Unlocking the Secrets of Brand Ambassadorship: A Proven Roadmap to Becoming an Industry Insider

In the world of marketing and promotion, brand ambassadors play a crucial role in connecting companies with their target audience. These individuals are trusted advocates who represent and promote a brand’s products or services. If you’re passionate about a particular brand or niche and dream of becoming a brand ambassador, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your journey to influencer status.

Choose Your Niche

Identify your area of interest and expertise. Successful brand ambassadors are often passionate about a specific niche, whether it’s fashion, beauty, fitness, technology, or travel. Your niche should align with your interests and resonate with your target audience.

Build Your Online Presence

A strong online presence is essential for aspiring brand ambassadors. Start by creating and maintaining active social media profiles on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. Choose a handle that reflects your niche and personality, and ensure your content is engaging, authentic, and visually appealing.

Create High-Quality Content

Consistently produce high-quality content that showcases your passion and expertise within your chosen niche. This may include blog posts, photos, videos, or a combination of multimedia content. The secret is to add value to your audience and position oneself as an authoritative source of knowledge.

Grow Your Following

A loyal and active following requires effort and time to build.. Engage your audience by answering comments, participating in discussions, and collaborating with other content creators in your niche. Additionally, use relevant hashtags to increase your content’s discoverability.

Engage with Brands

Once you’ve established your online presence and gained a reasonable following, start engaging with the brands you admire. Observe them on social media and respond to their posts and share your experiences with their products or services. Building a genuine connection with the brand is the first step to catching their attention.

Showcase Your Passion

Authenticity is key in brand ambassadorship. Continue showcasing your passion for your chosen niche and the brand you’re interested in. Share your personal experiences, reviews, and recommendations genuinely. Brands are more likely to partner with individuals who genuinely love and believe in their products.

Reach Out to Brands

Don’t be afraid to reach out to brands directly. Craft a compelling pitch that highlights your passion, expertise, and the value you can bring to their brand. Research their preferred contact methods, which may include email, social media DMs, or dedicated brand ambassador programs on their websites.

Attend Industry Events

Participate in industry-related events, conferences, and trade shows if possible. Networking with industry professionals and brand representatives can provide valuable opportunities to showcase your expertise and passion. It’s also a chance to make direct connections with brands.

Collaborate with Like-Minded Influencers

Working together with other influencers in your niche can help you reach more people and meet new brands. Partnering on content or campaigns with influencers who share your interests can be mutually beneficial and attract the attention of brands looking for collaborations.

Be Patient and Persistent

Becoming a brand ambassador is not an overnight achievement. It takes time, dedication, and persistence. You may face rejection along the way, but remember that persistence pays off. Keep refining your content, growing your audience, and pursuing partnerships with brands aligned with your niche.

Becoming a brand ambassador is a rewarding endeavor for those passionate about their chosen niche. It’s a journey that begins with building a strong online presence, creating valuable content, and engaging with both your audience and the brands you admire. As you continue to showcase your passion and authenticity, opportunities to represent and promote your favorite brands will likely come your way, turning your dream of becoming a brand ambassador into a reality.

The Modelling Industry: Top 5 Expectations vs. Reality You Should Know

Modeling is a glamorous career that has attracted people from all over the world. The fashion industry is constantly looking for fresh faces and new talent, and many aspiring models dream of making it big. However, the reality of being a model is often very different from people’s expectations. In this article, we will explore five model expectations and the realities of the industry.

Expectation 1: Fame and Fortune

Many people think that becoming a model automatically means fame and fortune. They assume that models earn much money, travel the world, and have a glamorous lifestyle. However, the reality is that modeling is a highly competitive industry, and only a small percentage of models ever achieve fame or fortune. Many models must work for years before making any significant income, and most never become household names.

Expectation 2: Perfect Body

The fashion industry is often associated with thinness and perfection; many believe that models must have perfect bodies. While it’s true that models are expected to maintain a certain level of fitness, the reality is that there is no one perfect body type. The industry is becoming more inclusive, and there are now opportunities for models of all shapes and sizes.

Expectation 3: Glamorous Lifestyle

People often assume modeling is a glamorous lifestyle filled with parties, red carpets, and photo shoots in exotic locations. While this may be true for some models, the reality is that modeling involves long hours, hard work, and little glamour most of the time. Models often work in uncomfortable conditions and spend hours standing in high heels.

Expectation 4: Easy Money

Many people believe that modeling is an easy way to make money. However, the reality is that modeling is hard work and requires a lot of time and effort. Models often have to go to castings and auditions, and they may have to work long hours with little pay. Modeling is also a very unpredictable industry, and work can be sporadic.

Expectation 5: Success Overnight

Many people believe that becoming a model means instant success. They assume that they will immediately start booking jobs and making money once they sign up with an agency. However, the reality is that success in the industry takes time and hard work. Models must constantly network, update their portfolios, and persist in their pursuit of employment.

