I was born and raised in the small town of Chester South Carolina. I had always dreamed of being a model and a TV personality. It wasn’t until I turned 20 that I decided that It was time to get serious and make this my career. I used to watch movies and dream of acting out the dialogue presented in front of my favorite actresses. I looked up to models, as well, who let nothing stop them from their dreams. I started doing research about the industry in both modeling and acting. I took classes and learned from legitimate people in the business. I then formed a plan as to my “Brand” that I wanted to be known as. What people would see in comparison with other people. I decided that I wanted to be myself, who I always was. That being said, I am now known for being edgy, having tattoos, and being the “girl with curves”. I have made it a priority of mine to show that beauty is not just in what a person wears, or the skin that covers them. It’s about the spirit that comes beneath all understanding. The “Eye of the Tiger” shown within people who want to pursue their dreams despite the idea of the world of “Normal.” My story is simple, I face hurdles, I have been so low that I did not want to live, I’ve faced high points in life that were as if I was dreaming. But the everyday drive I have to be the best I can beat all understanding.
Describe yourself in three words. Ambitious, genuine, and passionate.
How would you describe your personality? I’ve always been called goofy and fun. I don’t take myself very seriously when I don’t have to, therefore I’m the first to admit when I’ve said something that didn’t make sense. I would describe myself as “Go-getter” as well. I’ve been through struggles as much as the next person, but have always found a way to make things work.
How would you describe your professional interests? I want to be a smart businesswoman with my modeling and acting. My professional interests are always pushing me to strive to do more, be better, create things that people want to see, and in the long run to hire for their designs.
Why do you want to work as a model? Why are you interested in this Career? I love modeling, when I’m in front of the camera nothing else matters, the world could be about to end and I would make sure to rock out the shoot. I have wanted to be gracing covers of magazines, be on billboards and be the face of top designers/ad campaigns for as long as I can remember. Modeling gives me an outing. It allows me to forget about my imperfections, well actually embrace them. It allows me to “Be me” comfortably. Which is why I show confidence in my photos, when actually meeting me on the street I lack that confidence.
What languages do you speak? I remember a small bit of Spanish that I learned when I was in High School, however, I could only carry on about a 2-minute conversation, and that only being a brief introduction. I plan to learn more languages such as french. It’s such a beautiful language!
What’s your background in modeling? I have done many classes for modeling over the years, studied among the top in the industry, I recently started working as a female correspondent for BNR Weekly and have met wonderful people along the way that have taught me so much as far as the industry and as selling myself as a model. I have done many themed shoots, editorial work, print work for several magazines including Ryze-Up Magazine and Bella Morte Magazine. And Have been featured in several model pages on social networking. For that, I am Stocked!
Is there anything you like changing about yourself? Wow! that’s a good question, as a woman it would not be redundant to say I would “lose 10 pounds” or “Change this, or that” about myself, however being who I am and embarrassing what God gave me is what has gotten me where I am now. I am not a size 0. I am under 5’7 and don’t meet the “Standard” Model profile but that hasn’t changed my outcome. So to answer your question I would not change anything physical about myself. I would like to stop “Worrying” about things I cannot control. I would like to learn to be more patient dealing with some issues that hit in everyday life and lastly I would like to learn to relax when needed. Other than those three things I am generally happy with who I am today.
What are some of your favorite models and designers? Favorite models would have to be Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Whitney Thompson. Favorite Designers are Ra’mone-Lawrence Coleman-was able to work with him in Style Exhibition Columbia fashion week, Paul/Maurice Marciano, and Coco Chanel.
How would you describe your style? My style is honestly all over the place. Sometimes I am very edgy with a rocker style and others I enjoy wearing vintage clothing and chic styles that would have been worn by Marilyn Monroe herself. I love bright colors and contrast however I also enjoy black and often wear all black clothing. It gives me a casual uptown feel. I, like most girls, do love glitz and glamour. so with any outfit accessories are a must. Either way, I just wear what I am feeling that day…and sometimes it is just a band shirt with my favorite leggings.
What are your strengths? And what are your weaknesses? One strength I pride myself on relating to other people no matter what the circumstances. As far as modeling I feel I have a great sense of lighting and my angles. Angles are very important especially if you are a plus-size model. Outside of what I already said in what I would change about myself, I would say a weakness of mine personally is remembering names. I hate that fact about me especially when I’m in the spotlight. So if anyone ever introduces themselves I will try to remember who they are. I never forget a beautiful face or a funny joke, but the names are terrible. As for modeling, I would say a weakness of mine is holding a perfect face when jumping or hanging upside down. That is hard work.
