Blog Archives

Sep 13 2014

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.

Charlee D wearing a green dressWhat 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?Charlee D wearing jeans

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.

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Aug 30 2014

Interview with Krystal Fang

Krystal Fang is a 23-year old model residing in San Diego, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey! It’s Krystal Fang, 23 year old model and singer located in San Diego, CA; raised in Oklahoma. About 2 years ago, I moved here with my husband who’s in the Navy. My family still lives in Oklahoma, but we get to visit each other every now and then. When I’m not modeling I love to sing, write songs, read, and watch cartoons. I’m a lame; I could watch Regular Show and Adventure Time all day everyday.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I’ve always loved being in front of the camera! As soon as I found out California was going to be my new home in 2012, I saw it as a huge opportunity to pursue my dreams. I started teaming up with super talented photographers, some who I still have the pleasure of working with to this day, and took it from there.

What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

It’s really exciting when I think of where I started and how much progress I’ve made over the years. I hope to continue working with such amazing individuals and learning all I can to further my knowledge and success. I can’t really say where I see myself in 5 to 10 years, but I can say I’ll keep enjoying life and cherishing every moment that I get to reach my full potential and then some.

Krystal Fang resting on a treeHow often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I am modeling as often as I can. Any opportunities I come across that are beneficial for myself and my career, I jump on them. My work varies from commercial, lifestyle, editorial, glamour, and nude. Recently I’ve gotten more involved with videos and it’s a lot of fun.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experience with modeling so far was being in my first music video for Wonder Broz and Sage the Gemini. When I was younger, I used to want to be in a video, so that was exciting for me. But it’s not just that; everybody who was there that day emanated the desire to be successful and we were all talented and creative in our own way. It’s always nice to be around others who are driven like yourself. I’m going to knock on wood before and after my next statement: Thankfully I haven’t had any really bad experiences so far!

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Oh man, I had a pretty funny shoot a few months back with AJ Garcia. We went out to a desert and I was freaking out because I am terrified of bees or anything large flying near me! And there were a lot! I saw it as a challenge I had to overcome; fear factor in real life. I almost had a panic attack that day. Not to mention I ended up cutting my foot from clumsiness and kept stepping on stickers everywhere. We laughed about it afterwards though, and it was definitely worth it because we got some awesome photos!

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Well um, yes! I wish there weren’t restrictions with some jobs when it comes to height. I’m a short girl (5’4″), yet I tend to photograph tall because I have long limbs.

Krystal Fang walking on a gardenDo you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

As I’ve started getting a little older, adding a better diet into my lifestyle has surprisingly become more important to me. I say surprisingly because I’ve always been a fast food junky. I just love food! Healthy and unhealthy. My new, and some old, habits include making smoothies every morning, taking vitamins, drinking a lot of water, and working out at least 3 days a week. I can honestly say I’ve noticed a difference, and I’m glad because I don’t want to run into a lot of health issues in the future. I’m working on finding that balance!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I don’t know how to whistle! I’m still cool though.

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

I would never change anything about myself. Nada.

Have you ever gone without wearing underwear all day? Why & what did you do?

Yes! When I’m at home relaxing, I like to be completely comfortable. Most of the time I’m walking around with just a crop top and underwear, and then sometimes I wear a cami dress…with nothing else. That might be too much information for some but hey, clothes can be annoying.

Visit Krystal Fang’s website for more photos and information

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Aug 28 2014

Interview with CC Mason

CC Mason is a 20-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a 20 year old singer and songwriter, SAG-AFTRA actress, and model. I grew up in Los Angeles and consider myself a true Valley Girl, down to the fact that I was born in Los Angeles Counties’ San Fernando Valley hospital… I am a first generation daughter of an immigrant on my dads side and some say that I have a slight European accent, but that is mostly because my dad never lost his accent and I have grown up around it.
My passions are science fiction, auto racing, gaming, cosplay and cats. I’ll often go to conventions, like Anime Expo, to show off my cosplay costumes. This year I went as “The Stig” from “Top Gear,” but usually I dress as characters from the anime “Naruto.” I also have a YouTube channel on which I play video games and post vlogs.

