How long have you been modeling?
I have been modeling for about 3 years now. I took my first pictures about 3 1/2 years ago but I have learned that there is a big difference between taking pretty pictures and being a model.
What made you decide to pursue a career in modeling?
I used to be a wardrobe stylist and everyone would tell me I was on the wrong side of the camera. Someone finally talked me into doing a shoot and I loved it!
What impact has modeling had on your personal life?
Personal life...what is that? Because of what I do, everything is public! I was in Detroit for the SuperBowl in a really really really cheap shoe store (LOL) with my sister with no makeup and my hair tied up and someone recognized me...I had someone come up to me at my Aunt's funeral and ask to take a picture. There is no such thing as time off! But I asked for this life so I am thankful everyday. I know to whom much is given, much is required.
Overall, what has been your opinion of the modeling industry as a whole?
The industry is crazy...its competitive, sometimes stressful and always hard work. It is not for anyone with a weak mind, body, soul or stomach!
What do you intend to gain or get out of your career in modeling?
With anything that I do, whether it be modeling, acting, whatever, I'd like to be influential...someone that in the end used their celebrity for positive.
What can visitors expect when they visit your website?
When you visit my website you can expect to get a mix of everything. I have all types of pictures from bodypaint to high fashion shots to the big booty stuff you might see in BlackMen's Magazine (LOL). Soon I'll have movie clips from various music videos, fashion shows, ect. Unlike many of my fellow models, anyone can email me directly from my site and expect a
personal response. I also have a store with merchandise ranging from t-shirts and posters to playing cards and I am constantly adding things.
Have strangers started approaching you on the street because they've seen your website and how does that make you feel?
Yeah, strangers telling me they googled me and found my website is so flattering. It lets me know that people are watching me and it makes me work harder because I don't want to let them down!
What are some of the projects you're currently working on?
I am working on 2 new movie projects and a new calendar. I am working with my sister on a non-profit organization that does make-overs for underpriviledged young ladies for prom and another that promotes AIDS/HIV awareness. I try to stay pretty busy.
What are your turn-ons?
Teeth/Smile, Nice Skin, Ambition, Fresh Haircuts.
What are your turn-offs?
Laziness, Bad Hyigene, Excess Hair.
Name some things you couldn't live without?
oxygen, water, Special Effects Atomic Pink hair dye, my cellphone, the internet and chapstick.
How would you describe your overall personality?
I'm energetic, outgoing, loud, carefree at times. I'm hella silly...you could get me to do just about anything for a laugh.
Tell us one thing about yourself that tends to shock people once they get to know you personally?
People are most suprised to find out that I am a big nerd. I hate to go to the club...trying to get me to go is like pulling teeth. I much rather stay at home with some drinks and just talk and laugh.
What would you consider your greatest strength?
I can talk my way into anything so my greatest strength would be I guess the gift of gab.
What would you consider your greatest physical asset?
I don't know about GREATEST physical assest but I like my eyes...
What signals do you give to a man when you want him to make the first move?
I'm a big flirt so I guess it would be kind of hard to tell when I am serious but if I want a man to make a move, I just make it.
What signals do you give a man when you want him to stay away?
I think one of the most valuable things a man ever told me is that they are not mind readers. Signals don't work. Just tell them ladies.
What is the one thing you wish all men knew about women?
That sometimes we just need to hear it. It can be basically anything but alot of men feel like a woman already knows shes beautiful or that he loves her or even that her shoes are cute so he won't tell her but we need that.
Give us an example of what you'd consider the perfect first date?
Perfect first date...we go somewhere cool, where we can talk(not the movies or the loudest bar you can find) and just vibe. He doesn't try too hard or try to force something to happen.
Regarding the gentlemen you date, name one quality they must possess and why?
I love an honest man. Honest with me, with himself, and the people around him. Honesty just makes the situation better for everyone. Men: always allow a woman to make her own decision. If you lie, you make up her mind for her. This pushes women away.
If you had to make a choice...today...of the one place on earth to live out the rest of your life, where would it be and why?
If I had to make a choice today where I would live the rest of my life, I'd spin the globe and stop it with my finger. There are too many places I haven't seen yet! And that's kind of the way I ended up in Atlanta...LOL
What are your opinions on the state of the black male today?
The state of the Black male is alarming. His focus is jaded and he is oblivious. We have to begin to educate... ourselves, each other, and our children. WAKE UP!!!
When a gentleman attempts to approach you in public, give us some advice on how it should be done?
I like to be approached as respectfully as possible. I don't need to hear about what you have, drive, or where you live. If I'm interested you won't need any accessories. Just be cool, be real, be you.
Give us a description of a normal evening at home with you?
A normal evening at home...I wash off my makeup if I had a shoot and put my hair in a ponytail. I put on sweatpants or boxers and a wife beater. I open a bottle of red wine(I like it all... Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet..). I cut on John Mayer or Anita Baker and call my mom. I check my emails, send a million and surf the net to see what people are talking about and who and whats new in the industry.
Overall today theres a lot of talk regarding sisters and the whole bisexual movement, if you want to call it that. What are your personal feelings regarding this rising 'phenomenon' among black women?
I don't know what is going on truthfully. I see it happening and it's like women are giving up...giving up on men and giving up on our ability to keep a man overselves. I don't understand but to each her own.
What are your thoughts regarding brothers on the DL(Down Low)? This seems to be a growing issue that our sisters are dealing with today.
The "Down Low Brother Phenomenon" goes back to what I said about honesty. You have to give a woman a choice. Now I'm not saying to buy a rainbow shirt but you have to be honest with a woman that is potentally putting her life at risk by sleeping with a man that is sleeping with someone else(man or woman). There are alot of women that will continue to date a bi-sexual man and alot more that SAY that they would not but have no idea what they would do if the situation was not hypothetical. As women, we also need to learn to praise our men for honesty, even if we don't like what they are being honest about.
Are there any current issues that the African-american community's dealing with that cause you the most concern?
The issue today that is the cause of most concern to me is the AIDS/HIV epidemic. We as a community have to become more aware of not only what is going on in the world around us but in our very own communities. Knowing your status is SO important. This is where being honest with yourself comes in.
Ok...unfortunately there will always be 'haters' lurking around. Have you experienced that in your modeling endeavors and if so, how have you dealt with it?
I have learned that haters come with the territory. I try to educate the people that "hate" on me because most of it comes from ignorance. Not all girls that do videos sleep with the artists or directors, not all light-skinned girls are mixed with something else, not all models are airheads. I am also honest with myself so I know that my forehead is big, I talk too much,
and my hair is potentially ghetto so when these are the things a hater decides to talk about, it's funny. It hurts a little when they make up things but like I said, it comes with the territory and my mom is helping me alot. She was too an entertainer.
What are some of your other interest outside of modeling?
Outside of modeling I love history. I love animals. I love art and all types of music. I told you I was a big nerd.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years professionally I'd like to be household name. I'll be an incorporation. I really don't know exactly what I want to do because there are so many things...movies, soap operas, sitcoms, hosting that I'd like to try before I pick but in the next 5 years I want to try some, if not all of those things. In 5 years personally, I'd like to see myself at my little sister Diamond's college graduation and I wouldn't mind being married.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in modeling?
Be honest to yourselves ladies. Do your research. Learn what it takes to me a model and make a plan of how to get there. Find a mentor. Take care of yourselves, inside and out. If it is what you want, dedicate yourself and Good Luck!
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