Five minutes with Shannon Dalonzo

MAXIM’s hottest overnight sensation and GUESS’ favourite sultry model Shannon Dalonzo is poised and quickly becoming the new it girl to look out for. Known for her work on various modelling campaigns, dancing, as well as her fitness, sports and philanthropic work, Shannon is truly a one-of-a-kind success story. We sit down with Shannon (a fierce advocate for body positivity, self-love, as well as health and wellness) for a quick chat.
Thanks for chatting with Forte! First up, can you give our readers an insight into your morning and night beauty routine?
My beauty routine starts from the inside out. I only drink Kangen water. Kangen alkaline water is an ionised form of water that has a higher pH level and smaller molecular clusters. It hydrates me faster, has a balancing effect of the bodies acidity and is an antioxidant. I also wash my face with Kangen beauty water. Some of my staple products include tea tree oil, coconut oil and Mario Badescu products.
At the age of 16, you moved out on your own to New York City to pursue your career as a model; how did you cope with the stress of supporting yourself?
I sort of thrive on my own! It turned me into the resilient person I am today. I had worse days than others, but I stayed both committed and creative and it all worked out.
The modelling world is harsh and full of rejection; what was it that helped you push through?
Reminding myself that any rejection I receive, whatever the reason is, is not a bad thing. It simply means it just wasn’t right. Nothing has meaning but the meaning you give it, so I try my best to give it a meaning that allows me to stay confident in myself. At the end of the day, it’s a business.

You’ve been studying ballet for 10 years and we imagine that takes a lot of discipline; has this helped with your modelling career?
Ballet has taught me discipline. It requires commitment and dedication. I would say the way it has helped me most in modelling is the fluidity of my poses and my posture.
What would be your best workout routine to create the perfect summer body?
A combination of soul cycle and strength training!
Which type of modelling is your favourite? (e.g. runway, campaign and Instagram)?
I LOVE runway. There is nothing like the thrill of being on the runway and the chaos backstage. I just love it.
We have heard of your amazing contribution to the world of modelling but also devoting your time to charity work. What types of charity work do you do and what’s your motivation to help others?
I’m extremely passionate about helping the homeless. I throw an annual event in which everyone brings an item to contribute to gift bags to drop off to densely populated areas of the homeless. I’m also working on a clean water project that’ll I’ll be able to share more about soon.
Follow Shannon on Instagram @shannon.dalonzo or check out her website at www.shannon-dalonzo.com/
Photo by Josh Ryan