Thank you so much for doing this with us dear Pamela Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory of how you came upon this career path and to where you are today?
My name is Pamela Defino. I’m a Model/Actor from Toronto, Canada. I’m a loving wife and mother of three, in pursuit of my life-long dream of “making it” in show business. In short, I’m a small-town girl that left home at seventeen, never looked back, and never gave up. I was determined to succeed no matter what challenges life threw in my way. I’m extremely proud to say….. I’m now a published model!!!
I was published several times in a National newspaper in Canada called “The Toronto Sun” as their “SUNshine Girl”. It’s such a thrill to fulfill a long-held dream to become part of the SUNshine Girl legacy, thank you Jack Boland ! My images were well received by their readers had the most views on their website. This gave me the confidence to pursue my dream of being an actress/model.
This is your first cover for Publicom Latina Publishing Group. How do you feel about it? I am deeply honoured to be a PLPG covergirl. .
I also garnered the cover of “S&G Magazine” December 2020 issue, my first cover ! Thank you to Edward Rueda for the honour and for making my dream of being a covergirl come true!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in modeling?
I’ve always been extremely comfortable infront of the camera and I love fashion, glamour and artistic expression. Modeling combines all my passions and is a natural fit for me.
Do people want to be your friend because you’re a cover model and how do you feel someone is genuine with you?
To be honest, not a lot of people want to be friends with me because envy causes a lot of jealousy. For years it hurt me when I was nice to people and it wasnt recipricated. But I realized it has nothing to do with me, I know I’m a good person. I refuse to dim my light for anyone. Now that I started modeling haters are still there however I have also connected with a couple of my Instagram followers that are rooting for me. Whether its young girls trying to make it in the industry or other mothers encouraging me and say “ go get it girl” or “you’re an inspiration”. It means a lot to have their support and to know I am inspiring others to go for the dreams as well. Its a beautiful feeling when you connect with people on that level, it makes it all worth while.
Was there a particular model you admired more so than another? Why?
I grew up admiring 90’s supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Nikki Taylor etc. They had moles above their upper lip like me and made it seem beautiful and desirable to have one. Many woman in those days would draw them on because of these models.
How important is self-promotion in your profession?
Self promotion is key. That’s how I got my start, its a tough industry to get into and there is lots of competition. Keep going no matter how many time you hear “NO” or “you’re not the look we want at this time”. Keep approaching people, let them know you exisit because eventually you WILL find a brand or magazine that wants your look. Don’t get discouraged and keep self-promoting non stop on social media. You’re big break is coming!
Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel you are at your sexiest?
Thank you. I feel sexiest when I’m in front of the camera, my hair and makeup is done and the wind machine is blowing my hair to and fro. I should probably say something like, “ Oh when I’m in a T-Shirt” so I sound down to earth – which I am but I honestly dont even own a pair of jeans! I love to dress up and I’m proud of my passion for fashion. When I was a little girl I used to sneak out of my room in the middle of the night to walk around the house in my moms high heels and I loved to watch her put makeup on.
What is your best asset?
I am very determined and driven. Once I set a goal for myself I go hard until I achieve it. Failure is not an option.
What inspires you?
My grandparents inspire me. They are immigrants from Greece who came to Canada in the 1950’s with nothing but a glimmer of hope in their eye for a better life. They didn’t know anyone in Canada nor did they speak English but over time they became successful entrepreneurs and learned to speak English fluently. They work hard, take care of their family and love us unconditionally.
Tell us a little bit about your passion for cars
Every since I was a Little girl I LOVED hotrods. I remember watching ZZ top “Legs” music video and telling my mom I wanted to be the pretty lady driving the Ford roadster. When I got my drivers licence my parents let me drive their 1969 GTO. I was hooked, thats the moment I knew I was a car girl. When I was 20 years old I bought my first muscle car, a Z28 Camaro.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I collect Corvettes and they all have 1100 Horsepower. I drive them everyday even to get groceries. I guess you could call me a racecar driver because I race my cars but im not sponsored.
Would you ever date one of your social media followers?
No, I am happily married. My husband is one of my followers, he’d be the only follower I would go on a date with.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
Being a PLPG Covergirl is a major highlight in my career. I also have the honour of being published in the first issue of Maxim Canada which comes out in early 2021. Thank you @davelaus for the opportunity. Also, I recently launched my website www.pameladefino.com I’m proud of my website and worked tirelessly on it with help from marketing expert @dotcomdom. Thank you Dom Pucci and thank you to my husband for the great idea. Visit my website often or follow me on Instagram for updates on my upcoming projects @pamma444
Where would you like to be in five years?
I truly hope my modeling and acting career takes off and I am given the privileged of being in comedic movies or in a major advertisement campaign for a designer or cosmetic company.
Anything else you’d like readers to know about you?
Dear reader, If you got to this question it means you read my article therefor I think you are awesome and I truly appreciate you
Thank you Pamela.