BY MELISSA TUCKER
PHOTO BY KENNY SWEENEY
Known for her work in the indie film Act Drunk, Natasha Wanigatunga is paving her way to some serious fame in acting and modeling. The newest brand ambassador for Essentia Water talks about growing up in Anchorage, Alaska and how important nature is in her daily life. After working with popular brands such as Nordstrom and Aeropostale, Natasha is continuing to turn heads in the fashion industry. She has her own food blog, tashastastes.com, and has 49.2k followers (and counting) on Instagram. Natasha is definitely an icon to keep an eye on.
How did growing up in Alaska shape your acting career?
NATASHA: "Growing up in Alaska has taught me how to make something out of nothing. There wasn’t much to do except for going to the mall and the movies. My sleepovers consisted of video taping acting skits of me with my friends."
In what way has nature influenced your daily life?
NATASHA: "Nature has influenced my life by seeing Mother Nature as an example on living with patience and grace."
How did you get started in acting and modeling?
NATASHA: "I started acting in elementary, and performed in ballet recitals. I began modeling at 12 years old and had my first photo shoot in Sri Lanka."
You have a passion for living a healthy organic lifestyle. How do you promote this way of living through your modeling career?
NATASHA: "For me, the industry involves a lot of energy. Food has helped me naturally keep my energy up while taking care of my body from the inside out."
What motivated you to start your own food blog, tashastastes.com?
NATASHA: "Beauty from the inside out is needed in the world, through words, self care, and food. Food has the power to heal, to restore, and to fuel the body. Tasha’s Tastes educates others on how I live healthily everyday."
What is your favorite way to show yourself self-love?
NATASHA: "Taking time for myself. I love a deep tissue massage and a head massage. Or a nice candle lit dinner."
While filming Act Drunk, what was your favorite memory from set?
NATASHA: "Definitely filming Rancho Bravo Tacos. Who doesn’t like a late night taco run?"
After being the winner of Miss Sri Lanka USA in 2015, how has your life changed?
NATASHA: "Ever since I won the title, I’ve had many young girls email me, DM me, and meet me to share how I’ve inspired them to love their skin color and that is most gratifying, to change others lives."
PHOTO BY KENNY SWEENEY
Do you have any upcoming projects?
NATASHA: "Yes! I just became a brand ambassador for Essentia Water, and more projects coming. Keep up with me on social media @wanigatunga."
What are your plans for the future in acting and modeling?
NATASHA: "To keep creating and learning."