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Meet Veda, A Magnetic & Multi-Faceted Model Who Goes By One Name Only
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Welcome to Face Time. DFW Style Daily’s series goes beyond the runways to get to know top Dallas models on a personal level. Why? Because there’s so much more to making it in one of fashion’s most competitive fields than just a fit figure and a nice smile. Case in point: Veda.
So far, we’ve met models who maintain double lives as tech gurus, marketing mavens, and rock stars. We’ve chatted with a muse of Yves Saint Laurent, and we even relived a close encounter with a shotgun-toting farmer. Today, we’ll meet a multi-faceted beauty who is wise beyond her years.
Veda goes by only one name, and her enviable client roster reads like a who’s who of international fashion and business. You won’t find her boasting, though, and she’s always open to learning something new – like nursing or organic farming. And she’s just getting started.
Name: Veda
Hometown: Carrollton, Texas
Agency: Kim Dawson Agency
Notable Clients: Neiman Marcus, Tom Ford, Lela Rose, Valentino, Armani, Brunello Cucinelli, Highland Park Village, Belk, Stanley Korshak, Frito Lay, Sally Beauty Supply, NorthPark Center, Cartier, Christian Louboutin
DFW Style Daily: At what age did you begin modeling? Were you scouted or did you pursue modeling as a career?
Veda: “My dad began taking me to open calls around Dallas when I was 16, but they all either passed or wanted money. A year later, I was at the grand opening of a salon in Plano where Jessica Simpson was performing, and I entered a model search held by another local agency – and I won! I was signed with that agency for seven years, then signed with my current agency, the Kim Dawson Agency, in 2009.”
What do you think is the biggest misconception about the modeling industry?
“I think the biggest misconception about the industry is that it’s all based on luck. Luck has a lot to do with the physical component of [modeling], but if you don’t work to maintain that, or if you’re consistently late, unprepared for jobs, or difficult to work with, you won’t work.”
Are there any “deal breakers” for you when it comes to job requirements?
“I realize that I can’t do this forever, so when the time comes to move on, I don’t want anything to hinder respect potential in my next career. If I couldn’t show it to my mom, I’ll pass.”
You have been modeling since a young age – and you are so young, yet! How has your perspective on the industry changed over the years?
“It’ll be 12 years next month – it’s so surreal, and I’m so, so thankful. The whole thing used to be so intimidating, being around models and all those professionals who knew what they were doing. It helps to remember that everyone was a beginner at one point. As time progressed, I built confidence on and off set, and everything became a lot more comfortable.”
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be? The sky is the limit!
“My dream job is to be a stay-at-home mom and organic farmer. I love the idea of self-sufficient living. I feel as though I have a unique perspective on life, and I would love to raise well-traveled, open-minded children with a broad sense of our world.”
Tell us three facts about yourself that might surprise us.
“First, I’ve never smoked a cigarette, tasted a Twinkie, or seen The Notebook. Second, I love learning! I have a B.S. in Biology and I graduated cum laude from nursing school. Third, I’m 50% Indian, 45% German, and 5% Swiss. The Vedas are holy books in India, and ‘Veda’ translates from Hindi as ‘wisdom.’”
Would you ever consider plastic surgery? Why or why not?
“It’s not for me. I’d prefer my body to be in as natural a state as possible. I got my ears pierced when I was 18, after I had a job where the stylist broke a pair of earrings to fit them onto some kind of clip-on converter. If I wasn’t doing this for a living, I’d let them close up.”
What was the last book you read that made a big impact on you?
“The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle. It was the best tangible gift I’ve received in a long time; I’m so very grateful.”
Do you have a personal role model? What have you learned from his or her example?
“I feel as though I learn from everyone whose path crosses mine. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Everyone is my teacher. Some I seek. Some I subconsciously attract. Often I learn simply by observing others. Some may be completely unaware that I’m learning from them, yet I bow deeply in gratitude.’ I enjoy spending time with free-thinkers who aren’t afraid to be unique when expressing their thoughts.”
Do you ever feel insecure? If so, why?
“I think it’s human nature to feel insecure at times, but you just have to focus on your positive attributes. There are so many more of them, and they trump the negatives every time. The feeling of accomplishment is the biggest self-esteem booster I’ve found.”
When you’re not working, how might you spend a free afternoon or evening?
“You’d probably find me hanging out with a friend, reading, meditating, at the gym, having dinner with my dad, walking around the lake with my mom, or napping.”
All images courtesy of Veda.
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