This article first appeared in the September 2014 issue of Ottawa Magazine. Sign up for a subscription or order back issues here.

By DAYANTI KARUNARATNE

I hear you’re having a lot of success as a model. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment so far?
My most recognized work has been for Le Chateau, RW & Co., and Tristan. But I also did a video for Bon Jovi. It was the weirdest casting call ever: I had to stand in front of a camera with no shirt on, eyes closed, and scream like I was drowning.

What did you do before modelling?
Handyman work. I still do it — it’s how I support my interest in modelling. About four years ago, I was looking to get away from being an employee. I was losing interest in working for someone other than myself. Also I wanted to travel more. Things started to get successful last year, and I went to Istanbul, Kilimanjaro, Nashville … there’s no way I could have done those trips while working for someone else.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modelling?
I’d be a musician. I play drums and want to learn guitar. My most recent trip to Nashville really opened my eyes to what I think is my true passion: music.

What do you listen to when in transit? Read any good books lately?
I like classic rock, like Led Zeppelin, The Doobie Brothers, The Eagles, and The Tragically Hip. And I read a lot of biographies of successful people, like Donald Trump, and books like Think and Grow Rich and How to Win Friends and Influence People. (more…)