How to Lose Weight After the Holidays

It’s finally that time of year again. A time of long beach days, hot summer nights, and that cute bikini you picked out last year. But wait a minute – before you try it on, have you considered the possibility of the dreaded ‘holiday weight’? (Don’t act like you don’t have any because that’s impossible.)

My boyfriend and I have come to terms with this fact of life. And we’ve made a 3-month pact. No junk food. 2 liters of water a day. Gym visits as often as possible. Yesterday was our first gym visit. After forking out a huge twenty dollars for a casual visit and spending an hour sweating and aching and feeling like I was going to throw up, I must admit I began to question what I got myself into. Why does summer have to be such a pain?

I woke up in the morning with aching arms, legs, abs, and a starving stomach. Damn you, holiday weight! There has to be an easier way…

Here’s what I think. The moderation rule is important, as in – eat everything in moderation. Feel like some chocolate? Have a square! Craving lollies? Go for the 98% less sugar option. It may not be the healthiest way to ‘diet,’ but who am I kidding? Diets are boring anyway. At work, we are careful to have a small stash of All Natural lollies on hand for those one-off sugar hits. Now when lunchtime rolls around, rather than going for the trusty Kebab Shop Nachos, try out a fruit salad with yoghurt, or even a salad sandwich. It’s important to keep your stomach full the whole day long. Skipping breakfast is a big no-no, so as not to affect your metabolism, leaving you more likely to pig out on the tempting junk later on that night.

What’s important is staying active. This really depends on the individual. While I would much rather fork over loads of cash to sweat it out in the gym, a smarter individual may realise that jogging is far more affordable (plus, you can take your iPod and sing along simultaneously!). Team sports are always fun if you’re more of a social person like me. While it’s off-season for the more popular sports, like netball or soccer, nighttime indoor competitions are always run. Grab a bunch of friends and sign up!

Don’t like to sweat? Walking for an hour a day can do just as much good as a half-hour run. So go on a shopping spree and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Little things like this that may seem like nothing at the time really do add up. Even if it’s doing ten push-ups in an ad break of your favourite show and seeing if you can beat the next lot of ads. Fun little challenges for yourself make exercising not seem like it at all, and trust me; you begin to feel quite proud of yourself when you beat your last Personal Best!

At times it will all seem too much, I’m not going to lie, and Baskin Robbins will probably seem like Heaven to you, but before you break down: just think of that cute bikini you’ve got sitting at home. It’ll all be worth it.

Revealed: The Top 10 Most Instagrammed Paint Colours For 2022

From cottagecore to grandmillennial, homeowners’ interior choices have been heavily influenced by social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest.

With people staying in more as the night draws in, Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance were inspired to discover the trendiest paint colours on Instagram for a room makeover this year. The experts collated a seed list of popular paint shades from reputable sites and examined the number of Instagram hashtags each shade has garnered.


Top 20 most Instagrammed paint colours so far…

Rank

Paint colours

Brand

Total no. of Instagram hashtags

1

Hague Blue

Farrow & Ball

54,100

2

Green Smoke

Farrow & Ball

34,100

3

Stiffkey Blue

Farrow & Ball

26,800

4

Dove Grey

Laura Ashley

26,100

5

Paris Grey

Zoffany

24,000

6

Cornforth White

Farrow & Ball

23,600

7

Sulking Room Pink

Farrow & Ball

22,100

8

French Grey

Little Greene

19,400

9

Inchyra Blue

Farrow & Ball

18,400

10

Skimming Stone

Farrow & Ball

17,200

11

Elephant’s Breath

Farrow & Ball

16,200

12

Bancha

Farrow & Ball

15,900

13

Hale Navy

Benjamin Moore

12,500

14

Setting Plaster

Farrow & Ball

12,200

15

Purbeck Stone

Farrow & Ball

11,800

16

Sap Green

Farrow & Ball

10,800

17

Jitney

Farrow & Ball

10,700

18

De Nimes

Farrow & Ball

10,600

19

Denim Drift

Dulux

10,200

20

Chic Shadow

Dulux

5,500

For a selection of relevant pictures for editorial use, please click here.

Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball has reigned supreme on Instagram, accumulating an impressive 54,100 hashtags so far! A dramatic yet elegant blue hue, the shade adds a touch of sophistication to your abode and easily warms up your living space when paired with neutrals like cream or beige.

Farrow and Ball’s Green smoke ranks as the second most Instagrammed paint colour, racking up 34,100 hashtags. This smoky green with a hint of blue evokes calmness and is a versatile shade that would fit any room from the kitchen to bath – pops of golds also go exceptionally well with this colour!

In third comes another Farrow and Ball shade, Stiffkey Blue. Having garnered 26,800 Instagram hashtags, this rich inky blue hue adds character to a contemporary-styled room, especially when paired with warm metallics. Contrast the deep blue with light greys for a cocooning vibe.

Rounding off the top five most Insta-worthy paint colours are timeless grey shades, Dove Grey (26,100 hashtags) and Paris Grey (24,000 hashtags).

Popular Farrow and Ball pink shades, Sulking Room Pink and Setting Plaster place seventh and fourteenth most Instagrammed paint colours, achieving 22,100 and 12,200 hashtags respectively.


