My Journey with Model Productions

In December of 2009, I won a contract with Model Productions USA through the American Mall Model Search. I went through a series of contests to get a winning score from the judges. The contests were the catwalk in casual wear, photoshoot, short comercial, talent contest, and the last catwalk to show off your contest shirt. It was a fun experience. Since I am a plus size model, some producers would call me "too healthy". I don't mind it. They were not disrespectful about it. I never gave up. I got to do some pretty interesting things. The very first thing that I got to do was be an extra on Meet The Browns that was being filmed at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.  http://www.megavideo.com/?v=G4S2IH8Y  <--- This is the episode of Meet The Birthday.  It took me about 6 and a half hours to get there. The day I got the call, at first I was hesitant to take the role due to my classes at the University of Memphis. I dropped all my classes that day, packed a bag, and drove to Altanta.

Tyler Perry on the set of his studio. He started off with very little and made all his dreams possible. I look up to him for not giving up on his dream.

This is what I saw as soon as I walked into the Tyler Perry Studios.

The building looked great is over 120,000 sq. ft.

Don't be fooled, the Tyler Perry Studios has high security. It is actually kind of in a hidden area so if you are just driving down the road, all you see is a gate.

Another view of the TPS building. It was unfortunate for all of us that Tyler Perry was actually in my hometown (here in Memphis) as I was in Atlanta for his play of Madea's Happy Family Reunion.

The taping of Meet The Browns (Season 4 episode 10) episode "Meet The Birthday" , took about 7 hours to film. The day started with everyone showing ID at the entrance gate to check in. Then we were to grab out belongings and be escorted to the front door. You were not allowed to take pictures, use your ipod, go exploring the building, and you couldn't be on a laptop. We first walked in and were escorted to the cafeteria where we all filled out paper work for confidentiality. Then we ate breakfast together, given our costumes for the set, a couple hours of down time which everyone got to talking and know each other. I was the only one there who was not from Atlanta. EVERYONE thought I was crazy for dropping everything and driving from Memphis including David Mann and the costume/make-up director/designer. So it was finally time to start running through the scenes, get the camera angles right, and film the show. For only a 22 minute show, it took hours to film. And the camera company charged by the hour. We didn't get finished til around 9:30ish at night. It was the best experience I have ever had.

This is my movie card. I sent this in to try out for a Paul Mitchell hair show that was taking place in Nashville of 2010. For the most part, ever one was nice. There were a few girls who gave me the look of "What are you doing here?" I got a chance to meet Robert Cromeans and Stephanie Kocielski (2 amazing hair dressers). Unfortunately my hair was too dry that night from the hair dryer so I was unable to be chosen for the show but I had fun trying. As they go by height and age, you are to take the "catwalk" and give your best model walk and pose at the end. Graceful as I am not, I didn't trip. I was so excited. Greeting us all at the end of the catwalk, Robert Cromeans made comments about everyone and their performance to make everyone feel more comfortable. Thank you, some of us were nervous as is just showing up.

The catwalk at the American Mall Model Search.

A couple of the friends who were there at the final round: Marie, and Victoria showed their support. It is so unbelievable to think that we have been friends since elementary school (more than 16 years now- WOW!)

This is not everyone who showed up. My family was there as well, these were the ones who stuck around after the show. (from left to right- cousin Jenny, friends Marie [prego with Lydeea], her husband Joel, in the stroller is their daughter Leesah, Me, tall guy in back is Shane, his sister Victoria, her husband Jakob, and their son Arik). Love you guys and all who came out.

For the talent round, I sang "Leave The Pieces" by the Wreckers. When I got the score sheet back, they scored me as Diva but I needed to work on my volume level. Not bad at all.

This lovely and decorative shirt was designed by a friend from high school Malorie Martin. Thanks you to chica for helping me decorate my competition shirt. I still have it in my closet.

The good news is, I didn't fall off the stage. I took the catwalk with confidence. Compared to all the other girls who was there, I was the only plus size model but I still gave my 110%.

Thank you Model Productions, a judge named Domini (probably didn't spell name correctly- but very sweet and beautiful lady),  and every one for all their support and pushing me to try this out. I couldn't have done it without you.

There is another update of the head shots coming soon.

At a Paul Mitchell Hair show. I didn't get a chance to meet Takashi Kitamura but I sure would have loved to.

David Mann (Mr. Brown- kind of thought I was nuts for dropping everything and driving from Memphis but he is very funny.

I did get a chance to meet Robert Cromeans as I tried out for the Paul Mitchell hair show in Nashville in 2010.

At the Paul Mitchell Hair Show try-outs of 2010, I also got to meet Stephanie Kocielski.

Stephanie Kocielski is an amazing woman and very nice. She does wonders with hair. Her hair looked awesome as it was a tad spiked up at the audition.

Takashi Kitamura

Terri J. Vaughn plays the slacking coworker Renee who is hilarious as always. She is nice. We were not allowed to have a conversation with the cast but I thought it would be respectful when I apologized for bumping into her in the tiny hallway behind the scenes of Meet The Browns. Oops!!

I also sent in an essay (through Model Productions) for EAT LOVE PRAY movie describing how I am like the main character describing how traveling and learning new things changed the person I am today. MTV called and asked me to create a 2 minute video of me and my experiences of what made me the person I am today. I will post that video a little later. Thank you MTV. I read the book and saw the movie. I might not have been able to travel over seas but I still think that I relate to that story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ekYEhQgwz8 This is a good video of Paul Mitchel and Takashi Kitamura asking "WHAT INSPIRES YOU?"

No matter who you are, don't ever give up and think that you can not do something because you are different. We all have dreams. Don't let fear keep you from trying anything. You can do anything as long as you put your mind to it and take action!!!!! So answer that question: "WHAT INSPIRES YOU?"