After years of fitness and dance competitions, this artistic accountant and fit Canadian model is ready for more travelling and adventure. Meet NYLA FULLER…
Welcome to MAXIM, Nyla. Tell us a bit about this photo shoot.
We started in the studio shooting glamour and lingerie, and then headed out to what I love shooting best — natural light, beaches, blue skies and sun! Around Huntington Beach, we found classic Mustangs, a luxurious mansion and of course the gorgeous beach and waves. We wanted to capture an upbeat California summer vibe while showcasing both fashion and fitness.
Are there any other funny anecdotes you can share about the day?
We heard rumours that some residents weren’t very open to photography on the beach and they called the cops on previous models. One of my looks was a body chain with bikini bottoms, and it was just too cute not to shoot. I was covered up as best as possible and we were far out on the beach but the crew was still a little hyper alert! Ultimately, we got the shots without drama.
Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far.
I grew up in a small town in Western Canada, arguably one of the coldest places in the world during winter. Summers as a teenager were spent driving dusty country back roads in search of bonfire bush parties. I aspired to move someplace warm and design fashion. I entered business school with the intent of building a business foundation to support my artistic endeavours. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I went to graduate school in the U.S. and lived in Australia for four months where I actually dabbled in swimwear photo shoots. Since moving back to Canada, my life has been a mix of business opportunities and photo shoots, and that comes with fun travel adventures.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
Aside from travelling and modelling, I am very artistic and love to paint and draw. I also work as a chartered professional accountant (CPA) and for some this immediately conjures up stereotypical images of me wearing glasses in a desk or board room — yes I do that too!
How long have you been modelling and what would you do if you weren’t in the modelling business?
My modelling journey started after years of fitness and dance competitions. I keep saying one of these days I will get back into dance. I love the music, stage, styling and self-expression it offers.
When do you feel you are at your sexiest?
When I’m on top of my game — hair and make-up done, dressed up and headed out for a fun night on the town.
What is your best asset?
Eyes and smile, because I believe that they say a lot about a person. My parents even named me after my blue eyes. Although most people think Nyla refers to New York/Los Angeles, my parents derived my name from the Blue Nile River.
What have you learned about men over the years?
Pizza is appropriate in all situations. Happy and celebrating? Order pizza. Chilling at home on Friday night? Eat pizza. Need a fix after a bad day? Bring pizza.
What do you look for in a man?
Humour, honesty and open-mindedness. Being able to laugh and have a great conversation is important to me, too. Bonus points for an athletic build, flashy smile and expert parallel parking skills.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
Women are intuitive — even when I can’t logically explain my gut feelings, they usually turn out to be accurate. And I am not just talking about diagnosing pizza cravings!
Describe your ideal date.
Sushi, wine and great conversation on a patio with nice outdoor surroundings, followed by a car ride with the windows down and music up.
Wow, you know exactly what you want. What can we get you at the bar?
Chocolate martini, please.
Got a hangover cure?
Cold shower and coffee — a couple of good espresso shots will do the trick.
What would you say is your best hidden talent?
I can easily memorise numbers.
Do you have any phobias?
Spiders! Fortunately, for all of the time that I spent in Australia, I haven’t seen a huge spider. This may sound silly because as a Canadian I grew up looking out for huge wild bears, wolves and cougars, but I find spiders scary.
Who is your girl crush?
Kindly Myers — she has a great smile and a heart of gold. I also admire fitness model Whitney Johns, her physique is amazing and she has a bubbly and fun personality.
What’s the weirdest thing someone has sent you via social media?
It’s not freaky or weird, but a few people have named their babies after me, which is actually kind of flattering!
What is your motto in life?
Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.
What’s next for you?
Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us? More photo shoot and travel adventures to come! I am also working with some amazing brands that create great products and support important social and health causes.
Finally, where would you like to be in five years?
Sitting on a patio with a glass of wine in hand, surrounded by amazing people, toasting to all the hurdles we overcame and things we accomplished in five years. We talk about fun memories created, mistakes made, lessons learned, risks taken. We smile about how through uncertainty, we created and shared some beautiful things, connections, pictures, and positive social and community impacts. In retrospect, we’re thankful everything played out exactly as it did. I truly believe life is about growth and having fun in the process as it unfolds. ■
Status Update
FULL NAME: Nyla Fuller
HOMETOWN: Calgary, Canada
BORN: December 31
FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Playful, creative, ambitious, focused, determined.”
INSTAGRAM: @nyla.fitness
PHOTOGRAPHED BY LUIS RODRIGUEZ
For the full article grab the October 2019 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
