Krysta Heath. Early childhood teacher and educational leader during the week and on weekends a model.

How did each profession start? Which one began first?

Well I always knew that I want to work in childcare so I started studying my cert 3 in 2013 and progress over the next 5 years, studying my diploma and degree
Modeling I started 2 years ago this July, started off with a photoshoot and a national pageant to modeling, more national and international pageants and fashion shows I do now.

Wow. Did you ever expect to model prior to 2 years ago? If someone cast you as an extra on a tv show, do you think you would be acting on the weekends instead? What made you stick around to modeling

No ! Not at all, I had braces, didn’t think I was good enough! It was a big surprise, but a very rewarding one.

Oh I would love that! I have actually already been an extra for a movie called “yesterday’s girls” as well as being in an international music video for AFS William’s latest song “Beautiful Disaster”.
But I work with some really amazing teams, models and designers. So that why I have been doing modeling more as I love the people I work with.

You mentioned international pageants. When there is public appearance, how different is the satisfaction of making children from another country excited/happy compared to the excitement or joy from the children that you teach? For context to those that do not know, most pageants often visit public schools or schools in need.

What is your favorite part of traveling?

Just getting to see a different culture and their history! Different countries have different ways of living and I love that when you go there you get to experience that.

Favorite experience this far?

Um, I don’t think I could pick one, they all have such amazing qualities. I got different things out of different trips, but my trip to Africa was the one where I went on my own. So that would probably be the most meaningful in regards to volunteering

What caused you to go travel in the first place?

I think everyone wants to travel! The world is full of so many amazing cultures, places, and history. I believe you would miss out by not seeing it yourself.

Once life moves forward past this pandemic we are currently in, do you have any future plans to travel?

On yes, Europe! I’ll be traveling there for at least 5 weeks so many places I want to go

Can you tell us your favorite modeling experience and your favorite teaching experience?

Hum, my favorite modeling experience would have to be being the lead model for AFS William’s new music video, and the runway would have to be the pacific international runway! They were good fun, but I love most of the jobs I do. Teaching wise, probably when I went to Africa to teach English for three weeks. It was just a different experience, they were so appreciative. However, I work with so many children that sometimes it’s hard to pick my favorite teaching moment.

Last question. Vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream?

Vanilla ice cream. All the way

Thank you for your time!

No worries!

Click Here to see what Krysta is up to over at Instagram!

Writer’s comment

A very pretty lady with a very beautiful heart. My absolutely favorite beauty pageant contestant I’ve met so far. I’m sure we would have been great friends in another lifetime.

The post Interview with the Childhood Teacher/Model appeared first on Raw Traveler.

Amanda Post, full-time software engineer

Now, this is unique as the reason why we’re having an interview has nothing to do with your profession. Can you tell us what that is?

Well outside of my life as a software engineer, I have some other passions that I’ve spent a lot of time on — cosplay

Can you explain to people what cosplaying is?

Cosplaying is where people will dress up as their favorite characters from things like anime, video games, comics, or pop culture. It’s a way for people to express their passion for what they love, as well as meet other people with similar interests. One of the great things about cosplay is that anyone can do it — for any reason. There are cosplayers who craft all their cosplays from scratch and pride themselves on accuracy to the character, and there are cosplayers who commission or buy their cosplays online and love to act like the character they’re cosplaying. I usually do a mix of both. I’ve met a lot of my closest friends through the cosplay community!

When do people cosplay and where can we see them?

Well if you want to see cosplay content, there are thousands upon thousands of content creators on websites like Instagram — you can find them through popular hashtags like #cosplayersofinstagram or even just #cosplay. In person, anime/video game fans in and out of cosplay will meet up at conventions. Conventions come in all sizes, but some of the most popular in California include Anime Expo, Crunchyroll Expo, and San Diego Comic-Con. The larger conventions are where the top cosplayers go to show off their biggest and most intricate builds. There are other events at conventions, like cosplay contests, all sorts of panels, and many other fun events!

Which conventions have you been to?

