About Me
Antoinette Lenae , a top African American model from Atlanta who has recently moved to Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood , was a major presence during New York Fashion Week, walking a number of shows including Gucci and Lacoste.
Could you tell us briefly about your background?
I am 20 years old; born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I moved to New York in better pursuit in modeling, and that's when I first got started. I frequently commuted back and forth between Atlanta and New York to various castings. I was found a full-time receptionist job at a gym, just for some extra money, to pay for my traveling expenses and wordrobe. Modeling was my passion and could very well be a stable income for a single female saving to start to become an Occupational Therapist. It's weird how it started because I really wasn't expecting anything. I graduated from high school, and moved to New York on faith and motivation.
What made you choose modeling as a profession?
Like most models, modeling has always been my passion next to fashion since I was a young girl also with my African American decent I felt like I could finally bring something different to the industry with my freckles. I graduated from Modeling School of John Casablanca's at the age of 14. After appearing in a couple fashion shows and approaching high school my mother decided she wanted me to focus more on my grades. After graduating from high School in 2006 I started going to open casting calls in Atlanta that's when I booked my first video for an Atlanta based rap group called Boyz in Da Hood "Everybody Knows Me"
Just to name a few, what are some jobs you've got?I've worked with Alycia Keys, TRL, Lil Wayne, G Unit, and Pastry.Boyz in Da Hood "Everybody Knows Me" Music VideoShop Boyz "They like Me" Music Videos"KT Taylors" Fashion Show"Price of Fame" Fashion show Morehouse collegeJust to name a few.
You've said you got into modeling because you didn't see a lot of "Freckled faced" models in the business. So besides making money, was this a big factor in your choice of profession?
Yeah, that was also a challenge for me, and something that I saw that was missing in the modeling industry, even though my friends gave me a hard time in school about my freckles I always felt I could fulfill from them day one. (Antoinette throwing her hair back and laughing) I've heard it all before from The Bride of Chucky, Raggedy Ann, Wendy's girl, to even Pippin Long stockings. Kids can be cruel sometime, but I wasn't sure if the urban industry would accept me, it was definitely worth a shot. I never doubted myself, just wanted to make my mark.
And do you see this changing? Do you find that there are more diverse models working now than when you started?
Yea, I do. But it's very early in my career. But I'm definitely working on that, we need diversity. No one wants to open up a magazine and see the same type of females over and over.
How long do you see yourself modeling? Are you planning to branch out into other areas, such as acting?
For as long as it's God's will. I can't see myself getting tired of following my dreams. I definitely want to branch out into acting as a matter of fact I've been memorizing a couple scripts and practicing every night.
Do you have any advice for beginners who are thinking about going into the modeling business?
Follow your dreams. If this is what you really want its nothing but motivation and determination away. It's not easy but it can very well be done.
Do you have a special diet or training when preparing for a fashion show or photo shoot?
No, not really. I usually stay away from heavy meals and eat pasta or salads the day before. Also I do a couple crunches before I go to bed and when I wake up. Usually helps.
Have you ever been faced with anyone trying to shut down your dream of becoming a model?
Yes! I call those types of people haters. Yep, I have encountered many haters in my time. No one in particular just people that told me that modeling wasn't necessarily the right path for me. As funny as it may sound I looked forward to the hating I just used it as motivation to continue to peruse my dreams and give them a reason to hate.
Do you ever feel the need to "try" something else when work is scarse?
I've always been interested in getting my real estate license.
What is your favorite type of modeling and why do you choose that, how does it represent you?
My favorite type would have to be print modeling. I enjoy picking up a magazine and seeing myself. Videos are fun too you're able to expand your abilities as far as acting.
What are your dream goals once you start making a significant amount of money?
First and for most my mother means the world to me. This is doubt my dream but she motivates me, I feel like she has done her job now it is time for me to take care of her. She isn’t going to want or need for anything. Eventually I would also like to start my own clothing line.
Would you want your children to become models?
If that's their particular desires I would never force my children to do anything they didnt want to do but if he or she wanted to model then I would support them one hundred percent.
From what I've heard, Drugs are always thrown for models to take, Have you witnessed this?
No, I have yet to witness that perspective of the industry.(laughing) But what I will say is it is up to the particular person to make the right decisions. I don't know anyone that can make me do anything I don't want to do. That's usually that person's personal decision. You just have to know how to handle that situation and let them know that's not to your likings and they can have that. Easy as 1-2-3.
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