Heath Alexander-Bew, director of personal lines at Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance, offered guidance for landlords on choosing the right paint colour for rental properties:

Picking the right paint colour for your rental home could be one of the most crucial design decisions to make – a visually appealing room will certainly help attract tenants.

You want to use something on-trend but not too striking or niche so it suits a larger audience and ensures your property isn’t left unoccupied for long. Neutral colours are a safe bet, providing tenants with a blank canvas that allows them to personalise their space much easier. Light beiges, tans, creams and soft greys are all ideal colours that will give the illusion of a larger space.

To save money in the long run, it’s also best to invest in quality durable paint that takes knocks and scratches. Remember to take pictures of the areas you’ve added a fresh coat of paint to before renting out and keep your receipts. This is so if a property’s walls  are damaged, you have proof when it comes to who should bear the costs of reinstating the area back to its original state.”

Source: Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance (https://www.alanboswell.com/landlord-insurance/landlord-building-insurance/)

This article was sourced from a media release sent by clara@journalistic.org

Methodology

  1. Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance were keen to find the most Instagrammed paint colours.
  2. The experts analysed reputable sites (ie. Ideal HomeGood HousekeepingLivingetc) and compiled a seed list of the most popular paint shades.
  3. Next, each paint shade was searched on Instagram to analyse the number of hashtags they have accumulated on the platform so far.
  4. The total number of Instagram hashtags was ranked in descending order with the paint colour garnering the highest number of hashtags concluded to be the most Insta-worthy.
    1. To guarantee accuracy, paint colours with less than 5,000 hashtags were omitted from the study.
  5. Data was collected on October 26th 2022 and is accurate as of then.

NSW Finalist Sheridan Mortlock Wins Miss Earth Australia 2022

 

Photo Credit: George Azmy

Fourteen worthy queens vied for a single crown on Sunday, September 4, 2022, and the coronation night turned out to be a smashing success!

This year’s competition also included musical performances from Angel Charms, Queeness Gutierrez, Deuc3s, Adlips, and Darius Vevo, dance performances from the Philippine Dance Ensemble and Rommel Reyes Olson of Olson Dance World with his dance partner, Jane Standish, as well as a fashion showcase featuring Faten Lawn, Kruz La Mode, Caftan House, and Maricris Delapena Couture. We also got introduced to the Miss Little, Junior, and Teen Earth Australia Princesses, as well as the Mrs. Earth Australia 2022 official candidates Analieze Bella Newton, Anie Benitez, Irene Evangelista, Jenina Cotelo, Judith Nguyen, Kristine Tadem, Louise Veronica, Mary Venus, Mel Diaz, and Rhea Tecson.

The Miss Earth Australia 2022 coronation night went down at the grand ballroom in Hyatt Regency Hotel Sydney. This year’s cream of the crop for Miss Earth Australia consisted of Jaisy Molina, Ariel Beninca, Haley Cobb, Jessika Bassan, Kajol Chand. Kelsy Prest, Naomie White, Riley Aston, Robyn Russell, Sheridan Mortlock, Himaya Wijayaweera, Jaisy Molina, Mariah Whyte, Sofiia Starchevska, and Judith Sanougah.

Following a four-hour showdown of environmental speeches, gowns, glams, and game-changing questions, here’s how things turned out for this year’s hopefuls…

Sponsors’ Awards

StarCentral’s Choice: Kelsy Prest (New South Wales)
Miss Budgy Smuggler: Jessika Bassan (New South Wales)
Miss Millionaires Alliance: Naomie White (New South Wales)
Miss Megaworld International: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Hyatt Regency Sydney: Ariel Beninca (Queensland)
Miss Lari Sports Active: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)
Miss UME: Riley Aston (Queensland)
Miss Cruz Lamont: Mariah Whyte (Victoria)

Special Awards

Best in Swimwear: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Photogenic: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Best in Evening Gown: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Congeniality: Kelsy Prest (New South Wales)
Miss Talent: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)
Best in Environmental Speech: Naomie White (New South Wales)
Darling of the Press: Riley Aston (Queensland)
People’s Choice Award: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)
Green Achievers Award: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)

Top 5 Winners

Miss Earth Charity Australia: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)

Miss Earth Water Australia: Riley Aston (Queensland)

Miss Earth Fire Australia: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)

Miss Earth Air Australia: Naomie White (New South Wales)

Miss Earth Australia 2022: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)

Congratulations to the current National Directors Juliet De Leon and managing director Marc Baylon for pulling off the incredible event, and hats off to the entire Miss Earth Australia 2022 team – it was an amazing effort. Congratulations also to all the beautiful ladies, and best of luck to the new Miss Earth Australia 2022, Sheridan Mortlock!

You can watch the full pageant via this link: Miss Earth Australia 2022

Ivana Alawi, One Of Philippines’ Top YouTube Content Creators Stuns In Her First Metro Cover

Ivana Alawi, one of the Philippines’ top YouTube content creators appearing in videos with views up to 30 million, is Metro’s latest digital cover star. The online personality and actress is making her star turn as Cherry Red in “A Family Affair,” ABS-CBN’s newest TV series that follows the Estrella family—four brothers played by Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Jake Ejercito, and Jameson Blake.

