RAINA HEIN: Surviving Model/Actress Q&A

Raina Hein FCM September 2014 editorial outtake

You saw her fantastic Sept/Oct editorial, and hopefully her feature (or buzz) pointed you here to actually read the answers to FCM's interview with Raina Hein. Beautiful, intelligent, and deserving model with amazing on-screen and print talent as a world class Actress/Model. 

-Contributing FCM Writer, Asha Spacek

Asha/FCM: You not only look mesmerizing & move well with cinematic intent in film, video, and commercials, but while you started as a model, do you think your new, or maybe long-term goal might sway toward acting?

Raina: When I first started modeling, I never saw myself acting or really even gave it any thought- it was always too scary. I knew I loved performing in a sense, but it wasn't until after living in LA for two years that I gave it a try and then realized I absolutely loved it. It's one of the most challenging and difficult things I've ever done, which is why I love it so much. I do enjoy modeling quite a lot, but I don't get to really show the world everything I've got inside of me like I do with acting. It's a very freeing feeling.

Asha/FCM: Being part of a two-time NCAA National Championship volleyball team in college, what are some of your thoughts/feelings on recent NCAA rulings with college unionization, monies, etc?

Raina: If you are referring to the recent Northwestern football player labor debate that the NCAA just entered into regarding unionization, I'd have to say that pursuing a college degree while getting a scholarship to play your sport, should be a privilege and not a job because otherwise it could diminish the desire for an education that would benefit one for a lifetime and place more desire on getting paid. However, I do think that college athletes on scholarship can definitely feel like they are an employee because they are giving a significant amount of their college lives to their sport while following strict rules and regulations in return for compensation of room, board and scholarship. When looking at the money aspect of it all (as far as football goes), television contracts alone rake in billions of dollars- I can certainly see why players are upset for not receiving a percentage of this considering they are the ones out there putting in their very best work nearly all year-round. In my opinion, after looking at the big picture and all the college students in this country; getting room, board & scholarship is a pretty big reward and shouldn't be overlooked or taken for granted by anyone. It's a good debate, and I can definitely see the points from both sides.

Asha/FCM: You hear a lot these days about companies and individuals finding or knowing they're brand. Do you think we have a clear understanding- or in case we've missed it- what is your overall brand message?

Raina: I would like to think my brand is a mix between happy, confident, healthy, energetic, goofy, fierce, chic and artsy. My number one goal is to always be me, stay true to my morals and values, and be a good role model, all while having fun and learning as much as I can. I'd like to think I accurately portray my overall brand message- hopefully I'm right.

Asha/FCM: According to Twitter, seems like major travel this week [esp modeling] any projects you can tell us about? 

Raina: Yea...LAX and I have a pretty tight relationship. You know you travel too much when airport employees know you by name and ask, "What kind of candy do you have with you today?"

I was just in Barcelona for a week shooting the campaign for Tarik Ediz, and was in Monaco, and London two weeks ago for a meeting with a magazine. Besides those trips, I have been traveling back to my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota every other weekend or so to visit my loved ones whom I'm always missing.

Asha/FCM: You have amazing legs and abs. What is your workout/diet routine like to stay so toned, rather than just 'slim' like many models?

Raina: I love to stay active. I try to go hiking with my fluffy munchkin companion as often as possible which is usually two or three times a week, and I like to go on a 3-5 mile run twice a week. Other than that, I eat pretty healthy and drink a lot of water. When it comes to treats, I don't forbid myself from having them. If I do, I'll go crazy- candy is my weakness...okay and maybe frozen yogurt and sprinkles too. But, I always eat them in moderation, and I believe that if you consistently fuel your body with healthy and nutritious foods, you won't crave the junk food as much. I eat a lot of nuts, fruits, greek yogurt, hummus, veggies, healthy grains & fish, and snack all throughout the day. But I think the real secret is laughing alot...seriously.

Asha/FCM: What has gone ultra dark-haired brunette done for your career?