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I got involved in modeling by accident. I had done a couple photo shoots to promote my music and acting and one of the make up artists who I had worked with gave me a call and said that she was working on a look book shoot for some people from Tokyo. The clothes were for a size 0 model and the girl they had was no longer available. They gave me a call and the next day I was in downtown Los Angeles doing the shoot. I got some nice photos and a couple hundred dollars for the four hours work and had a lot of fun!

CC Mason showing her belly in a dark backgroundWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

I believe in grabbing every good opportunity that comes my way. I just finished filming a pilot for a major cable tv station where I have a co-starring weekly role and I have been lucky enough to work on a number of top tv shows. In the coming weeks I am recording some of my original songs at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood. I am also always looking out for new modeling gigs. I intend to keep all of these avenues open and will do that until one aspect takes over all the others. Until then, I will be involved in all of them.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

Like every business, the entertainment industry has an ebb and flow, but most weeks I am very busy. I was in two seasons of the television show “Pretty Little Liars” as a mystery character. If you were a viewer, you would see me most weeks but would never have seen my face! We worked a lot of long hours on that set, sometimes 16 or more hours a day, but it was very fun because the cast was very entertaining! I also was the body double in ABC families “Bunheads” for the lead ballerina, and often did many late night and evening shoots with that show. I have done featured roles on a number of shows where I did not know who the actors really were, but when I was on the set of “Vegas”, Dennis Quaid introduced himself to me. I was very star struck. My whole family are fans of his so I was a bit intimidated.

As a model, I have done a lot of look books. It is a good way to get a steady income. It isn’t the kind of thing that will make you the next super model but it builds your portfolio and your credentials.

Music is the one thing that I’m always doing, even if I’m not in the studio or in front of a microphone, I’m always writing and composing. It’s a fun thing to do when I have downtime on set!

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

It isn’t totally uncommon to see the occasional fireworks when you are working in an environment with a number of artistic people. I was on one shoot where the photographer was a maniac but the photos turned out so amazingly that you just have to let the crazy go over your head and roll with it!

I did a shoot in downtown Los Angeles and there was a limited amount of daylight left so we were rushing to get all of the shots. We did not have a dressing room so we were in an alley stripping down to change clothes behind a really stinky dumpster! I thought it was pretty funny but one of the other models was in tears. I’ve even had directors throw things at the cast to get us to move!

CC Mason wearing jeans showing her bellyHave you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

I did a photo shoot in a tunnel in downtown Los Angeles, and it absolutely reeked of urine! In some of the shots I was laying against the concrete. I could not wait to get out of those smelly clothes!
Another time I was shooting a music video for my song ‘Inappropriate.” It was filmed by Thomas Kloss, who does most of JLo’s videos as well as videos for Britney Spears and Lady Gaga and a bunch of others, and because of this, he has a lot of celebrity friends, as you can imagine. Anyways, I looked up after a take and Jason Momoa, Kahl Drogo from “Game of Thrones” was standing there. He had stopped by to say hi to Thomas. My mom, who is my manager, said between shots, “Oh there is a nice looking young man there maybe you should talk to him.” Ummm mom no, that is Conan the Barbarian and he is married to Lisa Bonnet.

Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

The modeling industry generally does not care about you as an individual. You have to have a strong sense of your self and be confident in who you are and how you look. Constant criticism is something you must learn to take on a daily basis. You are there not to become famous, but to make their product famous. Would I change that? No. It is what it is.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I am genetically thin. I am 5’8.5″ and weigh 105 pounds. I eat bacon cheeseburgers, pizza, sushi, salads, pasta and a lot of chocolate. I walk daily but do not have any sort of workout regime. My parents were both the same way and they tell me it is all good until they hit 50. Now they have to work hard to stay trim. But until I’m 50, I’ll stick with pizza and chocolate!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I am in the NASA archives! When I was in middle school I was the captain of a robotics team that took home a World Championship Award for Excellence. I also play French Horn and saxophone!

