Time to get acquainted with promising Kiwi born model and cute country and western fan, JOAANI SARDI…
Hey Joaani, congrats on your FHM feature. How do you feel?
Thank you! It honestly feels surreal. I’ve always admired the women featured in FHM, so to be part of it myself is such a full-circle moment. I’m feeling proud, grateful and excited to share this side of me.
What did you love most about this photo shoot?
The energy is always great with Neil [Dixon, photographer]. He makes you feel so comfortable and knows how to bring out your best. I also love the looks – they are so fun! I’m a huge fan of country music and anything with western cowgirl vibes, so mixing that up with bikinis was right up my alley. It was such a fun combo and felt so me.
You look great. When do you feel sexy?
Thank you! Not gonna lie – I feel super sexy when I’ve got a cute fit on, hair and make-up done and I’m heading out the door feeling confident. But I also love those quiet moments, like fresh out of the shower, skin clean, hair wrapped up, just chilling in my own space. It’s definitely not just about how you look – it’s about how connected and comfortable you feel in yourself. Both sides can be sexy in their own way.
What is your best asset?
Physically, my eyes. I’ve always loved brown features – brown eyes, brown hair – they feel bold, fiery and feminine. As for personality, I think my openness. I’m not the type to overthink everything or hold back – I’m curious, I love learning and I genuinely enjoy experiencing different things, even if they scare me a little. I don’t like staying too comfortable – I’d rather take the chance and see what happens.
Give us a little more background and quirky anecdotes about yourself.
I was born in Taranaki, New Zealand, and grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. I’ve always been close with my siblings – they’re still my best friends. Most weekends were spent at the beach, and at home my sister and I were always putting on concerts. We’d dress up, perform and film ourselves doing catwalks in mum’s fur coats and heels. I was obsessed with how videos came together – this was the early 2000s, so I’d play music into the camcorder mic, use a stick as a microphone and introduce my sister as the “top model.” I’ve just always been drawn to entertaining and creating with the camera.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
People always tell me they assumed I’d be intimidating at first, but once we start talking, they’re surprised by how easygoing and down-to-earth I am. This is why I always say – never assume and always stay open. You never know who someone really is until you give them a chance.
How long have you been modelling?
It started when I had my own e-commerce business. I was always behind the scenes, hiring models and directing shoots. I loved photography and the creative side of it all. Eventually, I thought, “Why not give it a go myself?” So, I stepped in front of the camera and fell in love with the process.
What do you look for in a man?
Emotional intelligence, confidence without ego and someone who makes me laugh and supports my dreams like they’re his own.
How can a man win his way to your heart?
Through consistency, honesty and good conversation. Oh, and bonus points if he can cook!
What have you learnt about men over the years?
That the good ones really listen, and that actions always speak louder than words.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Women are layered – we can be soft and strong, playful and deep, all at once. You don’t have to figure us out, just respect who we are and how we feel.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m really focused on building a presence on social media and creating a personal brand that feels true to me. Long term, I’ll be spending more time between New Zealand and Bali. NZ will always be home – it’s where my roots are and being close to family means everything to me. And when winter hits, we’ll head to Bali. I love the energy there, the people, the surf – it just has this creative buzz and there’s so much opportunity, especially in the modelling and content space. I’m excited to build something that blends all the things I love.
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Joaani (Joey) Sardi
BORN: January 10
LIVES: Sydney NSW
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Thoughtful, curious, ambitious, open, passionate.”
GO-TO DRINK: “Pinot Noir.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Figure it out as you go.”
TIKITOK & INSTAGRAM: @joeysardi
Photographed by NEIL DIXON
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Styling by ARK SWIMWEAR
