Name: Kareem Mobley
Occupation: Business Administration Student
Location: Jamaica, New York, US
What do you like about modeling and are there any aspects that you don’t like about it?
Modeling can be very rewarding at times. You can make a pretty decent living from it and meet a lot of interesting people along the way.
What make you special as a model? What are your strongest features, and what do you bring that others can’t?
I think just being who you are makes anyone special. I’ve been told my best features are my eyes and smile and I’ll stick with that. I feel I have a quiet confidence that shouts! only at the perfect moments.
Why do you choose to wear your hair the way you do?
It just feels right for me. I decided to let it grow and stumbled along something that works for me.
What does your hair mean to you? Is it just an accessory that compliments your personality and style or is it deeper than that? Would you ever shave your hair or perm it for a gig? Please elaborate.
I’ve never thought about what my hair meant to me. I never wanted my hair to define or affect me in anyway (except when it keeps my head warm in the winter ) but it seems this is the case. I get a lot of comments about my hair, mostly good but some are not so nice. I guess can understand all the “fuss” but I consider my hair another part of my body, just as I would take care of my face or brush my teeth. It’s no different to me. I would definitely consider changing my hair for a gig. Entertainers may need to gain or loose weight, shave or dye their hair for certain roles, it is a part of the business, fortunately hair grows back.
How important is a woman’s hair to you? Does a weave, relaxed hair or a natural head bother you or do you have a preference for either of these styles?
How a woman wears her hair is not important at all. I think the appearance and the level of care put into something is the important thing. I’ve heard a few people talk of the hazards from dye and perms ( I have not done research on this), if it truly has a toxic effect on the brain, I feel one should take this into consideration and make their health a priority.
Have you ever been stereotyped?
A few times at school and previous jobs.
Do you think black hair is an issue? Why or why not?
Yes and it is more of an issue for women. A woman may feel the pressure of having her hair “treated” to constantly look a certain way.
Oddly enough, most of the judgement will also come from us. I feel how we refer to one another desperately needs to change. We need to find for a more appealing and polite words to describe African-American hair as “naps” and “nappy”.
What is your goal as a model?
Modeling for me will be used as a stepping stone. My future goals are to pursue my passion with songwriting, open a few health centers and make a difference through my music.
