Paula Weckerle is far from your average model.

With an acute awareness of how her industry is run the driving factors that define success, she speaks on why she likes modeling but why it’s so necessary for the women in it to broaden their definitions of value, take ownership of their own happiness, and show each other compassion.

Paula sat down for an exclusive interview with Big Time Daily to explain:

Big Time Daily (BTD): What do you consider to be your biggest strength and how has it helped in your career as a model

Paula Weckerle (PW): Honestly, my mental strength. I think being mentally healthy is the most important thing for anyone, a model especially. Because sometimes people will tell you that “you’re not good enough.” You need to be mentally strong, and then you can focus on taking care of your body. That’s my passion, helping people with this.

BTD: That’s a fresh and unexpected approach! What is it so hard to be mentally tough in your industry?

PW: I feel that it’s fair that most jobs are given to either someone with a famous family or to an “Instagram model.” The industry doesn’t want to build a new name like they used back in the day, like ‘80s. In my opinion this is the hardest thing about the industry today—I know so many incredible girls, but they just don’t have a chance to really “build a name.”

BTD: What do you think is a way to reform this? To change the industry to be more open to new faces?

PW: I think since Instagram has taken on a bigger role in our lives people have started to become more self-aware of what’s happening. I think eventually people will realize that all these ultra-famous models, some of whom are just their name—not really talent—are not “real.” That world is not reality, and it’s so bad for women, because it promotes the idea of being “perfect,” but this perfect doesn’t even exist. It’s a difficult topic, because many people just follow the crowd. But I think because of this Coronavirus people are going to realize what’s important, and what’s not, which will help mitigate the issue.

LDP: Is there anything specific you want to teach or promote to younger models or even other people?

PW: Yes, I want to work to bring awareness and help people deal with mental health issues, like anxiety. I also want to help people find their passions. I think one key component many people are missing is communication, and how/with whom to do it properly—many people are afraid of others’ judgements. But communication is really the solution to all of one’s problems. So I want to help promote this, and spread awareness to people through my platform.