Model Mondays Feature: Arkeedah McCormick

This week it is my pleasure to present Ms. Arkeedah, reppin the ATL to the fullest. She represents a different type of model that a lot of folks may not be so familiar with. Besides doing runway shows and promotional events, she is a 'hair model'. These fearless young ladies that are hair models are a unique group, they have to trust that the individual doing their hair will do a good job and not have them looking jacked up in front of audience. Ms. Arkeedah took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with me about the modeling industry and drop some knowledge for young ladies thinking of being models. Check out the interview below.

DJ Grain: Where are you from?
Arkeedah: Atlanta, GA.

DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?
Arkeedah: 3 years.

DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Arkeedah: The most common one I deal with is people automatically assume I have an attitude, but when people get to know me, they find out I’m a pretty cool person.

DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Arkeedah: Maxim, Online Bonus Babe 2007, MTV’s Yo Momma Extra 03-2007, Aanaya Couture Fashion Show July 19 2007, Bronner Brother’s FHI Heat Hair Show Technical Model 8-20-2007, Milky Way Hair Battle Model 8-04-2008, Mychael Knight Model for Fall Line Presentation 2008,Karl Kani New Face Top 20 Finalist, and Hotlanta Hair Directory Volume 5.

DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?
Arkeedah: Reggie Anderson, Sta'fon Shamayim, and Precise.

DJ Grain: What photographers would you like to work with?
Arkeedah: I would love to work with Derek Blanks and Leo Marshall.

DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Arkeedah: One word, HUSTLE. Webster definition: promote energetically and aggressive. You have to know where you want to go, and have a plan on how to get there.

DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Arkeedah: Stay motivated and if you have the drive to pursue it, then do it!

DJ Grain: How can people contact you for booking?
Arkeedah: I can be reached via email @ Arkeedah McCormick

Model Mondays Feature: Jenafer Lynn Williams

Aight, we're back again for yet another Model Mondays here at The Movement Fam.com. This week, we're meeting y'all sorta somewhere in the middle. This young lady, who goes by the name of Jenafer Lynn Williams, is a US native who now resides in Australia. Boom. Hustler. Good to see the Yanks heading down our way to work instead of the other way around. She's been doing her thang out here for a minute, so check the flicks and read what she has to say...

Cee: Whatʼs your name?
Jena: Jenafer Lynn Williams, aka Jena.

Cee: Where are you from?
Jena: New Bern, NC, USA.

Cee: How many years have you been modeling?
Jena: Two years.

Cee: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Jena: I think most of them are true, about drugs, eating disorders, but they work very hard, REALLY! Try sitting through 2-3 hours of make-up (someone pulling your hair, sticking things in your eyes) then posing for 2-8 hours for a photographer who is never happy.

Cee: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Jena: Australian Yoga Life Mag, Yoga Journal Mag, The Source Mag, Blender Mag and Cleo Mag. I am a reoccuring model for Wages Lingerie and Jeans Co, Clinton Charlie Jeans, and VelvetAttic clothes.

Cee: What photographers have you worked with?
Jena: No one mentionable. They have all been great, but up and coming, no extremely famous photographers.

Cee: What photographers would you like to work with?
Jena: Johannes Felten and Victoria's Secret photographers.

Cee: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Jena: Working a lot of trade for print jobs until you get that great shot or someone randomly sees your work. It's really not that hard. If a company or photographer likes your look, whether you are 50kg or 300kg, whether you fit the norm of models, if they see something they like about you then they can photoshop like it's hot! LOL.

Cee: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Jena: As I said, anyone can be a model, don't change your looks to become a size 0 model or something that you are not.

Cee: What's your plans from here?
Jena: I wouldn't have the slightest clue, I didn't imagine a year ago that I would be approached to do Yoga modeling, and less than 6 months later to move to a reoccurring lingerie model.

Jena's MySpace page
Jena's Model Mayhem page

Model Mondays Feature: Ms. Innocence

Tiana better known as Ms. Innocence is an up incoming 23 yr old model from Springfield, MA. An exotic mix of African American, Columbian, and Native American (mother is African American and Columbian, father is Cherokee Indian), making men who love their thick chicks look twice. More than just a pretty face and a woman of many talents, Ms. Innocence has a degree in nursing as well as being a trained tattoo artist, helping co-start and run one of the top tattoo businesses in her area.

