I met Nikia at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. GO EAGLES!!! Nakia was from Aiken, SC. I was from Cheraw, SC. We actually met in Student Government as Freshman Senators. Nakia was very nice, wonderful personality, and an electric smile. She knew how to have fun. But she transferred to USC Columbia her sophomore year. I occasionally went down and partied with her, but we lost touch. She crossed my mind alot but I never knew how to get back in contact with her.Three weeks ago, I received my Sister 2 Sister Magazine in the mail. In the middle of the magazine was an Wal-Mart ad for different cosmetics. There was a girl that was advertising eye shadow that looked just like Nikia.
I shook it off and thought I was definitely seeing things. Last Week, I bought the new Glamour magazine from Books A Milliion. While I was standing in line, I started to flip through the magazine. Low and behold, I flipped right to Nikia and her mother's picture for the cover story for Mother's Day.
After that, I went on myspace, put her name in, and saw that she had a page. I sent her message and here we are right now with an interview from Ms. Phoenix for my blog. It was such a pleasure.
Read below to see what is up with Ms. Phoenix:
How did you start modeling
When I was in high school, I would go to those model searches and always get "chosen" to be the next big star. I even took some modeling classes, which actually just helped me improve my overall confidence. But when I had to choose between college and pursuing a career in fashion, I did the practical thing and went to college. I think my mom was afraid of the industry taking advantage of me, and the possibility that I could actually be successful. We're from the country where no one understands that dreaming big can actually turn into reality. So let's fast forward ...a few years ago I was "discovered" while getting bagels one morning. Thanks to Greg Alterman of Alternative Apparel, I scored my first gig and my first ad. I freaked out when I saw it...this full page ad in California apparel News. I was a neophyte. I had no modeling experience, but I got a lot of help from some great photographers. But what I've learned is that you've either got it or you don't. And "having it" doesn't mean that you're pretty or cute. It means that it's in you. There's a passion for it. This is the gift God blessed you with.
Was it hard to make friends in the industry? From television, you see alot of petty jealousy and stepping on anyone to get to the top. I know you haft to be careful.
Yes and no....
Sure there are catty people in the industry, but those are not the people with which one wants to be associated. Maturity has a lot do with it too. So many young girls in this business act like it's a high school beauty pageant, and that's not the way to be. I try not to think of booking jobs as a competition, because women are already self conscious enough. Besides, you cannot compare my look to that of a cookie-cutter model. Just like anyone else, God made us all different, and I'm thankful for that. The friends I have, I trust and love. I want them to succeed and be happy, even if it means they book something that I don't. "Whatever will be will be." And I don't think that modeling has changed how I view people, I think life has.
Did you always embrace your freckles? Or did you haft to grow to love them?I love them. But being different isn't easy.
What is your most memorable photo shoot?The very first one with Alternative Apparel
Who is your favorite designer?Candice Held. She inspires me to keep going, and she's a dear friend. I wouldn't still be around if she didn't believe in me.
Niki in Catherine Held Who do you admire in the modeling game right now?
Definitely Tyra Banks, because she is the past, present, and future. She is a phenomenal woman.
Any plans beyond modeling?I want to wake up everyday like Pinky and the Brain
Pinky: "Gee Brain, what do you want to do tonight?"
The Brain: "The same thing we do every night, Pinky- try to take over the world."
Who are you listening to right now in your Ipod?No IPOD. Everyone is so disconnected from the world when they're walking the streets listening to that device. Ha! But really, Hope, Brent Anthony, Santogold, Common, John Mayer. I loooooooove Common.
What is the one thing from South Carolina did you bring with you to the modeling industry.Freckles :-)
CHECK OUT NIKIA PHOENIX: http://www.myspace.com/nikip