In a Metro editorial inspired by a look from one of her many viral vlogs, Ivana is stunning and smoldering as she channels that one-of-the-boys vibe in gorgeous, disarming photographs by Dookie Ducay. From her earliest role in “Precious Hearts Romances Presents” to capturing the attention of talent managers everywhere after appearing in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” Ivana is only getting started, a star about to shine brighter.

Her exclusive interview on Metro.Style tracks her early years as a child of two worlds: a Moroccan father and Filipino mother, and growing up in a close-knit family. Ivana talks about her beginnings in vlogging, becoming a digital star, launching her own beauty brand, and her similarities to—and deep connection with—Cherry Red.

This cover, which kicks off the #MetroxStarMagic30 content series, was photographed by Dookie Ducay, under the creative direction of Eldzs Mejia and supervision of Metro Editor-in-Chief Geolette Esguerra. The glam team was composed of makeup artist Mickey See, hairstylist Brent Sales, and fashion stylist Adrianne Concepcion, with associates Vince Abarra and Dodley Gallardo, and tattoos by Tattumundo. The production design was by Rocket Design Studio. The video outputs were by Fold Canela.

The cover story was written by Metro staff writer Janelle Roa Cabrera-Paraiso. The shoot was also made possible with coordination by Metro People section editor Grace Libero-Cruz and Managing Editor Red Dimaandal, with assistance by Metro writer Carla Buyo. Shot in Studio LAJ, this shoot is also thanks to Star Creatives, Mico del Rosario, Des de Guzman, Keia Inciong, Star Magic, and Lauren Dyogi.

Man Of Style Of The Week: Introducing The Charming Chulumanco August

Chulumanco August is a man of style who hails from South Africa, Cape Town. He loves minimal and earth colors. He believes in following your style, having your unique way of presenting yourself, and remembering fashion is a trend, but style is your true identity.

Model & Mode Magazine recently caught up with Chulumanco to discuss his journey in the fashion world, and here’s what went down:

Where do you usually shop? Are there any hidden gems when it comes to snapping up some awesome designer clothes?

When I go shopping, I always look out for minimal and earth colors; these colors bring versatility to combining outfits. 

What are your top tips when it comes to fashion for the hotter months?

Since summer is around the corner, gents should invest in clothing that will make your skin breathe and start with your essentials; that’s the way to build a versatile wardrobe. 

Where do you look for creative inspiration?

Purpose and teaching are great inspirations as a fashion creative; most of all, I get direction from these two aspects. 

Is it hard to stay fashionable?

To stay fashionable is not hard; you just need to keep up with the latest trends, but I advise every gent to focus on knowing your style; that’s a true definition of who you are.

How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

I always consider the way I style and combine clothes with a particular trend that brings in uniqueness and makes me a trendsetter. 

Are there any key trends you’ve seen for this year?

This year what I have noticed is that most of the well-known clothing brands are focusing more on loose fit styles, for me personally I don’t feel comfortable with this trend. I am more of a tight-fit gentleman.

What do you think about the state of fashion today?

Fashion is changing each and every year that creates options for everyone to get out of their comfort zone.

The fashion industry has changed so much in the past few years; what’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the curve?

Personally, I advise that for every gent to just keep everything simple when shopping, look for something that will be easy to wear with a lot in your wardrobe. To make things easy for yourself follow your style, have your unique way of presenting yourself, and remember – fashion is a trend but style is your true identity.

Man Of Style Of The Week: Introducing The Dashing Bobby Medinas

Bobby Medinas currently lives in Mexico City, but he was born and raised in Acapulco, Guerrero. He’s now 28 years old, and he has been creating content for approximately seven years. He started his career as an intern at a magazine in the city, where he eventually did a weekly segment on Men’s Streetstyle, interviewing and styling national and international creators. He has partnered up with brands like Ferragamo, Montblanc, American Express, Hugo Boss, Ray-Ban, Porsche, Audi, Tom Ford Beauty, Starbucks, and Jo Malone London. 

Model & Mode Magazine recently caught up with Bobby to discuss his journey in the fashion world, and here’s what went down:

Where do you usually shop? Are there any hidden gems when it comes to snapping up some awesome designer clothes?

I like to shop everywhere. I particularly love places where you never know what you’re gonna find. (That often includes the women’s section)

Vintage stores, websites, and markets are definitely my faves. There’s nothing like the thrill of thrifting designer goods that you never even knew you needed in the first place. 

What are your top tips when it comes to fashion for the cooler months?

It’s all about layering! Most pieces of clothing can be worn all year long if you style them weather-accordingly. Also, always try to be as comfortable as possible. 

Where do you look for creative inspiration?

Mainly magazines, movies and other creators. But I’m a firm believer that inspiration can come from any place at any time. Certain songs and destinations will also do the trick.

