Celeste Thorson is a professional actress, model, screenwriter and activist living in Los Angeles, CA. This Asian American beauty has starred in television shows, films, and endorsement campaigns around the globe. She is also the athletic host for two seasons of the travel show “Destination X Hawaii” and “Destination X California” which airs in over 60 countries worldwide. Her new online store donates 50% of its profits to a different charity every month. With designs from the heart on everything from casual apparel to gifts and posters she knows how to make giving back look good and feel good! Read more about this Woman 2 Watch.

FG: How did you get started modeling?

CT: I’ve always found visual art fascinating so when I had the opportunity to work with talented photographers and makeup artists, I seized the moment. I enjoy collaborations and think it’s great to create high impact imagery. I had so much fun building a portfolio that I signed with CESD Talent Agency in Los Angeles and started modeling professionally.

FG: How do you feel models effect women’s body image in America?

CT: I feel it depends on your perspective. It can be both inspiring and intimidating. I think it’s important to have a healthy body image and self-esteem independent of the media. It seems there is a fine line between getting inspired by a beautiful image and feeling resentful towards yourself or someone else about it. I don’t think it’s healthy to use a person in a photo-shopped picture to reinforce negative insecurities about yourself. Many models represent a fearlessness that can motive style and confidence for women around the world. Focusing on loving yourself and expressing your personal taste.

FG: How did you make the transition from model to television host?

CT: I always knew modeling was just one of the things I wanted to do in my life. I enjoy hosting, acting, writing, producing and learning something new every day. I love travel and nature so when I auditioned for a show in Hawaii it was a perfect fit. I worked my way up to writing on the show, which was a wonderful experience. We shot the second season in California and now Destination X airs in over sixty countries around the world. I am happy it has encouraged people to get out of the house and do something athletic in nature.

FG: What is the most challenging part of your job?

CT: Auditions are probably the most challenging part of my job because you never know what to expect. That’s what I love about performing, it’s a constant challenge so you always have to try your best. It makes you strive to raise the bar and get stronger. You have to keep your sense of humor yet also take your job very seriously. Despite the obstacles, I enjoy the opportunity to share my talent and meet other passionate people.

FG: What do you find to be some of the common misconceptions about modeling and hosting?

CT: They can both be much harder than they look. People often see the end product and assume the process is just as glamorous. A lot of people think you can just stand on Hollywood Blvd., get plucked from obscurity and become an overnight success. What they don’t realize is that most “overnight successes” were in the industry years before going mainstream. There is something indescribably fulfilling about pursuing your bliss. Success can be subjective.

FG: Besides modeling you are also heavily involved in philanthropy. What causes do you currently support?

CT: Freedom and equality are high on my list for all races, genders, and sexual orientations regardless of location or disability. Organizations like Save the Children, Human Rights Campaign, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, and the Sierra Club are champions in my book. Donating money is one part of the process but so is taking action. Campaigning for the best interests of your community through petitions, letters, boycotts, and activating others is a huge part of how I show my support.

FG: How many of your business decisions are based on know how vs. your intuition?

CT: My intuition is a good barometer of how I will feel working on a project. I like to click with the people I work with and be on the same page. If something feels off I will just pass because it is often a foreshadowing of things to come. There is such a great camaraderie that happens on set when the chemistry is right. I like to look for that because then it’s a win win.

FG: What do you consider to be some of the major highlights of your career thus far?

CT: Filming in Hawaii was an amazing experience and basically a paid vacation. It was so lush and beautiful. Skydiving on Hawaii’s North Shore of Oahu was like dropping into a postcard. Paul Street is a real pleasure to film with; he is a great director and we had too much fun blowing up trucks in the desert on Room Nine. Everyone on How I Met Your Mother is so nice. Working with Neil Patrick Harris without cracking up is impossible.

FG: What is a spiritual mantra or philosophy that you live by?

CT: Treat others as you wish to be treated. Empathy, compassion, and kindness are virtues I aspire to embody. I believe treating people with dignity and respect is a noble goal. Civility without oppression and freedom without affliction is the world I want to live in.

FG: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

CT: Nosce te ipsum, Know Thy Self. Taking time to align and make peace with yourself is priceless. The more I apply this to what I want the better my life becomes.

FG: What would you tell your younger self if you knew then what you know now?

CT: Even if no one else believes in you, believe in yourself and you can go further than you could ever imagine. The word “No” doesn’t apply to your dreams.

FG: Finish this sentence, Women should __________ and _______________

CT: Women should stop complaining about being unhealthy and start doing something to strengthen their bodies and minds.

FG: If your life came with a soundtrack, what would be the top three songs?

CT: Aerosmith – Dream On
Death Cab for Cutie – Soul Meets Body
Gregory and the Hawk – Boats and Birds

FG: What project(s) do you have coming up?

CT: You can check out Destination X TV which is airing on DirectTV, Dish, and Time Warner. I will be working on the the indie film Abnormal Andrea in 2011. I’ve also been doing a lot of writing lately and am developing a few screenplays and shorts.

FG: How/Where can people contact you and/or find out about you and what’s next for career?

CT: You can keep an eye out for all my latest films and TV appearances on IMDB.

www.imdb.me/celestethorson

For more information on Celeste Thorson, visit her websites.

www.CelesteThorson.com
www.twitter.com/celestethorson
www.youtube.com/celestialstorms
www.myspace.com/celestialstorms
www.facebook.com/OfficialCelesteThorson