In this exclusive interview, we explore the captivating journey of Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey, a multifaceted personality with a rich background spanning various fields. From her childhood fascination with the stage to her foray into the world of modelling, Martina shares her passion for creativity and the freedom to express herself in countless ways. As a proud mother and mentor to her daughter, Lou-Anne, who also pursued a career in modelling, Martina provides insights into their supportive and collaborative dynamic. She also shares profound insights into her perspective on the fashion industry’s future, representation, and inclusivity.
Fab: Your bio suggests that you have an extensive background in a diverse range of fields. Can you tell us about your journey and how you ended up in the world of modelling?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: As a child, I loved the stage. From kindergarten on, I loved to show up and entertain people. I have always been very creative, and I felt the need to express myself in various ways. On the other hand, I’m getting bored very quickly. So, starring in a play every night for months or even years would be death to me. That’s the reason I never got into acting, singing, or dancing other than as a hobby, as I have never had the patience or discipline to first practise and then perform the same thing again and again.
Modelling is the best way for me to express myself in a million different ways and to become somebody different with every client or piece of fashion, but only for a short stretch of time. And it comes naturally to me.
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey
That’s why I have such a diversified background, because even though I love every single part of it, I could never focus just on one thing. Also, that’s why I left a highly successful career as a trainer and coach—because I couldn’t learn anything new. Yes, there were always different people, but the topics as such were always the same. Doing more of the same only to amass more money had never been tempting to me.
Modelling is the best way for me to express myself in a million different ways and to become somebody different with every client or piece of fashion, but only for a short stretch of time. And it comes naturally to me. Yes, I need to practise. Yes, I need to learn, as in every other profession, but I do not need to rehearse it again and again in order to replay it again and again. It’s always new; therefore, I am always new. That’s what’s fascinating to me.
Fab: What was your reaction when Lou-Anne expressed her interest in modelling, and did you have any reservations or concerns?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: Quite the opposite. I guess, as it was my grandfather with me who sparked my interest in modelling, it was I who sparked or at least fostered that interest in my daughter. I love this business, and I always thought Lou-Anne was extremely apt to follow that path.
Fab: What was it like to compete alongside your daughter in the show’s diversity season, and how did you both support each other throughout the competition?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: I never thought of it as a competition with my daughter. Of course, we were competitors in fact, but in a good, sporty way: learning from one another, pushing one another, and of course also supporting one another with feedback and advice. Being with such a large group of younger women was easier for me because I had my daughter with me. I think it would have been more difficult without her. Explore Lou-Anne Gleißenebner, GNTM Winner, Talks Fashion, Individuality, and Future Goals.
Fab: How did you feel watching your daughter win the competition, and what advice did you give her during the final stages?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: I was so proud! There is no verbal expression for that feeling. And as far as advice is concerned, I don’t remember giving her any. It was not necessary, and then, during the finale, I was focusing on myself until the moment I dropped out. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on socials.
I love this business, and I always thought Lou-Anne was extremely apt to follow that path.
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey
Fab: What has been the most challenging part of watching your daughter pursue a career in modelling, and how have you supported her along the way?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: The most challenging part was hearing comments that she is “no model” and would not make it as a model. So, I made sure to always be by her side with encouragement, feedback, and concrete help in terms of organising photoshoots, etc. to push her career as much as my own. I wanted her to succeed.
Fab: How do you hope to see the fashion industry evolve in the coming years in terms of representation and inclusivity?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: I hope that the path the fashion industry has started to pursue will continue to grow into a broad stream of representation and at the same time continue to be what it has always been: a varying idea of perfection (beauty, grace, etc.) that can hardly be reached. We must not forget that it is that idea that drives customers to want to grow themselves as human beings—not only externally but also internally. If that idea of perfection (and the discussion of what that might be in the various strata of human representations will always be ongoing) is lost, the fashion industry as such will become obsolete. By then, we will just buy what we need. Not what we aspire to.
Fab: What lessons have you learned from watching your daughter navigate the fashion industry, and how have you seen her grow and develop?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: I love to see how her steady temperament helps her stay calm and confident, and how the win did not alter her attitude towards herself or others in any way. She is moving on gracefully and steadfastly. Explore eFab Summer Edition now!
The most challenging part was hearing comments that she is ‘no model’ and would not make it as a model. So, I made sure to always be by her side with encouragement, feedback, and concrete help to push her career as much as my own. I wanted her to succeed.
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey
Fab: Martina, as Lou-Anne’s mother and manager, how do you balance the personal and professional aspects of your relationship with her?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: Actually, I try not to be her manager, as she doesn’t pay me to be one (LOL!). But yes, having been an entrepreneur for such a long time, it comes naturally to me to help her with advice and actual competence in fields in which she has yet none or not so much experience, i.e., bookkeeping, decision-making for her career, etc. The lines between management and motherhood are fluid. As a mother, I want to make sure that my child can be happy and successful without depending on me. Because that would also mean that I would lose my freedom, and after “taking responsibility”, “freedom” is my second-highest value.
Fab: What advice would you give to parents whose children are interested in pursuing a career in the arts or entertainment industry?
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey: Parents need to understand that that industry is as good as any other if one has the talent and the discipline to do what it takes to become a professional. There is no profession in the world in which you can become successful without those two ingredients. Nothing is ever granted without our efforts. And parents need to make their children aware of that fact and then support them on their own path.