Even with her impressive background, she still decided to pursue a career in modeling. With 12 tattoos and counting, and a unique look and style, Ms. Innocence has graced Hip Hop websites and magazines such as www.heelznwheelz.com "Eye Candy of The Month", In Da Streetz Magazine, Chambermaids Magazine, and Thinking Big Productions "Eye Candy" for December.

Ms. Innocence has also made a name for herself in the alternative fashion/fetish modeling scene, modeling for such sites as Suicide Girls, Deviant Nation and will be a new face on www.BellaVendetta.com. Making her mark on the modeling scene, Ms. Innocence shows that even covered in tattoos you can still be sexy and successful in this industry.

DJ Grain: What’s your name?
Ms. Innocence: My name is Tiana, but everyone knows me as Innocence.

DJ Grain: Where are you from?
Ms. Innocence: Springfield, MA.

DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?
Ms. Innocence: I have been modeling for two years.

DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Ms. Innocence: That we're a bunch of coked up video hoes who have no intelligence and just get by on our looks and sleeping around.

DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Ms. Innocence: I've done a lil of everything, being featured on such websites as; *HeelznWheelz.com, *Thinkin Big Productions- Eye Candy of the Month. I've been working with Baby Bam from the Jungle Brothers on his new up incoming DVD, a follow up to "Bamboozled", as well as promotions for Maxim Lingerie, Conceited Clothing and Deviant Nation.

DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?
Ms. Innocence: I've worked with a lot of great photographers such as Peter Manic, ShredBoy Studios, JRCreative, SGHockett Photography, and Del Knight.

DJ Grain: What photographers would you like to work with?
Ms. Innocence: There's a few I would love the chance to work with and that's Ryan O'Nash, Frank Antonio, EMC photography, and Caliber Photography.

DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Ms. Innocence: The grind of a model never ends, whether it taking care of yourself (exercising, skin care, hair care, etc.), endless networking and photo shoots to get your name out there and working hard to have a career that lasts.

DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Ms. Innocence: Don't let no one tell you you're not model material, work hard and keep pushing. Just because someone might say no doesn't mean you wont succeed, or that they don't like your look it just means you have to keep working hard 'til they're ready for someone like you in the industry.

DJ Grain: How can people contact you for booking?
Ms. Innocence: msinnocence@yahoo.com or Ms. Innocence Myspace Page.

Model Mondays Feature: Ms. Hollywood Don Diva

It's my pleasure to introduce to you all Ms. Hollywood Don Diva. She represents the streets and D.C. to the fullest in a classy way that only a diva could do. To her, grindin' isn't a thing and is in the game to win. Ms. Don Diva has big plans in 2009, with movie appearances, videos, and much much more. So don't be surprised if you see her on TV or hosting a party at your favorite club. Read below for the interview with Ms. Hollywood Don Diva.

DJ Grain: What’s your name?
Hollywood Don Diva: My name is Janese a.k.a HOLLYWOOD DON DIVA.

DJ Grain: Where are you from?
Hollywood Don Diva: Im from UPTOWN D.C.

DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?
Hollywood Don Diva: I've been modeling just for a couple of months, and its been great so far.

DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Hollywood Don Diva: Well, the misconceptions people may have about models like us, especially in the Hip Hop light about it, they may say we fuck to get ahead which many of us don't. We work just as hard as the next person. They may say modelling isn't nothing or it's easy. Well it's not, it's very hard. You have to learn about your face and what looks good and what doesn't. How to hold your pose. Photo shoots that start at 1pm or 2pm, and last all night until 2am or 3am in the morning. It ain't easy, but this is what I do, I love it.

DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Hollywood Don Diva: Well I have not stamped anything just quite yet. There were a couple of big projects I was supposed to have done sometimes business ain't together. Right now I'm just still building my business, and everything. Getting ready to do this big website, where all fans and viewers can come and check up on your girl, read about me, chat with me, purchase some lovely products featuring "The Diva", but right now I'm just updating my Myspace. Which I'm getting so much love from. I've got some videos, and movie parts I'm looking at. For these updates just keep checking my myspace.com/hollywooddondiva. Check out these sites as well.
eyehoney.com/hollywood-don-diva,topmodelprofile.com, royalbluedimes.com/dimes/hollywood_don_diva, urbmob.com/hollywooddondiva,modelmayhem.com/873888

DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?
Hollywood Don Diva: I have worked with Photographer Kennedy the best in D.C., Cody @MkDk MEDIA in MD, Jeffery Martin in Baltimore, and Mike Styles my manager who has also shot me twice in Uptown D.C., and many more.

