Photo credit: Fanny Dussol
Every month, April Please asks 10 questions to an inspiring, independent woman full of character. Zoé Bouch is our muse for November, and she opens up to you.
1/ Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Hello, I'm Zoé, 24 years old. I was born in the Parisian suburbs and have lived in Paris for 8 years now. I became independent at a very young age and left my family home as soon as I had the opportunity. At 18, I moved into a shared apartment in Paris. This made commuting to university much easier. And yes, I studied psychology.
Alongside my studies, I started modeling. Well, I started... my mother signed me up at a children's agency when I was very young. I did several campaigns (in diapers). But I was quite stubborn, so if I decided I didn't want to be photographed, there was no point in even trying. (Laughs)
By my third year of psychology, I was no longer thinking about anything but modeling and the other artistic projects I had in mind. So I dropped out of university to fully dedicate myself to the artistic world.
2/ Today, what does being a woman mean to you? And what kind of woman are you?
Being a woman... That's not an easy question... A woman is, above all, being yourself.
Female sex? Not necessarily. Men can feel like women. It's femininity that comes into play. I think femininity brings more sensitivity, intuition.
A woman is beautiful, sensual, with her assets and her flaws. Being a woman means accepting yourself as you are, despite this society that makes us compare ourselves to one another; (You have to be like this, not too much like that, etc.).
Being a woman also means loving women: Not judging, being jealous of each other; but helping each other, being kind to others.
3/ You were an April Please muse. Your body is your work tool, how does it feel to be a woman in 2020 who attracts everyone's gaze?
In everyday life, whether our body is our work tool or not, it's not always easy. Unfortunately, a woman's place is not always respected. And I feel like this health crisis hasn't made things any better... I have never found men to be so disrespectful. Even with a mask. It's crazy!!
But indeed, when your body is used for professional purposes, it's even more complicated. I think you have to be psychologically strong to do these image-based jobs. You are constantly criticized (positively and negatively), judged and compared. And sometimes people don't even bother to do it in front of you.
At castings, I've been told I was too thin, too short, then the next day they would tell me I was tall. One day I was even rejected because I was "too beautiful". It makes no sense at all.
The thing to remember and to put into perspective is that you cannot please everyone.
You have to love yourself and accept yourself as such. Accepting yourself doesn't mean letting yourself go, quite the opposite, it means making the possible changes that matter to us and accepting the parts (psychological, physical, etc.) that we cannot change or that it is not reasonable to change. All while respecting yourself. For US above all, not for others. Our female ancestors did great things for the evolution of women in society. They fought, and we must not give up. The fight continues (unfortunately).
4/ A mantra or a leitmotif that has followed you for a long time and keeps you going?
My quote will illustrate exactly what I was telling you in the previous question.
When I was little, I discovered this quote. I immediately wrote it on a piece of paper and posted it above my bedside table. Since then, it has never left me.
"Give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
5/ What do you think is a woman's greatest asset?
Her freedom! It's a major asset to her happiness. Being free to be yourself, to decide your future, your desires. The French are complainers (yes, yes, it's not a cliché), and sometimes we don't realize how lucky we are to be in a country of rights. There are still many countries where women are mistreated, or where they are considered "the weaker sex".
6/ What would be your 3 tips for a more fulfilling life?
1. Work on yourself. It's a long road to travel. I myself still have a lot of work to do. But it helps you know yourself and understand why we react this way to this or that thing. Thus, moderating your reactions and adjusting them according to what we want.
2. Mind your own business. Stop comparing yourself, don't be ashamed to be yourself. In short: Stop overthinking it.
3. Enjoy the present moment.
And I'll add: Go to Nadine Timas's dance class! My God, how good it feels! Not only to dance and let go, supported by her kindness and good mood, but also to see these women, all so different from one another, encouraging each other without any judgment. And who, for the duration of a class, leave their worries aside and are nothing but Women in all their splendor, masters of their bodies and minds.
Photo credit Delphine Sinanian Maarek
7/ What is the new habit you have recently introduced into your life to take care of yourself?
I exercise a lot and drink a lot... of water. I don't smoke and drink very little alcohol. I stopped fast food and processed sugars many years ago (except for the occasional exception: grandma's cakes, for example... I really shouldn't upset her (laughs)). So, a healthy lifestyle.
I started a meditation ritual a few months before lockdown, and I must tell you that it really helped me during those 3 months of confined life, since I got through them very well.
Regarding beauty, I try to push myself to put cream on my body once a day. Yes, don't ask me why, it has always bothered me.
8/ What is your latest "leap of faith"?
Well, I admit it... I cross the street when the little man is red.
More seriously, I have quite a few projects in mind that are gradually taking shape. Well, this health crisis obviously slowed everything down. But... I think you are a little too curious (Laughs). As long as nothing is done, I... Shhh.
I will get back to you when my goals are accomplished!
9/ At April Please too we love taking risks, that is why our jewelry is a little rebellious! Backwards, upside down, mismatched, layered, twisted... What is your personal touch, your fashion signature?
You said rebellious? That's weird... it's a word I have often heard about me (laughs)
Fashion-wise: Natural! I don't like to overthink it. So very little makeup and when I don't necessarily have an outfit idea, I throw on some basics: Jeans, a black or white t-shirt and a leather jacket with black boots (with studs) for a rock touch.
10/ Last question, for you April Please is…
April Please is a mix of quite a few things. It is indeed a rebellious brand, breaking the codes of traditional jewelry. It's rock, it's ingenious (several ways to wear the same earring) while remaining chic and very elegant (with the clean lines of its jewelry).
At the same time, two super nice girls deciding to start and change their lives without giving up anything, can only result in something good!
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