RUSSELL TANOUE PHOTOGRAPHER

 

Featured Face of January 2006

Liana Green

 

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RTFOTO:  What agency are you listed with?

Liana:      A.D.R Model and Talent Agency
RTFOTO:  What is your occupation?     
Liana:      Free lance make-up artist, and model when I get the opportunity.
RTFOTO:  What nationality are you?  
Liana:      I'm a total mixed plate.  I'm Hungarian and Russian from my Father and Hawaiian,
                French, Spanish, Chinese, Filipino from my Mother.
RTFOTO   Where are you originally from? 
Liana:      Well, I was Born in Chicago, but we moved to Oahu when I was 3, and I grew up           in Kaneohe, so I really don't remember too much about Chicago.        
RTFOTO:  Describe yourself in 3 words?
Liana:      Loving, Spiritual, and Spontaneous
RTFOTO:  Who was or is your mentor?
Liana:      There is no way I could say that I had only one mentor.  Have you heard the expression "it takes a village to raise a family?"  Well, it took a village to help me grow into whom I am today.  There were so many that helped me and taught me along the way, but if I had to pick the most influential mentor it would be my mom. My Mom taught me so much about the business. Everything from make-up to the way I walk or speak on stage. She especially taught me to never compromise my morals or beliefs just to get ahead. 
RTFOTO: What was your first paying job?
Liana:     My first paying job was a commercial for a Hawaii Gas Co.  I was so excited I think I called my whole family.  I'm a total dork about these things.
RTFOTO:  What inspired you to become a model?
Liana:      I think it was just in my blood to want to be in "The Industry".  My Mom was a model/actress and my aunties were models and professional singers.  My brother is an actor, my niece is a professional singer and the list goes on.  My sister is who really inspired me, though.  She secretly entered me in my first pageant without my permission, Which I was fortunate to have won...Miss Hawaii Teen '99. That's when it all really began!
RTFOTO: How would you describe your style in fashion?
Liana:     It changes everyday.  Sometimes its eclectic, sometimes it's very laid back, then I'll get in the mood to be very high fashion.Then there are those days where I feel sexy in jeans and a T-shirt or tank.  So, yes I adapt to what "In style" at the moment, but I also keep it my style and make sure that it's still Liana, and not me trying to be something I'm not.
RTFOTO:   How many years have you been doing what you do?
Liana:       I've been doing my thing since I was 16 years old, but I think I've only really gotten serious about it in the past 2 years.  I had to find my self first and I think I still am.
RTFOTO:  If you could do one thing different growing up, what would that be?  
Liana:      I try to live without regrets, because I think it's important to learn from your mistakes, and turn them into great life lessons, but the one thing that I would have done differently is not letting negative people into my life and allow them to hold me back, and cause friction within my life and family, because nothing is worth losing who you truly are, for any period of time.                  
RTFOTO:  What drives you to continue doing what you do?
Liana:      I've always been told and I believe that God puts certain desires and passions in us, and He's the one who gives us our talents.  So, I know that my passion for my career isn't in me by accident.  I am here for a reason and it's about God, my family, loved ones, and having goals in life and striving towards them and not stopping till they're reached.

