“Know your story, stay true to yourself, and embrace your journey, no matter what others have to say about it.” – Roxanna Redfoot

 

  Welcome to Face Time. DFW Style Daily’s exclusive series goes beyond the runways to get to know top models on a personal level. Our interviews with Carlotta Lennox, Myles Crosby, Daniel Crouch, Sirisha Reddy, Atti Worku, Tracy Ripsin, Benn Suede, Tiffany Hendra, and many more, have captured the attention of thousands. They’ve also proved, beyond a doubt, that Texas-based models are among the most fascinating and accomplished in the country. We’ve also learned a thing or two from these famous faces. Through the years, they have taught us that the most compelling beauty is unique, and often unexpected. Today’s cover girl is no exception this rule. Roxanna Redfoot’s singular story traces an “awkward” biology major’s journey to in-demand international model. And speaking of unexpected, she’ll throw out some neuroscience research facts and a highly unusual hobby along the way. Read on for the scoop.  

  Name: Roxanna Redfoot Hometown: Dallas, Texas Agency: Campbell Agency (Dallas), Factor (Chicago), Fashion Cult (Greece) Notable Clients: JCPenney, Belk, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Dillard’s, Timex, Famous Footwear, Glamour Magazine (Greece), Lucky Magazine (Greece), DIFFA, Michael’s, Eyemart Express, Watters Bridal, St. Bernard Sports, The Gypsy Wagon   DFW Style Daily: At what age did you begin modeling? Were you scouted, or did you pursue a career in the industry?  Roxanna Redfoot: “I was 21, a total tomboy, and just toying with the idea of modeling. I had no idea what I was doing, or how anything in the industry worked. Nor did I fully believe that I had the potential. I did a shoot with a Dallas photographer who happened to be showing his book to the Campbell Agency later that month. They saw my shots, brought me in, and, much to my surprise, offered me a contract! “I didn’t really do anything the first few years, as I was balancing full-time school and work, with a double major in molecular biology and business administration. Also, I had to learn how to wear make-up, use a curling iron, and walk in heels. I was clueless, awkward, and uncomfortable, and it took me a lot of test shoots before I started to really come out of my shell and book work.”   After the rocky start you describe, you now work for an impressive client roster across the country and around the world. Do you recall a favorite or particularly memorable assignment? “One of the best days of my life was spent on a beautiful beach in Greece for Lucky Magazine. Everybody worked hard, the styling and location were perfect, and I got some free Greek coffee. You can’t beat free coffee, on a beach 6,000 miles away from home, shooting for a magazine. It was surreal. On the flip side, I’ve worked swim shoots here in Galveston in 40-degree weather. [I was] told that my only bathroom option was, ‘behind that sand dune.’”  

  You work frequently in both editorial and commercial settings. What are the main differences between these two subsets of the modeling industry, from your perspective? “Commercial work is fantastic, because it is generally very ‘smiley,’ and who doesn’t love to smile? In neuroscience, there is a phenomenon called the ‘facial feedback hypothesis,’ which states that facial movement can influence emotional experience. It must be accurate, because I swear that being ‘forced’ to smile in photos all day does seem to make me a happier person! “On the other side, I love editorials, because you generally get to bring more of your own personality to the shoot. You get to play, and I think the best shots tend to come out of fluid, natural movements, as opposed to static, predetermined poses. Editorial images are just a little more difficult to capture, as well, which seems to add allure.”   Do you draw the line at any deal breakers? “Not really. As long as the set is professional and the subject is artistic and not of a pornographic nature, I am pretty open-minded. I understand that my body is my job, and [I believe] the body is a natural, beautiful, miraculous machine that should be appreciated and celebrated from the surface of the skin, down to the cellular level.”  

  Have you encountered any stereotypes or misconceptions in this unique line of work? “Yes, all the time, but that comes with being or doing anything in life. You just have to let the negatives roll right off your back. Know your story, stay true to yourself, and embrace your journey, no matter what others have to say about it.”   Do you have a personal role model? “Being a single mother, my mom taught me by example that a woman on her own can be every bit as self-reliant and successful as a man. Her hard work, as well as her gentle and generous nature, have taught me how to depend on myself.”  

  Do you have any hidden talents or interests? Surprise us! “I started hula-hoop dancing to get through a tough time. Ever since, I have been giving away hoops in hopes of helping others explore what has been such a positive outlet for me.  I hope to continue expanding in that direction, and using hoops as my way of giving back. If modeling ever slows down, I hope to set up a business selling hoops, and perhaps teaching classes. I want a percentage of the profits to benefit an organization that encourages young women to pursue STEM-related fields (STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math).”  

  Finally what is your favorite way to spend a free day here in Big D? “On a perfect free day, my friends are already over from the night before. I would cook a full breakfast, and then we would probably hit up one of Dallas’ many parks or lakes during the day. We might also hang at King Spa, then have sushi at Zenna for dinner. We’d dance the night away somewhere downtown before returning home for snuggles with the kitties. And, let’s be real, there’s a stop at Whataburger somewhere between the dancing and the cats, and plenty of time spent Instagram-ing all the good memories.”   All photos courtesy of Roxanna Redfoot and the Campbell Agency.