Check out our interview with model and fashion influencer Paityn Madich.
In addition to modeling for various designers in New York, LA, and internationally, she is a fashion influencer for multiple clothing and accessory lines.
When she isn’t traveling for photo shoots or modeling opportunities, she stays busy with yoga, dance, and such hobbies as water and snow skiing, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and spending way too much time watching YouTube and creating digital art on her iPad.
Follow Paityn at @paitynjea
Hi Paityn, please tell us a little about you?
Hi, guys. I am very excited to visit with you today. Professionally, I am a model and social influencer from Idaho; I’m known for having a silly side, an easy laugh, and a big smile. I love shoes, sushi, Takis, Billie Eilish, and all things fashion. From the age of three, I’ve stayed busy with competitive cheerleading or dancing. My hobbies include art, rock climbing, paddle-boarding, swimming, snow skiing, hiking and biking
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Cheerful. Creative. Compassionate.
Do you have a role model?
Other than my mom, I don’t really have role models. While I admire and respect powerful leaders in the field of fashion, athletics, and dance, I aspire to be the best ME I can be. I don’t want to be distracted by striving to walk another’s journey.
How did you get started in modeling?
My modeling career is a spin-off from my years as a competition all-star cheerleader. Five or six years ago my parents set up an Instagram account to share my cheerleading experiences with family, friends, and the competitive cheer world. A well-known athletic apparel company noticed me online, and asked me to represent their brand. It was like a mini explosion; in a matter of months, I was receiving messages and emails almost daily from companies seeking models, influencers, and reps for everything from clothes to makeup, bags, athletic equipment, school supplies, and more. Initially I accepted a lot of offers, but eventually I learned to be more selective. My love for fashion has taken me almost exclusively into representing only clothing and shoes.
How has social media and being a very popular influencer has changed your life?
Keeping up with social media and its ever-changing platforms is very time consuming. Staying current and relevant on social media as an influencer involves a lot of travel and photoshoots. I travel internationally for a variety of modeling opportunities. Not only do I get to participate in runway work and in fashion weeks such as NYFW, LAFW, and Toronto Fashion Week, I also do commercial, print and editorial modeling and have enjoyed working with such notable photographers as David Hofman (LA), Irvin Rivera (LA), Drew Escobedo (Dallas), Don Sparks (Dallas), Jerry Hughes (Las Vegas), Maiya Buck (LA) and Jordan Matter (NYC). Social media keeps me busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What is the most rewarding part of your work? And what is not?
I think the most rewarding part is traveling and getting paid for doing what I love. Wearing designer clothes and working with independent photographers is a huge plus, too. And I love meeting other kids in the industry and interacting with fans! The least rewarding part of my work is having to leave my puppy at home when I travel, but I’m fortunate to have a grandmother that is willing to babysit my Pomeranian.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers?
I love watching Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid on the runway. Heidi Klum and Bar Refaeli are favorites for more than just their modeling talents. Some of my all time favorite brands are Off-White, R13 and Gucci. Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger are a couple of my favorite designers for their totally wearable looks, and, since I have modeled their couture lines, Lulu et Gigi and Elena Pulido are near and dear to my heart.
Biggest beauty inspiration? Why?
Manny Gutierrez, a MUA and YouTube phenomenon, is my make-up inspiration. Alo Yoga model Ashley Galvin is my inspiration for a fit and beautiful physique.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I can’t live without ripped jeans! I love anything that is super comfortable and slightly trendy. I love my sneakers. Denim (jeans, shorts, and skirts) and crop tops are a must in my wardrobe. And I always keep a simple little black dress handy for special occasions.
Now on the influencer side, you are very popular on social media. What do you think about that?
I think it is a huge honor and a big responsibility. I want to be a positive influence without presenting a fake social media persona. I am a very happy person, but we all have our days. The more followers I gain, the greater the responsibility to be genuine becomes.
What’s your advice for the newer influencers?
