What made you want to model?
I can't really say when it was that I decided my dream was to be a model, because as long as I can remember, that's just the way I've felt. I will say that I enjoy the ride everyday, it's a constant adventure. I can't even imagine what else may be in store for me!
What was your first job?
My first job was shooting catalog for J.C. Penney department stores. I can remember getting the call that I was going to work for them, and you'd of thought I had won the lottery. I didn't think life could get any better than that! Funny thing is, I still shoot for J.C. Penney with people from the same crews that I worked with back then and they have literally watched me grow up from age 11, to soon to be, 21! No matter where this modeling thing leads me or where I end up in life, those people will always be family.
Which photoshoot has been your favorite so far?
Just about everyday and every shoot is fun for me because I just take this whole business with a grain of salt. I certainly do treat my job as a business, as it is my liv[ing], but I promised myself that if I ever stopped enjoying the majority of it, I would get out. There are plenty of shoots that stand out to me, but there is one in particular that popped into mind when I you first asked the question. I spent a little time in Miami, with Irene Marie Agency, and met a friend there that ended up being a photographer. Navid and I would get together and when we were bored, he would suggest testing. "Why not?," I thought. My favorite picture out of my 10 plus years in this business, came from an impromptu shoot for fun with Navid! By the way, Navid was a featured photographer from MTV's, 8th and Ocean. Congrats to him on his success!
If you could do any campaign, what would it be?
Anyone who knows me at all could answer this question... Victoria's Secret! It's a small infatuation of mine! I don't get too carried away over much, but if I landed something with them, pure hysteria! There's plenty of other campaigns I would shed tears over, but Victoria's Secret has definitely been top of my list for years.
Which models do you look up to?
Honestly I couldn't go as far to say that I look up to any top models, because I haven't met many! There are several that I look for and like to see do well, but then again, they're all just people like you and me. I couldn't look up to someone based off a pretty photo. I would get the biggest kick out of meeting a well-known model who's still grounded, down-to-earth, and genuine. It's unfortunate to say that alot of the stereotypes people place on this industry are true: the cattiness, attitudes, party life, etc.,. However, there are exceptions to every rule and I'm sure plenty of the girls I see and love, would turn out to be real people, who realize their luck in making a living in this business.
Who are your favorite models?
My favorite models... I love all the classic beauty girls of the past. They were just naturally gorgeous even with unkept hair and no makeup! Low maintenance is key.
When you're not modeling, what do you like to do?
This is one question I could carry on about. I absolutely love coming from Texas and everything that goes with it. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't raised as some country bumpkin in a little town no one knows of, but I would love to retire in that fashion! At home, I camp, fish, and as of recently, even hunt a little bit. l love riding four wheelers and being outside in the heat. Anything that involves wearing a bandana, jeans, boots, and no makeup appeals to me. One other little hobby of mine that most find crazy is that I really enjoy mowing the yard and trimming hedges. I'm lookin' for some property out in the east Texas Hill Country, and I would be tickled to ride around on my tractor and raise cattle! While I'm doing that, my husband can prepare the meals and raise the kiddos! Dreams come true.
What type of music do you listen to?
Country, country, country. That about sums up my music selection. I've got a few odds and ends CDs in my collection, but country music is where it's at. We've got a whole slew of country artists that come from Texas and have no intention of doing the mainstream Nashville thing. They tour Texas and play for their natives! I've got alot of Chris Knight, Reckless Kelly, Jason Boland, Cooder Graw, Randy Rogers. I also love the classics: George Strait, Willie, Charlie Daniels Band, and Waylon Jennings.
What is your relationship with your family? Are they supportive?
I am insanely close to my parents. My dad will tell you [that] he's been my biggest fan since the beginning! When I told him at age 9 or 10 that I wanted to be a model, he made it happen. I don't regret getting into the business so young, yet one downside of this has been the frustration of trying at something for so long and not getting results quick enough. Because I have been modeling for so many years now, whereas most people my age are just getting started, many times I have to step back and remind myself that I'm still young, and that there is still plenty of time.
I'm really just entering my prime years to make this happen, and my dad reminds me, when I'm down or frustrated, of all the good fortunes I've had so far. He's always encouraging me to "keep truckin'." Now my mom was a little skeptical of the whole modeling thing in the beginning. I was one of those overachievers in high school and when it came down to traveling or going to college, my mom was of course concerned with me "throwing away" all that I had worked for to try and follow a dream that's so competitive, ever-changing, and where there are no guarantees. My dad's the dreamer whereas my mom's the realist. I will say that the past couple of years, we've won her over to our side and now she's right there with my dad, encouraging and supporting me! They both know how badly I want this and how happy I am doing it. I know they'll both be reading this at some point... I just want to tell y'all how blessed I am to have the two of you as my backbone. I can tell y'all everything without judgment and know that your love is never-ending. I'd be lost without you both, and can only hope to be to my own children, what y'all are to me. I LOVE Y'ALL!
