In the late 90’s model Ria Schumacher was involved in a high-profile murder case when she was just seventeen.She went for a ride with her brother and mother’s boyfriend that turned out to be a drug deal that ended in murder.
She served twelve years of a twenty five year sentence before the judge decided she didn’t have any involvement in the murder. Ria briefly spoke on Dr. Phil about what happened in her case but she is now ready to tell all in a new book series.
We had the opportunity to interview Ria about her new book series:
Chicago News: First of all tell us about the start of your modeling career?
Ria Schumacher: My mother would say it began when I was just two years old. I got naked and mooned the pastor right in the middle of Sunday Church Service. If she tells the story of my life it includes me constantly trying to take my clothes off and her chasing me around with them. I guess you could say I have always been a Free Spirit. I wanted to model ever since I could remember. When I was young I can remember setting my stuffed animals around my bedroom and I would pretend I had a camera and take pictures of them. I would pretend I was posing and there was a photographer taking pictures of me. When I got out of prison the desire for modeling was still there so I started building a portfolio including the kinds of photos I wanted to produce.
Chicago News: Who or what inspired you as a model growing up?
Ria Schumacher: My grandma Jean always pushed me to be a model. When I was twelve she took me to Phoenix Arizona to audition for the series 90210. They said I was perfect for the role, but would need braces. My mother wasn’t able to get them for me, so we never went back. I have always been a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe. She wasn’t afraid to be as sexy as she wanted to be.
Chicago News: Tell us about your upcoming book series?
Ria Schumacher: I wrote the books because every time I meet someone and they learn the stories of my life they say I should write a book. After hearing it long enough I was convinced myself. I had two psychics tell me that I would write a best seller, too. I guess we will see if they knew their shit or not soon. There are three books to the series of my life. Book One, Where the Truth Lies comes out in February 2017. This first book will tell the story of my childhood and the Murder case I was arrested for. It was written up until the point that I walked into prison for Murder.
Chicago News: What kind of response your story receiving?
Ria Schumacher: Everyone has been very accepting and kind. My friends and family are all very anxious for their copies as is everyone that knew me in prison. I hope that troubled youth will have the opportunity to read it and reconsider their life choices. At the end of the day that is the audience that matters the most.
Chicago News: How did you developed your modeling style?
Ria Schumacher: All of my life people have told me that I am too tall, too skinny, too pale, too this or too that. In my modeling, just like my personal life I decided to bare it all. At the same time I was writing my book baring my soul for the world to see I began implied nude modeling. What I have learned is that the greatest art will be created when there are no fears in place to hinder the magic from happening. For me ~ in my modeling career there has to be no fears, because it is just all of me out there and I am perfectly comfortable with all of me and who I am as a person. People will love me or hate me, but I love me no matter what.
Chicago News: What is the biggest achievement in your career so far?
Ria Schumacher: Being able to walk back into the prison where I spent a decade of my life to speak to the women I left behind was a huge achievement. For months before the speaking I didn’t think I would be able to follow through with it. As I walked into the prison and the gate slammed shut behind me I was there in that place again and it was all I could do to continue walking forward. But, I did it and the women listened. It felt wonderful.
Chicago News: What photographers or other models would you like to work with?
Ria Schumacher: I welcome anyone in the Industry. Who wouldn’t want to work with Joey Lawrence or anyone of the World’s greatest photographers?! Working with models, I would like to meet up with other models who enjoy challenging shoots outdoors in rugged hard to reach places. I am driven by challenging shoots that other models would turn down.
Chicago News: Are you working on any new projects?
Ria Schumacher: I am finishing my books and producing a Calendar that will coincide with my book series. It’s requiring some traveling so the calendar will most likely be finished for 2018.