Header photo: Image by photographer Fam and model Zii Lizard

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community and sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed the beautiful Zii Lizard, a PurplePort model based in London, UK.

Image by photographer Rodney Pedroza and model Zii Lizard

Image by model Zii Lizard

About PurplePort model, Zii Lizard

Meet Zii Lizard, the stunning and dynamic 30-year-old model and CEO Founder of Lizard Beauty. Zii's passion for beauty, fashion, and travel has always been a driving force in her life, and it was her desire to share her vision of transformation and empowerment that led her to create Lizard Beauty.

As a proud transgender woman, Zii has spent more than half her life living as her true self. Her journey began in Thailand, where she was born as a boy, before moving to Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she began her gender transition, and it was in London, England, where she fully blossomed into the captivating and confident model she is today.

Image by model Zii Lizard

Zii's modelling career began as a result of her need for content for her business, but it quickly became a passion in its own right. Zii's Purpleport page may only be a few months old, but it's already bursting with a rich portfolio of stunning images from UK photographers, with glowing references to match.

She's also highly sought-after on international modelling networking sites and boasts a massive following on social media, with over 1 million views on TikTok and tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, plus more.

With Lizard Beauty, Zii is on a mission to empower people of all genders and identities to become the beauty they want to be. Her cruelty-free and vegan products are a testament to her commitment to both beauty and ethical values.

In summary, Zii Lizard is a growing powerhouse in the Transfemale modelling industry, a fierce entrepreneur, and an inspiration to all who want to live their lives authentically. Get ready to be captivated by her beauty, story, and vision for a more beautiful world.

Image by photographer Fam and model Zii Lizard

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort model, Zii Lizard

How did you get into modelling?

My journey into modelling was a combination of a natural inclination towards beauty and an entrepreneurial spirit. As the CEO and Founder of Lizard Beauty, I began taking my own pictures and videos on TikTok as a way to create content for my brand. Little did I know that I was already modelling with my early successes, including a TikTok video that garnered over 100k views simply of me lipsyncing to a song.

Later on, I posted a tweet seeking PR help, and that's where fate stepped in. A creative professional connected with me, and they started chatting. He suggested that I try out PurplePort to build a professional portfolio of images to support my PR activities. Though initially sceptical, I took his advice and tried it out, and it turned out to be a game-changer for my modelling career. My portfolio of images exploded, and I received a lot of interest, helping me in many areas of my career, both in modelling and beyond.

My story serves as a reminder to try new things, even if you're unsure of their potential impact. It could lead to unexpected opportunities and open doors you never knew existed.

Image by photographer Fam and model Zii Lizard

What did you do before becoming a model?

Before starting my modelling career, I was and still am the CEO and founder of 'Lizard Beauty,' a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand. We sell our products on our website and through various social media channels and online retailers such as Amazon, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Starting a business from scratch was challenging, especially since we launched in 2022, but it has been rewarding. Being a trans-owned business that is vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, we stand out in the market, and it's essential to keep it that way. Our products are vegan, and our packaging is recyclable, which is crucial in today's world.

Before starting my business, I worked in retail and the restaurant industry, where I faced abuse from the general public for my gender, which affected my mental health and confidence. Eventually, I had to change my life because I couldn't continue under those circumstances.

Starting my business wasn't easy, and there were times I wanted to give up, but with the support of my boyfriend, I persevered. He saw potential in my business that I couldn't, and his encouragement helped me push through the challenging times. Once I saw the future, I never looked back, and I'm grateful for the opportunities that came my way because of it.

Image by photographer Fam and model Zii Lizard

Do you have a health or fitness regime?

I prioritize my physical and mental health to maintain a balanced and positive lifestyle. I focus on eating well and often use a meal delivery service called 'Gousto' for a variety of meals throughout the week. Thai food is also a favorite of mine, as it is both therapeutic and delicious. Additionally, I enjoy dining out to keep my food options varied and interesting.

I make it a point to visit the gym at least four times a week and engage in a mix of cardio and weightlifting, as well as light swimming to relax and destress. After my workouts, I love to indulge in the sauna and steam room, which I find to be very calming.

When it comes to my mental health, I believe in being open and honest. I share my worries and concerns with my partner and participate in group peer sessions for Transpeople. Although I often find myself helping others in these sessions, I also benefit from discussing my own challenges and experiences. I believe that seeking help and being open with oneself and others is important for overall well-being.

Lastly, I prioritize getting enough sleep, as it is the foundation of my health and well-being. Without proper rest, everything else I do becomes much harder to manage. Overall, I believe that focusing on both physical and mental health is essential for living a fulfilling and positive life.

Image by photographer Rodney Pedroza and model Zii Lizard

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

Preparing for photoshoots is an essential step that requires attention to detail and planning. Firstly, I make sure to prioritize my safety by thoroughly researching the photographer and their style. Once I have a good understanding of their previous work, I create a mood board on Pinterest to share ideas and inspiration with the photographer. This helps us to align on the general concept and types of outfits that will be used during the shoot.

As the shoot date approaches, I pack a suitcase with all the clothes and props that will be needed a week ahead of time. This eliminates any last-minute stress and allows me to focus on getting a good night's sleep the day before.

On the day of the shoot, I do some final checks to ensure travel plans are still in order and maintain communication with the photographer to build rapport and excitement for the shoot.

Overall, by taking the time to plan and prepare, I find that the photoshoots I am a part of lead to the most amazing and successful photos.

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every shoot I have done so far and have not yet found a particular style that I enjoy more than others. I have worked on many genres, including beauty, portrait, lifestyle, commercial, promotional, fashion, fitness, lingerie, boudoir, latex, cosplay, implied art nude, and concealed art nude.

