Nina Larbalestrier

“Meet

Our

Model”

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling
career?

Hi there! I'm a petite, eclectic and a free bird more or less running my own show. People say I am sweet, intense and fun yet when I mean business, you don’t want to mess with me. That is, if you play around me. Well I like photography and been told I am stylish so I figured being short I can be on camera and look a part. Style and theme appealed to me and to travel later!

What inspired you to become a model?

Back, I decided to gain more skills, really to have a decent set of photos. After, my photographer said those photos were marketable and I asked how I can go into modeling and heard I pretty much had to find my own way. Fast forward 6 years a Godsend photographer, Kelly Bauch Photography (.com) helped me launch into passable features including this cover! Then my 1st cover a few months ago also to a major international mag. asking me to be on it like you.

Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true
passion?

Modeling and entertainment was the furthest on my realm until 2024. Because this seemed beyond my scope and out of industry codes to!
Somehow, I kept the fervor to growing my hair super long hair in hopes to show it 1 day! And a handful of times I wanted to stop highlighting and chop it off.

What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?

Still a baby here even though many models exit as I am entering in. Revolving doors but older models might be becoming the rage. Most recent shoot with Kelly meant most so far. She was willing to do this during one of the hardest derails in my life. She opened doors for me. Her compliments and words seemed to give life. That modeling session, I wanted to portray the love of God, confidence and security. After, I submitted in a regular mag. than got in for internationals and then a few more.

Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you
overcome them?

So far, mag. features is all I've done. Although, I’d like to do some both and run way if petites. We haven’t passed on some submits. Probably due to more lifestyle and edgy photos with bolder outfits is needed even into some mags. And it takes funds to model. Originally, I waited 2.5 years very long, to cross the street after being told several times I would be in and not which made me decide to submit to another mag. It freed me from putting my modeling on hold further. Branching out landed me to features.

How did you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?

NA. Only for a shoot, I gather the looks and practice some day before modeling. Also, I collect my jewelry and shoes to clothes (iron in 2 days) I think I'll wear to ready. Several days prior, I do face treatments leading up.

How would you describe your modeling style?

Chill, collective and I want to say vibrant. I want people wondering on themselves more after for something seeing my photos.

Do you you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling and why?

Editorials is where I can speak from, is more forgiving rather than being on the spot. People can keep mags. or share a feature verses commercials are a flash. I am open to them and if petites had run way, I wouldn't mind doing those either or commercials. Less pursued and they require traveling.

What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?

Vital. A glimpse as an actress is important to evoke their feeling or thought, I
want to have them see my soul and spirit to hold onto that photo slightly
longer. For story, they can peer into my reputation so to speak.

Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?

Supermodels and the models as Isabella Rossellini gave me the admiration to
draw her face in awe as a high schooler. I thought Christy Turlington is
gorgeous too, both long haulers. In photography, Annie Leibovitz inspired me.

How did you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?

I think mentors and groups help advance quickest in modeling with various skills adding to modeling. Really for anything. …And I aimed for the stars. I got more motivated when I held onto God for a bigger cause and incorporated more of my attributes like writing and hosting with modeling for. I gave him my delays. The acting roles, we haven’t quite landed. For awhile, I was not feeling like the creatives were matching with my dreams so keep envisioning and doing all together still.

What are your biggest career goals for the future?

My future goals in modeling are in film, to make model movies with comedy scripts. Currently I am writing a movie script after being asked to unlike anything out there. Stumped too. LOL. The roll out is for my poem booklet, Gushing Into Brighter Days under Alga Glitter. Children's book series is next project. And I would enjoy ruing a cook book. Then a memoir both with photos. After, I plan to promote older to the young mentorships and to see help with funding passed to help the struggling generation. My longer vision is to have productions including cob and earth ship builds in villages with food forests! This will help the mass.

Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you’d love to work with?

Patagonia/REI, Boys & Girls Club, National Arbor Day Foundation (NADF), homesteaders, permaculture, organic foods, and natural color dye companies and USA made articles. Then for hardware, even fine jewelry, Cartier or in watches, Tag Heuer and Omega. …And couture fashion may be pushing it!

What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?

My advice is leap into the unknown, have fantastic professional photos and find others that will help you when you are not getting cooperation. Allow your heart to dance once again. You will be led to your purpose as you keep envisioning for the incredible!