So far, I’ve only been to conventions in Southern California, in order of biggest to smallest: Anime Expo, Anime Los Angeles (my absolute favorite convention), Anime Impulse, and Anime California (the first convention I went to). The great thing about attending conventions is that it’s super easy to make friends. When I made my first cosplay and decided to go to Anime California 2015, I knew no one there at all. I felt a little lonely for a while, but before I knew it, I had made several friends that I attend conventions with annually since then. People are generally super welcoming and friendly at cons!

Sounds like a place to embrace unique individuals and befriend one another over the love of cosplay! Who have you cosplayed as?

It definitely is! And oh man, I’ve cosplayed as a LOT of characters. It actually becomes somewhat of an addiction, deciding which cosplay to add to one’s collection next. I’ve probably done 15-20 cosplays, all from my favorite anime and video games. I’ve cosplayed Lux, Ahri, and Diana from League of Legends, and a lot of anime characters such as Himiko Toga, Zero Two, Makes Kurisu, and a handful more!

I imagine it takes a long time to get each look right. How would someone even begin to research or construct the costume of a character?

Well, the amount of effort that you’re willing to put into creating your cosplay can vary — the option for ordering online will always exist for most popular characters and a lot of more minor characters too. But if you want to craft your own cosplay, you can just start by searching the name of the character + “cosplay tutorial”, and chances are that someone has put a free tutorial out for that character. And if not, there are a LOT of general tutorials for crafting cosplay-related things. Kinpatsu Cosplay has a pattern and shops for really detailed tutorials, Kamui Cosplay has really affordable general cosplay how-to books, and there are always a ton of youtube videos available for free. So in reality, it’s pretty easy to get started, you just have to be willing to put in the time to learn and get good at crafting!

When you cosplay, I’m sure you receive a lot of attention. How do you manage to enjoy the event while people ask for pictures/want to chat it up with you?

Well depending on the intricacy, theme, and/or popularity of a cosplay you wear, you’ll get various amounts of attention at a convention. I personally love connecting with other anime fans over a mutual love for a character, and will always stop for photos or a quick chat. There are also general cosplay/convention guidelines that are publicized at conventions and on social media to protect cosplayers. For example, there’s the phrase “Cosplay is not consent”, meaning that fans, photographers, and con-goers should always ask for consent for whatever it is that they want, whether it’s a photo, a chat, or something physical like a hug. People will post infographics of when NOT to approach a cosplayer (ex. They are sitting down to rest or eat in a secluded area). Sometimes people are a little oblivious, but I know that their intentions are often pure, so I don’t mind it much. It’s always a wonderful feeling when something you’ve made makes someone happy.

How far do you travel to get to these locations? Is there a certain distance that you would deem too far? Considering you live in Southern California, the traffic must make whatever distance seems even further away?

Well my favorite convention, Anime Los Angeles, is in Ontario, CA. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s even further East than Pomona is. I’ve commuted 1.5 hours each way for 3 days straight to go to Anime LA. What I have realized is that it’s easiest to just book a hotel close to the convention, and then walk there. I would still commute to go, but the hotel experience proves to be more fun and more convenient. Plus, for conventions like Anime Expo (which is in the heart of LA), people will price gouge and charge $40 for parking. But people still do it, because they love attending conventions so much.

Do you see yourself quitting cosplay in the future or is it forever part of your life now

My interest in cosplay will always be there, but it’s usually just a question of how much time I have to craft or alter bought cosplays. I do know, though, that my love of Japanese culture, anime, and video games is a lifelong thing. I hope to be going to conventions at the very least as a non-cosplaying attendee for as long as I can.

Last question. Who would win? Goku or Naruto

Naruto, 100%

Thank you for your time senpai!

No problem :3

Writer’s comment

I met Amanda while playing at the arcades. I thought her name was Ashley but that name was too basic for someone of her caliber. Arigato desu senpai

The post Interview with the Cosplayer appeared first on Raw Traveler.

