A Vision of Beauty
Meet this month’s cover star Monique Lester / @Freya_1138
Photographer Chris Huzzard / @chrishuzzard
MUA Lozpic Artistry / @Lauren Howard
Nails: Yens Nails Baldivis
Could you tell us a bit about yourself? I’m a mum of two boys, 10 and 1, and I’m lucky to have an amazing partner who I plan to marry. Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of modeling, often dressing up in those cute clear heels with pink fluffy decorations on them and taking my mum’s lipstick as a little girl at the age of 5. After becoming a mother myself at 18, I didn’t have the chance to pursue that dream seriously. But now, as I embrace life’s challenges, I’m ready to chase my passions. Being featured in Playboy is a huge achievement for me, and I cherish it. After having my second son, I’ve learned to appreciate my body more and focus on feeling sexy again. My kids inspire me to pursue modeling, while I’ve also completed my property management studies to build a stable career. Modeling is my true passion, and I’m excited about what’s next.
Can you give us a background on your career and where it all started? I started getting into photographic modeling more seriously after my second son was born a year ago. In my teens, I participated in a few beauty pageants and took modeling classes, but I really began to focus on it in the last twelve months. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grace the covers of several magazines, which has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to continuing this journey of exposure and self-growth within the industry. Each experience helps me learn more and refine my skills, and I’m excited about what the future holds as I pursue my passion for modeling.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself? I’ve learned that I am a resilient and success-driven woman in everything I pursue. When I set my sights on something, I don’t give up, I’m determined to find a way to make it happen. The journey can be tough and stressful, but those challenges only show me that I’m getting closer to my goals. I believe it’s crucial to stay committed and keep pushing through obstacles. Each setback is an opportunity to grow, and I remind myself that where there’s a will, there’s a way. This mindset has not only shaped my approach to modeling but also in every aspect of my life, motivating me to be the best version of myself for my children and for my future.
What is the biggest misconception people have about you? Honestly, this question is tough for me because I have no idea what others really think of me, I can only guess. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter, as I’m supported by the people who matter most in my life. If something makes you happy, go for it! People often judge and feel envy over what others have, and these days, society can be quite self-absorbed, living in their own little bubbles. I encourage everyone to embrace their own happiness and practice kindness towards others. There’s a misconception about my modeling that I often appear “slutty” because I do a lot of nude and implied lingerie work. In today’s world, sex sells, and that’s a harsh reality. However, this doesn’t define me, I’m dedicated and loyal to my partner, who fully supports my modeling journey. I feel fortunate to have that. I celebrate my body and my looks and believe they shouldn’t be hidden due to others’ judgments. As Marilyn Monroe once said, “Nudity and sex are the most commonplace things in the world. Yet people often act as if they were things that existed only on Mars.”
Do you have any hidden talents, if so what is it? I excel at long-distance running, having competed in various events across states as a teenager. There’s something truly liberating about running in nature; I feel a deep connection to the world around me as I enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of my surroundings. Beyond running, I’m passionate about fitness in general and embrace all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. I also have a knack for makeup and love putting together stylish outfits that make me feel confident and fabulous! Recently, I’ve been diving into gaming and getting quite good at “Heroes of the Storm” as the character Lunara. It’s been a fun challenge, and I enjoy honing my skills in the game. All these activities bring me joy and allow me to express myself in different ways.
In what ways do you use your platform to inspire or influence others? I like to think that my photos and the life quotes I share inspire others. Each quote carries meaning that resonates with people in their daily lives. My hope is that others can learn from my experiences and find happiness on their own journeys. I want to leave a positive mark on everyone I encounter, whether through social media or in person. Every person’s path is unique and special, and it’s important to make choices that align with your true values. Following the right path in your decisions is crucial; choosing poorly can lead to setbacks in achieving your goals. I have great respect for iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, and Audrey Hepburn. Their quotes have transcended generations and continue to hold significance. My photos reflect my individuality, everyone is unique, but I embrace the special qualities that only I possess. These are the images I create, and they are truly my own.
