Posts Tagged ‘model’
Plus Model & Personality Christina Mendez talk career, body image and more!
Monday, July 23rd, 2012
ChristieOhh: Has modeling been a childhood dream of yours?
Christina: All the women in my family have that knack for fashion, my mother even modeled in her twenties! So, I guess it was a childhood dream but also instilled in my DNA ….LOL
ChristieOhh: What was your first modeling experience like for you?
Christina: My first experience was at a local fashion show at my high school and it was such a rush. Other girls were nervous but I was so excited to transform myself into a runway diva. Many people that know me, know that my character is extremely laid back, outgoing, humble and far from being a diva. But on the runway, I feel I can become someone else and it feels good 
.
ChristieOhh: What challenges have you overcome in the entertainment business?
Christina: When I first started in this business, an agency suggested that I should consider getting surgery on my smile lines and hips….as you can see I didn’t listen to them. In this business and every business, you need to be true to yourself or you’ll be lost, I’m not a size 2 or even 8/10, but I love my curves.
ChristieOhh: Who are some of your influences?
Christina: I look to the women in my family! Growing up, I watched my single mother work multiple jobs for years to provide me everything I ever needed. Through her actions, she taught me how to be strong, independent, giving, and appreciative and instilled her work ethics.
ChristieOhh: How do you stay motivated in a “size” driven industry?
Christina: I like a challenge 
….when someone tells me “NO” my determination becomes 10xstronger. Yes, there are times when I’m not picked for a campaign or fashion show, but I have to keep moving onward and upward. Think about it…if you keep putting your energy towards something in the past, you’ll lose out on the present and possible future opportunities.
ChristieOhh: You have accomplished so much, what’s a goal for you now?
Christina: My goals continue to be the same. I just want to be better than I was yesterday and the day before.I want to continue inspiring others to follow their dreams and love themselves regardless of their size/age & race. Also, I want to continue in bringing Autism Awareness to the forefront, especially in the Hispanic and African American communities. Culturally, we have a harder time accepting the diagnoses and in the interim we delay early intervention which is critical to better our children’s lives.
ChristieOhh: What’s your best advice to all plus size teenagers dealing with body image challenges?
Christina: Avoid toxic environments that promote unhealthy situations and have a realistic idea about your body….not everyone can be a size 2-4 or even 6-8. What makes us special is that everyone is different! Whether you’re slim, athletic, or curvy create a positive lifestyle of activities and friendships
ChristieOhh: What’s next for you?
Christina: On July 27-28th I’ll be in Baltimore participating in Curves Rock Weekend (http://www.curvesrockweekend.com). This month I will be shooting for Qrystal Frazier’s new collection and I will be the face of Madrag/10 Spot. Also, I am the newly appointed celebrity events correspondent for the major plus size/lifestyle online magazine Venus Diva! POW!!!!!!
You can stay updated on all my upcoming projects by following me on twitter www.twitter.com/christinamendez or checking out my website at www.christinamendez.com
Kip Force talks new book “Behind Reality TV and Industry 101″ and more
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
ChristieOhh: How was Reality TV life for you?
Kip: At the time I was doing Reality TV, I was very green and just graduating from college going into law school. A friend of mine told me about the casting for “Real Chance of Love Season 2” so I went and got the spot. It was great at that point of time. People caring for you; it seemed wonderful. You’re only young once so I am glad I had the opportunity. However, the mental torture was not good at all. What people don’t realize about these shows, are you are like a mouse in a maze. They bring you blind folded into a room; you don’t know anyone and you get an allowance of $40 a day. They don’t tell you anything just be ready until someone tells you to move. You don’t have any electronics, cell phones, laptops, watch…nothing.
People wonder, “Why are these girls so crazy” but we have been put together for 7 days with nothing. You have no social media, just girls and free alcohol all day.
ChristieOhh: Did you ever go back to law school?
Kip: I did a year of law school when “Real Chance of Money” came out. My heart wasn’t into law anymore. I enjoy entertainment and entertaining people. Learning the industry gave me the opportunity to know things that people don’t tell you. Once on these shows you basically have 6 months to brand yourself.
ChristieOhh: Let’s talk about your new book “Behind Reality TV and Industry 101”?
Kip: Basically, I take you from the start of the show to the end. From casting, mental evaluation, STD checks, entering the house to producers tricks…the whole process. I discuss the things you don’t see the producers doing to make a cast member lose at a competition, scripts after bookings, how to model without BS booking and even dating in the industry. I learned a lot! I went in the business very green so I would like to share all that’s behind what you see. I also talk about life now!