How does one become a realtor? How would you explain your job to someone you just met?

To become a realtor you have to take a course. It could be online or in a class. After passing those courses you get a cert notifying the DRE you finished the courses. You can schedule an app to take the test at one of the DRE (Department of Real Estate) offices located near you. While the DRE is collecting your certs you also need to get your fingerprint scanned. BTW you need a clean record in order to be a Real Estate salesperson.

I’m the salesperson who helps you find your dream home, your forever home, or property investments. I can help my clients sell their house and protect their interest

I am also hired to make sure no one is cheating my clients out of a fair buy/sell.

I see. A lot of personal information and money being handled here. What happens when the other party crosses the line and tries to cheat your client?

It depends on who cheats. If it is the agent you can report them. You report them to their association. And the association will have a hearing. And depending on how bad the situation is there are different levels to it. If it is a federal thing like a scam then that is a big no no. Your license can be revoked. Sometimes the seller/buyer tried to cheat. And it is the job of the agents to explain why it is not legal. And if the clients still proceed to do the illegal thing, it is highly suggested that the agent drops the client. It is the salesperson’s responsibility to protect not only their clients but the interest of others too. Basically we are the middle man making sure everything is fair and not too one-sided and legal.

The salesperson can not do anything illegal. Everything must be legal, even splitting the commission with the other agent, if there is another agent involved.

So you just told me about what happens is someone tries to pull a fast one. I’m glad there are strong regulations in place for when I am ready to move out. Right now we are experiencing a global pandemic with the Coronavirus currently halting the world economy. Your services have been labeled as essential to the state. How has work been for you if you don’t mind me asking?

There are def strong regulations. The government takes this super seriously. California’s government mostly protects the tenants more than the landlord. But again it also depends on the situation. Work has been slow. For me specifically, my boss said its best and safer if we didn’t work unless it is to finish a sale we started before the lockdown. But that paperwork is usually done online and emails. No contact what so ever. We can have clients E-sign. But no new clients and no showing houses. The DRE is having strict regulations during this period of quarantine. Trying to keep everyone’s welfare safe.

Can you name the top 3 cities with properties you’ve sold in you would recommend living in CA if money is not an issue?

If you have kids three cities would be Either Cerritos, Arcadia, San Marino. ABC Unified is a good district near Long Beach area. And Arcadia is also a great school district because they have a graduation rate of 100% for quite some time now. And San Marino also has great programs for kids. Also in these three cities, they all have tons and tons of after school programs that help preps kids for Ivy League colleges. But if you don’t have kids but you want somewhere nice and away from the city but yet kind of close. I would pick Bradbury, Arcadia, and Thousand Oaks. But for properties that I’ve sold to clients, it would be Arcadia, Glendora, and Whittier because it’s nice and quiet. Easy access to the freeway and not too far from the city. They also have great food too. And a good school district nearby. Great shopping center. And close by theme parks such as Universal Studios.

That is only if money is not an issue. You can always move to Beverly hills but I personally won’t. The streets are under construction all the time and I don’t like the winding hills. And there is always traffic there. Hahaha. I avoid that place unless I have to go.

Thanks for the real estate secrets! I’ll make sure to pick one from one of those locations. Have you ever sold a property to an international buyer? If so, how much of a difference is there in the process? I’m sure plenty of paperwork is involved but is there anything else?

Hahaha. And not yet. It’s getting harder for some international buyers to get money out. I had a few clients but the deals fell through due to some issues. And yes there are different paper works. Usually, international buyers buy with all cash. If they have loaned it’s going to cost them more on their mortgage. higher % rate.

All cash? wow.

They also need a bigger down payment and its tougher for approval. yeah. That’s why its easier to buy with cash instead of loans from banks.

Thank you for the deep insight! That being said, would you consider living in another country? Would your career transfer as smoothly as possible without a major change?

