind that most of the images we see in magazines have been created by a team of professionals including; a make up artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist, the best photography with an expensive camera, lenses, lighting and retouching/editing software. We are bombarded by images of perfection and it can become a depressing competition. Let your value be in who you are, not what you look like. Looks fade but character grows. For some of us, this is a battle in the mind, especially in the modeling industry.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Shannon-Lee:
I love everything about Womenfitness.net. There are articles about health & wellness, nutrition & exercise as well as fashion & beauty tips. In my opinion Womenfitness.net provides all the information required for a well balanced woman’s life. Let’s learn, grow, be healthy, fit and enjoy the beauty that comes with being a woman.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a little about my life. I will look forward to hearing your thoughts and hope that I have written something useful for your site.
To know latest about Shannon-Lee check out on her social networks:
- Facebook.com/shannonleemodels2
- Instagram: shannonleemodels_
- Twitter@ShannonLeeMod
Women Fitness Team thanks Shannon-Lee for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.