Charles Laurent was born on October 14th, 1991 in a small town in the North of France. The rich culture of his country and historic environment of Nord served as the perfect canvas for him to paint out his imagination. Every chateau had a king and queen of his own making, every stone had a storied history of magic and enchantment, and every pastry was a piece of art. He grew up dreaming of things he would one day see. From an early age, he knew he wanted to create art and experience fantasy.
But his reality wasn’t always roses and butterflies. For years he was physically and emotionally abused for celebrating his differences and refusing to conform. He sought refuge in his dreams and imagination. While finishing nursing school, he began working at Disneyland Paris where he met others who understood his feelings. Inspired by these people and motivated by his life-long desire to become an imagineer, he eventually moved to Disney World Orlando where he began his American adventure.
It was a pleasure to sit down with model, nurse, baker, and visionary Charles Laurent for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
How old were you when you moved to the United States?
I was 20 when I ran away from my family who were not really pleasant with my sexual orientation. I also felt I had bigger dreams and America was the place to go.
When did you start working out?
I worked out all my life in some way. I started being a competitive swimwear model because my parents were coaches, and I did that for many years. When I came to New York I started going to the gym.
When did you decide you wanted to be a model and what was your first gig?
It happened by chance. I worked for Disney World in Orlando and I was in the last month of my Visa. I was getting nervous about having to go back and deal with my family when a casting director saw me and offered me a job. I told him that if he got me papers, so I wouldn’t have to go home I would take the job. They got me the papers and my first gig was for Bazaar Mag in the UK.
Do you have a favorite modeling gig and/or favorite designer to walk for?
Walking with American brands like Ralph Lauren were my favorites since they design better for my height (I am 6’5” tall). It was much easier for me.
When did you start baking?
I always baked. Since my parents were coaches they were in competitions almost every weekend, and I was left a lot with my grandmother. She would teach me how to bake. When I baked, it would make people happy, so I liked it.
What is your specialty?
A lot, but I love to make cakes that are unique with my designs.
Describe yourself in three words?
Goofy, emotional, and adventurous.
What does the future hold for you?
I am going to open two French Vegan bakeries in New York City at the end of the year. I am also going to be doing a TV show in the near future, and I am in the middle of making my own swimsuit line. I am probably the only baker that also will have a swimsuit line. (Will you model your own swimsuit? Yes!).
For more information on Charles, follow him on: instagram.com/laurent.xiv (he is an influencer with over 400 thousand followers).
