Check our exclusive interview with gorgeous model and actress Shannon Leann.
We chat about her career, her fav designers and models, her perfect Sunday and more.
Hi Shannon, please tell us a little about you?
Hey! Here are some quick facts about me: I was born and raised in San Diego, California, I write & paint with my left hand, I had the lowest average on my high school golf team, I’ve only had one hamburger in my life, I’m a certified lifeguard, I love to watch basketball and football, and I don’t have any tattoos or piercings (not even my ears).
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Compassionate, outgoing, and determined.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
It may sound corny, but the biggest influences on my life have been my Mom and Dad. Not only have they been the greatest examples for me, but they’re also my number one fans. I’m so lucky to have parents who are so supportive of my goals. I admire them so much.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
The very first thing I do in the morning is make my bed. And I mean right when I get out of it. My friends always make fun of me, that I stand there half asleep and put 10 pillows back on my bed, haha. The last thing I do at night is brush my teeth before I go to bed. It’s hard for me to fall asleep without doing that.
How is a normal day in your life?
A normal day in my life really isn’t all that normal. I don’t have a daily routine. One day I may be doing a photo shoot in a studio downtown, then the next it’s a music video shoot by the beach.
Last minute trips are also a part of my job. And that would stress some people out, but it excites me. I love that my job keeps me on my toes, and is spontaneous much like myself.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
My idea of a perfect Sunday starts by going to an awesome brunch spot, which isn’t hard to find here in LA. From there, I’d love to do anything from going to the beach or hiking, to going to a museum or checking out the farmers market. Finishing the perfect day would either be listening to live music, especially if it’s a friend that’s performing, or just getting some fro-yo and going home to watch a movie or paint something.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I’ve received is from my dad, and it’s to always stay true to yourself and to remain humble; no matter where life takes you. It’s something simple, but important to me.
How and when did you start into modeling?
I started modeling when I was 15 years old. I always wanted to model but thought it was a far fetched idea since I was always short for my age. I remember asking my mom to check modeling agencies, to see their height requirements for submitting. Out of nowhere I hit a huge growth spurt, and jumped from 5’2″ to 5’9″ in one year! That’s when I knew it was time to give it a try, and my grandma’s neighbor referred me to a great teen modeling agency.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers?
Some of my favorite models are Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Cara Delevigne. It’s hard to narrow it down to that though. So many models inspire me.
Some of my favorite designers are Marchesa, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Paul Marciano, and Michael Costello.
How do you keep fit?
I believe in portion control, a little bit of everything is fine in my book. I snack throughout the day, rather than having a couple big meals. I feel like that helps me maintain a faster metabolism. I’m not as active as I’d like to be, but that’s something I’m working on. I do love to be outdoor hiking, but I want to be more disciplined and get myself in the gym more. There’s always room for improvement!
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy food right now is roasted brussels sprouts. Don’t knock ’em ’til you’ve tried’em, trust me!
And your favorite cheat food?
Where do I even start? Pizza and chocolate have to be my top two. Oh, and mac & cheese of course!
What other modeling projects have you done?
I feel very lucky to have worked with such great people, and have appeared in print ads for Axe body spray, Bridal boutiques, and various online catalogs. Runway for Michael Kors, 7 for All Mankind, Malan Breton and more. Commercials/videos for Party City and Nike. Along with music videos varying anywhere from Scotty James, to Ariana Grande and Britney Spears.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
What’s rewarding about modeling is seeing the finished product. The huge collaborative effort of everyone involved is something that usually isn’t recognized by the viewers. There are so many people, who are passionate and talented, that make every shoot possible. I’d say basically all aspects of it are fun for me, because I love what I do. It’s great working on different projects with a new, creative team, and meeting other people in the industry. Sometimes crazy weather conditions, or weird hours can make things interesting, but I see it as a challenge.
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Don’t be discouraged by the numerous “no’s” you’ll hear. Learn to not take it personally and continue to push yourself out of your comfort zone, even if you’re scared of the outcome. That’s how you move forward. You won’t believe all that you’re capable of. Also, hang around people who intimidate you, and people who may be farther along in the industry than you. They’ll motivate you, and you can learn a lot if you choose to listen.
What music we can find in your iPod?
Music you can find on my iPod is a lot of classic rock. The Beatles, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and Tom Petty to name a few. I also have quite a bit of John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and James Bay.
Do you support any charity?
I work closely with Coupla Guys & Gals, which is a group of young influencers who are dedicated to creating change by providing direct-assistance with charities like The Gentle Barn, The Special Olympics, The Midnight Mission, The Compton Initiative, and TreePeople.
Any plans for 2016 that you want to share with us?
These are more like goals as opposed to plans for 2016, but some of them are to learn how to play guitar, raise more awareness on the changes happening in our environment, continue giving back to my community, and also to travel more.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song is Landslide; written by my girl Stevie Nicks. To me, it’s about realizing where you’ve been and where you’re headed, in your personal life or relationship. The take away message I get from the song is, although you may feel comfortable or safe where you’re at now, you must be open to change, and not push away opportunities due to fear. The world is yours to explore, it’s just a matter of how far you’re willing to go.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
I can’t leave home without my phone (guilty), sunglasses, and chapstick or lip gloss.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is a great tool for keeping up with people you admire, who you may not know personally. It’s pretty cool to see what your idols are up to when they’re in their normal lives and out of the “spotlight”. It’s also good for staying in touch with friends and family, who otherwise you would rarely be in contact with. However, I do think that it’s easy to become consumed in it. It’s important to find the balance between social media, and real life. It’s great not looking down at a screen every once in a while, and just looking up and experiencing what’s all around you. THAT is real life.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram and Snapchat @shannonleann & on Twitter @shannonleann92
Quick Questions
Favorite food: Pizza, Sushi, Chocolate. I can’t pick just one, haha.
Bar/Nightclub: Break Room 86 in Korea town.
Travel destination: I don’t think I’ve traveled to my favorite destination yet, but I can’t wait to discover it
Celebrity Crush: Bradley Cooper
Restaurant: Aventine
Actor/Actress: Sandra Bullock
Quote: “If I’m going to fall, I don’t want to fall back on anything. I want to fall forward.” -Denzel Washington
Book: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson Movie: Ex Machina, The Big Lebowski, Down Periscope and so many more
Drink: Coffee
Festival: Coachella (which I hope to go to this year)