Raina: I didn't move to LA and start seriously modeling or acting as a blonde, so I can't really say for sure. However, I think it does give me some edge and sets me apart from a lot of girls in LA- I like being different. If I were to guess, I'd say I would work more with dark hair than with light hair, so I plan on keeping it for a while. But don't tell that to my Grandma...she's not a fan;-)

Asha/FCM: For a bit of online clarity, who are your currently represented by [all areas of booking]?

Raina: I am represented in a few different markets: Paris, Barcelona, Hong Kong, NYC & LA.

My head representation or "mother agent" for print and runway work is Photogenics phira@photogenicsmedia.com

For all my theatrical and commercial work I am represented by NTA Talent Nick@ntatalent.com

Asha/FCM: Knowledge is power. It seems like you continue to extend your skills and education. Congratulations! Who/what clients are on your model AND acting bucket list?

Raina: I would love to have a recurring role on a TV series or a lead in a feature film one day. I think playing a villain or some type of Angelina Jolie character would be really fun. Working on a show like Lost, Scandal, Breaking Bad, or True Blood would be a dream. I'd love to work with Steven Speilberg, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Baz Lurhmann, or Andy Tennant. As far as modeling goes, doing a campaign with exotic cats has always been a dream of mine- it'd be so much fun! Meow. I'd also love to shoot for Lela Rose, Vivienne Westwood, Free People, Calvin Klein, VS, Sephora, MAC, and more. There are so many passions and ideas I have and they're always growing and changing.

Asha/FCM: Outside of your professional career, are there any causes or groups that are important to you (or still learning/deciding)?

Raina: I support breast cancer groups dedicated to spreading awareness, research and help programs like the American Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G Komen.

I am also very supportive of all groups promoting positive self esteem for children and teens such as: Girls For A Change, Write Girl, the Dove Self Esteem Movement, and the Love Your Body campaign by NOW foundation. Some other groups that are important to me are ones dedicated to ending child abuse such as: National Children Alliance, and the Kempe Foundation.

I have a lot of compassion for children and teens- so much so, that I've been giving some serious thought into perhaps one day going back to school and getting my MA in child counseling.

Asha/FCM: Anything else you want the industry, and/or fans to know about Raina?

Raina: Some of my favorite quotes: 

-Believe in yourself. If you don't, you won't succeed.

-Live for moments, not for things.

-Life is a journey, not a destination. So no matter what you have or where you are, you have what you have and you are where you are, so enjoy as much of it as you can, because life is too short to not do so.

-Never ever let anyone make you feel less than extraordinary.

-"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." -Vincent Van Gogh

Thank you for your time, and to your continued success...!

My personal/top "Fashion Wish List" of clients I'd love to see Raina booked for (sorry, couldn't narrow down to ten):

Dolce & Gabanna- Valentino- YSL by Heidi Slimane- Balmain Paris- La Perla- Gucci- Roberto Cavalli- Burberry- Tom Ford- D-Squared- Viktor & Rolf- Miu Miu

Accessories: Bvlgari- Jimmy Choo- Prada

Raina Hein FCM Sept/Oct Pink Issue

Feature/Interview Recap: Without seeing one another's answers, or in this case, my feature, prior to our interview, both myself and Raina made reference to Angelina Jolie, and while she opted wishing to model VS, I raised the luxury stake (because I think she is more high end like Liu Wen) and opted La Perla. Based on her online presence, her personality traits I noted, were repeated in her brand revision, which means -I suppose- she IS who she portrays to be. Lastly, I am happy she is modeling internationally, as much as she is thinking about her future with the pursuit of acting; plus, her love for cancer related non-profits go perfect for this 'Pink' Issue for a FCM Sept/Oct Breast Cancer Month [October] Observance nationwide. I wish her so very much new business and fans around the globe. Great gal! Ciao, Bella...

If you haven't seen Raina's editorial and feature, go here

FCM Contributing Writer, Asha Spacek
e: ashas@fashion-couture-mag.com
t: @ashaspacek , p: +13108746243

Fashion Couture Magazine