Everything Girl

Our Man of the Moment, Lane Carlson, may be a model, but he’s more than just a handsome face and killer abs. When Lane was 14, his 3-½ year old cousin Heidi was placed in his family’s care, having been labeled autistic, profoundly retarded, deaf and blind. Heidi’s own mother had no other options and Heidi was facing being institutionalized. His mother Judy, a nurse practitioner, stepped up to the task, believing that Heidi could be helped. That act of kindness proved to him that, “…any child’s life can be transformed.” Today, in addition to his modeling career, Lane is the executive director of a philanthropic foundation: Sunflower Children. What helps him navigate the wilderness these two seemingly disparate paths? He recently took time to answer some questions for us.

First, please tell our readers a bit about yourself, in your own words?
I’m Lane Carlson and I’m from Stillwater, MN. I’m a big believer that you get back what you put into this world. I’m a very easy going person and am grateful for the friends and relationships I have in my life. I love to travel, meet new people, love stories, and feel one of my main strengths is the ability to listen and always find middle ground in communication.

You’re from Minnesota, and, according to your bio, were discovered in LaCrosse, WI. Do you still consider yourself a Midwesterner?
Midwestern roots are hard to shake – you can take me out of the Midwest, but can’t take the Midwest out of me.

Do you feel that growing up in that part of the country gave you any kind of grounding that folks from either coast may not have?
Definitely, there is a certain humbling lifestyle we all experience in the Midwest that transforms and creates the type of people we are and attract. We are the happy medium between the craziness of the New York lifestyle and Easiness of the West Coast mentality.

A lot of models eventually try to cross over to acting. Do you have any plans to do so, or are you content with your career as it stands?
Paul Newman is my idol. Philanthropist / Actor / Model is definitely in the cards. It’s always been a passion of mine, but breaking into the acting world is just as hard as securing a sustainable corporate sponsor in this volatile market. I’ll keep plugging away and eventually I’ll have both.

You’re a twin, and you share both a career and a website with your brother. Physical similarities are obvious and the site lists a number of other similarities between you, but what are some of the differences? What is unique about you?

The fact that I spend my summers visiting project in impoverished countries is pretty unique. Other differences between my brother and me: I have long hair, brother’s is short. I like to surf and skateboard. My brother has a successful construction company in California – I have a successful Non Profit.

Your website also mentions that family is important to you. How do you balance career and family – or do you?

Make a conscious commitment to touch base with family members and be very understanding. Be grateful for what you have in your life – regardless of ups and downs. At the end of the day – my family is my backbone and support in life

What sorts of things do you do to relax when you have down-time?

Run, watch movies, play guitar, go to the beach, listen too music, hang with friends.

Let’s talk about some of your philanthropic work. You’re involved with the Sunflower Children. Tell us a bit about that organization?

Sunflower Children is network of high quality, local and non-governmental organizations with a focus on humanitarian aid - providing survival and development care for the forgotten children of the world.

Sunflower’s efforts encompass medical, nutritional, psychological, educational, adoption and other humanitarian support that nurtures survival, health, growth and hope for orphaned, disabled, abandoned, refugee and impoverished children around the world.

Sunflower believes that education is the key to a better life for disadvantaged children. Accordingly, Sunflower focuses on providing vital support - including healthcare, nutritional and other basic needs - that enable children in Sunflower Project communities to pursue educational growth. Sunflower believes that anyone can make a difference in a child’s life.

Sunflower currently operates 12 programs in 8 countries.

You’re listed as the executive director. Is that an honorary title, or do you actually have hands-on involvement in the organization?

Ha! If you only knew … I live and breathe Sunflower Children 24/7 so, yes, from traveling to impoverished countries to due-dilegence projects, to putting proposals together, managing financials, budgets, volunteers, managing fundraisers – yes, I actually take a hands on approach to my work within the organization.

There’s no disputing that the world’s children are our future. Was there a particular child or story that motivated you to get involved, or was it a general call?

My cousin Heidi.
Do you feel that celebrities (actors/models/musicians/authors) have an obligation to set an example, or give back to society? Why or why not?

I would like to say it’s more of an opportunity rather than obligation. I feel that if you are put in a place of leadership, you have the opportunity to set the example for others to follow. People are more receptive to organic leadership rather than a forced obligation to lead.

What are some of Sunflower Children’s future plans?

To empower a global network to make change and better the lives of those in need around the world.

And where can we expect to see you next? What’s next for Lane Carlson?

You can see me in the next UGG campaign coming out with Estella Warren this March as well as Philanthropic works in Los Angeles and New York.
To visit Lane Carlson’s website, which he shares with his brother Kyle, visit The Carlson Twins. For more information about Lane’s work with impoverished children, visit Sunflower Children.

Melissa A. Bartell likes strong coffee, red wine, and dark chocolate. She earns her living writing web-copy for an Internet marketing firm & dabbles in fiction on the side. She lives near Dallas, TX with her husband, two dogs, and more computers than anyone really needs. She is the Managing Editor here at All Things Girl. Find out more about her on our About Page, or check out her blog at MissMeliss.com

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