Interview: Model Mara Linde van Ouwerkerk (The Netherlands)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Mara Linde van Ouwerkerk. I was born on the 4th of November 1992 in Haarlem, the Netherlands. In 2022 I set up my own company: Photography by Maralinde, and also participated in 2022 at Mrs. Netherlands Universe and I can proudly say that I became 2nd Runner Up. In this process I also made 2 special videos showing how important it is to put yourself in place number 1! the name of the videos is: My story translated into images. The showbiz world is something that plays a lot in my family. My grandfather used to be a lighting man in the city theater the Haarlem and my father's uncle was a stage manager, my brother Tim William van Ouwerkerk graduated from the conservatory as a guitarist / session musician and plays with Rob Dekay and Rilan & the Bombardiers, where their song: walking on fire has been used at the film festival in New York and also different Netflix series. Back to Mara Linde; besides being both in front of and behind the camera, I am now developing myself as an actress.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
If i could change something about myself i would like to be a little more patient. With me it's always everything from nothing and dearest as soon as possible. I would also like to be 10 centimeters longer because I don't have the right height for the catwalk right now.
What are your personal qualities?
My good qualities are that i am a go-getter, perfectionist and goal oriented. If you look purely photo focused then I am always very powerful with my eyes. So my personal quote is: "It's true about the eyes being the window to the soul . Your face can be etched with worry, and twisted by ageing, but the eyes tell the true story of who you are.
How did you start as a model?
My father used to take me to casting agencies when I was a little girl. I always loved being in front of the camera. I was always busy with photography, grooming and styling. Composition played a major role.
What do you think of the work as a model?
I think you should realize that you are beautiful the way you look, everyone is unique in their own way and there is no such thing as 100 percent perfection. In addition, it is of course super fun to be made even more beautiful by a make-up artist, to have beautiful styling of the hair and to be able to stand in the spotlights for the camera. Resulting in a satisfied end result for the photographer and for yourself, which of course gives a huge kick.
What is your beauty regimen?
My mother always told me when i was little; if you want to stay beautiful and young you have to sleep enough, clean your face every night drink enough water and eat healthy. This has always stayed with me and we still do.
What are your plans for the future?
Being in front of the camera is still something I love and I will continue to do. Because I released a video this year in which I played the leading role myself, I found out that I really like acting. 1 month ago I did my first audition for the new cinema, loverboy Amsterdam by Cyriel Guds in which I can be seen this year. I am also taking acting lessons with Mohammed Azaay to further develop myself.
What are some of your favorite experiences so far?
In 2022 I participated in Mrs. Netherlands Universe a few hundred applications are received and a selection is made for the casting. This was a special experience in which you grow in several areas. I am proud to say that I am 2nd Runner Up Mrs. Netherlands Universe 2022.
What would you still like to do as a model?
I would eventually like to stand in front of Hunkemoller and also want to grow in acting as an actress. If this succeeds internationally on both fronts, that would of course be great.
Do you have any advice for those who want to start modelling?
The main thing is to stay true to yourself, never let anyone tell you you're not good enough! Everyone is unique in their own way if you stay yourself, that also radiates strength in the photo. You literally tell a story on an image that stands still.
What do you think of the magazine?
I think Modelland magazine is a special and interesting magazine in which many topics are discussed, also very educational for the reader, which makes it extra fun.
Facebook/ Instagram: maralinde & photography.by.maralinde
Email: info@photographybymaralinde.com
www.facebook.com/mara.vanouwerkerk
www.facebook.com/photography.by.maralinde
www.instagram.com/maralinde
