Transformation is the beauty of life. A person whos a dreamer ought to have the patience and resilience to make it come true, believes our cover star, Anna-Lisa Christiane.
Born and brought up in Wellington, New Zealand, Lisa started her modeling career at the young age of 16. With growing career opportunities she got many chances to work with big brands and she soon shifted to New York City, a city of fashion and dreams. Anna soon became a name to reckon with and also made her mark as a popular Instagram influencer. Extremely fond of traveling, she is always up to explore unique places around the world. Let’s find out more about the power of her dreams in this exclusive interview.
Let’s find out more about the power of her dreams in this exclusive interview.
When was it that you decided to pursue modeling as your career? And how it all started?
I was around 16 years old and used to work as part-time in a retail shop in City Center, when one fine day a local agency in Wellington, New Zealand, came over and shortlisted me as one of their models. That’s how it all started!
What do you enjoy doing more – ramp walks or being an influencer?
The difference between being a model and an influencer is that as a model you’re expected to fit the clients vision but as an influencer, you’re being booked based on who you are and what you have achieved. I guess I do enjoy the sense of freedom I get being an influencer, which helps me express my individuality. But at the same time modeling keeps me fast-paced and makes me believe that it’s a true art form expressed by creative minds all around me as a team. My career as a model too, has given me immense joys, at a very young age as I have traveled to a lot of places around the world.
What does Anna-Lisa do if not working? What are your favourite hobbies?
To be candid, I have a personality of a tomboy and I somehow enjoy living my life on the edge. I love travelling to places that are offbeat and not very known to masses. Trying adventurous sport and travelling is what keeps me alive. I am a sucker for travelling outdoors and really enjoy engaging in water sports like Jet Ski, diving, dune buggies snow models etc.
As we learnt you are an ardent traveller. What is it that you like about travelling?
Absolutely, I love travelling! I have travelled up to 20 countries so far which is really small considering I want to visit so many more! I love travelling because it’s something you will never forget, the people you meet and the small random memories you make on those trips can really bring you happiness and you can always cherish them. I personally do not like to visit popular spots but tend to discover hidden treasures at places, embrace unique locations and meet different cultured local people. All of this gives me a high!
I personally do not like to visit popular spots but tend to discover hidden treasures at places, embrace unique locations and meet different cultured local people.
Are you planning to head anywhere this year?
This year I am planning to visit Kenya in Africa. I am really fantasized by the amazing hotels they have especially the one I discovered. It’s a place where you can have your morning coffee into the wild with giraffes! I mean this will be a bliss for me, so I can’t wait. Maldives is another destination I am really keen to visit, watching the blue tide on the shore shine in night, it’s just splendid!
You are soon going to reach 1 million followers on your Instagram handle, what are your next goals?
I’m very happy with the success I’ve had on social media. Currently, I am thrilled, reaching a new milestone in my life. Well, my next goal is all set and I have been working on it for quite a long time now. I can’t disclose all the details but I am starting a new business venture this year.
I can’t disclose all the details but I am starting a new business venture this year.
What is your biggest achievement to date in your career?
I feel my biggest achievement is not just one thing but just the overall transformation I’ve had in my life and career. When I first came to the USA which was five years ago I was living in a tiny model apartment in NYC and now I’m living in my dream house in Hollywood Hills. I guess I have come a long way. Adding to it, I am also able to travel for the work as an influencer and I am quite passionate about it. Meeting brands around the world and conducting my business is therefore my greatest achievement.
As we see you have endorsed a lot of brands. What is it that you look at, before endorsing one?
It’s quite simple for me, I don’t promote what I don’t believe in. The brand should have something that promotes positive thinking and a lifestyle, that engages me. Also, I pay extra attention to brands that are owned by women entrepreneurs.
Also, I pay extra attention to brands that are owned by women entrepreneurs.
How challenging is it to be a good influencer to the world on Instagram?
It’s clearly getting difficult and challenging these days to match with the beauty standards that the trends are promoting. I often try to keep my inclination towards promoting positivity and wellness as a whole. I believe beauty standards are more of an internal thing, beautifying inside is equally important. The ideal standard of beauty is constantly changing and focusing on the best version of yourself is more important than focusing on someone else.
Do you believe in sustainability in fashion?
I would rather work with a stylist and borrow a beautiful outfit for an event than buying one and dumping it after one-time wear! When I was young I did not know what fast fashion was and how it’s affecting our environment completely. Today when I am older and I have the money to engage with brands that are using sustainable measures of production, I do engage with them and not spend on fast fashion brands. I also like to keep it personal and unique with my styling so I often like wearing vintage designer pieces.
How challenging is it to be a good influencer to the world on Instagram?
It’s clearly getting difficult and challenging these days to match with the beauty standards that the trends are promoting. I often try to keep my inclination towards promoting positivity and wellness as a whole. I believe beauty standards are more of an internal thing, beautifying inside is equally important. The ideal standard of beauty is constantly changing and focusing on the best version of yourself is more important than focusing on someone else.
Do you believe in sustainability in fashion?
I would rather work with a stylist and borrow a beautiful outfit for an event than buying one and dumping it after one-time wear! When I was young I did not know what fast fashion was and how it’s affecting our environment completely. Today when I am older and I have the money to engage with brands that are using sustainable measures of production, I do engage with them and not spend on fast fashion brands. I also like to keep it personal and unique with my styling so I often like wearing vintage designer pieces.
I also like to keep it personal and unique with my styling so I often like wearing vintage designer pieces.
What are your future plans? Kindly share about your upcoming projects.
Right now my main focus is my business plan, which I told you about earlier. Secondly, I will be focusing on making more digital content and will document my travel tales for YouTube.
How do you keep yourself fit and in shape? Please share about your fitness routine.
My fitness routine is no routine, I just like to keep everything balanced and healthy. I often do not have strict diets but I do engage in cutting gluten from my diet. I have lately discovered my forever love for gluten-free nacho chips and gluten-free lentil pasta. I love eating snacks so I make sure I eat them healthy. Another thing I do to stay in good health is hiking and doing home workouts.
Another thing I do to stay in good health is hiking and doing home workouts.
