Models

Cover Models for Floridawn Lewis Books

When I first started publishing my e-books back in 2011, I wanted the perfect cover models to complement my characters. I first found that perfection in a lovely young woman named Kelly Simon, whom I had the pleasure of watching grow up with my daughter. She became the character of Cassie Lynn Darlington Brady in the Beachmore Paradise Book Series which includes She Landed On My Doorstep and Promise the Sun and the Moon. I am in the process of writing the third book in the series entitled Written in the Stars, in which Cassie continues to star in.

About the same time that Kelly started modeling, I found a wonderful woman named Skye Danielle Barker to model for the character of ZoĆ« Jayne King in the Beachmore Paradise Book Series, mainly in She Landed On My Doorstep. I also watched Skye grow from childhood into the beautiful woman she is today. Skye also modeled for the cover of Open Arms as Laramie Bradshaw. If I ever publish my historical romance novel Treasured Memories, she also graces that cover and she will also be included on the cover of Written in the Stars. 

After years of having Kelly's cover on Promise the Sun and the Moon, I decided to design a different cover with my favorite male lead in Promise the Sun and the Moon. I first saw Justin Zabinski's photos in All-American Guys magazine and their OhLaLa magazine, as well. As I searched for the perfect inspiration for the character of Dayton James Brady in 2010, Justin's long blonde hair and smoldering blue eyes caught my attention. I was able to actually coordinate my own photoshoot with Justin in the fall of 2014 and had hundreds of yummy photos to search through to exemplify the innocence and sensuality of the character of Dayton thanks to Justin's natural photogenic self. Now if I could be just as lucky to find Dayton's brothers for the characters of Taylor Justin Brady and middle brother Jayce Ray Brady. Shout out to Taylor Kitsch and Travis Fimmel! 

I asked my three models to answer 10 questions about how they got into modeling and was able to schedule a recent photoshoot with Kelly and Skye as we enjoyed the sunshine and mountain air on the top of Keystone Mountain in Colorado. Promise the Sun and the Moon and Written in the Stars are based on fictional towns in the state of Idaho, so I have had to come up with backgrounds in the photos taken that depict rustic mountainous areas in which Paradise, Idaho could look like. I live in Colorado, which in some areas, look like the Palouse mountain range in Idaho. Finding the right kind of background was a little bit harder to do in Florida, where Justin lives, but he found the perfect ranch, so it all worked out.

Thanks to Kelly, Skye and Justin for making my dreams come true! ~ Floridawn Lewis


Kelly Simon

Kelly Simon as Cassie Lynn Brady in Promise the Sun and the Moon by Floridawn Lewis


1. At what age did you get into modeling and tell us the story about how you got into modeling?
I got into Modeling at 19. My roommate at the time was doing some modeling, and suggested that I give it a try.
2. Do you have another occupation besides modeling?
I'm currently a massage therapist at a chiropractic clinic. We do a lot of injury rehabilitation and pain management work.
3. Where have you traveled for your modeling gigs?
I've only worked in Denver so far. It would be fun to travel for modeling work at some point though.
4. Do you work for a professional modeling agency or do you freelance?
I used to have an agency, but after my contract expired, I decided not to renew so that I could focus on other pursuits.
5. What are your future hopes and dreams for say five years down the road?
I'd like to do some more modeling, but my primary focus is finishing my degree in natural medicine.
6. What are two of your favorite hobbies?
I really enjoy doing outdoor activities like hiking and biking, as well as artistic pursuits such as jewelry making and any other crafty things.
7. Have you ever met anyone famous because of modeling and if so, who?
I have not met anyone famous yet.
8. Would you consider becoming an actor?
I would love to get into acting if the opportunity ever presented itself.
9. Have you ever modeled for a big-name company?
Most of my modeling gigs have been for more local businesses.
10. What would be your ultimate modeling gig?
I would love to walk in New York Fashion Week someday.