Make friends on Instagram and YouTube. Be polite and engage with your followers. This helps to grow your number of followers, which will in turn help reach the better paying brands. However, don’t get caught up in the numbers. Stay honest and true to yourself; let your accounts grow organically.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Sushi without a doubt is my favorite food, but I cheat just a little. My favorite is cucumber rolls without any fish or other fillers.
And your favorite cheat food?
Raw cookie dough and Ramen noodles are my favorite go-to cheat foods. If I am going to cheat, I might as well be really bad!
How is a normal day in your life?
My days start early, usually around 5:30am. I brush my teeth, eat a quick bowl of cereal, throw on the outfit that was laid out the night before, and leave for school in the dark (typically swinging by Dutch Bros on the way for a caffeine boost). Laying clothes out in advance is key! I am in dance classes several nights a week so I sometimes use my lunch hour to get ahead on homework assignments or study for exams. I attend a specialized arts academy where I am a dance major, and I’ve been super lucky that my school is completely supportive of my career and the time that it takes me away from school. They allow me to take a study hall a few days a week, and I use that extra time to make up from work absences or prepare for trips. I try to coordinate most of my traveling over a weekend so I only miss a day or two or school. On most trips, I do homework in the airport, on the plane, or while waiting around on set. Local photoshoots are typically scheduled on Wednesdays or Saturdays. Planning ahead and organizing are essential. I try to never leave homework, packing, or anything else to the last minute.
When you can’t think of anything to wear, what’s your go-to outfit?
Blue jeans and a tee are always a good option. If the occasion calls for something dressier, I always pull out a little black dress or black jumpsuit.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
My perfect Sunday is a pajama day. I love to sleep in, eat donuts, and read or watch YouTube. Later in the afternoon, I enjoy watching recorded episodes of WWE with my parents and playing with my puppy.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet the singer song-writer, Billie Eilish. I love her songs and am so intrigued with the fashion statement she makes with her expensive oversized, unique apparel. Her style says she is who she is. She doesn’t want to be judged for the shape or size of her body and her fashion sense sends that message. I love it.
If you were sent to a desert island, what three things would you take with you?
My cell phone, my puppy, and an extra bikini.
Best advice ever given?
Be you. Be kind.
What is next for Paityn Jea in 2020?
Professionally, I have a couple more trips to LA on the calendar already and possibly NYFW in the fall. I am working on a trip to Florida for a meet and greet. On a more personal level, right now I am looking forward to some beach time at the lake. And then on to high school and getting my drivers license!
Something people don’t know about you?
I want to ride the ten tallest roller coasters in the world! I’ve already hit Superman: Escape from Krypton and Leviathan; only eight more to go.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is being content with where you’re at on your journey.
Do you support any charity?
I use modeling opportunities and my social media accounts to support various philanthropic events and charities as an ambassador and influencer for such brands as Love Your Melon and Pura Vida. I also support and promote a variety of cancer awareness programs and fund raising events for such charities as Susan G Komen and the National Brain Tumor Society.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
My family, my dog, and my phone.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Five years from now I see myself in college and hopefully making enough money as a model and influencer to pay for my education and support myself. After that, hopefully eventually working in digital media advertising.
Favorite song? Why?
Party Favor. Actually, I like any song by Billie Eilish. I love her vibe and creativity.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love social media and in particular YouTube and Instagram. Social media can be used to spread powerful positive messages. It is an amazing marketing tool and a medium for communicating with and making new friends.
Where we can follow you?
instagram.com/paitynjea
youtube.com/c/paitynmadich
facebook.com/paitynmadich/
twitter.com/paitynjea
paitynmadich.com
famousbirthdays.com/people/paityn-madich.html
Quote: “Treat everyone with politeness and kindness, not because they are nice, but because you are.“ ~ Roy T Bennett
Movie: Twister. I am fascinated by weather and would love to see a real tornado someday.
Travel Destination: Any place in the world as long as there is a roller coaster park there.
Sports Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
Celebrity Crush: I actually don’t have a celebrity crush. I like a lot of them for their talent and respect the work that goes into their careers, but a crush? Nah.
Tv Show: The Office
Book: The entire Hunger Games series. Love!
Photo Credit: Sherynn Madich
