Interview with Yonique
Yonique is a 24-year old model residing in New York, New York.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My personal motto is “impossibilities are mere challenges” and I live my life accordingly. I love to sing, dance, choreography, write poems and songs and I dabble other thing that has to do with the Arts. I love the Arts.
I was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica and after completing my Bachelors in International Relations at the University of the West, I worked in field of Youth Development, empowering attached and unattached youths. Then I moved to Japan where I lived, taught English, Modeled and Acted for 3 years.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I think my love for modeling began in the womb because by the age of three it was apparent to my mother that I was going to be a model. When I was in high school , I was discovered by a modeling scout in my school . My father said the industry was too loose and he didn’t allowed me to take the opportunity so I had to wait until I finished university to really pursue it.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I can see myself being the CEO and the chairman of successful non profit organizations and businesses. I am an idealist so I know that if I have the financial backing then what I conceive will be successful. Additionally, I want to have published my autobiography and my first novel by then. I have already published a short poetry book called “Love Notes” that is currently available on Amazon.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Currently, I have taken an artistic break so that I can analyze if I am truly fulfilling my artistic potential. I want my pictures to tell stories and so I want to get work with more photographers that can capture stories and not just shoot pictures.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
So far the best experience is when I got to shoot the 2013 spring and summer campaign for YEVS, which is a Japanese Clothing Company. It was my first major job and I had the opportunity to see myself on billboards, in catalog and online. It was very exciting.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I once went on a Go – See in Japan for a magazine that was interested in shooting me. However, when I got there, it was apparent that they had no interest in me and it was a case of mistaken identity because they asked me about the whereabouts of another model. I was quite embarrassed but I remained professional and smiled.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I would like the industry to have less trial and error and perverted photographers calling themselves professional. Additionally, children under 16 should not be allowed to be high fashion models because it’s exposing them too much to the world of drugs, sex and alcohol much too soon.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I have always been athletic and I played a wide range of sports ranging from football to volleyball and tracks in High School and College. Now, I rarely have the time to do them so I just walk everywhere I go in order to remain healthy. I am naturally skinny so I do not really diet or exercise and I typically eat anything but I love fruits, especially strawberries. I eat them everyday.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am a Nichirien Buddhist and I have a blog where I write poems.
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
I would love to be more fearless, thus I want to have unwavering faith.
What features do you look for in a partner?
I like men first of all. So my ideal man has to be honest with appreciation for the simple things in life. He should be communicative, loving, understanding and supportive . My ideal partner needs to be intelligent and emulous and of course pleasing to the eye and other areas. That’s not too much to ask for, is it ?
Visit Yonique’s website for more photos and information