Work experience of this green-eyed temptress with amazing wavy red hair ranges from TEEN magazine to Swimwear Illustrated to even Playboy. However, she does not limit her interests to modeling. A new member of our community from Ohio, Heather Pariso has always had a big passion for horses and, after having spent 10 year as 4-H (community of young people learning leadership, citizenship and life skills) member, she is still involved in a country 4-H horse program. Since her retirement in modeling in 2000, Heather became an accredited judge and is carded in OH, PA, KY, and IN. She also works at a greenhouse and attends school for horticulture. An optimistic and persistent person, Heather believes that the key to success is being versatile.
How did you become interested in modeling?
It started my senior year in high school when a friend of mine sent a prom picture into TEEN Magazine's Great Model Search. When I found out I was in the top 98 out of 24,000 I thought maybe I better look into this modeling thing a bit more and it sounded like a cool summer job.
Tell us about your first modeling job. What were your impressions?
My first modeling job was a car commercial for a local dealership. I was nervous but it was so much fun too. Plus the money was better than what I had ever made at any McD's.
What is the best job you ever did?
The best job I have ever had to this day has to be the shoot in Cancun for the Hit The Beach calendar. The girls were great, the producer was awesome, we had such a great time... Okay, now
Tell us about the worst job you ever did, or the job you've absolutely hated.
The worst job I ever had was for GillySuits. I mean the people were very nice and all, but wearing a GillySuit which is used by hunters and swat teams just is heavy and hot and not very glamorous.
Share any funny or embarrassing situations that you experienced during your modeling career.
Um, that would have to be doing a swimwear competition for Venus that I had to wear this outerspace outfit and it was the geekiest thing I've ever done with a pink wig, right on stage in front of hundreds of people, man, that was just embarrassing.
What do you do to stay fit? (your work-out and fitness agenda)
Okay, please don't shoot me... I don't workout, I'm sorry. I know I suck, but I don't have time. I am, however, extremely active. I work at a greenhouse where I'm constantly lifting and bending, so it's similar to squats, and then after work I go and clean stalls at my barn and ride 3 times per week. When I do have extra time I love to put my headset on and go walking (fast).
What is your everyday schedule?
I wake up most mornings and am at my job by 9AM. I work until 5PM and then go do all my barn chores since I show horses. I try to be in bed by midnight, since once I get home I have to work on the computer with castings, emails, and so forth.
Have you ever taken on other jobs within fashion industry besides modeling (fashion design, photography)?
Yes, I recently became a model manager and I mean recently.
Would you like to?
I would love to stay tied to the industry even when I decide to retire, since I really feel I can be a positive asset to upcoming models.
What is your favorite music (singer, band)?
I love rap, all kinds of rap like Usher, Fabolous, old school, like Tone Loc, Biggy Smalls, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and even underground like Green Lantern, Mobb Deep.
Who is your favorite photographer?
Herb Ritts, of course
Favorite fashion designer?
Um, that's a tough one. I think on a daily basis for the town I live in Ralph Lauren and Abercrombie work nicely, but if I want to hooch it up so to speak, I really like XoXo, and hot kiss
How would you describe your everyday style?
Oh my gosh, jeans and tank tops definitely. Never wear make-up unless I'm shooting or going out on the town.
What do you like to wear outside of fashion shoots and catwalk?
I like to dress up, but it's hard in a small town. If you wear something too trendy or (slutty, so to speak) everyone whispers, so you have to mix it up a bit.
What is your mascot (lucky charm), if you have one?
I do have a crucifix that I have worn since 1996.
Share your modeling secrets. What do you think is essential to successful modeling career?
You can't give up! You have to be on top of things, be honest with yourself and others and also be aggressive! You will get 1 yes for every 10 no's and you have to learn to schluff it out. That's the business and there is 1 million other girls wanting the same dream you do, so you have to be understanding. Oh yeah, be versatile, and I mean versatile. You may have a strength, like mine is swimwear, but believe me I have photos with dresses, business attire, and casual stuff. You have to so a vast range and that helps make you more marketable in my opinion.
Tell us about your favorite location. What's the best place you've ever travelled to so far?
Cabo San Lucas, it never rains, is always hot, and the places to eat and go out are awesome (cabo wabo)
What is the worst place you've ever travelled to?
Washington, rainy and cold both times I've been there.
What is your hometown?
Dover is my hometown and our population is about 12,000.
And what do you miss most about it, when you are modeling abroad?
I miss just feeling safe and knowing everyone, I miss my bed most of all usually and of course my friends.
What does your family think of your career choice?
Um, at first they were really skeptical, I mean, come on, we didn't live in NY or LA, so they were a bit concerned about my choice and you, guys, have to understand your parents concern. Don't get mad at them, just listen and work it part time.
Are they being supportive?
Yes, they are very supportive now. Once I went full time in 97, they realized I could make a nice living modeling and became warmer to the subject.
Tell us about your hobbies, what do you like to do for fun?
I show quarter horses. I have done that for years and will do it the rest of my life. I also love going out clubbing, I always have. I also like my flowers and I compete in flowers and arrangements.
Other than modeling, what would be your career choice?
I do have another career. Right now I work at a greenhouse and am in school for horticulture at OSU ATI in Wooster Ohio. You, guys, have to have a back up plan, it's a necessity. I have seen too many girls not have a Plan B and they were screwed once they hit 30 or so.
See Heather's Profile