Queen Ursh took on New York, absolutely blowing everyone away with her signature bangs, killer face and oh-so adorable personality! Ursula hit the Big Apple for an exciting week away full of incredible work, for incredible clients so we caught up with her fresh off the plane for all the gossip.
What were your biggest fears about joining the industry and how do you feel now?
My biggest fear was how I would be treated by both clients and the public. I’ve always been independent and I like to look out for myself, so having read many a horror story on creepy photographers or alleged poor conditions models work in, understandably I was wary. In addition, I was afraid of how people might perceive me, not in terms of whether they thought I was attractive or not (because I believe you are beautiful when you decide to be) but more in the sense that I didn’t want people to stereotype me as having a stuck up diva attitude, rolling in confidence and generally being an air head are. This is so far from how I identify with myself! However, despite my initial worries, I’ve always been treated by my agency and by all clients and teams with the upmost of care and respect. Plus I can’t change what people think so worrying about others’ views is pointless anyway!
What tips would you give to someone looking to start out their modelling career?
Don’t take yourself too seriously and just have fun with it! Approaching it with the right attitude is so important, make sure you love and respect yourself, so any criticism is like water off a ducks back – you can’t let others opinions of you get you down, which is where confidence plays a key role.
What would be your favourite modelling job so far?
Easily a recent job in New York for a hair company owned by L’Oreal. I’d never been outside of Europe before the job, so it was all super exciting. I was so well looked after and I got five days to myself to explore the city which was a dream come true.
What’s your daily skin care routine?
I try and keep it basic: plenty of sleep and plenty of water is a good start. Then, twice a day, I wash with Liz Earle and a hot muslin cloth, rinse my face with cold water, tone and moisturise with SPF. Obviously it’s about finding the right products and routine that works for you, personally I’ve always suffered from eczema and dry skin so I tailor my skin care around that. Also I very rarely wear make up and even if I do, I try to make sure it’s lightly applied, particularly with skin products. It saddens me to think that there are these crazy trends by which make up is practically applied with a shovel.
Are you planning on going to any festivals this year?
No doubt about it! This year I’m heading to Gottwood, Beathearder and Boomtown. I may see if I can squeeze in a couple more, I’ve had my eye on the Secret Garden Party. I completely come into my element at festivals.
What’s your favourite food?
I don’t think I have a favourite, I just love food generally! But I’m a sucker for some sushi and I love love love watermelon – I once ate a whole watermelon in one sitting, quite an achievement really.
Give us your top tips on staying healthy and looking great.
I THINK beautiful is more of a mind set than anything. If you have beautiful thoughts then there’s no doubt they will shine through to your appearance. But other than that it’s really quite simple, right amount of sleep, right amount of a balanced diet, about 2 litres of water everyday, basic hygiene, regular exercise and most importantly, do what makes you happy! Of course this will vary with each individual so I guess it’s down to self dedication and motivation which is most often the biggest hurdle to overcome but anything is possible when you put your mind to it.
What are your fave fashion trends and brands so far this year?
I don’t really follow trends or brands to be honest. Firstly, it’s way too much hassle trying to keep up with it all and secondly I’d rather not look like/ wear what everyone else is. The vast majority of my wardrobe is second hand, whether that be from a charity or thrift shop or I’ve been rummaging through my Dad’s wardrobe. I’m not a huge shopper really, don’t get me wrong, I love clothes but I can think of plenty more things I’d rather do than drag myself through busy shops.
What were you like at school and were you always planning on becoming a model?
Oh dear, well… let’s put it like this, I don’t recognise a single aspect of myself from my school days. I was very poorly throughout school which complicates matters more but generally I was the complete opposite to how I am now. In all honesty, I spent most of my time at school sleeping, so there’s not a huge amount to say. I wanted to study medicine but because I missed so much , it wasn’t meant to be but I did aspire to be a model. I was scouted several times but never got into it because I had a very immature mind set and it would of been totally the wrong decision back then. I thought that being a model would somehow prove my self worth (BIG NO NO) which is so far from what I try and promote now. It was actually when I stopped caring about proving myself to anyone that the modelling coincidentally fell into place – the world has a funny way of working like that!
You recently just arrived back from an insane job in NYC. How was the whole experience?
Big. Everything was big. The experience was big, the buildings, pavements, cars, signs, portions and prices. It was just magical to be there though. I am huge on travelling and I’ve been saving up for years now so I can travel the world so this was a super fun mini taster of what I have in store. I felt incredibly lucky and grateful to have this opportunity and I’d happily do it all again. I worked for 2 days while I was there. The first day was hair prep, so I got to kick back with a book and my crotchet while my hair was dyed and styled. I always make sure I have something productive to occupy myself with because usually there’s a lot of waiting around. The second day, we were in the studio taking the final images. Both days were 8 o’clock starts and I wouldn’t finish until 7 in the evening. It may not sound too bad but the time difference made it more of a struggle. Regardless, the time difference was soon forgotten in the excitement of it all.
What was the most random thing you got up to in the big apple?
If you know me, then you will know I am queen story teller of all the random situations I often find myself in. One being, I had made friends with a lovely door man, who guarded a beautiful 4 story antique store. He had promised me “lots and lots” of champagne if I could make it to an auction they were holding later in the week. I had never been to a auction before and I’m a lover of all things odd and old so I was intrigued to see what it was all about, but admittedly I was more interested in free champagne. I found myself guest to the auction and true to his word, I was greeted with big smiles and a tall glass of champagne and I left all the merrier.
What was the best moment of NYC?
Wow, so many to choose from! Perhaps standing on top of the Empire State, it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I was in complete awe and I sent my Mum many an ecstatic video, I may even of shed a little tear. If not that, then being surprised by a friend I had made out there. We had met earlier in the week and it was as if we were long lost friends. He travelled 4 hours to see me to the plane on the last day and it was those little acts of kindness and friendship that really made my trip.
Where would be your next dream location to work?
Such a hard question! There’s so many places around the world that I want to go. When I go travelling, I’m planning on going to South America, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, so any of those places I guess. If I had to choose though I would probably go with Japan. The culture is so diverse and I’m just a little obsessed. I can just picture a dreamy shoot amongst the cherry blossom – someone make this happen!
To see more of this utter babe click here or check out more of her insanely gorgeous face on Instagram @ursh_. For bookings or enquiries call us on 0161 2227887 or email us on hello@jadoremodels.co.uk