Are there any downsides to being a model?
Any downsides to modeling... of course, like everything else. Doing this, you've got to have thick skin. Rejection comes daily. I used to get so hurt when I'd cast and not get the job, now it's like, "Damn, Maybelline doesn't want me, better luck next time." Another point, for the girls especially, is you've got to keep your wits about you. It's very easy to become enthralled with the whole lifestyle. Alot of models, new or veterans, are so attracted to the "perks", being the nightlife and events. That whole scene was very awkward and unnatural to me. I have this dream, I do my job everyday, then I'm just me.
If you weren't a model, what would you be?
This is at the extreme other end of the spectrum, but I always wanted to work in forensics! I love to watch true crime television and see the whole investigation evolve. If not for modeling, I would probably be doing something in this field. Another dream of mine has always been to become a country western singer! Not sure how it sounds to everyone else, but I guess my voice is decent. Yet it's probably best that I stick to karaoke!
Have you done runway work? Which shows would you want to walk in?
I've done a fair amount of runway work back home, but even that took me awhile to be given the chance. Unfortunately, being 5'8 (plus a little bit!), it's automatically assumed that you can't rock a runway like those 6-footers. I beg to differ! All I can say is when you're told no, try and try again! Honestly, I'd be honored to work any show. It's a nice change of pace to go from doing only print modeling to walking a runway. The music, the clothes, the people... it's very exhilarating!
Do you have upcoming jobs we can look forward to?
Moving to New York City from Texas four months ago, I've really surprised myself that I am so happy here. I absolutely love living in Texas and I've always dreaded traveling. Anywhere I've gone, I've sucked it up, counted the days, and got the hell back to Texas! New York however, threw me for a loop. This is the land of opportunity, and as cheesy as it sounds, you can just feel it in the air. Here, it's just the norm to go out for big clients on a daily basis. I've done so much catalog work in my career, which is great and pays the bills, but now I'm working on getting the editorial jobs. Tear sheets definitely make a book. I also just started getting into the commercial field. It's a whole different thing being in front of a running video camera versus a "snap, click!" It's challenging to throw yourself into a new city, new environment, and to expand into a field of work you're not accustomed to; but I'm enjoying the ride and feel so blessed for the chance.
Do you ever face harsh criticism? How do you deal with it?
Harsh criticism, absolutely. At this point, I've learned to let alot just roll off my back. It is a hard thing to do, getting into a business where you're under scrutiny all the time. My image is my livelihood, but at the end of the day, I'm the one that has to live with me and love me. A job's a job.
Do you have any model friends?
I do have model friends and most of them come from Texas too. We have a very close-knit group of girls back home and we all love and support each other. It's really refreshing because we understand what one another is going through with the strains of trying to pursue a successful career, but work is only a small part. We're friends first.
Do you check the internet to see what fans think about you?
Honestly, I'm not too computer savvy. I get on the Internet every so often long enough to check the ol' email, then I'm right back off. As I said earlier, my dad is my number one fan, so he gets a kick out of Googling me and finding things. He's actually the one that told me about your site! But since I have clicked around the site a bit, I am very flattered, and appreciate all of the nice things that your visitors have posted about me. It's nice to get the support of strangers. Thank y'all!
How would you describe your personal style?
Personal style... umm? I'm very low maintenance. No makeup and hair air-dried straight out of the tub is the way to go! As far as dress, I just wear what's comfortable. I wouldn't say I'm too into fashion. I do have a million pairs of jeans. Those along with some Justin Boots and a tank top, is my typical attire. I do enjoy being a girl and gettin' done up every now and again!
Have you met any celebrities? Are there any you want to meet?
No comment! I have always had a little crush on Matthew McConaughey. He's a down home southern boy that travels around living in his little mobile trailer, yet he's a successful movie star! I'd be tickled to encounter him one day... maybe at a Longhorns football game! I'm watchin' for you Matthew.
What are your words to live by?
Persistence. Dream it, believe it, it will be. You choose your destiny, don't let "no" be your fate.
Do you have a way for fans to contact you?
I don't have anyway of being contacted at the moment, though I will visit your site from time to time. I've been tossing around the thought of starting a website. Dad's idea, surprise surprise! We haven't made it happen yet, but hopefully in the near future.
Thank you so much for the interview. Is there anything you would like to add?
Again, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support and that of the visitors to the website. I feel very lucky in my life to have so much opportunity available. I believe I've got the best of both worlds, I love my job, and with persistence, the sky's the limit, yet I'm still simple and love being home, kicking back with a fishing pole! It's touching that strangers would take a minute to pat you on the back, tell you what a good job you're doing, and encourage you to keep on. Thank y'all so much and the best of luck to you all with your own endeavors. Take care!
Source:
http://www.modelportalnyc.com