For many people, when they think of models, they think very tall and very thin. According to Who What Wear, the average model height is 5’9.5”. That is the average, many are even taller. For example, Kylie Jenner, Joan Smalls, and Gigi Hadid are 5’10.5”, Alek Wek, and Gisele Bundchen are 5’11”, and Karlie Kloss and Elle Macpherson are 6’+.
Here at Spitfire Petite, one of our favorite models is Victoria Vodar, who stands a proud 5’3”. In fact, we love her look, spirit, and #petitepower energy so much that we worked with her on photo shoots for both of our collections.
We wondered how she got into modeling, given her petite frame, and what else she does to keep busy and fit. We must admit, we were delighted by her answers and inspired by all that she does.
So, Vicki, what are you working on these days when you are not modeling for Spitfire Petite?
I am working on my yet to be named YouTube channel. The channel is all about my travel adventures.
Travel Adventures!? Tell us more…
I have been on amazing travel adventures… I just climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, it’s the tallest mountain in Africa. I have also been on a dive with the Great Whites in Capetown, South Africa, I visited with gorillas in Rwanda, and I’ve walked with lions in Zambia… lots of fun, crazy, adventures. I realized that these trips and activities were so incredible that I really wanted to share my stories and inspire others.
WOW! How did you realize that you were an adventure junkie?
A couple of years ago I was in a tough spot. I was feeling down, and then a friend asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday. I said, “I think I want do something exciting – like jumping out of an airplane.”
So, I got some girlfriends together, we went to Las Vegas and skydived! I loved it and I thought, I want to do more of this. I started ‘adventuring’ and it turned into a thing. So I started planning trips. Life is short and I realized I needed to get out there, I needed to have more fun, and when I did I started feeling better.
It was almost like therapy – go on an adventure and feel good! Now – I am like – wow – how do I share this wonderful feeling and these great stories with the world? So that is why I am working on my YouTube channel.
That is so inspiring, Vicki! What are your long-term plans with this?
I don’t know yet where it will end up. Eventually it would be great to turn it into a lifestyle brand and get sponsors…. But, for now, I am just into enjoying and sharing these fantastic escapades!
So back to modeling. At 5’3”, how did you break into it?
Through fitness. I was an NFL cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I did some modeling and print work that went along with that, which also went hand-in-hand with acting, so I got into acting too. My agent sent me out for modeling roles in addition to the acting jobs, because that’s how they work.
I started acting in commercials, did some work for Home Shopping Network, and very often it involved fitness.
When I moved from Florida to California, my agents started booking me for fitness modeling, and they booked me for the Spitfire Petite shoots.
Interesting! So – what is your next adventure?
I am planning a trip to Antarctica.
AMAZING! Will you see penguins?
Yes – we will see Emperor Penguins along with a lot of other incredible animals….
Given your petite size, is it hard to find the specialized clothing that you need for all your activities?
Yes! When you are short it is hard to find pants that fit and sleeves, tops and jackets are always too long. When mountain climbing or going to the Arctic, it is important to not only have the right kind of gear/clothes, it is important that they fit.
One of the things I love about Spitfire Petite is the quality. Not only do the clothes fit well, they are also really well made. The fabric is wonderful, the clothes are constructed beautifully, and I can tell that they will last a long time. Plus, it is so nice to not have to get your pants hemmed – or resort to safety pins.
What do you do to stay fit?
I exercise constantly!
I am always trying to work out – not just to look good but to mentally, physically, emotionally feel good – for everything – I really need to work out. That’s why I love my Class Pass membership. I can do yoga, Pilates, barre, boot camp – I do it all because I don’t want to get bored. But running is my main thing because it is free and you can do it anytime, anywhere – just walk out of your door and go.
We say that Spitfire Petite transitions from course to cocktails. Do you find that this rings true with you?
I don’t play golf, so I am not on the course, but, I live in my activewear, unless I have a meeting. With Spitfire Petite, even if I am running errands and then going to a workout class, I still look pulled together.
Wait – you don’t play golf?
No – but I bet I could. I am pretty athletic and I do like to pick up new things. So, if someone said to me, “hey – lets go play golf,” I would for sure! Plus, I love any excuse to be active and outdoors and then I’d have another reason to wear Spitfire Petite clothes.
Since you modeled both of our collections, do you have any new favorites?
Yes! My favorite new outfit is the Betsy gingham shirt with the black Audrey Skinny Fit capri length pants.
I also love the red Course to Cocktails sleeveless dress – you can wear it in so many ways, dress it up or wear it casual. The new Monarch Beach Bermuda shorts are cute too and I love all the pockets. And best of all, each of the pieces are so multi-functional and good for so many different occasions.
Thank you for your time, Vicki and PLEASE let us know when your YouTube channel launches!
For sure!