In what was a truly monumental day appropriately called “Title Tuesday”, that saw the Cleveland Cavaliers raise their first-ever NBA championship banner and the next door neighbor Cleveland Indians go up 1-0, with a 6-0 victory, before bowing out in seven games to the heavily-favored Chicago Cubs in the 2016 World Series, everything is truly hot in Cleveland.
With the Cavs overcoming a 3-1 deficit, the now-Cleveland Monsters winning the Calder Cup, Stipe Miocic claiming the UFC heavyweight title and hosting the 2016 Republican Convention, Cleveland is the place to be.
Even in the world of entertainment and modeling, Cleveland is winning thanks to Academy Award-winning actress—and Bedford, Ohio native—Halle Berry, SNL stars in Shaker Heights native in Molly Shannon and Vanessa Bayer from Orange High School.
Newer names such as rapper Machine Gun Kelly, Yvette Nicole Brown of Community, Isabela Moner set to appear in Transformers: The Last Knight and COSMO/Maxim model in Parma-born Faith Malinowski, whom I interviewed for this very magazine here.
Could Las Vegas-based and Cleveland-born model and lifestyle blogger, Samantha Marie McDougal be the next star from the “Rock & Roll Capital Of The World”
At 5’7 with head-turning looks and curves to die for, McDougal has been applying her wares for various brands, and has also made a name for herself on the San Francisco-based crowd-funding platform, Paetron, where fans and supporters can fund content creators such as models, musicians and artists.
In addition to modeling, McDougal blogs about lifestyle on her blog, Sojourn With Sammy
A die-hard Cleveland sports fan, McDougal proudly supports ‘The Land’ despite being out in Sin City. Below is my Q and A with Samantha as we discuss modeling, traveling, blogging and repping ‘The CLE’
Name: Sammy McDougal
Age: 24
Height: 5’7
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Measurements: 34D-25-26
R.C. What brands have you modeled for? Which one do you enjoy modeling for the most?
S.M.M. “I have modeled for so many different brands from liquor, to clothing, to dating websites. I’d say my favorite brand to model for thus far is ILTHY. They’re a clothing/lifestyle brand located in Cleveland OH. The team is extremely down to earth, and I have to stay representing my hometown, of course!”
R.C. Where has been your favorite place to shoot?
S.M.M. “I have two favorite places! One location is on El Matador State Beach in Malibu, California. It has really beautiful coves you can swim and walk through. My second favorite spot is close to my new home in Las Vegas. There are a bunch of sand dunes about 20 minutes north of the strip. Super hot, but super awesome!”
R.C. What is the most exciting aspect of modeling?
S.M.M. “The most fun aspect of modeling is seeing the final product. It makes you feel good to see when your hard work pays off.”
R.C. For those who don’t know, describe your work at Patreon.com, it seems to have a real creative vibe behind it.
S.M.M. “Patreon is a website where my fans and supporters can view exclusive content and first looks at what’s happening with my modeling career. I also include lifestyle tips and a ton of behind the scenes work!”
R.C. With fall now here, what fashion and style tips and trends do you have for looking good when the temperature drops?
S.M.M. “Save money and stay in style this fall by picking up some vintage baggy sweaters from your local Goodwill!”
R.C. Within the industry, who is your inspiration?
S.M.M. “Gwen Stefani is 100% my inspiration. She always looks beautiful and keeps it classy.”
R.C. What is your secret to staying in shape?
S.M.M. “I follow a very strict diet and workout routine. I workout with a personal trainer twice per week, and kick box two-three times per week.”
R.C. Outside of modeling, what are your hobbies?
S.M.M. “Outside of work I enjoy traveling and writing!”
R.C. As a fellow blogger, what are some of the things you like to blog about?
S.M.M. “I mainly like to blog about traveling and lifestyle. A lot of my posts are about tips and tricks related to those topics!”
R.C. Sports question: Who are your favorite teams and clubs
S.M.M. “Cleveland Cavaliers!!!”
R.C. As a native Clevelander, where were you when the Cavs beat the Warriors in the Finals?
S.M.M. “When the Cavs took the championship title, I was watching at a local bar in Las Vegas. I was really bummed that I couldn’t be present, but definitely showed my support.”
R.C. I must have missed you at The Parade, were you able to make it back, or come back home to celebrate?
S.M.M. “My sister and I tried to book a flight home for the parade last minute, but work did not permit for either of us.”
R.C. What are your favorite cities to travel to?
S.M.M. “I enjoy traveling to a few different cities in California. Hollywood, LA, and Santa Monica are a few of my faves. Other than that, I have a lot of fun when I travel to Miami.”
R.C. You describe yourself as a travel enthusiast, what are your dream places you’d love to visit.
S.M.M. “I’m visiting one of my dream places this December; Thailand. I would love to eventually take a tour of Italy, and do nothing but try all the delicious food.”
R.C. What advice would you give to women aspiring to get into modeling?
S.M.M. “Don’t compare yourself to anyone! I spent way too much time in my past comparing my image and my life to other woman. Everyone has their own path. You’ll lose your focus very easily by trying to be someone you’re not. Stick to it!”
Special thanks to Samantha McDougal for her time and assistance during the interview. All images used with permission and are the property of their respective owners. Follow Samantha on Facebook here, on Instagram and Twitter at @LOOKSAMMY, on Snapchat at @sammita.30 and on Patreon.com at @looksammy.