I'm the spokesmodel and photographer for The Studio Concept in Atlanta, GA. The modeling and fashion industry is my passion!Visit her website HERE
Artistic. Creative. Beautiful. Influential. Sexy. Ambitious. Talented. Fearless.
Whatever you are...Just B.
Are we living the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of in his "I Have A Dream" speech?
I could go on and on about this subject but my answer is a matter-of-factly no. Yes, as Americans we have come along way however, there is still a long journey ahead of us. The ignorant, small-minded ghosts of the past still exist-haunting the minds of individuals across all races. I don't suspect that we will ever rid ourselves of these apparitions but we must continually work at Dr. King's dream. Deplorably, we have done exactly what he feared. We have "engaged in the luxury of cooling off" and "taking the tranquilizing drug of gradualism". However all is not lost. There is still time and opportunity to carry out the vision that was not only given to Dr. King but to all those who marched along side him on that historical day.
What beliefs do you hold onto that motivate you to do what you do?
I believe in God and I believe that He is. I believe that if my heart is vigiland on Him, he will guide my paths through life. I'm always conscious of the fact the He has blessed me with talents to share with those around me and eventually the world. These abilities, these gifts...I do not take for granted. They could have easily been given to someone else but I believe he saw fit to give them to me for a reason. I am ever grateful for the opportunity. The passion I have for the fashion industry and journalism keeps me going when I'm having my "not-so-good" days. I don't believe that life was meant to be easy so when challenges arise, I take them as chances to make me a better person and wax stronger in my endowments.
Who in your life has pushed you the hardest concerning your dreams?
Definitely my mother. She has always been my number one supporter. She is the reason why I strive to be the best at what I do. I'm also grateful to my photographer, business partner and friend, G14. He pushed me as a model and taught me the art of photography. I've always been a creative person but it was G14 who helped me tap into a new dimension of dexterity.
Black women have always been these vixens, these animalistic erotic women. Why can't we just be the sexy American girl next door?"-Tyra Banks
Does the media sensualize black women in particular more so than any other race??? What do you think of this quote?
I'm kind of torn on this subejct. There are so many notable issues surrounding this point. Yes the media does sensualize black women more than any other race but I believe it's because we (black women) allow them to. White women are presently the standard of American beauty and have been for a long time. It's pretty much common knowledge that black women aren't really in demand in the high fashion industry. Thus the birth of "urban modeling". A model by definition is a person who is posed or displayed for the purpose of art, fashion, or other products and advertising. The black community has created an opportunity (and a very limited one might I add) for black women to "model".
This arena of "modeling" consists of beautiful, curvaceous women wearing "barely there" outfits or maybe even nude and 97% of it has nothing to do with art, fashion or advertisement. Black women have resorted to "modeling" their bodies. "Urban modeling" is growing daily and the demand for younger, more attractive and more daring women is increasing-and the demand is being supplied. In turn, the media has supplied countless opportunities to distribute this "urban modeling". It is for this reason I believe we are not seen as the "sexy American girls next door".
What do you feel about the influence the entertainment industry has on children and adults alike?
I think we forget that entertainers do just that...entertain. We look at the rehearsed fantasy they show us in videos and we listen to their calculated lyrics and think it's something to be obtained. That life is always "glamourized". The characters in those fantasies are unbelievably attractive super heroes with endless bank accounts and a plethora of men/women to choose from. The life of a magician: pulling disappearing acts with your "problems" by throwing money at them. I guess you can say entertainers are quite good at what they do because it moves a lot of people to strive to either LIVE like them or LOOK like them. Depending on what the "fantasy" was is what makes some situations so unfortunate.
What do you think about the divorce rate being at 50% percent and what do you think could change this?
Again, this is one of those questions with so many notable variables. Lol! I believe it boils down to two main reasons: (1) parents are raising children a lot differently now as oppose to the way my generation was raised and even those before me. Which leads into my next point. (2) people simply don't take marriage vows as seriously as they used to. Honestly, I'm surprised the divorce rate ins't higher. Its very unfortunate but the reality is most people are not taught the real meaning of marriage vows, what you're really saying when you vow to be with someone for life and that only death can come between the two of you. That's heavy! Marriage has become embellished also. It's treated like an ornament or the perfect accessory to a flawless outfit. Whenever you're tired of it or that pristine feeling subsides, you can just take it off.
How vital/valuable do you believe your family is to your success?
MY family is extremely important to me. They are my constant support. My family keeps my grounded in reality while simultaneously encouraging me to reach my dreams.
Do you believe that college or higher education is necessary to be successful?
I used to but now that I'm older, I don't anymore. There are countless situations of determined, ambitious individuals who have succeeded without a college degree and in some cases without a diploma. Society is changing though. It's becoming increasingly harder to get a job without the proper qualifications and training. I do believe education is important but success is not contigent on how much education you have.
What is your definition of SUCCESS?
My definition of SUCCESS: The ability to view my life in retrospect and feel a sense of accomplishment from achieving my personal goals and objectives; the satisfaction gained in executiing or attaining what disbelievers said I could not do or have.
Today more than ever, it is becoming increasingly important to generate your own revenue and income because of the slim pickings in the job market. What would you as an entrepreneur tell someone looking to make their passion a career??
PLEASE make certain that your career choice is something you want to do. There is little time for waivering. Understand that you are taking your "passion" and using it to create a "job" for yourself. Recognize that not everyone wants or needs the service you are offering. Like any other job, there will be days when you want to quit but it won't be as easy because that is your source of income. Be savvy about how you spend money. Turn your funds into "smart money" and make good investments. Lastly, invest (time and/or money) into other budding business. I strongly believe that when you help others, you help yourself.
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