          Skye Barker

Skye Barker as Zoƫ Jayne King in She Landed On My Doorstep by Floridawn Lewis

1. At what age did you get into modeling and tell us the story about how you got into modeling?
I was recruited by a modeling scout for TruTalent Management at a mall shortly after moving to Salt Lake City, UT at the age of 19. His name was Rhett Akers and he approached me while I was enjoying some frozen yogurt and people watching at a picnic table outside. The first thing he said as he approached was, "You have an amazing smile." Because I thought he was attempting to flirt with me (and I wasn't in the mood to deal with that) I initially glared at him. After my glare registered he quickly assured me that was not what he was doing and pulled out a business card. He explained that he was a recruiter and that he was looking for someone with a look like mine for a new contract. After I received some more information, I agreed to meet with an agent the following morning. The next day I met with my agent Shawn, and he signed me for a two year contract that day, and as an office employee in my off time. 
2. Do you have another occupation besides modeling?
I currently don't accept modeling gigs as I finished my contract to go to college. I currently am finishing up two degrees in Communications and Spanish. I would not be opposed to modeling again when I have time, but as a hobby and not full-time.
3. Where have you traveled for your modeling gigs?
While a lot of my work was local, there was a period of time when I felt like all I did was travel. I have traveled all over the states, mainly to Colorado, Florida, and New York. I have also done some work in the Bahamas. I enjoyed my traveling opportunities, but because of work, I didn't get the opportunity to do much exploring outside of my jobs.
4. Do you work for a professional modeling agency or do you freelance? 
I was signed into an exclusive contract with TruTalent Management which made my modeling rights exclusive for the duration. However, I have done some freelancing work since then albeit few and far in between.
5. What are your future hopes and dreams for say five years down the road? 
I have very ambitious goals for the next five years. After college I would like to both commit myself to Teach America as well as travel to Spain or South America to teach English for a year or so. Afterwards, I plan to attend graduate school for Psychology and pursue my dream of helping people achieve healthier thinking. I hope to work with a wide range of audiences from troubled youth to addiction through a variety of disciplines. My long term goal as of now, is to eventually open my own center for healthier thinking that provides a variety of therapy.
6. What are two of your favorite hobbies? 
I love reading, writing, singing, playing instruments, sports, travel, teaching gymnastics, performing, almost any discipline of art, spending time with my family, and hanging out with my boyfriend.
7. Have you ever met anyone famous because of modeling and if so, who?
I have met a few celebrities but the most prominent in my mind was Kevin Cosner . I was working in the TruTalent office and he came in for a meeting with my boss (who was a former supermodel, and I guess they were friends) for a movie he was going to be shooting. The story is funny because as the office was very busy that day, when I saw him I didn't recognize who he was. Of course I thought he was familiar but it just wasn't clicking for me. So I treated him the same as any of the clients that come in and had about a twenty minute conversation with him while still being oblivious as to who he was. When his appointment came up he thanked me kindly for being so hospitable and went on his way. Afterward, I was talking to a co-worker and asked about him and she said, "Oh my god Skye that was Kevin Cosner you idiot!" and I felt so silly. But I loved that he was so laid back and didn't demand or act entitled to special treatment. I hope he appreciated that I treated him like a human being.
8. Would you consider becoming an actor?
I did some acting while employed at TruTalent as well as took acting classes while there. I did some local commercials and loved it. In addition, I have participated and performed in theater practically my whole life (I began vocal performing at the age of four). My mom says I have always loved the spotlight and jumped at opportunities to take on different roles. I enjoy that aspect very much. In a way modeling can be a harder branch of acting. During a photo shoot you are trying to convey a message full of personality and you don't to communicate that with words. That can be very tough, especially when what is required of a particular job is very specific - you sometimes have to find a way to lose yourself. My acting coach always said that being a good actor is always, first and foremost, understanding the human condition. I love that. I also think that's where my fascination with psychology and the human condition comes from. I think being an actor would have so many wonderful opportunities, but I don't really think I would like the celebrity aspect, crazy lifestyle, or all of the attention. I like my privacy and don't do very well with constant criticism.
9. Have you ever modeled for a big-name company?
I did a local outsourced gig for Victoria's Secret once as well as Juicy Couture. Both were great fun! It's crazy to work with such talented people, from makeup artists to photographers. To this day I've never been able to achieve such a "fresh faced" look doing my own makeup as some of those artists are. Their profession is highly underrated.
10. What would be your ultimate modeling gig? 
I would absolutely love to do a modeling gig for a cause I believe in. I am very artistic and producing a picture that is beautiful, profound, and makes a compelling statement for people to think about would give me the ultimate gratification.

Justin Zabinski

Justin Zabinski as Dayton James Brady in Promise the Sun and the Moon by Floridawn Lewis
1. At what age did you get into modeling and tell us the story about how you got into modeling?
I was 18, went to the mall with some friends and was approached about a modeling career, I accepted and here I am. 
2. Do you have another occupation besides modeling?
Massage therapy
3. Where have you traveled for your modeling gigs?
All over the US and parts of the Caribbean
4. Do you work for a professional modeling agency or do you freelance?
Freelance
5. What are your future hopes and dreams for say five years down the road?
Too grow, experience new things, see new places, and meet great people.
6. What are two of your favorite hobbies?
Surfing and traveling.
7. Have you ever met anyone famous because of modeling and if so, who?
Yes,one time in LA I met Weird Al and Warren Sapp once, at the same time, in an elevator.
8. Would you consider becoming an actor?
Would love to do more acting, I've done some B role acting, but would love to get more into an acting as a career.
9. Have you ever modeled for a big-name company?
Yes I've modeled for AllAmerican Guys, Rugby by Ralph Lauren, APC (France), Tony Meliilo fashion show NYC, Bruce Weber, GQ Magazine (Germany) JC Penney, Hang ten, American living, Levis and Polo. And I've been also been featured in People Magazine
10. What would be your ultimate modeling gig?
Anything to do with surfing or a fat check. lol

Keystone, Colorado

Skye and Kelly at Keystone Mountain, Colorado

Beautiful Women with an Awesome Background