DJ Grain: What photographers would you like to work with?
Hollywood Don Diva: I would like to work with Photographer Mark Robert Halper, Block2Block magazine, there are a lot of photographers I would love to work with, especially Ed Hardy.

DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Hollywood Don Diva: Well, to all young women trying to break through, my advice never let no one take advantage of you, always build a solid foundation which could be a business that you can hold as your own. Stay focus and confident because this is a tough industry.

DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Hollywood Don Diva: To any women who love modeling, live it everyday, breathe it, sleep it, eat it. Do it...with class, pride, self dignity, confidence, strong head, focus, and determination. Know your place in this game, and never say I can't.

DJ Grain: How can people contact you for booking?
Hollywood Don Diva: I can be contacted through management team Styles Entertainment Agency - Mike Styles - (202) 277-4283 and/or my email hollywooddondiva@gmail.com, or hit me up on http://www.myspace.com/hollywooddondiva.

Hollywood Don Diva Myspace

Shouts from Hollywood Don Diva Next Week's Featured Model

D.C.'S BOSS DIVA

Be on the look out for the interview with her next week.

The Movement Fam Model Feature: Cherry Black

Yes, yes, we're back again with yet another stunning model feature. This week, we met with none other than the lovely Cherry Black, an accomplished, intelligent young lady from New York who is truly on her hustle.

Cee: Where are you from?
Cherry Black: The Bronx, NY.

Cee: How many years have you been modeling?
Cherry Black: One.

Cee: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Cherry Black: A lot of people seem to think that because I am always in front of the camera that I like to be the center of attention, but that’s not true all the time. I much rather stay in the background.

Cee: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Cherry Black:
pixacom.com
urbanstreetz.com Ms.September
enfluenzmagazine.com October08
categorysix.net Issue 3 CoverGirl
modelsilike.blogspot.com November08 MzBlack
cutiecentral.com Cutie of the Week

Cee: What photographers have you worked with?
Cherry Black: EMG – Category_6 & Frank Hotsause just to name a few.

Cee: What photographers would you like to work with?
Cherry Black: My list is way too long lol.

Cee: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Cherry Black: It’s a struggle to stay true to who you are while at the same time being marketable. There are a lot of shady people in this business, so it's vital to make good choices.

Cee: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Cherry Black: Stand Out!! Go against the grain!! Quality is more important quantity!!

Cee: What's your plans from here?
Cherry Black: I'm looking to establish myself more with the commercial end of modeling. Hopefully soon you will see me in commercials and billboards!!

Cherry Black's Model Mayhem page

The Movement Fam Model Feature: Regina Ross

The grind-a-holic Ms. Regina Ross has taken a minute out of her busy schedule to chop it up with ya main man DJ Grain. Not only is she a model but she also a student and CEO of a magazine publication that focuses on spoken word poetry.

DJ Grain: Where are you from?
Regina Ross: I am from South Carolina, born in a town called Sumter and raised in the capitol, which is Columbia.

DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?
Regina Ross: I have been modeling for 15 years.

DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Regina Ross: Some misconceptions that people may have about models is we are not very intellectual and that we have to be a certain size or height. Models come in all shapes and sizes, I consider a model a person who has something to market physically or mentality wise. I myself have many talents. I write poetry and I am in the process of publishing my own magazine for spoken word artist. Poets Serenity is one of my biggest projects because I have been writing much longer than modeling. I am also going to school for Medical Billing and Coding, which is a stable career choice I have made to maintain learning something new in the medical field, as it consistently changes all the time.

DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Regina Ross: Some of the shows I have been involved in was as a promotional model for a show Dungeon Family's own Backbone did back in South Carolina at the Coliseum; I was a featured model for a show UrbMob did at Lotus Lounge for new and upcoming artists. I also did a commercial for Pin Strikes Bowling Alley, MTV's Album release party for T.I. at the Velvet Room. Fashion shows by Elegante, House of Style By Monique, LaChic Hair Studio, BBK Apparrel, Ruff Ryders Film Casting for The System Within, Black Experience Magazine, and various modeling competitions by international model and talent search companies.

DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?
Regina Ross: I have worked recently with Thad Fauster, D. Divine, J.W. Enterprises, JandD Images, K. Jones, Glamour Shots Promotional Model, and the list goes on...

