Name:
Lisa Opie
Year:
Senior
Major:
Political Science with a History minor
Birthday:
May 9th, 1991
Occupation(s):
Model, Actress, Swimsuit Designer, Pageant Coach
Favorite…
Quote:
“Don’t be a woman that needs a man. Be the woman a man needs.”
Color:
Pink
Fragrance:
Chanel Mademoiselle
Food:
Sushi
Book:
Anything by John Grisham
As a Political Science Major, what do you hope to use your education for?
Career wise, I doubt that I will ever be able to use my degree directly toward anything, but I have realized there are many things I have learned in political science and throughout my years in college that I can apply toward my business. There are also a lot of correlations between politics and business. For example, politicians have to ‘market’ themselves through their campaigns, and they have to keep their relationship to their voters happy just like a business owner has to keep their customers happy. It goes beyond that, but I won’t bore you with the details. I’ll also have this degree to ‘fall back on’ if I ever need it or decide to go to grad school!
So far, what do you love most about life at VCU?
VCU provides so many resources for students concerning their education, student activities, and professional development. Although I dislike Richmond, I have to thank VCU for providing me with the experience I need to succeed in the professional world.
You’re a very beautiful young woman! What is your ethnicity?
Thank you! My mom is Japanese and my dad is Caucasian!
Have you always wanted to be a model?
I felt like an outcast in middle school and I thought that getting into modeling would help me ‘prove’ to the people who bullied me that I could be something. I never thought it would take me this far!
How did you end up in this industry?
My dad took me to a casting when I was 14. I was ‘discovered’ and I have been modeling ever since!
What would you consider to be your major breakthroughs thus far?
Placing 4th runner up at the Miss United States 2012 pageant was a big breakthrough, as well as being published in magazine features nationwide and in the Bahamas. I also had a role in a music video for Khleo Thomas (seen on BET and MTV), played the female lead in a music video for Latin artist Wesly Tones, and filmed commercials in Miami over the summer that are now broadcasted!
Are there any misconceptions about the world of modeling and pageants that you’d like to clear up?
Yes! Pageant girls are NOT dumb! It takes a lot of work to participate and do well in a pageant. Girls invest so much money and time to be in a pageant. A lot of girls (including myself) can blow the on-stage question because they are just nervous! Also, just because a model is skinny doesn’t mean she starves herself or is bulimic. Some girls have that body type and others work out and eat healthy.
You’re also well-known as an entrepreneur of the clothing line Vizcaya Swimwear. What inspired you to start your own company?
Last March, I realized two things—I won’t be able to model forever, and I don’t ever want to work for someone. I decided that starting a swimwear line would be a good option because there is room in the market for sexy swimwear, and I already had a network and experience in the fashion industry that would help me with my line.
What do you love most about owning your own clothing line?
The people I get to meet and work with! I have met so many wonderful people through this line that I could have never met otherwise.
It must get stressful juggling school, modeling and your clothing line! Are there any downfalls to the lifestyle you lead?
I hardly ever have free time! Luckily, my boyfriend co-owns Vizcaya Swimwear and we work together on the line. We are also long distance so I end up having a lot more time to focus on school. Also, modeling and working on Vizcaya Swimwear are hobbies for me so I don’t ever feel like I’m working!
Name one mistake you have made on the way to your current success that you have learned from:
Never share your ideas with anyone until you have executed them! There are two reasons for this: Someone can copy your idea or steal the design, and secondly, it might not happen at all! It’s better to show off what you have accomplished rather than brag about something that could get cancelled or change!
In the next ten years, where do you hope to see yourself and Vizcaya Swimwear?
I’m hoping to open a boutique in Miami once we are profiting from online sales! I also hope that I can have a staff to help me with the business so I can focus on being a housewife and raising kids!
Who are your inspirations and why?
In general, I love Ron Paul and his courage to stand up for what he believes in, along with his ability to reach out to young people at his age. He is probably the only politician I trust. In fashion, I love Anna Wintour. I would die happy if she came to one of my fashion shows.
If you could tell us three interesting things about yourself, what would they be?
I’m scared of the dark, I’m deathly afraid of flying, and I was home-schooled for 7 years.
Is there anything you’d like to recommend to college girls to help them become the most beautiful and successful version of themselves?
Stop going to parties and worrying about boys! There will be plenty of time for that after you graduate. In college, it’s important to focus on what you are here for: education. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is also very important—you can learn a lot from being a part of an organization. Partying can hurt your image. Instead of going out on the weekends, hit the gym. It will be better for you plus the gym is never crowded on the weekends! Unless you’re in a serious relationship, the boys can wait. They all bring so much drama anyway! Now is the time to focus on YOU.