Is it hard to stay fashionable?

I guess that depends on how you define fashionable. I personally think that people who stay true to themselves are always fashionable. No matter where they’re at or what they’re wearing. 

People often forget that we tend to exaggerate who we are on social media. Sometimes I’ll take a picture of myself and then remove most accessories on my body to move on with my day. It might have been appropriate for the gram, but not necessarily for a run to the grocery store (laughs).  

How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

I’ve always defined myself as “basic with a twist” meaning you’ll find me in ‘wearable’ clothes most of the time. 

I try to keep it balanced!

For example, if I know I’m wearing a very flashy garment, I’ll often try to tone it down with more generic pieces. This works the other way around too. 

I’m lucky that brands find me “appealing” commercially speaking; I guess I always try not to forget who’s on the other end of my social media. In reality, most of my audience will not necessarily attend events, launch parties, or runway shows every week, so I try to make approachable content that will appeal to them without compromising who I am and what I stand for.

Are there any key trends you’ve seen for this year?

Loving oversized blazers, square-toed shoes, and everything 80’s. 

What do you think about the state of fashion today?

What a time to be alive!

Every day, we see more and more people choosing not to stick to dated stereotypes and redefine the fashion game. I love walking down the street and seeing guys rock purses and girls slaying in tuxedos. 

Risks are being taken, and I’m here for it.

What are the clothes we can rid our wardrobes of that are considered very ‘last season’?

I personally hate to get rid of pieces that are not necessarily “trendy” anymore.

Fashion is cyclic. What goes around eventually comes back around (A lot more often than we may think).

We can see it nowadays with huge fashion firms like Gucci, Prada, or Dior.

re-launching some of their “vintage” signature pieces…

My advice is to buy quality pieces that will last you a long time – most of my favorite garments I’ve had for years, some even decades. 

My rule is: if you’re not gonna want to wear it next year, It’s not for you. 

Fashion is not about over-consuming; it’s about making smart choices.

What fashion advice would you give an emerging Men of Fashion Blogger?

No one will ever tell you this: but It’s completely OK to evolve. Even if you have a very defined style, be aware that you will eventually become a better or more polished version of yourself, whether you like it or not. 

Sure, being authentic is very important, and so is having a signature look. 

But that often includes knowing that your personal style may evolve because you will also evolve as a person. 

By the way, also know that you will inevitably look back at your early content and cringe at some point. 

I have been there (laughs).

The fashion industry has changed so much in the past few years; what’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the curve?

Experiment!

You never know what you’ll end up loving or hating until you see it on you. It’s 100% valid to know when something is not for you, but I often see friends wearing something they once made fun of (on me). 

You’ll never be ahead of the game unless you do what most trend-setters do: they dare to try something different. 

10 Surefire Ways To Stay Healthy This Summer

When it comes to getting fit and healthy, life can get expensive. So here are a few of my favourite free and cheap ways to stay healthy this summer.

1. Hot and cold showers

Run a warm shower, then cold, warm again, and finish on cold. This is wonderful for our overall health as it improves circulation which helps the whole body by getting the blood and nutrients to all the cells in the body, it helps activate the lymphatic system to help remove toxins, improves will power, our immune system, great for recovery, as well as wakes you up in the mornings. Strangely enough, it also helps some people sleep too!

My favourite fact that I’ve learned is that it helps make you happy. Coldwater activates temperature receptors under the skin that releases hormones such as endorphins and adrenalin.

2. Greens powders

This is my favourite multivitamin. Greens powders are made from real vegetables and whole foods. They are full of natural vitamins, minerals, and natural phytonutrients that our body can easily absorb. A lot of supplements are made synthetically in a lab and although they can help, natural options are always my go-to first.

3. Detoxing beverages

I like to wake up with cold or hot water with fresh lemon, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar, it gets the system moving.

Instead of sugary drinks, make ice tea with herbs. To make herbal teas therapeutic, I like to get in three-plus cups in a day, this isn’t always easy so a great way to get them all in during summer is to make a big jug and put it in the fridge or your water bottle. Fresh herbs or teabags work well together.

Taking the time to sit and relax. Take 10, slow and deep belly breaths. Breathing in and out of the nose. Making sure to expand that belly and breath out slowly too.

You can do this when you wake up, before you sleep, before you meditate, on a bus, or anytime!

4. Salt therapy

Ask any surfer or most people who have grown up near a beach about the benefits of an ocean swim after a few drinks the night before.

Ocean water has high amounts of minerals including sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium, and calcium. So why not jump in the sea for a swim to improve your mood and health for free!

5. Those unused shower brushes

You know those big bristly brushes that hang in most people’s showers but never get used. Well, use them!

They are a fantastic way to get the lymphatic system moving and help your body remove the rubbish. The easiest way is to brush towards the heart, and don’t forget the bottom of the feet. They really do get your skin looking better.

6. Move and sweat

Whether it’s via exercise, movement techniques, or any type of sauna, traditional or infrared. Moving the body and sweating helps to break up blockages, get the energy and blood flowing, and removes toxins.

