“There’s always room to grow”: Interview with La Unica

By Angie Nova

Everyday is a great day when you get to meet beautiful and talented models. Today I got to sit down and speak with commercial, editorial, and runway model, La Unica, also known as Alexis Demir. Not only has she paved the way to become a super model, but she is also a wife and mother to two children. I had the pleasure of learning how she balances parenting and modeling, what success really means, and the advice she’d give to other aspiring models out there.

Modeling by La Unica, Photo for Contagion Media by KBR, Assisting by Angie Nova

How did you first begin your modeling journey?

It’s crazy because I didn't want to be a model for a long time. It was never in my scope of interest. It was a lot of other people telling me, “Oh, you should be a model. You’re so pretty, you should go and do it.” My mom was the first one who told me to, but I was young so I probably wasn’t conscious enough to take it seriously yet, or I might have felt insecure about how I looked at the time. 

How old were you at the time? 

I was in grade school. I want to say between 8-10 years old. I was super, duper shy. My mom was the one who took the initiative and got me involved, but I was too self-conscious to be in front of cameras. It was a whole different world, so I said, “No, I don’t want to do that.” 

As I got older though, I actually had interest. I went to my first agency and got signed from there. My first gig was for a super cheap fashion show, I don’t even remember the owner’s name, but that’s when it fired up for me. I was like, “Ooh, I like this.” Initially, I wanted to mainly do print because I didn’t know there were other avenues like runway, which I do now. 

How long would you say it’s been since you got back into it?

This will be my second year. I still consider myself a newbie. 

Wow, that’s impressive because you seem so seasoned. 

Thank you, I’ve been trying to absorb everything and apply it where I can. 

It really shows! So what are your other interests outside of modeling? 

I’m interested in getting back into painting and other art projects. I can see myself going to art college, which is what I initially wanted to do but I had my babies instead. I also want to get into financial literacy just to prepare for the future and teach my kids about it when they get older. 

How do you manage balancing work, married life, and being a mom? 

Modeling by La Unica, Photo for Contagion Media by KBR, Assisting by Angie Nova

Well, I’m a stay at home mom other than modeling so it’s easier for me to be available for both my husband and kids. My husband is very supportive of what I do. If I have to do a last minute shoot, he’ll encourage me and stay home. I’ve been really blessed with that part of my life because I know how hard and hectic it could be.

It sounds like you’ve got a really strong support system. What do your kids think of you being a model? 

My daughter actually wants to model and do runway now. Sometimes I take her to rehearsals and she’ll be like, “Mom, when am I gonna walk?” With my son, he doesn’t even care. If it’s not his Nintendo Switch, he doesn’t care. He’s like, “Do you, mom.” 

How has modeling encouraged your kids?

With my daughter, I feel like her seeing me out there opens her eyes to the things that could possibly do. It makes it much easier to open herself up to the idea and see that it’s not a big, scary world. My daughter really be wearing heels all day. I look at her like, “Your feet don’t hurt?” 

That’s so cute, I love that she’s already taking the initiative. At what point did you realize modeling was something you wanted to take seriously? 

It was after my second fashion show with KCRS. I was feeling all the adrenaline rush and spending all day getting glammed up. I love being able to meet new people and expand my wardrobe, because I never wore these types of clothes before. After experiencing all that, I was convinced that this is something I could do and that it was actually pretty fun.

Who would you say are your biggest influences? 

Model-wise, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. I’d look up their stuff specifically,  whenever I was first starting out, because they’re legendary. It’s hard to get in this industry, especially because of the color of your skin back then. Naomi and Tyra paved the way for me to get on stage literally, so I look up to them a lot.

Role model wise, my mom. She put that light in me to believe in myself, because I didn’t at first. Now I see what she was seeing. I’m pretty blessed to have her. 

Aw, that’s sweet! What would you say sets you apart from other models? 

Modeling by La Unica, Photo for Contagion Media by KBR, Assisting by Angie Nova

I feel like I could bring a breath of fresh air to the table. I can also break the ice with people really well and make them feel comfortable. If we’re all comfortable, we can get the best outcome out of whatever we’re trying to achieve. With modeling, I feel like I can grow more with my skills. But breaking down barriers and having fun with the people I’m around really helps the environment. When the vibes are better and connections are made, your pictures come out better. 

What would you say are your biggest challenges as a model? 

One of the challenges I’m working on is dealing with self-doubt and absorbing other models’ anxiety and negativity. You’re surrounded by so many different personalities that maybe don’t know how to deal with their own challenges. I’m the type of person that’ll listen to what you’ve got going on then start feeling those same emotions personally. 

What has helped you overcome those feelings? 

I think just a lot of positive self-talk and really knowing your core values. If you take all that negative stuff away, you can remember who you are. 

What is your dream project as a model?

I would love to do something with Thierry Mugler. His whole line is popping. Everything is mesh, see through, he gives you lots of shapes. I would like to walk for his brand, that’d be dope. I could die happy. 

How would you define your own success? 

I want to say I feel successful in creating connections with people because we all need each other to make this work. Success really lies in friendship. I’ve met so many new people within the last year and I can’t wait to meet more. It’s so fun and rewarding because you create so many stories. It’s not just me by myself, it’s all of us together. That’s what I like being a part of: something that’s growing with everyone. 

I agree. What would you say is in store for the future? 

Short term, I would like to say that I’m going to continue doing photoshoots, collaborations, and runways. For the long term, I want to be on a huge fashion runway show like Gucci, Fenty, Versace. 

Behind the Scenes from the Interview featuring La Unica & Angie Nova, Photo for Contagion Media by KBR,

Do you have any advice for your younger self? Or aspiring models?

To not take things so personally and to not be so shy. I felt like I wouldn’t do things because of my shyness. Once you take things so personally, it changes your whole mood and the vibes with whoever you’re with. Just go out there, don’t think about what others have to say, and to put in the work that you can. You can always get better - there’s always room to grow. Also, just have fun!