For me, the shoots I love the most are the ones where I feel comfortable and connected with the photographer. That connection helps us to work well together and create amazing photos. However, even if we don't click, we can still create beautiful images, it's just a bit harder. So, I can't really say which style is my favorite, but I can say that I am open to trying new things and exploring different genres to see what works best for me.

Image by model Zii Lizard

What's the most interesting photoshoot you've ever worked on?

The most interesting photoshoots I've worked on were definitely the first ones. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I entered into the unknown world of modeling. It was like learning to ride a bike - it took practice and patience, but eventually, I found my balance. The adrenaline rush I felt during those early shoots is something that I'll always cherish.

Making good photos is not as easy as it looks. It's important to be in the right frame of mind, well-prepared, and working with the right photographer and location. Looking back, those first shoots helped me to develop my skills and build my confidence as a model. They will always hold a special place in my heart.

Image by photographer Fam and model Zii Lizard

What do you most enjoy about being a model?

As a model, I find joy in the creative process of taking photos and videos. It's a way for me to express myself and showcase my personal sense of style and beauty. I see modeling as a form of art, and I enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with photographers, makeup artists, and stylists to create something unique and beautiful.

When I'm getting ready for a shoot, I put a lot of time and effort into my preparation, from doing my makeup to choosing the right outfits and accessories. It's a process that I really enjoy because it allows me to be creative and experiment with different looks.

And even though modeling can be tiring, especially when I'm on my feet all day during a shoot, the feeling of satisfaction I get afterwards is worth it. There's something incredibly rewarding about seeing the final product and knowing that I played a role in creating something beautiful.

Image by photographer Rodney Pedroza and model Zii Lizard

What would you describe as your main strengths as a model?

One of my main strengths is my work ethic. I am a perfectionist and put my all into everything I do, which includes modeling. However, I also recognize that I am constantly learning and growing, so I am always open to feedback and direction from others.

In terms of my physical assets, my face, smile, and caring nature are what make me stand out. I have put in a lot of effort to look the way I do through exercise, healthy eating, and skin care. But it's not just about looking good in photos; my positive energy and caring nature help create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for everyone on set.

Another strength of mine is my creativity. I enjoy contributing my own ideas and perspectives to any creative process, which often leads to unique and successful results.

Overall, I believe that my dedication, willingness to learn, positive energy, and creativity make me a strong asset in the modeling industry.

What's your absolute favourite photo?

My favourite picture right now is the one below.

Image by photographer Fam and model Zii Lizard

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

As a new transwoman model, I am inspired by many people who have overcome obstacles and achieved success in their respective fields. One group of people that I look up to in particular are transwomen who have become successful models, entrepreneurs, and activists. Among them, Honey Dijon, the DJ and model, and Nikita Dragun, the YouTuber and model, stand out to me for their creativity, resilience, and determination. Seeing them live authentically and boldly in the face of societal stigma and discrimination motivates me to pursue my own dreams with confidence and purpose.

But my sources of inspiration are not limited to famous figures. My boyfriend is also someone who inspires me every day with his intelligence, dedication, and work ethic. He is one of the smartest and hardest-working people I know, and seeing him pursue his goals with unwavering focus and determination reminds me to never give up on my own aspirations.

Even when things get tough, he never loses sight of his vision and continues to work tirelessly towards his dreams. He has been an incredible support system for me as I navigate my journey as a transwoman model, and I am grateful for his love and encouragement.

Image by photographer Rodney Pedroza and model Zii Lizard

What advice would you give to a model just starting out?

My advice to anyone starting out in the industry is to prioritize safety above all else. Unfortunately, there are people out there who are not genuine and may try to take advantage of you. So, take the time to do your research and check references before agreeing to work with anyone. Use reputable platforms like Purpleport to communicate with potential clients, and be sure to check the location of the shoot using Google Maps and street view.

Next, focus on building a strong portfolio that reflects your unique style and personality. Collaborate with different photographers, makeup artists, and stylists to create a diverse range of images that showcase your strengths and versatility as a model. Networking is also crucial in this industry, so attend events and connect with other models and professionals in the field.

It's important to stay true to yourself and not compromise your values or boundaries for anyone. Know your worth and be confident in your abilities. Rejection is part of the industry, but don't let it discourage you. Keep pushing and striving for your goals.

Lastly, taking care of yourself both physically and mentally is critical. The modeling industry can be demanding, so prioritize self-care and take breaks when necessary. Remember, modeling is a job, and you have the right to set boundaries and say no if something doesn't feel right. Stay positive, work hard, and have fun with it!

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

As a transwoman model, I believe in trying new things and experiencing different cultures. And that includes trying different pizza toppings! Personally, I am a fan of pineapple on pizza, just like my boyfriend. We love exploring new pizza places and discovering unique and delicious combinations.

In fact, during a recent trip to Naples, Italy, we stumbled upon the Michelin star-rated restaurant, Kalo 50. Although we arrived late, they were still open and served us one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted. It was an unforgettable culinary experience! Interestingly, pineapple on pizza is not very popular in Italy, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying it. So, to answer the question, yes, I am definitely a pineapple on pizza kind of person!

Image by photographer Fam and model Zii Lizard

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Zii Lizard.

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of Zii's beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of Zii Lizard's work

PurplePort: Zii Lizard

Website: https://lizardbeauty.com/ 

Instagram: ziilizardbeauty

Facebook: Lizard Beauty

YouTube: Zii Lizard

Twitter: Zii Lizard

TikTok: ziilizardbeauty 

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