How long have you been modeling?
I've been modeling since I was 15!
What made you decide to pursue a career in modeling?
I love dressing up! Taking pictures and capturing a moment in time is so much fun. Hopefully, one day I'll be able to show off my pics to my grand kids.
What impact has modeling had on your personal life?
I have fun showing my pictures to my friends and family...at times I can’t even believe it’s me.
Overall, what has been your opinion of the modeling industry as a whole?
My last photo shoots revealed to me that I dont have to be perfect to take hot pics. Photoshop works wonders! Now that is not to say you can be a total slob and get lypo, a boob job, and a face-lift with Photoshop, but a little imperfection here and there won’t ruin the whole shoot.
What do you intend to gain or get out of your career in modeling?
I want to show that you dont have to be 5'9" and stick skinny. You can be short and curvaceous and still be beautiful in this industry.
What can visitors expect when they visit your website?
ME! I am in the process of getting a few everyday shots up so that not only do you see the model GEM, but the real me too! The site lets you know where else on the web you can find me, and what is going on with my career.
Have strangers started approaching you on the street because they've seen your website and how does that make you feel?
Usually people recognize me from MySpace. :) I'm so charismatic and down to earth that its feels crazy to be labeled "sexy." I love the attention though.
What are some of the projects you're currently working on?
I just shot for Midwest Flavaz, my first magazine shoot so this will be my debut! I am also in the planning stages of my 2008 calendar.
What are your turn-ons?
I love tattoo's and clean cut pretty men!
What are your turn-offs?
Long hair!
Name some things you couldn't live without?
Powder foundation, Smoothie mix, Skittles, my Nephews, deodorant and 4 inch heals.
How would you describe your overall personality?
I am so goofy. I love to joke and laugh. When I work with people they are usually surprised how down to earth I am.
Tell us one thing about yourself that tends to shock people once they get to know you personally?
I have tattoos! Five big ones.
What would you consider your greatest strength?
My ability to laugh. I think happiness is so contagious. A smile can spread quickly.
What would you consider your greatest physical asset?
My eyes. I also have pretty long legs and a flat tummy, so I love to show them off.
What signals do you give to a man when you want him to make the first move?
Hmmmm...usually I'm pretty touchie feelie. He would have to ask the question...Am I holding your hand or touching you? If I am stand-offish there's a big possibility I may not want you touching me.
What signals do you give a man when you want him to stay away?
No eye contact. :) I normally start looking at my watch and yawning.
What is the one thing you wish all men knew about women?
Little things sincerely mean a lot. I love spending quality time with my partner and just hanging out.
Give us an example of what you'd consider the perfect first date?
Dinner and a horror or action movie. I LOVE movies!
Regarding the gentlemen you date, name one quality they must possess and why?
I tend to like pretty men. I know people say you will fall in love with a persons personalities, maybe so, I probably wont be taking that chance. I like good-looking men!
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?
Belize! Everyone spoke english, it was tropical and beautiful. Very laid back, and peaceful. It was a t-shirt and jeans kind of place. I loved it!
What are your opinions on the state of the black male today?
I think there are so many negative stereotypes that we need to stop buying into them. I love the intelligent broke college student. I think all the bling and fast cash is really over rated.
When a gentleman attempts to approach you in public, give us some advice on how it should be done?
A simple, "hello" would be nice. No whistles or yelling. That's kind of tacky.
Give us a description of a normal evening at home with you?
I get home cook(I love to cook) and watch 'King of Queens' and then hit 'Court TV'. I also love 'Forensic Files'.
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 think women are open minded about there sexuality, and women in general are very sexy right now. It’s ok to look at another woman and think she's beautiful. How you react to that feeling on the other hand is up to you. I think black men need to step up and be there so that we dont have to look to each other for that lack of affection.
What are your thoughts regarding brothers on the DL(Down Low)? This seems to be a growing issue with our sisters today.
Men cheating. Man, if you can’t give a woman the 'basic' respect of being with her and only her when that is the agreement, you should be ashamed of yourself. I think it’s extremely cowardly and selfish to be with a woman and cheat. Either you don't want to hurt her feelings, meaning you think your so tight that she would want to stay knowing your doing what you do, or you want her and any other chick you can have, leaving her to have to share. I guess any way it goes that's a pretty selfish decision to make.
Are there any current issues that the African-American community's dealing with that cause you the most concerns?
AIDS and education. I think we’re much smarter then we want to believe... I think our culture needs to stop putting so much emphasis on immediate gratification and work harder for our future and our moral foundation period. Let's get back to going to school and mending all these broken homes. AIDS in itself is sad. I still don't think we take it seriously.
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’ve heard things here and there, but I haven't directly had any problems...yet.
What are some of your other interest outside of modeling?
I love a good education. Just the opportunities as an ethnic woman, to obtain knowledge and try and become an educated person is seriously a privilege.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see a lot of things. I want to be on top of my game in life...both in the modeling game and in my personal life. I want to be on the cover of magazines, on TV, and I want to be someone’s wife and a great mother. I want a little me someday! :)
So in closing, what advice would you give to young women considering a career in modeling?
Try and connect with someone who can help(a group or an agency). Being young and alone you'll have a tendency for people to take advantage of you. Before I met Kimberly Steward(K. Steward Management/Lady’s of Soul) I swore I would never model again. I was put into a real scary situation being alone with an older man. Fortunately, I now have the Lady's of Soul to always hold me down. You can do what ever you put your mind to also. Don't let anyone say you can’t do it. Look at Tyra. :)
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