Model Spotlight & Interview: Heather Shanholtz

We have a special treat this week, as we proudly feature model Heather Shanholtz. This stunning full time Miami, Florida-based model has an impressive resume and an eye-popping portfolio. Perhaps even more impressive is that she manages and markets herself  without the assistance of a manager. Unlike most models today, Heather doesn’t specialize in just one genre. In only one year, Heather has been featured in at least 20 national magazines such as Maxim Espanol, Planet Muscle, Muscle Mag, Venue, The Dupont Registry, countless issues of Ultimate MMA, countless issues of American Curves, JM Magazine, Oxygen Magazine, Dynasty Magazine, Cred Xtra Magazine, the cover of 305 Hip Hop, the cover of Street Low Magazine, The Ring, Slitz Magazine, Strobe Magazine, Shock Magazine & many more. She also has an upcoming shoot for Girls of Lowrider & Show Magazine. In fact, Heather’s resume is so extensive, we simply couldn’t fit it all in this article.

Heather is a current spokesmodel for Aphrodisiac Ice Cream, an exciting, original new concept in mobile food trucks. The truck drives around and makes appearances at events with beautiful ice cream servers, flat screen TV’s, and even stripper poles.

Heather also represents Flying Pasties, a company which invented special pasties to wear under clothing for those entering body scanners at the airport. With the rising privacy issues with body scanners, Flying Pasties is quickly taking off. Soon Heather will be appearing on the Howard Stern Show to talk about Flying Pasties. Various other talk shows are also in the works. She is on all packaging, media kits and ads to be published in many national magazines including Playboy.

Heather agreed to answer a few questions about her life, career, and even a few questions about men.

Waffles: Your bio states that you have a newfound love of acting. Do you have any projects coming up where we might see you?
Heather: I have 2 TV shows coming out with Aphrodisiac Ice Cream that will be airing on the Travel Channel. I’ve done a lot of TV appearances with them but not necessarily acting. As far as the acting I plan on converting in August. You can always check out my website to see all updates on shows, press and publications.

Waffles: It seems that you are on every major social media network, from Google Plus to Twitter. Do you think social self-promotion is essential in modeling today?
Heather: I think social networking is essential with any major business and anyone in the entertainment industry. If you can show you have a following you’re more likely to book more work and able to promote whatever you have going on much easier.

Waffles: You have quite an impressive resume. Can you pick out some of the highlights of your career thus far?
Heather: I just did a shoot for Tito Ortiz’s new line Punishment Athletics. He has some really unique pieces and they fit amazing. I was also featured in Maxim with Oscar Rabeiro. Anything I’ve done with Aphrodisiac Ice Cream has been amazing. They are fun to work with and I get to do it with my besties. FHM was a big highlight too. I’ve been featured in over 30 national magazines as of now so I’m proud of that too.

Waffles: What do you think has led to your success in modeling, which is such a highly-competitive field?
Heather: I’m like the energizer bunny I just don’t stop or take no for an answer. I get back up and keep trying. I’m also good at marketing and staying organized which is very important also.

Waffles: Do you have any advice for young women aspiring to be models?
Heather: Don’t give up and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You can do anything you put your mind into. I suggest looking up a local modeling and talent agency and setting up a meeting. Also set yourself up a shoot with a good photographer that knows what they are doing. I recommend Justin Price.

Waffles: What’s the weirdest shoot you’ve ever done?
Heather: When I first started out I had a photographer contact me wanting to shoot at his “studio”. When I arrived, his studio consisted of a bed sheet tacked to the wall and he was shooting with a disposable camera. It was creepy and thank god I had an escort with me that day.

Waffles: Have you ever done a shoot and had the client choose a photo you didn’t particularly like?
Heather: It happens all the time but you are your own worst critic and if you strive to do better the next time that’s what makes you better at what you do.

Waffles: Many men I’ve spoken to believe that high-end models such as yourself are only usually approached by the cocky type of guy. Is that true, and how would a guy have a chance with someone of your stature?
Heather: That’s definitely not true. I get approached by all types of men. The cocky ones are the ones I always turn down and also the drunken idiots that are offensive. I suggest just being yourself and have confidence. Try being silly but also sincere. I love a guy with a good sense of humor. I always have to be laughing and kept on my toes.

Waffles: What mistakes do guys often make when approaching a woman?
Heather: They come off to abrasive and lack in self confidence.

Waffles: What’s your diet and exercise regimen?
Heather: I eat healthy all week and allow myself one cheat day. I try to stay away from carbs as much as possible. Bread, pasta, desserts and anything fried are my biggest no nos.

Waffles: Is there anything you can think of that your fans would be surprised to learn about you?
Heather: I travel with a blankie and a stuffed animal with me that was given to me by a good friend. It seems childish but it’s the 2 things that makes me feel like I’m at home. I’ve also worked every job in the book before modeling including serving, cooking, telemarketing, office managing, retail, paralegal and I was even a lawnmower repair girl. I’m very artistic and even do web and graphic design. I’m intelligent and business minded.

Waffles: Favorite movies and music?
Heather: Nothing to Lose is my favorite movie. It’s hilarious. As far as music, I go through phases. I’m all over the map with it. I don’t enjoy country or classical but I’m big into 70′s rock and dubstep lately. Talk about a vast variety!

Waffles: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Heather: Who knows because 10 years ago my life was completely different. I’m driven and motivated, so more than likely you can catch me in some film or sitcom but regardless I refuse to leave the entertainment industry and will be in it one way or another. It’s my life!

In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with family and friends, skydiving, paintball, shooting guns, and pretty much anything else that is adventurous. Heather is not just beauty, she also has brains. She is skilled in web design, photo retouching, video editing, and graphic design. She single-handedly designed and launched her personal website www.HeatherShanholtz.com in 2007. Heather is down to earth, funny, intelligent, reliable, dedicated, driven and beautiful inside and out. With her modeling experience, digital skills, and her newly found love of acting, Heather truly is a triple threat and the total package.

Follow Heather Shanholtz:
Official Website
Twitter
Google+
Facebook