RTFOTO: What do you like best about the modeling industry?
Liana:     There are so many things...I love dressing up and bringing out different hidden sides of who you are, the discipline it teaches you, the opportunities it gives, the friends you make, but most of all I love that it gives you a chance to be a positive role model to young girls growing up whom may want to model one day as well.
RTFOTO:  What don't you like about the industry?
Liana:      I don't like the fakeness or stereo typing that goes with it.  There are times where you meet people that are not as genuine as you think and later they turn around and talk about you or try to damage your reputation/career.  Then there are those who stereo type peoples in the industry saying that, we don't have a brain and that we have no depth.  When I consider my self and many others in the industry to be the exact opposite of that.
RTFOTO:  If you weren't doing what you do today, what would you be doing?
Liana:      Actually there's a lot that I still want to do that I'm not doing yet.  I would like to start designing clothing and jewelry.  I'm currently studying to be become a trainer, and if that happens I' de also like to have my own active clothing line as well.  Then, there's my dream of hosting a show.  So, as you can see I like to dream, but who knows what will happen.
RTFOTO:  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Liana:      Happily married with a wonderful family, and a flourishing career.       
RTFOTO:  What is a good day like for you?
Liana:      Waking up to a beautiful sunny day, getting in a good work out in the morning, finding out that I have a booking,  spending quality time with my family, and a nice quiet evening with my boyfriend.
RTFOTO: What embarrassing moment have you had in your career?
Liana:     Oohh my gosh I've actually had a few, but one of the most embarrassing moments was when I was modeling in the Wedding expo. See, I'm only 5'4" so to model the wedding gowns I had to wear super high heals so that the dress wouldn't be too long for me.  Well, I ended up having to wear a really long dress with a long train. It was a disaster waiting to happen. We had to walk to a up beat song, so I was trying to be all cute while I was walking the run way, and sure enough I ended up stepping on the dress with my high, high heels. I then started to loose my balance and stumble on stage with my beautiful gown. Luckily I caught my self before I fell, but it was pretty bad!
RTFOTO:   What would you say is the most difficult part of your job? 
Liana:       Keeping in shape and being able to adjust to any situation at the drop of a dime.  You have to be flexible in this industry, and always willing to adapt to anything at any time, while staying true to who you are at all times.                   
RTFOTO:  What was your most happiest moment in your career?  
Liana:      Every opportunity I'm given is a happy moment for me, But I guess looking back The happiest moment for me is that my Grandma  was able to see me compete for Miss Hawaii.  I didn't win, I was third runner up, but the fact that she was their watching me was greater than me winning the crown.  My Grandma went to Heaven on March 10, 2005.  
RTFOTO:  What makes you different from your peers?
Liana:      My Family.  I don't know many other families like mine.  They are the most loving, caring, supportive, protective, crazy, fun, funny, outgoing , giving, talented peoples I know.  They made me who I am and instilled in me the Christian values that form today.
RTFOTO:  If you could pick any city to live in other than the city you are currently in, what city would that be and why? 
Liana:      This will always be my home, but I would live in L. A or New York for the opportunities and experience.  I would also love to live in Italy for the life style, food, romance, and culture.            
RTFOTO:  What advice can you give to those aspiring what you do?
Liana:       Never give up, believe anything is possible, set goals and work toward them, work EVERYDAY to better yourself in some way, and never forget where you came from and NEVER, EVER compromise who you are or what you believe just to get ahead!
RTFOTO:  What is your message to teens today?
Liana:      Learn to love and respect yourselves, because if you do you won't let anyone take advantage of you, and you'll only want the best for your self.  Also respect your elders they usually want only what's best for you and they've been there. Lastly, but not least Love God...he made you and gave you all you got.
RTFOTO:  If you had the power to change the world, what would you do?
Liana:      WoW.....If I had that power I would absolutely heal all the sick and suffering people in the world,stop the spread of disease,  provide food and shelter for the homeless, teach people to love and respect one another and look past our differences.  I know this sounds really corny, but I would love to create peace through out the world and stop the pain and suffering.
RTFOTO:  What was your experience working with Russell Tanoue?
Liana:      Absolutely FABULOUS!!!! Me so LUCKY I got to shoot with the incomparable Russell Tanoue.  He really brought my spirit out and helped me to express the emotions I was feeling at each time.  He really pours his heart and soul out on each photo he takes, and helps the model to do the same!
RTFOTO: 
Finally, tell me something about you I don't know about?
Liana:     There are so many sides of Liana.   Some you only get to know if your really close to me. For example I'm a very sensitive person, but not everyone knows that.  Then there's that other side of me that's a total dork and I love being totally silly, and acting like I'm a kid again, but maybe you knew that already. LOL
RTFOTO:  Anything you'd like to say?
Liana:     I'm so grateful to my God, Family,my wonderful boyfriend, and Friends for everything they've ever done for me.  I wouldn't be where I am without their love support and advise. YOU ALL ROCK!!
I also have to say I thank you, Russell so much and Love ya for this opportunity....YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
 
Remember Life Is What You Make Of  It!