I would def like to live in another country. But I would have to retake my license again. Take the class and learn that specific state/country’s law again. Each country of course has different laws. Same with the US. If I would like to move to NY for example I would have to learn their real estate rules and take their test in order to get my licenses. My former Real Estate teacher said to me if I can pass California and or NY test, then it would be easy to pass the test at any US states because NY and CA has the toughest real estate laws

And I’m sure other countries you have to be citizens in order to take the test or to become a real estate agent. In the US you have to be a citizen with no criminal records in order to take the test.

Last question. Sunset or sunrise

Sunset. I’m a night owl. HAHAHA

Thank you for your time!

You’re welcome.

Writer’s comment

I met “Agent M” while we were both in school…for audio recording! It looks like we both took different paths at the end!

The post Interview with the California Realtor appeared first on Raw Traveler.

What is your name and what is your occupation?

Louise. Flight Attendant and Student.

Is it safe to say you have travelled to most countries in your bucket list?

Nope

Which ones are still left?

Moscow, Hawaii, Maldives, Greenland!! Iceland, and Longyearbyen in Norway

And how do you manage to work (and travel!) as a flight attendant and be a student at the same time?

I fly part time, 83% , I fly 100% in the summer and about 50% in the winter.
I study online, so I can bring my books and laptop on layover when I fly to places I’ve been 1000 times, like Charlotte or New York Then I study in the hotel. And as crew we fly a bit cheaper, which is the reason why I am able to travel so much in my spare time.
You have it all mapped out it seems. Have you gone to college/school before being a flight attendant? If so, do you miss having friends/classmates and a dedicated location to go learn from? If not, do you think you missed out by not going or is studying remotely a great experience
I went to college before, I like being able to plan my own time (the only reason it’s possible for me to study atm.) But it’s also soo hard to motivate myself and actually focus! And it’s hard for me to not be able to directly ask a teacher for help, or if I don’t understand something as my study is in German and it’s not my first language.

I miss having “classmates” but I must say, without sounding like something better, I prefer my “new” people I have around me, I feel more level with them, they get my lifestyle, and travel & rest.
Whereas when I go home to my hometown I see my old friends going to the same bars with the same people every single weekend.
And they ask me like “hey you always work on weekends, you’re missing out on so much” and I’m like yeah but I partied in Shanghai Wednesday, saw Taj Mahal last week, and will be in LA Monday
So my priorities have changed a lot.

Haha. That sounds amazing. What is next after college? Would you like to live and reside in one of your many visited locations or stay in your hometown.

I really don’t know yet, especially with the situation atm. I am not sure if I get to keep my job… but with the University, I still have at least 2 years left, but hopefully, I can work with that one day if I can’t fly, but I really want and hope that I can always fly.

I only have a few questions left for you. Is there a story you can share about an unruly passenger? If you cant, can you share about things you absolutely despise about bad passengers in general?

One time we had a guy who tried to attack us on board, he was a deportee, but the police had classed him as nonaggresive, so he got to fly without police, so he boarded first, and sat in the last row (they have to) as we are still on the ground and the regular pax haven’t arrived yet, he suddenly gets up and tried to stab my colleague with a piece of sharp plastic he had broken off somewhere. I hit him in the head with a coffee pot and called upfront over the PA, and the police were super quick to grab him again! I think that was the craziest
I haaaaate when pax don’t smile or say hello when we greet them!!
And when the word thanks you is foreign to them!
When they just “swoosh” their trash to the side for me to grab as if I have crazy long arms (and as if I’m a trash servant)
I haaaaate when pax don’t smile or say hello when we greet them!!
And when the word thankyou is foreign to them!

When they just “swoosh” their trash to the side for me to grab as if I have crazy long arms (and as if I’m a trash servant)
When they talk, talk on the phone, keep headphones in etc. During the safety demo!
When they ask “whaaaat?!” 3 times when I ask what they want to drink (and obviously have a big ass drink trolley in front of me) and they THEN decide to pause their music and remove headphones
Or when they think MY galley is their free space to hang, sit, yoga, kids playground. Just entitled people who weren’t raised right and should stay home

What a scary moment! Was everyone from the crew ok afterwards? Did they flight continue on soon after?