ChristieOhh: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Kip: I see myself as a bestselling author. I have a relationship book in mind geared towards men and dating. Taking over Chelsea Lately, I love to talk about people all day. lol A lot more mags and own a clothing line.
Stay up to date with KIP via her website www.realkipforce.com Twitter @KipForce
“FOE! Family Over Everything…I love my mother, sisters and nephews. Its about your family…cherish them and putting God first” -Kip
Super Model, Mom & Mogul Beverly Johnson
Monday, March 19th, 2012
ChristieOhh: Was your success planned or just happened?
Beverly: From a little girl I knew I always wanted to be successful. I was a competitive swimmer from age of 3, I always competed it gives you the discipline you need to train and execute in any environment. You always want to win. I believe it prepared me for now and gave me the right mind set.
ChristieOhh: How does it feel to be a first, a pioneer?
Beverly: I feel I was in some way giving a gift. I’ve always felt a sense of responsibility for that gift that I didn’t want to abuse it or make it less then, I’m a vehicle in a sense. Call it luck, call it whatever you wish I just have a great respect for my life and don’t take anything for granted.
ChristieOhh: With all of your success and accomplishments, is there more work to do?
Beverly: 2 years ago I took a leap of faith. I did not re-sign with a company that produced Beverly Johnson hair and wigs. To think 2 yrs ago it was a dream and now to see my products on shelves at Target’s store is a great testament to what you can do. And I have a team of people to thank, I didn’t do it all by myself. I didn’t want my products to only be in Korean beauty supply stores. I didn’t want to limit where my products could be purchased. I don’t have an MBA…I am the age I am and went into business for myself… So what?! I have products on the market uncompromised.
ChristieOhh: Let’s talk your new reality show on Oprah Winfrey Network “Beverly’s Full House”?
Beverly: It’s a constructive reality show. I have a lot of respect for Oprah and I felt very comfortable doing a reality show on her network. It displays a mother-daughter relationship. Better communication skills and having tools to make stronger bonds is what I hope our viewers will get from the show.There’s a lot of tears and laughs, I haven’t seen all of the episodes though. It was fun to shoot the process of building my company which will be empowering to people.
ChristieOhh: How does your daughter Anansa Sims feel about all of your success & does she plan to follow in your footsteps?
Beverly: Let me start by saying this, my daughter is amazing! She is an amazing young women, I actually look up to her. She is a financial analyst, has her MBA, she is a plus size model, wife and mother. She has a great story to tell. I’ve learned a lot about myself from doing the show with her. I learned how to communicate with the people I really love. It’s a great experience!
ChristieOhh: How was it working with your family?
Beverly: Basically, for me…I was doing it all for very selfish reason. I wanted my daughter to move back in my house and to have my son in law in the house. Then I learned that we have some issues that I didn’t know were that bad until we got into it. Things come up with women who are about to give birth. It’s going to be really interesting.
ChristieOhh: What advice can you give women of today that are pursuing careers?
Beverly: For those women who go into business for themselves need to be very patience and kind to ourselves. As women we beat up on ourselves so much because we want it so bad. We have to enjoy the process; you have to celebrate every step of the way. I went to dinner with my business partner and boyfriend to celebrate one thing that was great. Take care of yourself and love yourself; be mindful of your spirit, body and faith.
“Expect a lot more life style brands and lines. It is just the beginning!!!” Beverly Johnson
ChristieOhh: What’s your best practices?
Beverly: I read this book called “The Blue Zone.” Oprah had it on the show. These national geographic researchers went to 4 regions of the world to research simpler practices of the oldest living people. They collected all of these facts of what these people all had in common:
1. Daily exercises for an hour and a half.
2. Eat modestly (some ate meat and some didn’t.)
3. All communicated with friends and family daily.
4. They all had some kind of faith or faith based community.
All of these things are common thread of these people who lived independently. Some drank and some ate sugar but these are the common things that they found in all of these people who lived to be over 100 years old. I was doing these things unconsciously, now I am consciously doing this.
Fun Facts:
Zodiac sign: Libra
What don’t we know about you?
You will find out on the show. You will be very surprised!!!
Go to BeverlyJohnson.com to find Target’s store locator’s for your neighborhood Target where up to seven products in the Model Logic haircare line and Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytails are available nationwide. Also on BeverlyJohnson.com, additional haircare, skincare and bath & body products are available for purchase.
Follow Beverly Johnson on Twitter @BeverlyJohnson1 and her daughter Anansa Simms @AnansaSims
Images by Fadil Berisha
