I have been amazing, taking this time to reflect on myself and pinpoint exactly what my goals are for the near and far future. Before Covid hit, I was initially supposed to be on tour in as a runway model for the clothing line Masion De Couture. As that is on pause, I’ve been focusing on my music and dropped my single “Roll Up” which is now quite poplar on TikTok.
The Challenges of Covid
As much as this pandemic caught me off guard, I accepted that this is what it is and put my full trust in God as he has bigger plans for all of us. A challenge I faced was accepting within that I may not be accomplishing as much as I’m used to but being okay with that and remembering that everyone is experiencing the same thing.
How I Have Adapted During Covid
I adapted to the changes in my life by focusing all of my good energy into my work such as improving on my vocals, etc. This pandemic gave me a time to sit back which ultimately motivated me to work that much harder towards achieving excellence.
I was fortunate to get the opportunity to model for Rockstar Energy Drinks which was an amazing experience. I am also so excited for everyone to hear a song that I’ve been working on with Young Stitch and Serani.
Plans For My Career After Covid
Once this pandemic is over, I am excited to film the music videos for my songs and get back to doing photo shoots on the regular. Leading the industry in achievements and continuing to set the bar for the next generation coming up behind me.
Riley Sawyer – Toronto artist, superstar actress, model and influencer
It has been a year since our first interview with Riley Sawyer, and while a lot has happened since then, especially in the last couple of months, we catch up with this talented music artist to see how she has been!
I have been really good. I can’t believe how much has happened in only one year. I have expanded myself into different fields including the music industry.
Photo: Jack Bolland -Toronto Sun
You have your first single coming out, can you tell us more about it?
I’m so excited to have my first debut single coming out with such talented artists on the track. Rendezvous features JRDN, Young Stitch and my dog Baby aka Tiny Baby. It is a seductive song, all about teasing (pulling in then pushing away). I wanted to do a song people can play in the bedroom or even when they are feeling themselves to get in the mood.
How much work went into it and what was the process like?
The process taught me a lot, how having the right team around you can make magic happen. I am so lucky to have had two amazing artists featured on my first single as they definitely made the process a great experience as they both taught me a lot, getting their parts done right away with a short deadline.
Where do you get your music inspiration from?
Being around artists a lot inspired me to make my own music, as I am always modeling in music videos/ promoting other artists music so I thought, why not make my own. One of my best friends who is an artist, “Ricki Rich” gave me the confidence to get out there and do it after being with her during one of her studio sessions.
What was it like transitioning to music and do you still do any acting?
The transition was smooth, as being in front of the camera acting and modeling, you must have confidence and believe in yourself. When making music, I feel it is very important to feel that way as well. Having that down already and having a team there for me to answer any of my questions made it a great experience that I am so grateful for.
How did the idea of starting your own talent agency come about?
After managing myself for so long and getting my achievements on my own, I realized more than anything, if I could help direct other models starting out and guide them in the right direction, it would mean the world to me.
As it’s an industry that you must have a good team around you because it can be tough to be in on your own at times. So being there for models who are as eager to be in the industry as I am, I decided to manage and help any way that I can to give back because that’s what I needed two years ago.
What can potential or aspiring talents expect and hope to catch your eye?
Talent that stands out to me are ones that have the drive and want it bad, as well as staying true to themselves, (not trying to change for anyone). They must have a positive attitude and be able to handle responsibility, as being in this industry, it requires strong individuals who can handle what is thrown at them while giving direction to the next generation.
With so many projects and managing your own business, do you have any free time for yourself?
I do set time aside for myself as self love is extremely important in order to be successful in your job.
Are there any exciting projects or plans you have lined up for the rest of 2020?
I have so much I can’t wait for everyone to see. For 2020 expect, greatness, strength, wisdom and always Hot and Trending!
My name is Riley Sawyer. I am 19 years old and I am a full time model/actress. I’ve been published with different magazines including Maxim Magazine which was very exciting. I am from Toronto Ontario as many know me by the top sunshine girl in the Toronto sun for months in a row last year. One of my favourite moments in my career so far would be getting the opportunity to model as a bikini model on CBC Dragons Den; for the company “ Cobra Mask”.
I am a former figure skater but was forced to quit due to several concussions. Although I was upset about quitting skating I really believe everything happens for a reason and that God had a plan for me because I’ve only been modelling and acting for a bit over a year and the success and opportunities I’ve been given are ones I never could’ve saw myself in if I went back a few years ago.
I am now signed at a studio so I get to work with artists in music videos and learn more about the music industry and how it works which is so awesome because music is such a big part of my life.
Photographer: Anthony DiDomenico Company : Cobra Mask
How will you describe your fashion style?
When it comes to fashion and my sense of style, I definitely have my own brand that tends to stand out as several people compliment me on my outfits everyday. I keep it classy but sexy at the same time, as I like to show my figure but not cleavage.
When it comes to fashion, I don’t think there is such thing as over dressing, as you’ll always find me in a pair of heels and in a skirt or a dress no matter where I may be going that day. I feel that fashion is a way to express themselves just like how artists express themselves through their paintings and art, I express myself through fashion.
How I dress definitely reflects a lot on my personality, “classy but sassy”.
Are there any accessories or items in your wardrobe you can’t live without?
I cannot live without my heels. They complete each outfit. I feel every woman needs a few pairs of heels to complete their wardrobe.
Photographer: Anthony DiDomenico
Do you believe in any superstition?
Yes I most definitely believe in superstition. When I used to figure skate, I wouldn’t be able to compete without my cross necklace on as I believed my performance wasn’t comparable without it.
What hobbies or interests are you into?
My biggest hobby and passion is my job; acting and modelling. It’s a form of art and to portray myself in different ways for shoots so different styles are captured. I feel so lucky that I get to express myself with my body instead of my voice for a career.
Which is your most memorable travel experience so far?
I had a really good time this year in Florida. As I went to see family and do some photo shoots, I also met new friends that made it an awesome time that I am so grateful and fortunate I got to experience it.
Photographer: Anthony DiDomenico
Have you been in an embarrassing situation before that is funny now when looking back?
Whatever I find funny now, I found funny in the moment of. I’m one who doesn’t really get embarrassed because I see us all as human beings and we all make mistakes so why feel embarrassed in situations when that’s life. I look at the positive side in every situation as I also have a sense of humour shines through in most situations.
What turns you off on a date?
I cannot stand when a man talks badly or puts down another female in front of me. MAJOR TURN OFF. Especially if he calls a past ex girlfriend of his ugly. That’s a major red flag as I learnt it’s a sign of insecurity and I like a confident man who doesn’t need to put others down in order to feel better about himself. I’d be calling that date off in a heart beat.
Photographer: Jeric Tamayo Makeup Artist : Alex Mole
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Riley. One question before we end, how do you define “sexy”?
I define sexy as an attitude more so than a shape. Looks don’t define sexy but how your presence makes others feel being around you is what it’s all about. If you’re real and true to yourself, not caring what anyone thinks, your pretty fricken sexy.
I feel being real is so sexy because it’s so rare these days and a real one always stands out to the right people. Being a genuine human that when you are around others they feel safe and comfortable enough to be themselves is what sexy is ultimately all about.
Follow the beautiful Riley Sawyer on:
Instagram:@rileeys (follow my career and see what projects I’m working on next)