I think you may have described actions done by everyone at some point (including myself and anyone reading this!) And I’d like to apologize for my lack of  manners 

The girl at the back with me went home, I decided to fly, (I was hoping we still got to deport the asshole, but unfortunately not) but we flew it with an hours delay.
Oh that’s okay, I also think a lot of people don’t think about it, but I guess to me it’s just become common sense

Last question.
What advice/tips/words do you have for people who fall in love with their flight attendants.

Oh man.. haha Well just go for it! But make sure you’re not in love with “a flight attendant” but with the person. Many passengers make that mistake and don’t like the people as regular people

Good advice. You might have saved me, I mean people, many heartaches.
Thank you for your time!

You’re very welcome!

Say hi to Louise if she is your flight attendant or click here follow her on Instagram to keep up with her travelling adventures!

Writer’s comment

I met Louise while she was a contestant in a beauty pageant in Cambodia and I was working as part of the staff.  That beauty pageant year is in my top 3 because of friendly people such as her. I think she is a fan of emojis

The post Interview with the Flight Attendant appeared first on Raw Traveler.

Sabrina Davoodian. Senior community manager

 
I manage a portfolio of associations and do everything from building their budgets to bidding out million dollar replacement projects. I have a couple of things I dabble in on the side, but that’s my main career and passion.

Sounds like alot of responsibility! Is this a path decided upon starting in college or does it start before that

Well, I started college at 14, so I definitely was not an aspiring community manager back then. To help pay for college, I got a full time job doing basic accounting for Associations. From there, I got exposure to other aspects of the field and began to pursue the path to where I am now.

I noticed your photos are photographed in a variety of locations. Does your work involve travel or do you like to explore in your spare time/on vacations?

My work keeps me local where my clients are, but I travel any opportunity I get – even if it’s a short camping trip within a 6-8 drive.

Any recommendations for California locals?

If you live in California, I believe it is a MUST to see Big Sur, the Bixby Canyon Bridge, and Carmel at some point. This area epitomizes the beauty of the California coast. I didn’t think it possible, but it deepened my appreciation of my state. It’s a road trip must, and very close to so many other great places California has to offer.
When I’m in need of a short and sweet vacation to reset and relax, I love taking the hour and a half ferry ride over to Catalina. It feels like I’m leaving all stress behind on the mainland. I highly recommend renting a golf cart and exploring Avalon in it. Without a golf cart, it’s difficult to take in all Catalina has to offer. The best views are a climb… which brings me to the next recommendation, which is exploring Avalon on the bike. I enjoy taking my road bike, but mountain bikers will appreciate Twin Harbors on the opposite end of Catalina.

Picacho, next to the Colorado River on the southeastern-most part of the state, is one of my favorite camping spots. The sunsets are unreal, and the river is amazing in the summer. Sandbars appear and disappear with the flow of the river, and there is a ramp for launching boats.
On the way there, stop by Slab City. Described as, “the last free place” it’s a group of squatters that have created their own community outside of government. There is no running water or electricity. However, what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in personality. The art and projects the residents have taken on have transformed the landscape… literally, in the case of Salvation Mountain.

Those are soooo many places! Thank you for all those recommendations. I’ll be sure to personally check some of them out.

Have you traveled outside the state/country before?

Yes, 10 states and 5 countries so far, but I have a long way to go.

Based on your experience, could the idea of traveling on a smaller scale be considered just as satisfying as traveling nationwide/worldwide?

Absolutely! I think as long as you’re exploring new places and enjoying new experiences, it doesn’t matter if it’s nearby or across the world – you’re going to have a great time.

I’m down to my last few questions. Since you are my first interviewee so far that is not a freelancer or contractor, what are your thoughts on one day working remotely.

I’m sure you are working remotely now while the world is in the middle of dealing with the Coronavirus but can you see yourself wanting to work from anywhere or is becoming a digital nomad, not for everyone.

