Born and raised in a small suburb in Ohio, on the outskirts of Toledo, Erin Keefe discovered her love for the camera early on. At only 2 years old, she starting to love posing for cameras and being photographed. With both parents involved in modeling and theatre, it wasn’t surprising to see their passion passed down to their daughter, who moved to Columbus, Ohio at the age of 19 to attend The Ohio State University.
Supporting herself through college with a variety of full-time jobs, including promotional modeling for distribution companies, Erin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree before moving out to L.A. to pursue her dreams.
Things began looking good for Erin as she became a spokesperson on Fox 11 News for an animal rescue organization, Pet Orphans. In addition, she’s been lucky enough to win modeling jobs with Luna Productions, Visual Design Works, as well as with some local spas and local hair salons.
Currently, Erin is preparing for a run way show in which she will be working with celebrity stylist Philip Carreon to model hair and make-up, while featuring clothes from some of L.A.’s most popular A-list designers.
Erin recently took time out to discuss Hollywood, her career and her future goals.
Excerpts from the interview:
LATP: How competitive do u feel the modeling industry is? What 
have been
your experiences?
Erin Keefe: Extremely! Everyone wants something different. (referring to casting agents). One person may tell you are too short, then someone else will tell you are too tall. Like the other day I went to an audition for a hair show and they told me my hair wasn’t "textured" enough. I guess they meant layers but then I thought, "if my hair was layered, they would probably tell me that it wasn’t smooth looking enough." You just can’t take it personally. Just because you don’t have what they want doesn’t mean that’s a bad thing.
LATP: What’s your take on the Hollywood scene compared to Toledo Ohio?
EK: It’s a tough city! I always say it can eat you alive if you let it. A person really needs to stay focused as to what they want in order to succeed.
LATP: What are 3 things you like about Los Angeles?
EK: I love the weather in this city of course! I also love that there is so much to do and tons of restaurants. It’s also nice living by the beach since I never saw the ocean until I was 18. Also, there are so many cities that are close by that you can take mini vacations to like; Santa Barbara, San Diego and Palm Springs. All of which I have done and recommend.
LATP: What are 3 things you dislike?
EK: Well I definitely miss the people from back home; they are just so welcoming and down to earth. The traffic here is a huge dislike but I just put on some mellow music and just know it’s going to take me two hours to run a few errands! I’m also not a huge fan of the dating scene here; no one wants a relationship it seems. I guess there are just too many beautiful people to look at! No, but it is hard to meet quality, genuine people, at least it has been for me.
LATP: What have been your challenges in the modeling industry?
EK: Meeting the right people! There are lots of shady people in this industry that prey on newbies and will try to just take your money or get you to do things you don’t want to do. You just have to be really careful and always bring someone with you on auditions and casting calls.
LATP: What are your ambitions?
EK: One of my biggest dreams is to get my own cover on a magazine. Maybe Cosmo or Vogue! It could happen!
LATP: What is your idea of a romantic date in Los Angeles?
EK: I’m pretty simple and tend to appreciate the little things in life but I like to just go out for a good dinner and maybe have a glass of wine by the beach with some good conversation.
LATP: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
EK: Well I hope to be modeling still and maybe have a huge contract with a make-up company and be their spokesperson. That would be really cool.
LATP: What do you like to do in your spare time in Los Angeles?
EK: I love to play with my English Bulldog, Emmi. She’s the best. I love taking her places outside and playing with her. We go to the dog park and the beach a lot. Los Angeles is pretty dog friendly for the most part. As I mentioned, I also love going out to eat and trying new foods at new restaurants. I do love that you can always count on the weather to be great!
For more on Erin Keefe, visit www.myspace.com/ekeefe1.