Many traditional cultures have been using sweat lodges for centuries and still do, there is definitely something in it.

7. Baths and buckets

Using a bath and adding herbs, herbal tea bags, Epson salts or even organic fresh flowers can make a wonderful relaxing and detoxing option. Don’t have a bath? Easy, use a bucket, add cayenne pepper, and pop your feet in!

8. Meditation

While we sleep our mind still works, taking the time out during the day to give your brain a little rest can work magic, especially for our nervous systems.

It’s simple, free, and painless.

There are also some amazing free apps, websites, and YouTube videos to help you get started if you are not quite sure where to start.

9. Self-abdominal detox massage

And lastly my favourite. I now teach all my clients self-techniques to rub their own tummies, in most massages everyone avoids the belly… yet it’s so powerful and a wonderful way to detox.

Slow, gentle spirals starting from the belly button, in a clockwise direction are a great way to start as a beginner. To learn more stay tuned on my website for free tutorials coming soon.

Happy detoxing!

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

Meet The International Model Behind The Cover Of The October 2021 Issue Of Model & Mode: Mischaela Elkins

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Mischaela Elkins was crowned a national delegate in the 15th Anniversary Ms. Universe competition for 2021 after two rounds of qualifications and eliminations. She is a businesswoman, model, author, and masterclass coach. She studied Business Administration in undergraduate and graduate school and holds degrees from Indiana University (B.S.) and IE Business School (MBA) respectively.

Before receiving her MBA from a globally recognized Top 10 School, she also sat for the qualifying exam and was accepted in the Mensa High IQ Society – scoring in the top 1%> of IQ scores globally. Between undergrad and MBA she also attended programs with Universite de Geneve in International Banking and Finance, completed her Foundations for the CFA accreditation and exam, and completed a Business Analytics and Economics Pre-MBA Summer Program at Harvard University.

While studying as an undergrad she worked as a professional model, predominantly in couture, evening wear, jewelry, and bridal after attending an Elite Fresh Faces open call in 2009. She completed her model training through the Barcino Modeling Agency in Barcelona, Spain. Barcino’s Model Academy taught her everything about the business side of modeling (contracts, terms), model etiquette, casting conventions, and more. Mischaela was runway trained by Mandy Dyonne, a world-renowned top agency runway coach who has trained the Victoria’s Secret Angels for the VS Fashion Show and model trained for Chanel, Fendi, Dior, and more. Mandy is also a runway walk trainer for the top agencies Elite, NEXT, and for the Elite Model Look contest.

As a model, she has worked with top-tier brands such as Graff, Paloma Blanca, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cle de Peau, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, and more. Commercially she has worked for Warby Parker, Amazing Cosmetics, and Intercontinental Hotel Group. She has appeared in Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Lucky, and more. Mischaela has worked with top internationally known photographers including Scott Schuman (Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia, Interview) and Kirsten Miccoli (Vogue, Glamour Italia) among others. As an influencer, she was named to Glamour Mag’s Hot 100 in 2016 and was appointed a Flagship Brand Ambassador for Elizabeth Arden and its eponymous luxury salon and spa. She holds influencer deals with NatureLab Tokyo, P. Volve, and other brands in wellness and beauty.

Mischaela competed in the Miss Jetset 2021 competition, placing in the Top 15, Top 10, then finally Top 5. Additionally, she was a delegate in the Miss Vizcaya Swimwear modeling competition hosted by luxury swimwear brand Vizcaya Swimwear – sponsors of Miss Universe USA and Miss United States. She took home the IGM Model of the Year nomination in 2020, as well as received a Victoria’s Secret Bombshell nomination in 2021.

Mischaela has represented the title of “Miss Peru” a total of 3 times. She holds the Miss Elite Beauty Peru and Miss Model Beauty Peru national titles. In the Miss Elite Beauty competition, she won 4 subtitles: “Miss Photogenic”, “Miss Ideal Model”, “Miss Glamorous Beauty”, and Best Evening Gown”. She was named a Finalist in Top Model Peru Season 14. Finally, she competed in Ms. Universe 2021 on the International stage representing Peru. Mischaela was also selected for Miss Global, representing her heritage as Miss Indigenous Americas for the 2021 edition of the competition in Bali, Indonesia – on the same Miss World stage that Megan Young was crowned. Her ambition is to represent Peru at Mrs. Universe after she is married.

Mischaela was coached by Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 in soft skills such as interview, public speaking, and winning mindset. She was also trained by The Refinery – a pageant grooming and preparation academy run by Miss Earth 2001 and former Miss India Shamita Singha and the team that has worked with Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta, and Manushi Chhillar as well as countless Miss India contestants and supermodels. She was fitness trained as a model and beauty queen by John Benton of John Benton Model Fitness – the trainer for Victoria’s Secret models and beauty queens the world over.

