Up Close with Philip Fusco

Fashion model, influencer, personal trainer and Mister USA 2024 contestant, Philip Fusco opens up about his career and his plans for the future.

How did you get started as a model?

It all started back when MySpace was the popular social media platform. I was really into Myspace and wound up getting voted/ranked in the top 10. A little bit later I met agent Ryan Colby. He took me in as a model and we have been working together ever since.

Which covers/editorials you’re proudest of and which photographers you enjoyed working
with the most?

I am super proud of each cover/editorial. They all bring back special memories. I am so thankful to have gotten all of them. I am lucky enough to say that everyone I have worked with in the industry has treated me with the utmost respect. Back to the covers though, I am a big fan of my romance novel book covers.

We hear all sorts of things about the fashion industry. The good, the bad and the ugly, according to Philip Fusco.

The good: meeting new people of all walks of life in this industry.

The bad: sometimes, especially during fashion week and with certain events, you could be working yourself to the bone.

The ugly: I have nothing ugly to say about this industry, I think it is really great.

Fast forward to your work as a personal trainer.

Personal training is something that I always enjoyed a lot. Since i could remember, health has been one of the most important things to me. I spend a lot of time researching and reading about everything in the industry, foods, nutrition, supplements… I think it’s important to share it with anyone that is curious or wants to improve upon their health. I have been a personal trainer for many years, and watching people make transformations –physical, mental, or both– is one of the greatest feelings.

We read you’re also an Advisory Board Member for the International Cannabis Consulting Business Women’s Association (ICBWA).

Yes, I am. It’s a fantastic charity that provides consulting and resources to women business owners as well as women looking to become entrepreneurs.

You harnessed the power of social media early on, with MySpace. Any tips for anyone hoping to make it as a successful content creator?

Do not to give up. Social media is no different than starting a brick-and-mortar business: it takes time and patience. If you have a good product and believe in yourself, you will get where you want to be. Just keep pushing on!!!

What is your personal daily routine to keep in shape?

I try to count my calories and eat healthy options, as well as lots of gym with cardio, tons of water and green tea.

You’ll represent New Hampshire at the upcoming Mister USA pageant. Do you know any of the contestants? Are you doing anything special to get ready for it?

I do not know any of the contestants. But I am working out hard and practicing a lot, to get ready for it.

What is the role of a male pageant today and what does it mean to you?

In my opinion it’s about giving someone a large platform to spread influence, positivity and empowerment. It means a lot to me. I would love to use this platform to spread positive information about health and healthy living to anyone who would love to improve upon their health in some aspect. I also want to use this platform to help influence people into following their dreams and never giving up. If one person can do it, anyone else can do it too –with the right motivation and drive.

What’s next for Philip and where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

That is a good question. I see myself continuing down this health journey, trying to inspire and help people looking for some assistance in reaching their health goals, as well as their mental goals. I want to keep personal-training and lifestyle-training, as well as start another business in the vitamin and supplement sector. I would love to put my ideas and research into creating the best supplements and vitamins.

Break a leg, Philip.

Instagram: @philipfusco