Fox of the Week (3/24/10): Angela Simmons

Angela Simmons is a model from Chicago. She discusses what drew her to modeling, models she admires, and her best features.

Modeling has been your dream since 14. What drew you to it?

Growing up around my cousin Cherise motivated me. She was a runway model. I thought she was so beautiful in everything she done. Cherise wore gorgeous clothing, shoes, purses and hair, nails. Her makeup was always flawless. When I lost her I became addicted to modeling. Started Barbizon modeling school in Chicago and dancing in strip clubs at age 16. I would only hang around older women that had anything to do with modeling, stripping, and getting money. Also they could get me into VIP places. I call them my big sisters. My big sisters made me go to cosmetology school to get my license so i would have a back-up plan. It involved beauty so I loved it as well. By the age of 18, I had my own girls modeling for me in Chicago clubs. Things haven't changed that much for me since then.
What is your best feature?

Hips & eyes. My photographers say my hips are too wide for my little body. I'm 5'3", 127 lbs, 39-inch hips. I was told my eyes change with my mood. I never see it.

What challenges do you find in modeling as opposed to when you started?

New agency and photographers you never worked for...you can't trust everyone.

Who are some models that you admire? Why?

Iman and Beverly Johnson. They inspire me to succeed in whatever I do because both are supermodels and entrepreneurs: Iman with her skin care, fragrance, and her own makeup line. Beverly Johnson with her hair collection. All these are part of everyday beauty (cosmetology) like myself.

What is one goal you must accomplish?

My own VIP club. I already have girls modeling lingerie. We need a location and place then my goal will be accomplished.

Follow Angela on Twitter.

Fox of the Week (2/17/10): Kitty Kennedy "Creole China Doll"

Kitty Kennedy (aka Creole China Doll) is a model from Louisiana. She has recently been featured on Stiletto Talk, Titanium Girlz, and Wildly Styley, among others. She discusses her beginnings in modeling, what makes a great photo, and what she hopes to accomplish.

What was your first modeling job? Describe how you felt that day.

Wow, that was over 13 years ago! (laughs) My first modeling job was a JC Penney fashion show. It actually came about by accident. I happened to be shopping in the store when one of the models was told to leave because of her bad attitude. The coordinator of the show stopped me & said “You’re gorgeous, can you walk?” I told him yes, so that’s how I ended up in the show. He gave me $100 afterwards.

What do you think is your best feature?

I believe my best feature is my mind, therefore is not located on the outside. You’d have to ask my fans their opinion on what my best physical attribute is, if that’s the type of answer you were looking for.

Who are some of the models you admire?

In my particular genre of modeling, I only admire myself. But in modeling as a whole, my idol is Iman. I also admire Beverly Johnson, Naomi Sims & Alek Wek.

What sets you apart from other models?

I’m just ME, that’s what makes me different. I’m not trying to keep up with or imitate any of these other ladies. I’m not “the next so-in-so”. I’m Creole China Doll, in a league of my own.

What makes a “Wow” - worthy photo?

My “Wow” worthy photos are captured when I become one with the persona for whatever look I’m portraying.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish?

I have many, but if I were to pick just one it would be to be on someone else’s inspiration list. That’s when you know you’ve done something right.

Fox of the Week (2/3/10): Emanon

Emanon is a model from Chicago who has appeared in television shows and films. She discusses how she got started, her best feature, and models she admires.

How did you get started modeling?

Plus Modeling is an area that has gone unrecognized for a while, but the light is shining brighter each season. I entered a PP pageant in 2005 on a dare. Once I arrived to the competition, I quickly learned that the first P in PP meant Petite (I'm 6'0") so needless to say I was disqualified from the pageant but allowed to participate in the other part of the competition. I won "Most Photogenic" and it kind of started me on my journey.

What would you say is your best feature? Why?
I love Me! (laughs) My face because people always tell me "your skin is flawless, I would kill for your skin" So I hope to one day represent a makeup or skin care line. I take good care of my face I keep in it looking "flawless" by drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen year round and I NEVER sleep in make-up not even for a nap.

How do people underestimate or misjudge you?
I have a passion for LIFE so I tend to act silly and just live in the moment so some people may underestimate my ability or my professionalism and sleep on what I could bring to the table. Ultimately they miss out.

You have appeared in some films. Who is one person in film you would love to work with? Why?

I have always been an extra in the movies, I would love to work with any powerful producers that are willing to give me a chance with a speaking part. (laughs)

Who are some models you admire?

I love Tyra, Naomi, Iman, and Twiggy, but I admire the girls who look like me: Mia Ambers, Marquita Pring and all the models that represented in the Glamour and V magazine size issues. I hope to see many more including myself.

What is one goal you feel you must accomplish?

There are so many things that have not been done in the Plus world, I just hope to be a part of the ride. We will see!

Follow Emanon on Twitter.