Where do you generally shop? I don’t spend a lot of money on my clothes. I appreciate a vintage look to my style. I’ve been told I look as if I spent a lot of money on my wardrobe, but I honestly love shopping at places like Goodwill or thrift stores. Not because I don’t have the money, but to me, they tell a story and are easily put into a newer wardrobe that makes the outfit so chic. I also steal some of my mother’s clothes sometimes when I have made a trip to her house. She has fashion styles from early in her life that would make any fashion designer in this era jealous!
What other modeling projects have you done? Of course, I’ve done print work, but I also recently did a commercial for Leslie on the air 103.3 based out of Charlotte Nc. Doing a commercial is modeling. You are marking yourself.
What kind of modeling are you interested in and why? I absolutely love high fashion and editorial modeling. That’s my most favorite looks. The lights and contrast most of the editorial looks have really appeal to me. I also do love doing alternative modeling showcasing my tattoos.
Do you have any other experience in the fashion industry like writing photography etc.? I actually do, I have a degree in Digital design as well as a minor in Digital photography. I have also written reviews on shows and other events in magazines such as Ryze-Up Magazine.
How would you describe working with the photographer? A model and a photographer co-exist into one main focus..getting that perfect shot. When there is chemistry with a photographer it seems as if the creative mind is able to just flow. Each of you creating an idea that portrays the perfect look for the designer or whoever needs the photos taken. As a model, it is my job to make the photographer’s job easy. It’s my job to get a general idea of the look he is looking for, and then pose so. It never looks good if a photographer has to pose you. Unless he has a specific shot or poses in mind. That being said if you are not connecting with the photographer’s creativity then it can be very intimidating.
What makes a stylish woman or man? Is there a difference? I believe in either gender it’s not about letting the clothes wear you. It’s about you wearing clothes. I honestly believe that if a person finds an outfit that fits their body type and their personality, that they can rock out anything, while still being themselves. Style to me just means that they are wearing their personality on their skin.
What are some of your favorite fashion photographers? Amanda Diaz is my ultimate favorite Photographer I also enjoy Darryl Hanna. There are so many great photographers its hard to pick just a few!
Do you do your own hair and make-up? I do my hair and makeup in everyday life however when I have an event, commercial, photoshoot, I have several makeup artists that I usually work with. My favorite, however, is Karolyn Papers Ingram. She is phenomenal!
What are some of the main differences between the runway and photographic modeling? In the runway, you have one shot for the perfect photo and it’s at the end of the runway. Before walking the runway usually, it’s hectic and frantic. Between last-minute changes or “Quick Changes” and touch-up of hair and makeup, you usually have all but about a minute to change into another outfit and hair and makeup before stepping on the runway. You have about 5 people working on you at one time and you’re naked in front of all the other girls about to walk. It’s crazy. A photoshoot gives you much more time to get ready, you can take as much time as you need to get the perfect shot. The difference I would say would be adrenaline!
What’s your favorite outfit from your own closet? I absolutely love a pair of black leggings I have and a long leopard print sheer dress shirt I have. Pair that with the proper heels and I’m out the door!
Describe the atmosphere when you’re on a shoot? Depending on the shoot and place it could be either hectic or relaxing. Usually the photographers I work with always make you feel at home. So usually for me, it’s fun with loud music which really helps me get into “Character”.
Why would you think you’re fit for being a model? I am fit for being a model because a model is someone who people can look up to. A model in my eyes is someone who is real, who other people want to be. So by being myself and loving what I do, I have embarrassed being a model.
Do you have any limitations? I refuse to do any nude photos. And I prefer not to do lingerie. It would all depend on the job. If it was for a sears catalog in their nighttime wear it might be a little different. But I would never pose in playboy or any other magazine like that. The girls who do, you rock it out! Just not for me.
Describe the ideal work environment for you. Being around photographers who love their job and want to work together to create the perfect shot.
What are your likes and dislikes? Likes: Starbucks coffee, Pepsi, a great steak, Sons of Anarchy, and The Walking dead. those things are trending now. Dislikes: 5:00 traffic, traffic in general especially when I have an audition or photoshoot I have to be at. and rude people. I try to be nice to everyone, never know what kind of day they are having.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? I would like to thank you very much for this wonderful interview! And would like for any person trying to pursue a goal no matter what is, to embrace it and do work!