Jason Harris
Maia Fuchs is a half Australian and half Israeli model who was initially doing TPF (Time for print) shoots with various photographers once in a while when she came across a pageant called Miss Auto D’Elegance – it was looking for contestants last year. She decided to apply and she actually made it as a finalist for Miss Auto D’Elegance 2019 where she eventually ended up placing 4th overall. From then on, she got scouted by the CEO of a modeling agency who was in the audience at the time and she has been modeling full time ever since.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Maia to discuss her journey in the modeling agency and here’s what went down:
Tell us your full name and something about yourself
My name is Maia Fuchs and I was originally born in Australia. I lived in England for a few years, after which I then moved and grew up in America, and now I’m back home in Sydney. I live here with my mom, dad, brother, 2 pet birds and my gorgeous pet greyhound.
How did you get into the modeling industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
I was doing a few TFP shoots every now and then just for fun when I saw that the pageant, Miss Auto D’Elegance, was looking for models. I ended up applying and making it into the finals where I placed 4th. From there I got scouted by an agency that was in the audience at the time and I’ve been modeling full time ever since.
What do you like most about being a model?
There are so many talented and passionate people in this industry and it’s just such a pleasure getting to meet and work with every single one of them. You always come out of a shoot with tons of helpful tips and friendships.
The downside to being a model?
It’s a whole lifestyle. If you really want to be the best model you can be then you need to make sure you’re eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising daily and just overall taking care of your mental health. If those are not things you normally do it can be quite difficult to change your whole routine around to add them in.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the modeling industry so far?
Last February I was flown to Bali, Indonesia for the Australian Supermodel Of The Year competition. It was so amazing getting to meet all the talented models from all over Australia and being able to exchange all of our different modeling stories, all the while being in Bali and learning about the world of fashion from various industry professionals.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
When I was in Bali the ASOTY team brought in Esma Volder, the current Miss World titleholder, and she was absolutely an inspiration. She is an amazing spokesperson for the company Bully Zero and just overall an amazing role model. It was truly inspiring to hear her speak about what she stands for and how she got to this point in her life.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the modeling industry. This can be about the industry or yourself.
That everyone is beautiful and its good to be unique and different. I used to get bullied for my pale skin, freckles and red hair which is now all of the things that help me stand out in a casting and book jobs. Modeling has really helped me appreciate all of my “flaws” and that even though I may look different I am still beautiful.
Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
I like to constantly take myself away from work and put myself out in nature. I always go for hikes and walks with my dog to remind myself that there is so much more to life than just what I’m doing or working on in that current moment.
Is your family supportive of you being in the modeling industry?
Absolutely! It was their idea for me to give modeling a go. Before I got my license they used to drive me to every shoot as well. I am so grateful for them for giving me this opportunity, I would have never been able to start without all their help.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I’d love to work as a full-time fashion model one day. It would be an absolute dream of mine to be featured in Vogue magazine.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Avatar
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Kindness is the most beautiful trait a person can possess. To me, it is far more important to be more beautiful on the inside rather than the outside.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I would love to try surfing one day.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” Start my own business.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? All throughout high school, I was bullied for having freckles, but ever since I’ve started modeling I have grown to love them.
Jason Harris
