Model Home

Over 20 years after becoming the Ford Modeling Agency’s youngest ever Supermodel of the Year, and leaving Scarborough, Ont., for the runways of Milan, Monika Schnarre has returned home. At 37, Schnarre is rediscovering her Ontario roots, taking up residence in Toronto’s west end.

And what does a strikingly beautiful glamour girl do after life on the runways? “I enjoy buying real estate, putting my personal stamp on it, and then selling it,” Schnarre says. “Not everyone enjoys this process but I just love it. People know living through a home renovation is traumatic. We are affected by our surroundings and it's stressful. That’s why it’s not suitable for everyone.”

Now she’s using this hobby to help a good cause. Schnarre recently became a volunteer Ambassador with Habitat for Humanity Toronto's 2008 Women Build Awareness Campaign. “Women are an untapped resource. The group’s volunteer base is predominately male. We want to encourage women to come out and help build,” she says. “There are builds happening daily in Toronto and across the province. Toronto is the largest chapter in Canada. Habitat came to me without knowing I’m a homebuilder.” Schnarre adds, “I have wanted to work with them for a long time. When you’re on the right path in life, everything just seems to fall into place.”

Just 14 years old when she won the Ford contest, Schnarre’s life hasn’t always felt on track. “With modelling, I was able to travel the world. I met interesting people and was exposed to situations that those my age would not normally be exposed to,” she says. “But it was fleeting. I didn’t understand how fleeting it might be. I’ve come to appreciate those experiences much more now.” Another downside was being away so much and missing important moments in the lives of friends and family members, like weddings, births and birthdays. “I certainly don’t regret the job I did,” Schnarre says. “But there was a great sacrifice personally. Since I moved home in April 2007, I’m making a conscious effort to be very present in my friends’ lives and for my family.”

“My cabin is my sanctuary. It’s the place I go to put everything into perspective”

After her runway career wound up, Schnarre lived in Los Angeles and pursued acting. She kept busy, and her TV credits include numerous guest appearances, from King of Queens to Charmed to soap The Bold and the Beautiful, plus a 29-episode run on the syndicated fantasy romp BeastMaster. But ready for a change, she enrolled in UCLA’s broadcast journalism program. While studying, she also hosted Celebrity RSVP, a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood’s hottest parties, including the Tonys, ESPYs and TV Guide’s Emmy Awards after-party. “After attending UCLA, I decided to come back to a friendlier climate. L.A. is a very difficult market to break into. It’s been a bit of a transition, but any place takes time to get used to.”

Schnarre says Toronto has changed since she travelled the world of high fashion, and for the better. “There is definitely a buzz around the city with new restaurants, galleries and with the popularity of the Film Festival — it has gained world class recognition. Toronto compares well now to any other international city,” she says.

Her return to Canada does not mean retirement for Schnarre. She’s signed on as spokesperson for a number of companies, including Canadian swimwear brand Sea Queen, and Heart Chocolate, in which she has both a financial and a personal interest. “Heart disease and diabetes run in my family and this product contains a number of ingredients that can actually lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol,” she says. “I’d also like to work with the Heart & Stroke Foundation because of my family history.”

“When you’re on the right path in life, everything just seems to fall into place”

What advice does she give to girls who want to be models? “Get good representation and listen to the advice you’re given, regardless of how harsh it is. It’s not personal. Modelling is a business.” As someone who’s lived the life, people also often ask her opinion about the hit show America’s Next Top Model. “Top Model is entertainment. It’s not always realistic in the type of scenes the girls do. You’re rarely asked to swing from a trapeze,” she says. However, Schnarre adds, “The advice they give is good and helpful when it comes to preparing these girls for the reality of the business.”

When not in front of a camera, Schnarre spends her spare time taking photos, unwinding at her cabin in Muskoka, making furniture from reclaimed wood, hiking and being outdoors. “My cabin is my sanctuary. It’s the place I go to put everything into perspective. I will often scoop up a friend who’s going through a difficult time and take them away for some peace and tranquility.”

Muskoka was also Schnarre’s first experience with home renovation. “I first bought the neighbouring property in ’94. It had a little cabin on it which I tore down with the intention to build. I later bought the property next door when it went up for sale. It already had a rustic, A-framed cedar cabin on it. Instead of building from scratch, I renovated. I loved transforming something into a representation of me.”

And how does Schnarre make her house a home? “When I travel, I pack an art tube and buy a painting from every place I’ve been to. It’s not expensive and it’s a treasure that lasts a lifetime.”

That said, she admits the cabin is not entirely representative of the 23-year-old woman from that time. “My tastes have definitely changed. I would not have chosen the gingham couch covers today,” she says with a laugh.•