AAM - With an athletic background, and pretty much was a tomboy, did modeling help you enhance the counterparts of your personality?
Stacey - Definitely.  I’ve always had a unique style but when I became a model, I found that I paid more attention to the things I wear and I tend to dress up more. I also paid more attention to the arts and how things can come to influence art which in turn influences fashion. I’ve definitely embraced my femininity more as I grow older. I did a lot of sports growing up and I do Capoeira now so I use my athleticism, determination, and dedication to help me in photo shoots and shows.

AAM - How do you see yourself apart from your older sisters who were already involved with acting and modeling?
Stacey - They are phenomenal when it comes to the arts. They are also very intelligent, successful, and fierce. They are my older sisters so I was definitely one of those annoying little siblings who followed them everywhere, trying to emulate them.  I moved to the US at 11 so I grew up with and was influenced by all my siblings but I also was able to follow my own path and style and I see them as inspirations more than as competitions. I see myself as the more eccentric one though.

AAM - When do you feel you have become an accomplished model?
Stacey - I don’t feel that I’m at that point yet since I still consider myself a newbie but being in this magazine is definitely an accomplishment.  I feel it’s good to relish in your success and be proud of it but also to keep challenging yourself and have fun. I’ve decided to pursue agency representation so after I sign with an agency and also when I make that first big check will be great accomplishments.

AAM - What do you hope to do after you achieved success in modeling or acting?
Stacey - In all honesty, if I could do it all I would. I’d love to continue modeling, try my hand at acting, but most importantly I want to eventually go for my PhD. Ideally I’d love to be able to make enough money modeling to help further my graduate education. I want to do research on neurodegenerative diseases.

AAM - What have you been doing to better yourself as a model?
Stacey - The most important thing is the dreaded ‘p’ word….practice. I definitely pay more attention to the high fashion magazines I read and the process that goes into creating each spread. I look at models I’d like to emulate and try to find my own signature style to add to photos. I have a lengthwise mirror that I use to practice walks, poses and expressions. Being healthy and taking care of yourself mentally and physically is also very important.

AAM - How do you find time to do most of what you must do and want to do?
Stacey - I find that balance is not always easy to achieve. I’m a horse in the Chinese zodiac so I’m a pretty “go with the flow” spontaneous type person but I also know that planning and preparation can sometimes be your best friends. It’s a tip I  took from my boyfriend. It’s important to set your priorities in order. Education is important for me and I’m graduating soon so I’ll have more free time to be even busier. I love the busyness and chaos though.

— AAM