What message do you hope to convey through your work? We are all unique and beautiful in our own ways, and there’s no need for us to conform to a single standard. It’s essential to support one another on our individual journeys, celebrating our passions and talents along the way. Each of us brings our own beauty to the world, and as long as we strive to be good people and do our best, we will find success in life. I believe that inner beauty far outweighs outer beauty. No matter how physically attractive someone may be, if their personality doesn’t match, they may have an unkind heart. The traits I find most appealing in others are confidence and genuine goodness. It’s the drive and passion they have for the things they love that truly shine through. So, let’s remember to lift each other up and never give up on our dreams! Embrace your uniqueness and let your true self shine.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big photoshoot or event? Mentally, I remind myself of the incredible person I am and the unique qualities I bring to the things I love. I often reflect on how far I’ve come and reassure myself that I have nothing to worry about. This journey is fuelled by my passion, which helps me navigate through any anxiety or self-doubt that may arise. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I genuinely believe that I deserve every bit of it. On a physical level, I adhere to a strict diet, with keto being my favorite approach. Alongside this, I engage in a challenging and exhilarating training program that pushes me to my absolute limits. I’ve learned that success comes not just from feeling “ready” but also from finding joy in the process. Balancing discipline with enjoyment allows me to thrive, and I truly embrace every moment of this journey.
When you’re not working, what helps you decompress and relax? Family time is incredibly precious to me, and I cherish moments spent together, whether it’s watching a great movie, playing Heroes of the Storm, or enjoying a delightful dinner or lunch out with my partner and kids. However, nothing compares to the deep love and nurturing bond I share with my youngest son; his cuddles are the ultimate source of healing, providing a comfort that rejuvenates my spirit. Baby cuddles truly are the best! Alongside these heartwarming moments, hitting the gym is another fantastic way for me to relieve stress, allowing me to focus on myself and immerse in my own little bubble. Balancing family activities with personal well-being creates a fulfilling life that I truly treasure.
What’s the strangest fan encounter you’ve ever had? I’ve had my fair share of interesting encounters, which is to be expected given the kinds of photos I post. But honestly, the funniest moments come from the comments I receive from strangers on my Instagram posts. One fan really takes the cake. This person consistently comments about how much they love me and how I’m the best thing in the whole world. It’s hilarious because I have absolutely no idea who they are, I’ve never met them in real life! I often find myself thinking, “Really” It’s like I have this mysterious admirer who’s convinced I’m some kind of superhero when I’m just a regular person navigating life and trying to enjoy some good food and baby cuddles. It never fails to make me smile and adds a delightful twist to my day.
If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one accessory, what would it be? If I found myself stranded on a desert island and could only take one accessory, I’d probably choose my hairbrush. I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but hear me out. I have this habit of brushing my hair in the most random places, parks, cafes, you name it. It’s like I can’t resist the urge to tame my mane, even when there’s no one around to witness my fabulousness. I mean, how could any woman possibly survive without her trusty hairbrush? Picture it: me, on a desert island, surrounded by palm trees and maybe a few curious crabs, and there I am, brushing my hair like I’m about to walk the runway! Let’s be real, if I’m going to be stranded, I might as well look good while waiting for my rescue. Plus, who knows? Maybe I could use it to fashion some kind of hair-themed signal for passing ships. “Help! Over here! And by the way, check out my shiny hair!” So, yes, my hairbrush it is because a girl’s got to have priorities.
What’s your go-to guilty pleasure snack? Can I choose two? Because honestly, how can anyone pick just one? Chocolate and ice cream are my ultimate late-night cravings! Picture this: it’s the middle of the night, and I’m trying to decide between rich, velvety chocolate that melts in my mouth and creamy ice cream that feels like a tropical vacation. It’s always a tough choice! So, chocolate AND ice cream it is! They’re the perfect combo for those midnight snack attacks. Life’s too short to settle for just one delicious treat when you can enjoy both.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, do you have any last words or advice for our readers? As my last words of advice, I want to emphasize the importance of following your dreams wholeheartedly. Don’t ever give up, no matter how challenging the journey may become. If you truly want something and are willing to put in the effort, you will achieve it. There will undoubtedly be tough moments along the way, times when you might feel like throwing in the towel or doubting yourself. But trust me, those struggles are part of the process. The reward at the end will be so much more fulfilling than you can imagine. Keep pushing forward, stay committed to your goals, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your dreams. It will all be worth it in the end.
