We had a chat with gorgeous Annaïse Bercy of Folio. Inspired by the opportunity to diversify the image of beauty in the industry the gorgeous model shines in this shooting photographed by Zach Phan with styling by Racky Sow, co-founder of Black Montreal Creatives. Makeup done by Karine Poirier.

Annaïse, tell us a bit about yourself and where you grew up…

I never really know what to say when asked ‘tell me about yourself’ unless it’s a job  interview/casting! You definitely just have to experience my person for yourself to know me, and I feel like everyone might have a little something different to say about me depending on what the relationship is and where the vibe stands at any given time, but at the core of it all I am just a pretty chill human. Oh and I grew up in Ottawa (laughs)

What inspired you to be in front of a camera?

I am always inspired by creativity of projects but most of all I continue to be motivated by the opportunity to diversify the image of beauty in the industry.

What would you say is your strongest skill?

I do believe I am pretty good listener, I find listening to be so important in all my relationships. I have grown to be a more mindful in how I make myself available as a lending ear, I learned to reserve it for spaces where the effort is sincere and reciprocated.

“Success to me is the ability to go through your own path and be “good” with everything it comes with.”

Have you been more depressed since the coronavirus outbreak lockdown or how does this ongoing situation affect you?

I would love to meet someone who hasn’t had a difficult or down moment since the coronavirus outbreak! Navigating the fear of getting sick and the unknown of what could happen has been the hardest part of it for me personally. I am a genuinely optimistic person and it has helped me cope through this year. I am fortunate enough to have been able to keep myself safe and haven’t been severely affected– I truly can’t complain.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is when you are good with yourself, not in the sense of self-sufficiency but in the ability to go through your own path and be “good” with everything it comes with. And yes such success can be measured in achievement (whatever that may be for one) when you are good with yourself, but I see it more when circumstances are not as evidently prolific and you are still good with yourself to go forth, overcome the doubt and that has almost always lead to some kind of success in the end.

Your favorite book?

I only have a favorite colour, blue! I truly enjoy psychology books, fiction and biographies, the last book I read was ‘Power Question”s by Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas.

Favorite music you are currently listening to?

Again, favorite… couldn’t say I love it all but I LOVE Beyonce the most! The last played song on my phone is ‘Cowboy like me’ by Taylor Swift.

2021 will be… MUCH BETTER!!!!!!

Direction and Photography: Zach Phan @zachphan
Stylist: Racky Sow @_rackysow), co-founder of BLACK MONTREAL CREATIVES @blackmontrealcreatives)
Makeup: Karine Poirier @karinepoirier_
Model: Annaïse Bercy @annaisebercy) from Folio @foliomontreal