Editorial

Cassidy Kurowski of FizzBam Fabrications Interview + Photoshoot

Cassidy Kurowski (Also known as FizzBam) is a fashion designer, event manager and model. Below are some photos from our most recent shoot together and a quick interview with her.

(All the outfits she’s wearing are her own creations/alterations)

Introduce yourself:

Hello! My name is Cassidy, or Fizzbam3 on Instagram. I was born and raised in ABQ where I currently own my house. I am an events manager by day and I model and design clothes in my free time.

What is it about designing and modeling that is compelling to you? (Do the two experiences have cross-over in how you feel when you do them?)

I always loved the ability to express myself through clothes but I did struggle with self confidence a lot growing up. I first got into modeling because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and encourage myself to feel confident. I also wanted an opportunity to wear all the crazy stuff I would thrift that I wouldn’t always get the chance to wear out.

What are 3 facts about you?

I have been a vegetarian for 13 years

I have two cats and a guinea pig

My favorite movie is Rocky Horror Picture Show

What are some ways you feel you’ve changed as an artist/model?

I think I’m always changing as an artist and model. I love that I get to change up my vibe with each shoot I do. I think I’ve always liked trying new hobbies and working on different ideas. Even with my clothes, I can’t stick to one aesthetic because I love the playing around with different styles.

What’s your favorite way to drink coffee?

I actually don’t like coffee haha but I love a chai tea with oat milk and cinnamon.

What are your thoughts on A.I? (& do you use it yourself?)

I mean I can see the appeal in using it for sure but I don’t personally like it. I don’t like that it takes the creative or hands on element out of everything and I try to not use it.

Do you watch streaming services/ or movies? If so, what have you watched lately that you’ve enjoyed?

I just finished the new season of Wednesday which I liked. Honestly, I mostly love to rewatch movies and shows that are nostalgic to me because I usually have them on while I’m working on other things or sewing. My go to rewatch is New Girl.

Which fictional character do you see yourself in?

Haha maybe fancy Nancy because I’ll always love being a girl playing dress up and styling outfits.

Do you think art and politics are connected?

Yes, especially as politics become more prominent and the line between sides becomes further apart. People are so divided right now that everything can be taken with political undertones and can be used to help or to hurt whatever cause they’re aiming for.

What’s your current favorite food?

I make the best sriracha tofu street tacos and they’re always a favorite of mine.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I bought my house at 20 years old, 3 months after getting my associates and working full time to pay for it.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t let what people say get to you so much, be proud of who you are and what you accomplish.

How are you able to find your own “voice” and what advice would you give to other artists who might be struggling to find their “voice”?

I think I found my voice over a long period of time, and honestly I’m still finding it every day. I think I have improved so much as a person over the last few years because I have put myself in new situations and tried things I never thought I could do. I still struggle every day with the feeling that I’m not working hard enough or I’m not doing as good as others but I’m starting to realize how proud I really am of where I’ve come and what I’ve been able to accomplish for myself. I would advise people to take a deep breath and be prouder of yourself because you’re probably doing so much better than you realize.

You can follow Cassidy on Instagram at @FizzBam3 and her fabrication company at @FizzBam_Fabrications

And keep an eye on the publication for future photoshoots with her.

-Oliver Endahl

Ellalise Cheri in the studio

Ellalise Cheri and I got together for a quick photoshoot in the studio. We had been connected for a while but this was our first shoot together and we achieved a ton of great shots. Ellalise was a natural to work with.

Below are some of my favorite stills from the shoot, as well as an interview with Ellalise.

What do you feel when you model? (What is the emotions/feelings you experience?)

If I could describe it in one word, natural! It feels so comfortable and I know it’s where I’m meant to be. It’s like acting, depending on the shoot you have to play a role and that’s one of my favorite aspects of modeling.

What are 3 facts about you?

I was a ballerina basically my whole life and danced up to a professional level

I have my degree in Health Sciences

I am an extremely active girl, I love the gym and enjoy a number of outdoor sports such as snow skiing and boarding, wakeboarding, and hiking.

What is the role of art in society?

To peak your interest and fuel self interpretation and thought.  It’s a visual stimulator, and it conveys beauty through a number of different tools, including your body.

How do you deal with people judging you?

Ignore it, and don’t care.  Know your own self worth and love yourself to the highest level.  I always say if I could marry myself I would.  Nothing wrong with that.  People judge because of their own insecurities. The more you don’t care what anyone thinks whether it be friends, family, or strangers the happier you will be.  As long as you aren’t hurting others and working toward what makes you happy, nothing else matters .

What are some of your hobbies/passions outside of modeling?

Physical fitness , Learning about the human body and how it works , Health, Fashion , Cooking, Spending time with loved ones

If you had to eat cold pizza, what would your topping preference be?

Italian sausage

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Don’t be so hard on yourself, nobody is perfect.

If you could replace any one of the three flavors in Neapolitan ice cream, what would the new flavor be?

I would replace vanilla with banana

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I was ill for two years and almost died.  No doctor could figure out what I had, so I took it into my own hands and did the research I needed to and completely healed my body.

If you could make up a fun holiday, what would it be?

An extended Christmas that lasts at least 2 months.  I love it.

Ariana Emnace in a Downtown LA Studio

This shoot with Ariana Emnace was a blast. I brought my cameras; she brought her gloves and angel wings.

You can follow Ariana on IG here @Oh_Nana143 and keep an eye on the publication for more shoots with her.

-Oliver