NATALIE ROMANO

The successful pageant model, talented artist, rising actress and reigning Miss Bikini United States, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, proves you can achieve absolutely anything with the right mindset...

- SANTI PINTADO

Excellent MAXIM photo shoot Natalie, can you tell us a bit about it?

The shoot took place in Laguna Beach, California where we started at this beautiful beach house, with amazing scenery, which had amazing spots for our swimsuit and lingerie shots. We then headed down to the beach where I experienced the infamous 1000 Steps — at least I got one last workout in before the end of the shoot! We then went to a special secret spot and that’s when things started getting really interesting. To get there we had to climb up on these high rocks, go through a cave, only to climb even more rocks — which were very slippery if I do say so myself — and then finally make a big jump for it on the sand! Believe me when I say there were ACTUAL blood, sweat and tears shed!

Sounds epic. Any other weird and wonderful anecdotes you can share?

Well, when we finally reached this secret spot, we had to deal with this pompous guy yelling and saying we were invading his space. I got so mad at this man that tears were streaming out of my eyes. I did not just risk my life almost falling off of a cliff for you to say we can’t shoot there. No way, Jose! We ended up making the best of it and definitely got some great shots. By the way, he couldn’t stop staring at me —haha. I was still angry but I’m a firm believer that things in life happen the way they’re supposed to. With modelling there is always going to be the naysayers, so you need these kind of experiences to always learn and grow. My advice is to always keep your head, standards (and heels) high and never ever let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.

Well, you look great. When do you feel you are at your sexiest?