Our June Face of the Month could fit in with any group of typical Southern California teenagers. But underneath her youthful look is a chunk of experience and abundance of ambition.

Our intercontinental Face of the Month Lilian Maina began her life’s journey in Nairobi, Kenya, and then traveled between continents to start her modeling journey in California. After finishing high school, she moved to Los Angeles, determined to start a career. Although she didn’t have an agency, she worked hard to network and soon began modeling for a few designer friends.

“I believe in the power of thought and imagination!” declares our March Face of the Month. Walking down Melrose Avenue, she could easily be pegged as either a rock and roll singer, the girl from your college history class, or a mysterious foreign operative.

Born and raised in the Czech Republic, KristynaKix began modeling when she was just a kid. Winning Miss Bravo Girl 2008, though, led her to work with some bigger agencies and travel the world for her career. On a recent vacation stop in the US, she was introduced to photographer Ash Gupta, who immediately noticed her strong features and distinctive looks.

Xian has traveled the world modeling, but prefers Los Angeles. She’s been to Paris, China, and New York, but was pressured to lose weight. “I have two younger sisters who are really impressionable, and I never wanted to be unhealthy to model. It’s not my dream. Acting is. So I moved back to Los Angeles.” She looks up to actress Zoe Saldana because of her impeccable career and ladylike demeanor.

This month, 838MG and Agenda Magazine picked Vision Model Nastassia Lindes to be our Face of the Month. Nastassia has striking features that make her stand out in a room and a personality that is tangible and real.

At 838MG, there’s never a shortage of models to choose from, and our goal with this column is to focus on potential. Our pick does not depend on how extensive a portfolio may be, and we never want anything that resembles something that’s been done before.

I got started modeling when I was six years old. I was in a campaign for a children’s bathing suit line called Coconut Water. While living in Hollywood our next-door neighbor was the owner of the Brazilian bathing suit line, Coconut Water. They asked my mother if it would be ok if I modeled for their line, and she said sure, just for fun. I remember being so nervous, but I soon really enjoyed it! My mom was a model for years, and always encouraged me to follow my dreams and pursue modeling if I wanted to.