MR: Would you call yourself a feminist? OC: Heck yes! MR: I listened to a very intense interview you had several years ago with Russia Today (RT). The interviewer made personal, seemingly negative comments about how much you smile (loved your answer to this by the way) and other comments regarding the beauty industry and pageantry. You remained levelheaded and calm during this segment. You are older and more experienced now — if you could do this interview over, is there anything you would say to this interviewer? OC: I don’t have any regrets for how I handled this interview. It was pretty obvious that she was trying to “catch” me. She definitely made that very clear to the viewer. MR: How do you remain poised under high-pressure situations? What are your tips when it comes to dealing with stress? OC: I love meditating, exercising and journaling. For me, these are all the ways I am able to channel my energy and thoughts so I don't feel totally overwhelmed. I also feel like it helps me stay grounded and in touch with who I really am.
I love meditating, exercising and journaling. For me, these are all the ways I am able to channel my energy and thoughts...
Sometimes in this industry there is so much going on that you can truly feel out of touch with yourself. My family friends (who feel like extended family) also help me a lot in realizing that sometimes the things we take super seriously are really not that stress-worthy anyway. MR: You have a lot going on right now! TV series, Model Squad launching September 4th on E! and your film Reprisal with Bruce Willis and Frank Grillo premieres August 31st. What are you most excited about? OC: I can’t wait to see how both projects come together! It is always so rewarding to see everyone’s hard work pay off. The fact that this is my first action movie is definitely the most exciting part for me. Also, Model Squad has some of my good friends in it, so it will be so fun to watch together. MR: Have you always wanted to act? What is the best part about acting for you? OC: It’s always been a dream to me. Acting is art coming to life. I love the idea of being able to leave my everyday life and tell someone else’s story. For a short time you’re able to completely escape reality and take the viewer and yourself on a journey. MR: Do you have any other projects you are currently working on? OC: I have a lot of things coming up in the fashion space. I have been designing a new project that will be exciting to share. I am also about to start a movie in Jamaica. Fashion month in September is always the busiest but most exciting month. I am literally going straight from NYC to Jamaica to Paris to Milan and back to Paris. MR: How does travel play a role in your life? Where are some of your favorite places you’ve been and why? OC: I love anything with a beach and beautiful weather. That’s the most ideal location for me to unwind and relax on vacation. I also love traveling to Europe. There is so much culture and depth. I always learn so much when I am there. Every time I travel somewhere I do my research and find a new restaurant and/or walk through a new neighborhood. Some of my favorite places that I have visited recently are Ibiza, Singapore and Montenegro.
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