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

No one is perfect but I think I feel pretty comfortable about myself.

What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

Any super power would be a bonus, but if I had to pick one it would be Immortality . I would like to live long enough to see humanity leave the galaxy. That would be cool.

Visit CC Mason’s website for more photos and information

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Aug 12 2014

Interview with Jen-yi

Jen-yi is a 24-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I was born in Mountain View, CA, the hometown of Google!. My family immigrated from Taiwan when they were in grad school and I was raised here. I enjoy dancing, singing, songwriting, baking and any sort of active activity like hiking and running. I’m currently living in Los Angeles, CA and working on my music. I’m a songwriter and singer and getting ready to release my very first solo EP!

When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?

I started in college modeling for the student fashion show, and then signed to Click Models while I was studying music in Boston. I got into it because I’ve always been intrigued by fashion and how it influences society and I wanted to be a part of the movement. I also just really like posing for pictures! It’s fun to create a character and get that outlet to express myself in a different way. In real life, I’m the most clumsy and awkward person I know. In photographs, I can be a graceful and fierce tigress warrior princess and nobody has to know that I just spilled coffee on myself on the way to the shoot.

Jen-yi wearing an Asian outfitWhat are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My personal and professional goals kind of go hand in hand; I see myself sharing my music with the world and venturing into service-driven activities–my ultimate goal in life is to help people. I love to sing, dance and model because I love sharing myself with the world, but I hope to translate that someday into something bigger than myself. I want to write for other artists, mix and produce, teach and maybe even go to medical school, who knows. I want to be bigger than myself and make the people around me happy.

How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?

I model part-time now that I am focusing more on music, but I very much enjoy the occasional catwalk or photoshoot. I mainly shoot fashion but I have done industrials as well; the most unexpected job I had was a corporate training video schooling employees on the definition of sexual harassment. It was the easiest job I’ve done, I wore a business suit and got paid quite nicely for reading my two lines.

Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.

My best experience was working in Rodrigo Prieto’s short film, “Likeness,” as a model on set. The film discusses the dangers of obsessive beauty and image perfection that we see in media and the harmful effects it has on young teens. I really enjoyed working with Rodrigo, who was the cinematographer on one of my favorite films, “Brokeback Mountain.” We filmed in a haunted mansion in Pasadena and got to wear whimsical and dark clothing. The best part was being involved in such an important message to society–that there is a price to obsession over “perfection.” It is much more important to be happy with yourself and confident in all your natural flaws.

Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?

Luckily, I’ve never tripped or lost a shoe on the runway, but I have had close calls with flashing the audience. I got thrown in a dress that was too big for me and there was no time to tape it before going onstage, so I just clutched my neckline the entire time. A friend said I looked like a church girl clutching my heart.

Jen-yi crouchingIs there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?

Yes, I would love to see more body types and types in general–people of different ethnicities and background. I love fashion and the beautiful people in it, but there are many types of beautiful that I don’t think get featured nearly enough in media.

Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.

I dance, I run and I occasionally do some kickboxing. I don’t limit my foods to definite “good” and “bad” foods, but I do try to eat lean, natural and whole. Whole grains, unprocessed vegetables, and lots of colors. I am pescetarian and I love sushi. Nutrition and exercise are highly important aspects for everyone, since they are the building blocks of your body. It doesn’t matter whether you work in front of a computer for 8 hours a day or are a fitness instructor, it’s just as important!

Please share something people don’t know about you.

I have an M1 motorcycle license but I’ve never ridden on the road. I got the license in college because I needed a way to get around LA other than public transportation, but once my parents found out they lent me their car and I never had the opportunity to practice on the road. Now that I’m back in LA again I’m saving up to get one and start practicing!

Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?

We are always our own worst critics, and I could list a bunch of things that I’d like to improve, but why not just spend my effort on actually working towards those goals?

If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?

I would go to Disneyland! It’s the happiest place on Earth, right?

Visit Jen-yi’s website for more photos and information

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