Name: Ashley Garcia
Home: Ozone Park
Age: 17
Height: 5’5″
Weight: 140 lbs.
Stats: 32.5, 29.5, 40
“Mother knows best” sums up Ashley’s modeling beginnings. Growing up in a house of three girls, Ashley’s mother suggested they all try new things. She was attracted to the “good posture” of modeling, and Ashley has run with it ever since.
“I did a lot of pageant work when I was younger. I also modeled for family shots in catalogs like JC Penny’s,” said Ashley.
It wasn’t until she was a junior in high school, when she spent the year in Madrid, that she got a taste of doing an actual show.
“I worked with [designer] Catherine Bello. My eyes were really opened to how fun this all was.”
Ashley has just finished her first year with Shortstack Modeling. Being a full time model may be her future.
“I would do it. I have major respect for the industry, though I don’t agree with everything. When I make it, I’ll have Shortstack to thank!”
When Ashley gets some downtime from her work, she still keeps busy: volunteering at a rehabilitation center, doing hot yoga, and trying lots of new foods. She is also preparing for her freshman year at Loyola University in New Orleans.
Of Queens, Ashley speaks adoringly.
“Not a lot of people know about all of the cultures in Queens, or the places to visit. Forest Hills, Austin St, Howard Beach, Astoria movies in the park; I love doing all of these. There’s serenity in Queens; it’s an adventure.”
For those looking to model in the future, she says “If you’re looking for confidence, it’s the best thing. Don’t change your view of yourself.”