That’s a great question. I don’t think being a digital nomad is for me. Even though I work from home regularly, I would prefer to not have to work during my travels. That way, I can be fully immersed when I’m exploring, and I can still give my work 110% without feeling like it’s taking away from other things.

Last question.

Pineapple on or off a pizza?

Pineapple on a pizza is blasphemy. Definitely off.

Good choice. Thank you for your time

Writer’s comment

Sabrina is an old friend from high school and we periodically still keep in touch. Over a decade ago we had fun times sitting on the grass during lunch.

The post Interview with the Senior Community Manager appeared first on Raw Traveler.

Hello. Can you tell everyone your name and what is it that you do professionally?

Hey guys! My name is Veronika. I’m a model and actress. Because of both of my passions, I can’t say that something is harder. Anyway, you have to put 100 and 1extra% on any work you’re doing.

Modeling and acting having something in common, but for acting you have to keep following the role from beginning to end, trying to find a response in your own soul. You have not only believed in what you doing but make other people believe in that too. Sometimes it’s mentally hard to come back to your personality as you literally living different life during the play/movie etc.

Both of them taking lots of physical and mental forces but still bringing back unbelievable satisfaction, joy, and happiness which gives you the strength to continue. Without modeling and acting, I’m simply can not live a full life.

I see. I feel you are very passionate about what you do and you take it very seriously. Was there a particular actor/actress or model that made you think “that is exactly what I want to do.”

I truly believe that you don’t need to be “exactly” like someone. But of course, I have few actors and models who inspire me in different levels.
As a model – Twiggy, Lara Stone, Tyra, Iman, Winnie Harlow…

About actors from my childhood, I was a huge fan of Jackie Chan for his attitude, performance and social works. But of course, there is a lot of other actors who give you goosebumps – Jack Nicholson, Keanu Reeves, Angelina Jolie…

And what projects are you currently working on or will work on?

That’s a sad question! Because of Coronavirus one really important movie project and one international pageant is postponed independently
Also in Russia was supposed to start rehearsal for Chehkov plays which is now could be started only after quarantine

Sorry to hear that! I hope everything goes back to normal soon and we can continue on with our work

Really hope that too… That’s a big blow for everyone.

Did you travel anywhere as a model or actress?

Back to your acting, what do you need to do or who do you need to know to work as an actor in Russia?

Business is the same everywhere but definitely, if you are social it’s better in every type of work

To wind things up here, what advice would you help those who want to start a career in what you are doing?

You need to work on yourself. Always getting better than yesterday – that’s the first thing. Second – you need to keep trying. Contact agencies, go to castings. One day it will pay off

Thank you for your time, Veronika!

Thanks for your questions!

Click here to keep up with her modeling and acting career over at Instagram

Writer’s comment

Veronika is a friend I met while we were both working in a beauty pageant in Cambodia. She is a great friend and I wish her all the best.

The post Interview with the Russian Actress appeared first on Raw Traveler.

If life ever felt like a dream, It was probably in Venice, Italy. Located in the northern eastern part of the country, I was fortunate to have this location as my first European visit. I was brought along by fashion designer Grace Moon. My job was to simply showcase her new designs within the surrounding area.

I used the Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon EF 24-70mm 2.8L as part of my gear.

We wanted to avoid people and shoot in isolated areas so we decided to pick random places while still showcasing Italy. We actually shot nearby our airbnb location (you can  see the door of where we stayed in one of the photos!).

What I Loved About Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy cemented the fact that I love traveling. The differences between where I travel locally and where I’ve been in Venice is night and day. Aside from the obvious romantic ambiance, the palaces, churches, and canals were a sight to behold. Walking is an integral part of this area as I did not see a single vehicle within the islands until I headed towards the area where Venice Film festival was being held.  Do yourself a favor and try gelato (ice cream). And the pizza. And just about anything else. You HAVE TO GO to Venice at some point in your life. After all, if you are here then you are more than likely a traveler as well.

The post Venice, Italy Photoshoot Travel appeared first on Raw Traveler.