Aloise Challenge 1 - Introduce yourself, America's Next Natural Model challenge, nina, hervey, ellis 0
Every model dreams of seeing themselves on the cover of their favorite magazine, walking the runway, or even wearing the clothes of their favorite designer for various print ads. For me, the dream does not stop there. Good would be landing one of those gigs, better would be to actually be quite successful at the job but the BEST of all of this would be to inspire, motivate, and encourage every
Question: What is your dream gig?
Answer: Every model dreams of seeing themselves on the cover of their favorite magazine, walking the runway, or even wearing the clothes of their favorite designer for various print ads. For me, the dream does not stop there. Good would be landing one of those gigs, better would be to actually be quite successful at the job but the BEST of all of this would be to inspire, motivate, and encourage every man, woman and child despite their race, socio economic status or even their interest level in what you are representing (product, good, clothing etc.).
The perfect gig would embody infinite opportunities to connect with diverse people from different walks of life. I would be the newest “Inspirational Model” and provide a “natural” motivation to people in all facets of their lives. These opportunities would not only showcase my beauty but, allow people to connect with me through my story. Through this gig, I would be placed on the covers of main stream hair magazines showcasing my natural look and teaching others how to capitalize on and explore their natural essence no matter the ethnic background. I would introduce them to products that I truly believe in, have chosen to use and my pictures would objectify the beautiful results that come with their proper use. The same agency would also place me on the covers of fitness magazines providing motivation to those that desire to not only engage in a natural lifestyle, but to lose weight and keep it off as I have kept off 100 pounds for nearly 5 years, naturally. This would reinforce that health comes from the inside out. This message would not only help to strengthen their bodies, but would also aid in the growth and strength of their manes. Finally, I would also be given the opportunity to shine in photos highlighting professionalism. These pictures would be used in educational magazines, conference ads and various work force brochures showing people, especially young girls who may share similar backgrounds and experiences as I did, that they too can achieve higher education, work as parts of important teams and agencies and still remain true to their natural looks and auras. These would be action shots, showing me as a soon-to-be doctorate level psychologist on my daily grind. We would also be reminded through this media that a big part of remaining happy and natural has to do with mental and emotional well-being.
Question: Why do you think you are right for the job?
Answer: In order to work for this diverse agency, the prospective model must also represent diverse qualities. Having the opportunity to work with and model for this agency will take the ability to excel in various aspects, including beauty, living both naturally and healthily, and also being a role model to those who look to you for inspiration. I am right for this job because my life and background have prepared me to exemplify the diversity that this agency needs. Being in and on the cover of main stream magazines would provide me with the opportunity to appeal to those who have desired to wear their hair naturally. I would be able to adequately inform them about the transition to natural hair and also the upkeep and retention of hair growth after going natural. I would equip them with not only products that I am professionally endorsing, but vouch for them as a person who too has been in their shoes. For the fitness modeling, I would not only serve as a strong figure that stays in shape, but as a person who naturally lost 100 pounds and beat the odds of keeping it off for years. I would motivate them to see that they too could conquer such a quest and remain holistically healthy. I would be right for the job because I have fought so hard for my education and overcame the many obstacles associated with achieving higher education. I can relate to people raised in low socio economic status, and those who seek to overcome financial and other obstacles to achieve their goals. Furthermore, it has been the belief of some that natural hair in the professional work place can be unattractive, unmanageable and just plain inappropriate, and I would show how all of these things are simply untrue, again motivating all to celebrate natural beauty! I’d be able to show that a person who chooses to be natural can excel in the workplace while remaining true to themselves as I do daily.
Question: What makes you special compared to the other models and why should they hire you?
Answer: What makes me different from other young women aspiring to be models is my ability to relate to, motivate, and inspire people in more ways than one. Furthermore, I am able to take direction well and understand that being a model is difficult and takes not just physical strength and beauty but also significant emotional stamina. I am able to take criticism well and I use it to fuel my desire to do and be better for both myself and those that I touch. I am a go-getter and I believe that you should set your standards high and deliver spectacularly no matter how big or small the job may be. I am diligent and in many ways fearless. I am open to new experiences and will persevere and endure through any hard challenge or assignment. I realize I would become a role model for many and with this in mind, I believe that “To whom much is given, much is required” and I must put forth my BEST effort and represent my agency and myself with dignity and (humble) pride at ALL times.
Question: What do you want people to know about you?
Answer: Not only have I accomplished various goals such as remaining natural over 3 ½ years, loosing and maintaining a 100 pound weight loss and accomplishing higher education goals, I have overcome many other struggles in life. As an adopted child of a single parent mother living in a low socio economic neighborhood of St. Louis, I overcame the odds of becoming a statistic. My mother worked hard to instill the values of a strong foundation in God, setting and achieving many goals and becoming a well rounded and relatable person. She also pushed me hard and never allowed me to say what I couldn’t do. She taught me that all things are possible and if you believe you can achieve. Though I have achieved much in life, I am truly humble and grateful for all the opportunities I have been granted and for all the people who support me. I teach this to many young girls and I mentor those who don’t have access to many positive role models. I believe in being myself, no matter the repercussions and I help others celebrate who they are along the way.
Question: Which one of the pictures is your best shot and why?
Answer: The picture that I feel is my best, is the picture where I am wearing the red coat. This picture embodies all that I represent. I am a fresh-faced, relatable, educated and yet down to earth young woman. I am strong and confident, however humble and attainable. A child could look at this picture and say, “I want to be like that girl.” A man could look at this picture and be reminded that a woman displaying her beauty naturally is quite attractive. A woman contemplating whether to allow their natural self to be seen by the world could look at this picture and truly aspire to do so. This picture would motivate a multitude of people, and show them that they too can allow their true essence to shine through.
