Interview with Camara-Elecha
Camara-Elecha is a 20-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Camara Elecha Smith, I am 20 years old. I was born in Orange County, California to my father Carl Smith Sr. and my mother Yolanda Brown. I am the youngest of three children. As well as the only girl! My mom always told my brother and I that we can be and do anything we wanted as long as we worked twice as hard as the next person trying to take the spot we want. She also said that “even when you think you aren’t you are.” Meaning that even when you have a bad day and you think you’re completely far away from the goal you want to accomplish you are closer than you think. You’re closer than you were yesterday so keep pushing! never GIVE UP!
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
When I was 10 years old I would model and act in my bedroom to myself in the mirror! I always had the desire and dream in me to model and act but it was not until I was 19 years old that I took classes for both modeling and acting and fell in love with the craft and how much I could grow in it. I immediately began going on auditions and booking runway shows and background work for television! I began to live my dream and now I can’t stop!
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My personal goals would be to align myself with God’s will so that when one door closes and says NO! I automatically know that it’s not the door he wants me to walk through. I need that NO to be a catalyst to work harder for the Yes He is preparing me for vs. getting discouraged and quitting on my dreams. My Professional goals are to open my own community facilities for youth to provide a safe heaven for them to go to, to develop their dreams, prepare for college, and just be kids. I also want to continue to grow in modeling and be well rounded. As far as runway, print, catalog and campaign work is concerned. I want to branch into acting and have my face and brand out everywhere! In ten years I see myself accomplishing everything I just stated!
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I do runway, print, look-books and website editorials. All of these things consist of me preparing my body to be 100% capable of providing the client with exactly the image they are looking for. Alongside being versatile enough to adapt to any situation and any given time and still perform the way I know how!
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The best experience I have had this far has been a certain runway show I had the pleasure of being a part and during the rehearsals women that have been modeling longer than me complimented me on my walk and asked me for tips to improve theirs! It was very flattering and such a humbling experience. I can’t think of a bad experience, I try to learn from everything I experience as it will help me grow and become better.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
One embarrassing moment would be me tripping on the runway!!! However things happen, and you never stop or quit! you keep going and make every moment after that so amazing that everyone forgets you tripped; and that’s what I did!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I would change the height requirement!!!! I am 5’7 and sometimes I am overlooked simply because I am not 5’9 or 5’10. I have amazing talent but no one will ever see that if they don’t give shorter models a chance as well.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I’ve danced and played volleyball nearly my entire life. However with such a hectic schedule I just make sure I work out daily. It’s important to keep my body in the best shape possible so I can look great in any designer’s clothes as well as being able to deal with the sometimes long hours on shoots and fashion shows. What I eat is also very important. My mom always said growing up you are what you eat! Eating the right things will give your body energy and help speed up your outer body appearance alongside just being good for your body overall.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I dress like a body when I’m at home. Baggy shirts and big sweats are so comfortable!
Would you change anything about yourself?
I wouldn’t change anything! I was created this way for a reason so I’m going to work with what I got! I can only get better!
Do you have any fears or phobias?
I absolutely hate spiders!!! I will scream, run, cry if need be and go into cardiac arrest if someone doesn’t kill it!