“Model of the Week”, Melissa Mickelson, hails from Chicago and shares her modeling tips, dreams and also some inferences about her personal style and fashion trends. Melissa is an Ocean Model with success and experience who has worked events for DirecTV, NASCAR, the All Candy Expo and On-the-Go Energy Drink. Read on to learn more about Melissa’s career.
What is your most recent experience with Ocean Model Group? Describe.
I worked at the tradeshow, Hosting Conference, at Navy Pier. Not only did I get to work with Amanda [a fellow Ocean Model], but a few of our other girls were working a different booth to my pleasant surprise!! It was so much fun and I learned a lot about hosting companies too. People were so friendly it made everything great.
What is the highlight of your modeling career so far?
Just meeting so many new people and seeing the amount of amazing opportunities there are available. It’s truly incredible how much this country has to offer.
How did you get involved in the modeling industry?
I actually just got started this June. I always wanted to model, but never knew how to change my “want” into a reality. I was working at a tradeshow (I had gotten the job through a friend), and met another girl who gave me the name and number of her manager, Mark Niemi, and said that I should definitely look into shooting with him. It’s been history ever since!
That’s a great way to start, so, where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself finally being fluent in Spanish (my current minor), and on the cover of Vogue. Just kidding But I do hope to finally be out of college, and have a much more advanced modeling career, and just having the time of my life.
Do you have any advice you would give to girls just starting out?
Don’t try to be something you’re not. You are who you are, some people will love it, and some may hate it. In the end it’s all about being happy with yourself.
What celebrity do you relate to or find inspiring?
I absolutely love Angelina Jolie. Aside from being completely gorgeous, she helps the less fortunate out, which is something I really look up to in a person.
So, how do you spend your weekends or time off?
I love just being around friends, I hate being alone. When I am in the mood, I love to work out. I love to go fishing, be outside, and stay active. I also love to dance, it’s my therapy.
Now a less serious question, if you were a superhero, be creative, what would your name or special power be?
I’d definitely want to read minds. It would make my life a lot easier. Being invisible would be a lot of fun though. 
What is a new fashion trend that you are excited about?
I never want big sunglasses to go out of style, and I’m starting to love big, bold prints.
So, back to Chicago modeling, how do you stay in such great shape?
I take a visit to the gym about 4 times a week at odd hours to avoid seeing too many people I know because I get self conscious. I do 20 minutes of cardio followed by crunches and the thigh machine.
It’s comforting to know that you get self-conscious as well. What’s your favorite book, movie or TV show?
Favorite book would have to be “Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea”. Movie would have to be The Notebook, and TV Show would be Nip/Tuck or America’s Next Top Model.
Maybe you’ll be standing next to Tyra someday! What is your favorite spot in Chicago, for food, art, music, dancing, whatever?
Hands down, Water Tower Place to shop!!
What is one of the worst pick up lines you’ve heard?
The most awkward one I think was when I was approached outside of a Church and a man at least 20 years older than me asked if I would be his date to a wedding that night (which was actually starting in an hour), that he was the best man in. I politely declined.
What is your go-to outfit?
Dark jeans, a cute black top and black heels. It’s very simple, never fails.
Thanks, Melissa, for all your hardwork and commitment!! Melissa’s beauty and professionalism will be sure to take her places in Chicago’s modeling world and thoughout the nation.
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