Veronika London: Leading By Example

by Cyrus Webb


She is the stunning beauty that Maxim Magazine boldly called "The Megan Fox" of Canada, but from the very moment that I began my conversation with model/actress Veronika London I knew that she was so much more than another pretty face.

You've seen her on shows like Showtime's BODY LANGUAGE and HBO's LINGERIE, but her fans have gotten to know her as a serious businesswoman that is not just following the rules. She making her own.

"It's actually a very surreal feeling," Veronika told me when I asked about the way she is seen and the success she has had. "I try to go with the flow," and for her it has meant not buying into the hype that surrounds her.

When she first thought about entering the world of Hollywood it was about three years ago. "I wanted to be a publicist," she says. That was not the path that she would eventually following, though. After meeting a director and producer and finding out about a project they were shooting Veronika ended up booking a series. "It all just kind of snowballed from there." Films, shorts, modeling opportunities and music videos soon followed.

What keeps her focused on her career and not the hype? "I'm very close to my family and friends outside of the industry," she told me. That is part of what keeps her grounded and not too "Hollywood". She is also intent on making a difference in the lives of others. "Helping those who are starting out (in the business) is also important to me. I want to do all I can to assist in their seeing their dreams coming true."

If there was one thing that really stood out in my time with Veronika it was how much she understood and appreciated the importance of branding. Each project that she is able to be a part of and everything that she lends her name to is just another piece of the profile she is building for herself. "At the end of the day the biggest satisfaction is knowing that I am being appreciated as an individual," she says. "This business is so competitive. You have to come up with creative niches for yourself and take advantage of every opportunity."

When it comes to acting, and in particular her latest project SEARCHING FOR ANGELS with Vivica Fox, she told me that there is a genuine method to her approach "I tend to stick to the darker roles because they come easier for me." Veronika says she immerses herself not just in her character but the overall film. "When you are bringing characters to life it can be easy to get lost in it," she says, but she knows that adds to the realness. "Even for acting you have to be authentic with your choices and who you are for the roles to be unique. You don't have to get caught up in the glitz and glam in order to do that."

The authentic nature is something that her fans appreciate, and she make sure to always let them know how much she appreciate them. "The public is who makes you,"Veronika says. She appreciates the feedback she gets and those who reach out to her for inspiration. "It is so satisfying to motivate someone. Everybody should be grateful for what they have, because you don't know when things can go wrong. I would like to be the light in other people's eyes to push them, leading by example."

Veronika's advice for you? "Follow your instincts at the end of the day. You have to trust your instincts because that is usually what's right. If it's not what you want then you aren't going to be willing to put in the work."

Sage advice indeed! Was a real pleasure to spend some time with Veronika and share some of the highlights of that conversation with you. Visit Veronika's website at http://veronikalondon.ca/. She is also available online through Facebook at www.facebook.com/londonveronika and Twitter at www.twitter.com/veronikalondon.