Interview with Charlee D — Full time Mom and Model
Charlee D is a 25-year old model residing in San Diego, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. to a homemaker Lawanna Dawson and a full time worker and musician Curtis Dawson. I am number 10 of the 14 children that my parents gave birth to together. I was always a shy quiet bookworm who loved to sing. I eventually broke out of my shell in high school when I became the president of my show choir and did plenty of performances. Growing up in a household with 14 siblings with 1 working parent was not always easy but it was fun and I had to find a way to stand out on my own.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
While in high-school my dad was having health problems so I took it upon myself to go out and find a job on my own so that I can be self sufficient and that’s when I was hired to work on at Hollister Co and the job title was “model”. I loved my first job and took whatever shifts I could. While working one evening there was a buzz going around that one of the staff was a real model and everyone was trying to figure out who it was. I found out that they thought it was me! I never imagined being a model I just loved to sing, but the actual model he approached me and asked if I was a model I told him “no!” That’s when he revealed that he was a model in Mexico and that I had a great look and could make a good career out of it. He then gave me a card with a photographer’s number on it and told me to give him a call. I gave him a call and set up my first photoshoot, I couldn’t believe it! Then it went on from there.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My professional goals are to become a professional singer and model and travel performing and doing shoots. In 10 years I see myself as being a big name that is a great role model for not only African American women but young women in general. My personal goals are to have a family and my masters degree in 10 years and be the best mom I can be.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I mainly do photoshoots, promotional modeling and some catwalks. Before giving birth to my son I was balancing modeling and working but I would love to only be able to support myself and my son solely on modeling and performing. I just need to be presented with the opportunity to do so.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
All of my experiences so far have been amazing and I am truly blessed to have had them! My worst experience with modeling is the schedule. I was going to school full time and working full time supporting myself so most gigs that I got I was not able to do them. Also I signed with an out of San Diego agency that never got work so it was a waste of a contract. The best experience that I had with modeling was meeting different photographers and learning new things about myself which helped me grow as a model. I have never had a class in my life and growing up I was always camera shy. Once you get a great photographer you are comfortable with, you can capture some amazing shots.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
The most embarrassing moment I have had while modeling was when I was hired on to do a fashion show and I am a model with curves -breasts, hips and butt- and I was the only model there with my figure all of the other models were stick thin with no curves and were all very catty and mean towards me especially when we had to change in the back. I felt extremely bad and insecure about myself but once getting on that catwalk and seeing the crowd’s reaction towards me I felt a million times better!! Even after the show I was approached by several photographers that wanted to work with me.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
If I could change the modeling industry I would make it more vast. I would have agencies in small towns so all the people everywhere that wanted to model didn’t have to give up everything they had just to take a chance at getting signed. I would also take away all of the scam artists and perverts who prey on young aspiring models who have no clue what they’re doing or no guidance in the industry.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Before I was pregnant I would do Mixed Martial Arts as my fitness routine at least 5 times a week. I also practiced extremely healthy eating habits. I was a pescatarian and ate 6 small meals a day and only drank water and took a woman’s vitamin every morning to help supplement my nutrition.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
What people don’t know about me is that I am terrified of crickets. I can handle any other bug but crickets!!!
Would you change anything about yourself?
If I could change anything physically about myself is that I would have healthier skin and lose the baby birth stretch marks.
Are you currently in a relationship? How would you describe your partner?
I am currently in a serious relationship with the father of my son. He is an amazing talented person. He loves me unconditionally and does the best he can for my son and I.