Interview with New York based Indian fashion model Krithika Reddy

IM: What makes you unique and stand out as a model?
Krithika: I think that my goal of using my platform to activate social change makes me stand out in a sense. I have sometimes been booked, and sometimes rejected, because of my mission. For example, I don't wear fur, and sometimes that makes me lose a job, but that's okay because I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach and no success is worth compromising my values.

IM: What's been your favorite modeling moment so far?
Krithika: Hmm that's tough to decide because I have so many, I love most moments as a model.The most fulfilling moment was viewing my Vogue India issue with my family. Modeling isn't the most respected profession where I come from, but seeing my family smiling and proud made me feel at peace. I also felt excited and grateful to be a face of India's biggest fashion publication because it's a huge step towards helping change the widespread inequality (colorism, sexism, casteism etc.) that I am working towards in the Indian community.

IM: And what is your favorite part about what you do?
Krithika: My favorite part about what I do is working on camera but also the exciting lifestyle that comes with modeling - traveling, meeting cool and talented individuals on a daily basis, making art with them, the fashion, getting to experiment with cool health and beauty treatments, and still being able to simultaneously advocate for what I believe in.

IM: Can you please share with us how have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
Krithika: My goal itself in becoming a model is to use my success to bring goodness to the world in regards to environmental, women's health, human rights, animal rights, colorism, and other causes. I see modeling not only as a fun part of the fashion industry but also as an opportunity to influence positivity.

I use my platform to work on causes I care about, including working with brands and nonprofits. For example, I'm hosting the YouTube channel for a nonprofit service organization about my two greatest passions - holistic health and environmental awareness.

I strive to work with ethical brands. With my biggest goal being to help save the world from environmental collapse, I have worked with sustainable brands like Stella McCartney to help bring the message to the surface.

I am so happy doing beauty campaigns because my color and background haven't always been seen in a positive light by millions of people throughout history, and I love changing that standard of beauty because I think that every color, and being, deserves equal treatment.

IM: Have you learned any beauty and fitness tips backstage?
Krithika: Oh yeah, tons! I'm lucky to get to work with exceptionally talented people, and I learn various things from everyone. I find myself paying close attention to the makeup artists working and ask questions to broaden my knowledge. Before I became a model, I only used lipstick...I didn't even own a foundation or concealer. I wasn't really into beauty until I became a beauty model, which actually happened immediately upon entering the industry - my first job was with Dior Makeup and I've done many beauty jobs since. I love learning from makeup artists on set - one of the coolest things I've learned is how to effectively curl my lashes, which is a process that most people struggle with because they're so long and straight. So now, I sometimes end up teaching make-up artists how to work with my lashes.

IM: What you do to practice more self-care?
Krithika: I live a holistic lifestyle and am an avid believer of self-care being essential to our physical, mental health, and spiritual health. I practice breathing, meditation, yoga, clean skincare, clean diet and cooking, herbalism, just the right amount of socialization and social media, positive thinking, time in nature, gardening, 8 plus hours of sleep, time to myself, cutting out toxicity and circulating good energy within and around me, caring for other beings - plants, animals, and people - and not caring so much for materialistic things, striking a balance between being of service to others and to myself, enjoying and appreciating even the unappealing parts of my day, living my dream life, I could go on and on.

IM: Your favorite cheat meal?
Krithika: Right now, anything with bananas and pure maple syrup. I make flourless banana pancakes, muffins, cakes, etc. with just 2-3 ingredients. I eat very little sugar, carbs, and processed foods to manage my PCOS and endometriosis, so I consider this "cheating" and so deliciously worth it - especially because they have health benefits as well.