Olivia Culpo

Photo Courtesy Of Olivia Culpo

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I currently live in Los Angeles, California. I moved here shortly after college when I finished my reign as Miss Universe.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born and raised in a small town of Rhode Island called Cranston. It is a really cute (very Italian) east coast town where everyone knows each other and have basically grown up together.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CITY OR HOMETOWN?
My friends and family! I love going home to visit my childhood friends and family. They really keep me grounded and give me the best advice. I am still very close with the girls I grew up with there.

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
I always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I would spend so long researching the industry and trying to learn as much as I could. I also loved to cook with my mom and hang out in my dad's restaurants. Now my Dad and I have our own restaurant together.

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
After graduating High School in Rhode Island I attended Boston University where I majored in Communications and Acting. I didn't get to finish because right before my junior year I won Miss USA and moved to NYC.

WHY MODEL?
I like modeling because I find it to be a great way to express myself. I also love playing dress up! A lot of people think its all glitz and glamour but there are a lot of ups and downs and it can be really hard work, but in a great shoot you really get the opportunity to communicate with people in a very unique way.

DO YOU STILL REMEMBER YOUR FIRST EVER SHOOT?
I was in a commercial for Honey-Dew Donuts! I was really young and it was just a local commercial but I remembering having so much fun and loving the experience. I also think I got to eat all the donuts I wanted that day - for a kid that is a dream come true!

ON BACK 40?
The Back 40 is a restaurant in Rhode Island I co-own with my dad and my cousin. I am really proud of this project because we have put so much work into it and people are really enjoying eating there. We specialize in comfort food with a twist! There is a huge bar area that has become a fun meeting place for my friends and family - we even had Thanksgiving there!

HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE WITH ALL THE GOOD FOOD YOU'RE SURROUNDED BY?
I love to workout, its like therapy! My favorite workouts are kickboxing, spinning, and barre. Food is also such a big part of my life as a restaurant owner and a total foodie. I love to treat myself from time to time but I also love to cook and eat healthy. My ultimate motto is everything in moderation.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?
I swear if you drink lot of water you will see a difference in your skin! I also think the right skincare regimen is very important. Right now I love the SKII Miracle Water and Dr. Barbara Sturm serums.

WHERE DO YOU SHOP?
I really love to try out different brands and styles and be inspired by different websites and boutiques, but some of my go-to’s are Revolve, FWRD, Net-a-Porter, and Tradesy with an occasional trip (and often times splurge) at Chanel, Gucci or Celine.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
I love to hang out with my friends and family back home in Rhode Island. I also really love to take trips to tropical places, right now I am dying to visit the Maldives. Hawaii is also so relaxing and beautiful and it isn’t too far from L.A. so its a great weekend trip to soak up some sun.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
I try to meditate every day. I feel like it really calms my mind. Sometimes life can be so busy it's hard to find time to meditate, but try and find just five minutes to take a break and focus on yourself. I also love to call my mom to unwind and catch up. I'm really close with her and she always has the best advice.