She is a published author of 3 self-help books and the creator of a self-help Masterclass that counts thousands of people in 105 countries around the world as students. Mischaela is an Achology Certified Life Coach and the creator of “Angel Academy” a spiritual “flight school” for those looking to get in touch with their inner divinity and gain their wings to transform themselves and their intuition, their wealth abundance, and their romantic relationships and dating life. As a businesswoman, Mischaela won the Porsche 30 under 30 in Business Award and has won the Crain’s Chicago Business for best use of Social Media to grow digital presence. She is employed with the #2 globally ranked bank/financial institution.

Leveraging her Ms. Universe Peru platform she is a brand ambassador for LA MER, Swarovski, Mikimoto, Shiseido, Selfridge’s “Ocean Project” Initiative, and Parley for the Oceans. She has partnered with Oceana, 4 Ocean, Water.org, UN Water, and other nonprofits as Miss Peru. Her key projects during her reign include: Sponsoring and advocating for the Nazca Protected Area’s Formal adoption as part of Peru’s Bi-Centennial Goals, working with international collaborators on the Lima Water Project, and developing ACQUAVENUS – a consortium of international beauty queens engaging in ocean conservation and water preservation projects, campaigns, and initiatives globally.

Model & Mode Magazine recently caught up with Mischaela to discuss her journey in the modelling world and here’s what went down:

How did you become an international model and beauty queen? What’s it like to model internationally?

I started out going to the 2009 Elite Fresh Faces Model Call alongside 300+ other models. I was one of three girls to receive a callback to meet with agents for the New Faces division and model development. I worked as a model full time during undergrad and transitioned to part-time or special projects work in my mid-twenties as the career of a fashion model isn’t that long. As I have a more international look, being of mixed heritage, I have had success in evening gown, bridal, and swim in my late twenties to thirties after working on fashion, luxury, and beauty campaigns. Working more in swim has led me to get involved with pageantry, as most pageant organizations have age limits set to late twenties through mid-thirties. I wanted to participate before I no longer could, and with international systems and align with international brands. International beauty pageants and winning those global/world titles are an excellent way to move into the international market in modeling. The key challenge with international modeling is to not bend to pressure to morph or change into that market’s beauty standard just to be available for any and every campaign. As a person of mixed heritage, the chameleon’s ability is naturally there, and its best to stand firm in your look and make that your signature…never look to change drastically to please everyone..instead work on perfecting your walk, your poses, your looks, and your fitness and naturally those who are on your level of professionality and want your natural look will gravitate to you. It’s never a dull moment collaborating with a set of professionals who are speaking 2, 3, 4, or 5 languages on set and you will learn so much about other cultures doing your due diligence as a model and researching the references the team has in mind for the set, garments, influences for the visuals, etc. That’s the part I love most about international modeling, the background work that every model should be doing on what the influences for the vision and what we are shooting for has really leveled me up to become a more cultured and worldly person. I am grateful for that polishing I am getting.

What has been your greatest triumph, to date?

My greatest triumph to date has been winning the Ms. Universe as Miss Peru the year after Miss Peru, Janick Maceta, was top 3 at Miss Universe. As I’m the first Miss Peru to also be a member of MENSA – it’s an honor to be Miss Peru in my own way and bring more than just beauty, modeling prowess, and beautiful gowns to the international stage.

what has been your greatest lesson, and how have you used that lesson in your life?

My greatest lesson in life has been that there is truly no competition. We are all equal, we’re just all different. The path that is truly meant for me, is and always will be meant for me. Competition comes into play when people take society’s conditioning to idealize a specific type of success, notoriety, fame, wealth, etc. from a specific place and in a specific way. When we limit ourselves to only so few ways something can happen for us then we naturally have to compete with others. This is the scarcity mindset. Be it for success, love, money, notoriety, press, you name it…..there is no competition when you’re on the path that is divinely created and destined for you. Only you can walk it. We are all, in our highest and best form, just out here driving side by side on our destined paths…completely equal and completely NOT in competition.

I’ve used this lesson in life to have grace and peace about things not working out so that other things can truly come into my life and really be for me. From every modeling job to my pageant wins, corporate career processes that have gone well, to the books I was destined to write…I found the least resistance and the most flow by being open and only open to what was truly aligned with me. There was then no forcing, there was only focusing…because the right opportunities and right place at the right time type of divine alignment started happening and doors opened and I was able to walk through them in peace, joy, and elation.

If you could travel back in time and alter one historical event, where would you go and what would you attempt to change?

My belief system centers around the fact that everything is fated and not an accident. Even negative and dark events have to occur for some reason, even if we cannot accept or process why, to advance us all or create ripple effects to other later events. For that reason there isn’t really anywhere I would go and attempt to change what has happened. I trust the bigger plan of the universe and the universal creator.

What do you think you came into this life to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach?

I came into this life to learn how to blend the spiritual and the material. I came here to master intellect and rational thinking merged completely with intuition and knowing. I came here to master these and then teach them and this very thought that we are spiritual beings on a physical journey, who must leverage rational thought guided by intuitive exploration and curiosity is at the heart of my books and masterclasses. I really believe we must care for our energy field and spiritual growth in the same way we get haircuts, manis, pedis, and care for our outer self. Both are vital to this reality and this human experience, and they must be held in balance. Overemphasis on either one over the other is the root of all misery.