DJ Grain: What photographers would you like to work with?
Regina Ross: I would love to work with Essence Magazine, Elite, Sean John, Baby Phat, Whilemenia, Black Barbies, Sean Anthony Photography, Leo Marshall, Ms. B. Breezy, XOXO. I would like to work with so many people, it would probably take all day to just name them all. But I would most definitely love to work with some of the top marketing agencies.

DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Regina Ross: The grind of modeling is persistence and taking the time out to go out and network and market yourself, so people can get a feel of your personality because they are not always looking for that look - sometimes they want to see what your personality is like. And I feel like if you're a go getter than you can reach the goals you set. Going on photo shoots, open calls, networking, and just putting your foot forward to the work you have already invested time into. I feel like you can only do what God will allow you to do at that moment in your life, but patience and persistence will pay off eventually.

DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Regina Ross: Simply to just know God has your back and have faith. If you're a single parent and out here trying to do your thing, keep pushing and keep praying. I know what it's like, God is not blind and definitely not asleep. Stick with your dreams and don't give up when it gets hard you get stronger, and you learn to be thankful for the good and the bad to cherish and endure all the blessings he has in store for you as you go through all the trials.

Contact info:
Regina Ross Myspace
modelreginaross@live.com

The Movement Fam Model Feature: Mylky Yuki

The second of TheMovementFam.com's model features, this time around we swung back Down Under to chat with Ms Mylky Yuki, a young lady who is definitely making power moves in the '09. Her hustle is evident as soon as you see her vast array of shoots, and her international recognition should surface this year in the form of a move across seas to step to the next level. Plus, Mylky even hit us with the freshest of fresh photos, which were taken on a shoot yesterday. Read on...

Name: Known as Mylky but I'd prefer Maiya.

Cee: Where are you from?

Mylky: I'm from Sydney, Australia.

Cee: How many years have you been modeling?

Mylky: Officially, I started in 2006 so two years, but before that I did pageants.

Cee: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?

Mylky: To me, it would be THAT WE DON'T EAT! LOL, and that our vocabulary only consists of "um, ah, and yea that's hot, that's cute!"

Cee: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?

Mylky: Zoo magazine as Girl of the Week, yeah baby!

Cee: What photographers have you worked with?

Mylky: Juice, Jase and Cosmopolitan.

Cee: What photographers would you like to work with?

Mylky: I really can't think of any right now. I'll get back to you on that. ;)

Cee: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?

Mylky: The hardest point for me was putting my foot in the door, let alone endure the path. I didn't know who to speak to, how to begin, where to go for help because I didn't have any friends in the industry; but it's gotten easier now. I started by using MySpace to look up photographers, and slowly word of mouth helped me get the gigs I've gotten, and I slowly worked from there. There's no such thing as holidays for us. I always have to come out with new stuff to keep myself in the spotlight.

Cee: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?

Mylky: If you think you can do it, I think you should, what's there to lose? No one thought I could do it...but I proved them wrong and now I'm laughing when I see them.

Cee: What's your plans from here?

Mylky: Oh, I like this question. I'm working with Ed Hardy in their clothing catalog soon, I've been signed to Ford's Agency in USA, I'm moving to Florida this year. So it's going to be busy for me.

Mylky's MySpace

The Movement Fam Model Feature: Ayanna G.

I have finally have been able to catch with my homegirl, Ms. Ayanna G, who is a behind the desk corporate lady by day, and by night she is a hardworking promo model that stays on the grind.

DJ Grain: Where are you from?

Ayanna: I currently reside in Atlanta , GA.

DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?

Ayanna: About 5 years.

DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?

Ayanna: That models are stupid, lazy or incompetent. I’ve never really understood the reasoning behind incompetent. Sure, you may think that someone who doesn’t have a traditional job may be lazy or less than intelligent. But that doesn’t mean that they are totally incapable of having a 9 to 5.

DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?

Ayanna: I have worked with Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine, various liquor brands and I was feature in an episode of the dating show “Elimidate”.

DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?

Ayanna: J. Knorr, Shawn Dowdell, Craig Sims, Drexina Nelson, Paul Lawson, DeWayne Hathaway, Leo Marshall, Gary McCutchins.

DJ Grain: What photographer(s) would you like to work with?

Ayanna: Derek Blanks.

DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?

Ayanna: Lots of rejection and standing in lines. Loads of photo shoots to practice, build your portfolio and network. You’ll meet some of the most interesting and fum people in this industry.

DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?

Ayanna: Stay positive. Know yourself and your boundaries BEFORE you get in front of the camera. Stay away from the scammers. Have fun and stay healthy.