As she makes her MAXIM cover girl debut, there’s a lot to love about beautiful businesswoman, wellness specialist, influencer, lifestyle blogger and international model KARINA VÉLEZ…
Hey Karina, congrats on your MAXIM Australia cover. How do you feel?
It feels surreal. It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and it was great to shoot this in Malibu, California with iconic photographer Arthur St John.
You look gorgeous. When do you feel sexy?
When I’m surrounded by love and wearing a cute outfit.
What is your best asset?
My smile. This smile has made a lot of other people smile, which makes me smile even more.
When you’re not posing for MAXIM what do you do?
I own a holistic wellness company called Luna in Love and a social media management company. I’m also an international model as well as I am a fashion and travel lifestyle blogger.
Tell us more about yourself and your life story so far.
OK, well I’m Colombian and live in Los Angeles, California. I’m a model, influencer and entrepreneur on a mission to leave people better than when I found them. I’m on a spiritual journey of self-discovery, self-love and a new found perception of the world around us. I’m holistic, a lover of all things natural and living a healthy lifestyle with a touch of adventure. I love snowboarding and dancing and my passion for this beautiful life continues to grow every day. I’m also exhilarated by the romance of the unusual, travelling and new experiences.
How long have you been modelling and what’s the best job you’ve ever had?
Eight years. The best job I’ve done to date is for Ani Villas hotel in Sri Lanka with my best friends Sandra and Sveta. It was amazing!
If you weren’t modelling what career would you choose?
I would definitely be a baby elephant carer – cuteness overload!
You must travel a lot for your work. Ever been to Australia?
Not yet! I’m dying to go. Australians have really cute accents!
What do you look for in a man?
A gentlemen with a good soul, depth, intellect and a good sense of humour.
What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?
I’m a hopeless romantic, so thoughtful gestures with lots of laughter, love, and Dessert always works.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
Making a girl laugh is everything.
Describe your ideal date?
A new unique experience, with a nice view of nature, and coconut popsicles.
If you had to take MAXIM on a date, what would it entail?
We would go bath wild baby elephants and then have a romantic dinner on the beach.
Would you ever date one of your social media followers?
I’m sure there’s a lot of amazing guys that follow me, but for safety reasons I’d have to meet them organically. Social media is an amazing platform that can be used to encourage, teach, love and have fun. It’s also a great way to stay connected with friends and make new friends.
Do you have any phobias?
Bats! When I was about eight years old a bat flew into the hotel I was staying at in Santa Marta, Colombia with my family. It basically bitch slapped me a couple times with its wings. I’m forever terrified!
Finish this sentence: Public nudity is…
Your choice!
Where would you like to be in five years?
Drinking a glass of wine, in a robe on Lake Como Italy, working from my laptop with three puppies and my love.
What’s next for you?
I have a global beauty campaign with NYX cosmetics and have so many secret and exciting projects with Luna in Love that I can’t wait to share with the world!
STATUS UPDATE
FULL NAME: Karina Alexandra Vélez
BORN: September 3, 1994
HOMETOWN: Laguna Beach, California USA
LIVES: Beverly Hills, California USA
FIVE-WORD SELF DESCRIPTION: “Passionate, ambitious, positive, outgoing, creative.”
HIDDEN TALENT: “I’m a chess master!”
HOBBIES: “Dancing, snowboarding, tennis and reading.”
FAVOURITE DRINK: “Tequila on the rocks with lime – Casamigos Reposado tequila please!”
HANGOVER CURE: “Coconut water and jumping into the ocean!”
BEDTIME ATTIRE: “I usually wear a cute, lacy, pink Agent Provocateur slip or my leopard, warm nighty.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Always remember to have fun along the way.”
INSTAGRAM: @karinamyfavorite
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ARTHUR ST JOHN
INTERVIEW BY SANTI PINTADO
HAIR & MAKE-UP BY ARYANNA ESTHER MARTIN
For the full article grab the April 2019 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