What projects are you working on right now?

Right now I am working on completing the self-help courses that coordinate with each of my books, as well as a very large business endeavor that I can’t share right now but I’d like to think it is my “big idea”.

In terms of my Ms. Universe and Miss Peru platform, I am working on a number of key projects that I’m really excited about.

If I had any advice for someone pursuing pageantry I would advise them to get really clear on their platform and the types of projects they want to work on before ever even choosing a system. As they go they can then etch out exact campaigns – but the guiding principle is still to be very focused and niche.

I have 3 large-scale Ms. Universe projects that I’m working on and naturally, these are internationally geared – helping promote the Earthshot Prize by Prince William the Duke of Cambridge and the initiative’s focus on cleaner oceans. I’m also working on a few campaigns relating to the Sustainable Markets Initiative by Prince Charles, to promote eco-conscious business and sustainable capitalism. His Terra Carta initiative is part of this. Lastly, I’m working on a Coral Conservation project and the Mr. Goodfish sustainable fishing campaign with the Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation.

I’ve also created a petition of my own to personally petition Victoria’s Secret to pursue eco-friendly ways of downsizing their brick and mortar footprint, as their key activities have been damaging to local water tables and that will eventually impact the ocean.

For Peru specifically, I have two key projects in works: supporting the Lima Water Project and helping promote international collaboration between Peru and the US and Switzerland to bring clean water to Lima from the Andes, and I’m working to petition and hold the Peruvian government accountable for securing and sustaining the Nazca Marine Protected Area which is an off coast Pacific area home to hundreds of key species that exist only there. This protected area concept exists to protect the feeding, mating, and migratory patterns of these animals so that their biome is secure and the entire ecosystem doesn’t fold under and die out due to imbalances in species numbers, behaviors, etc.

Combining the two, and in order to continue my platform for my lifetime, I have created ACQUAVENUS which is a consortium structure for international beauty queens to come together to support, promote, and collaborate with each other on ocean and water conservation projects globally.

Lastly, I’ve secured a handful of brand partnerships in order to promote and spread awareness for the ocean conservation work being done by major international brands. I will be working with LA MER to spread the word on their Blue Heart Ocean Fund. I’ll also be working with Shiseido to share their work and message with the We Are One Ocean initiative which calls for the protection of 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. As Ms. Universe, I’ve partnered with Swarovski to promote their Waterschool initiative which seeks to inspire and excite children to take action and become informed about ocean conservation and water preservation in their own communities so that we can inspire the next generation of water defenders and warriors. Lastly, I’ve joined forces with L’Oreal to promote their ocean conservation and preservation efforts as a company as well as specifically highlight the work they’ve done under the Biotherm research arm to ensure their ingredients are sustainably harvested. As an exclusive, I’ve signed on as a spokesmodel and face of Leilani Shells, an innovative fine jewelry company that plants corals in Bali, Indonesia with every fine jewelry purchase.

What would you still like to attempt in your career?

I’d still like to build off of the ocean conservation and water preservation work I’ve begun as Miss Peru and later Ms. Universe.

My long-term goal is to work for the United Nations on the ground in Peru as a Director for UN Water or for Oceana in the Pacific Ocean of coastal Peru. My long-term ambition after building wealth as a businesswoman and entrepreneur is to pivot to United Nations work with a UN body or as a United Nations ambassador between the US and Peru.

After pageantry, my immediate concern is to focus on entrepreneurship and build out my self-help and spiritual wellness empire. Although it may seem like my endeavors are unrelated, I truly believe when we build a healthier and more healed emotional and spiritual world – we can bring our masculine and feminine energy into balance and stop suppressing our feminine energy. By being more in tune with and healing our inner feminine, we can have more respect for the divine feminine energy that is mother nature and our planet earth.

What Advice Would You Give To Those Hoping To follow your footsteps?

The best advice I can give to those hoping to follow in my footsteps is to do the healing work to be able to embrace all that you are without being torn apart by competitive mindsets and thoughts that you aren’t good enough. Competition and hierarchy are illusions put in place to control us. If I’ve learned anything it’s that the path that is meant for you won’t miss you. We ALL have a specific role in life and a divine destiny and that path is ours and ours alone, which means there is no competition on that path. There is only competition when we get caught up in scarcity mindsets that there are only a few ways to win. When we need the applause, approval, and validation of society we will naturally gravitate towards what society puts on high. That leads us to try to step into occupations and dreams that aren’t even ours…they are just what society tells you will bring you the love, adoration, fame, and fortune you think you need to fill up the hole in your heart. That hole can only be filled by YOU, your self-love, and healing.

No occupation, no relationship, and no amount of public adoration is going to make you feel truly loved. Heal your wounds, we all have them, and then pursue the path that was put in your heart. That is the only way to be successful in a way that endures and also feels fulfilling. Overnight success, paying your way to the top, etc. is just ego-driven nonsense that just enriches others and leaves you empty. Please remember this.