Delanie Dischert Interview

I recently had the opportunity to interview Delanie Dischert, a model who first rose to fame competing in the final cycle of the hit CW reality series America's Next Top Model, Cycle 22. However before joining the cast of America's Next Top Model, she studied at the University of Delaware.

She has modeled for brands like Boscov's and Pinks and Greens, and would like to use her experience to help other aspiring entertainers to make their dreams come true. Check out my interview with the inspiring Delanie Dischert!

1. What inspired you to be a model?

I was inspired to become a model because growing up I was bullied for years. In these years I looked up to icons with confidence. Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christenson, etc. were women I looked up to for their strong sense of self and ability to be role models for young girls as myself. I took control of my life, health, and my drive made me a go getter from a young age hitting trains to NYC as a 16 year old with a dream. This made me want to impact the youth in the same way, be someone they can look up to and find strength in.

2. What was your experience like on America's Next Top Model?

My experience on the show was amazing. It's something I had watched as a young girl with my baby sister and cousin. We would pretend to do the challenges with the contestants, flash forward I never knew I would take a role on this iconic show. I was given very specific advice about my look, and my place in the industry from the best in the game. I'm lucky to also have a platform to express my past as a kid who was bullied most of my life and had the "Ugly duckling" transformation. This gave me a platform to reach kids who can relate to me, something I've always hoped to do. I had a great relationship with my cast mates and I am blessed to still call a few of them my best friends! Tyra ended up eliminating me for being "Too pretty", this is really advice I reflect on still in my career.

3. How did being on the show change your life?

The show really changed my life in the sense that I had a connection to LA now. Something we all hope for our careers, to go somewhere with the most opportunity. I was given wings in a sense, I had very strong drive in where I'm going. I made friends that I was able to live with and experience the transition from East to West coast together. The bond you make with your cast mates is indescribable. The confidence the show can give you in your newly tuned skill set is priceless. I'm thankful for the experience.

4. Is there any kind of modeling you wouldn't do?

This is something I'm still experimenting with. I'm more conservative in my personality, so sometimes it's fun to be creative and create something risky. All in all, it's about creating art, as long as the image is tasteful and artistic I'm okay with it.

5. Do you have a favorite photo shoot you've done?

Hmmm, I would have to ponder on that. I've had fun shoots at beautiful locations, Yachts, Mountains, etc. that I truly loved. The most thrilling shoots would be the ones on the show, being suspended on a harness etc. My personal favorite is always very artistic beauty shots as you would see in Maybelline, L'oreal, etc.

6. What are you currently doing now?

Well, I am of course still modeling and acting, going to auditions, castings, and jobs here in LA as well as Philadelphia, and NYC. Going to China and Miami for work this summer as well. Since I studied Vocal music for 7 years I am also exploring creating my own music. I hope to release a short EP in 2017.

7. What is your nutrition like? Exercise?

My nutrition is very tight currently as the summer season is coming. I was a nutrition major in college. I pay attention to carbs, cycle time off of carbs completely. I try to eat a high protein diet and making sure I'm drinking plenty of water and taking my daily supplements. I exercise daily, and practice yoga regularly. I do a lot of high intensity workouts such as box jumps, speed ladder, boxing mitts, etc.

8. What's your favorite quote?

That's a tough one. One of my favorites would be "Just when the caterpillar thought it was over, it became a butterfly," showing the power we have to become great at any time we choose.

9. Any advice for an aspiring model?