'The Face': Sandra Woodley talks her elimination, her clash with Naomi Campbell, more

Credit: Oxygen

Sandra Woodley was one of the more controversial contestants on Oxygen's "The Face." As part of the seemingly-unstoppable Team Naomi, Sandra had to be considered an early frontrunners in the competition. However, a blow-up on the set of a challenge with Naomi Campbell began the domino effect that led in her downfall, as the model felt she was being mocked by the judges. Coupled with her clashes with fellow team member Jocelyn, Sandra was ultimately eliminated from the competition, squaring off in the elimination room against Team Coco's Margaux Brooke.

Sandra also had a back story going into the competition that certainly paints a picture of struggle, from being raised by a single mother in the streets of Philadelphia, to her brother’s sudden, tragic death. She's already made a stamp in the modeling world, having done shows for various high-end fashion designers such as Christian Louboutin, Tory Burch and LK Bennett London. Some felt that this initial success gave way to a sense of entitlement. However, behind the edit was a demure, sweet girl that much of America didn't really get to see. I had the opportunity to speak with Sandra about her time on the show, and what she's learned from Naomi Campbell.

So what have you been up to since your elimination?

I've been getting myself together, and working on my stuff right now, my portfolio, getting with an agency. That's what I've been up to. Getting better with myself, getting better with my behavior, going on photo shoots. I have some events coming up that I'll be attending. So I have a lot going on.

What was it like watching the episode back? Was there anything we missed?

I mean, it's television, it's just reality TV. What happened, happened. You didn't really miss much. I was surprised watching it too.

And what was going through your head as you stormed off the set of the challenge?

There's way, way, way, way more to the story, but I was upset. I got emotional. When I feel like I'm being teased, I get emotional. And when I feel like people are making fun of me, I get very emotional. I did not want to cry on set.

What have you learned from Naomi and from your experience in the competition?

I learned a lot from Naomi. I learned a lot. I learned how to take it in, reel it in, when people are trying to get on my bad side. She taught me a lot, because there was a lot to learn.

Credit: Oxygen

Have you spoken with Naomi since your elimination?

I mean, we text often, but not, like, really. She's a busy woman, so I understand. I mean, I don't really expect her to call me every day to check up on me, so I understand.

Why do you feel Jocelyn didn't like you?

There was more to it. I mean, the girl likes sharks. What more can I say? She is what she is. She smells fear, she goes after it. She smells red, she goes after it. My behavior is my illness, and she used my behavior against me. She knew that the way she was talking to me was the way to get me out. Like, I'm from Philadelphia, and she used that against me because she knows there's no talking when there's an army inside you, fighting. And that's how she got one over on me.

You're a pretty outspoken person. What was it like to listen to Margaux say the things she said in the elimination room? And do you wish you would have spoken up in response? Or do you feel it was best to just let it go?

Me, I'm not the type to pick out people's flaws, so it really didn't matter to me. She was crying, she was doing all this stuff, and me, I really wanted it, and I wasn't going to cry. I was trying to let Karolina know that I wanted to be here, but Karolina didn't see that so...Margaux was trying to be sympathetic. She said she was in school, she did this, she did that, talking about how "Sandra didn't go to school" and all that. She was just picking out all my little flaws.

Credit: Oxygen

How has your upbringing motivated you? Does that sort of upbringing make it difficult for you as a model, or easier?

Well, it makes people harder, because I don't want to always be here. I'm ready to become somebody. I don't want to just be that girl on the TV show. There's so much competition out there, and it's hard. You know, you just have to stand out from all of it.

What was your favorite moment from the competition?

Learning from Naomi. I'd definitely say it was the best part of being here.

Got any big projects lined up?

I mean, I'm just working on getting my portfolio together, so I can get signed with an agency -- with a New York agency. Hopefully they like me a lot. I pray to God this show takes me somewhere, and that it hasn't destroyed my career forever because I would really be hurt.

You can follow Sandra on Twitter @Model_Sandi215, and on Instagram @Sandra_Model215.

The Face airs Tuesdays at 9 PM ET/PT on Oxygen. Tonight is the penultimate episode of the season, with the finale airing next Tuesday!