Candy

Born in Spain of Portuguese, Brazilian and Angolan descent Candy is a model, actress and dancer hailing from west London.
Currently in college studying a National Diploma in Performing Arts, she also used to be a cheerleader for the Royal Angels where she studied street dancing.
Not only is she a street dance enthusiast, Candy also enjoys different genres of dance including ballet and contemporary.
"I just enjoy performing and have a great passion for it." -Candy
Citing Halle Berry, Julia Roberts and Marlon Wayans as her favourite actors Candy is aiming to be a triple threat in the entertainment industry.
"My dream role is to be a very successful and a world known model, actress and dancer." -Candy
This positive young lady who puts 100% into everything she does has the determination to succeed in all she does.

For more info on Candy go to:

www.myspace.com/candzakasweets

We Exist!! Why? Elizabeth Young

Elizabeth Young born number 8 in a family of 10 has definitely accomplished a lot. Born in Birmingham, England but raised in Hanover, Jamaica this talented musician and published author is ready to take the world by storm.
Young who plays the saxophone and writes her own songs is definitely someone in charge of her own destiny.
Inspired by artists such as Gladys Knight and Elvis to Motorhead Elizabeth continues to strive to reach her goal of becoming a singer without having to compromise who she is:
"Striving to become a big fish in a big pond."-Elizabeth Young
Elizabeth has already started along that path having had her book "Why We Exist" published. The book, which focuses on finding your life’s purpose, is available worldwide online.
This 5ft tall fitness enthusiast is also working on a facial fitness DVD and may also star in a reality TV programme about super fit super slim people.
A wealth of talent, strength and determination Elizabeth Young is definitely one to watch in the future as:

"Where she is now is where she has chosen to be."-Elizabeth Young

For more info on Elizabeth go to:

www.myspace.com/weexistwhy

Alexia

FU interviewed model Alexia who told us how carrying your camera with you on girly nights out can help you with your photoshoots.

How long have you been modelling for?
I’m a baby to this industry! I’ve been modelling for 4 months now and loving every minute of it

Who/What made you want to model?
I think secretly I’ve always wanted to be a model, but I’ve always had doubts about whether or not I could do it. Firstly I’m only 5’6 so I’m just below the standard height for a model which I thought would cause a lot of problems, but It didn’t so I’m glad I started. I was approached on Myspace by an agency who asked me to do a test shoot for them and I haven’t looked back since!

Have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?
Definitely! I’m the ultimate poser among my friends! I take a camera with me absolutely every time I go for nights out, which strengthens my poses when I do a real shoot.

What’s the best job you’ve been on?
The Kojo’s Angel’s calendar! Firstly because it’s for an amazing charity called the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust who aims to increase the number of Black and mixed race people on the UK bone marrow register. Secondly because I worked with a lovely young comedian called Babatunde who made the shoot really fun.

What’s the worst modelling experience you’ve had?
To be honest I’ve been really lucky with bad experiences. I suppose I could say a fashion show I did which required me to wear lingerie. I had to walk down the runway with my bum cheeks out!

What is it like on set/shoots, there’s a lot of girls, is there any bitchiness?
I love the buzz on a photo shoot! It’s exciting watching the other girls working. But yes there is bitching but to be honest there is always going to be bitching around a group of girls. I think if you carry yourself well and go and do the job you’re required to do then no one can fault you.

What do you do when you’re not modelling?
When I’m not modelling I’m a student studying English and Creative Writing at University. My education is extremely important to me so I make sure I’ve always got space in my schedule to balance my time between the two.

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?
Tyra Banks. She’s a good role model to young black women and she always holds herself extremely well.

What your best feature?

Probably my abs- I’m lucky enough to have a really flat tummy!

What type of modelling would you never do?

Anything explicitly crude.

Obviously models have to have a tight body, what do you do to keep in shape?

I’ve pretty much danced my whole life so I think I shaped my body from an active childhood rather than hitting the gym. I just make sure I eat healthily, follow a good skin care regime and exercise regularly.

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?
I’m very confident in my craft so can take almost all that’s thrown at me! I think you just need to remember that just because you weren’t right for one job doesn’t mean you’re not right for another. Rejection is always going to be there, its how you deal with it that counts.

There’s loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out, obviously your Fabulous and Undiscovered but what makes you so different?

My work ethic! I put 100% into anything I do. I think with determination and hard work you can get to anywhere you want to.

Who would you like to work with in the future?
I’d love to do an urban campaign such as Baby Phat or Roca Wear. I’d also like to move into television work and do some presenting.

What’s next for you?

Well I’ve got the launch of the Kojo’s Angels calendar and I’m doing my music first video next month so all exciting stuff.

For more info on Alexia go to:

www.myspace.com/alexia_online

Deja

FU interviewed new model Deja who told us about her Lynx advert and her plans on going to America to persue her modelling.

How long have you been modelling for?

Well I’d say a couple of months..I'm a newbie :)

Who/What made you want to model?

I think what made me want to model was the fact that it had always been a secret aspiration, that I decided yes this is something that I really want to do with my life.

Have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?

I’m always taking pictures of myself with my phone, but when I am in front of the camera (bearing in mind I’m shooting with a photographer I feel comfortable with) I tend to have a lot of positive energy so I guess I’d say I do love it!

What’s the best job you’ve been on?

I'd say the lynx online ad, though its very recent so its still up in the air but it was a reaction ad- though I was shocked by the scene I was involved in it was great fun!! and I would do it again.

What’s the worst modelling experience you’ve had?

I'd say a photographer indiscretely making suggestions to me !! argh lol

What is it like on set/shoots, there’s a lot of girls, is there any bitchiness?

I'd say it can be quite bitchy particularly if every female is vying for the limelight for example at music video shoots or if they see anyone who seems to be competition to them. But I’m not really bothered by that as at the end of the day I know that modelling is my dream therefore if I let those things get to me then it would take me away from my goal of establishing myself as a model.

What do you do when you’re not modelling?

At the moment I’m taking a year out from my studies which have been geared towards media and television otherwise I’m usually taking care of my son who I absolutely adore :)

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?

I'd say Naomi Campbell.. and not because we both have the same name ;) but setting aside all the negative media she’s had. Naomi to me is a very grounded, strong and determined individual. Not only beautiful in her own right but is a successful black supermodel.

What’s your best feature?

I'd say my eyes.

What type of modelling would you never do?

Anything involving nudity.

Obviously models have to have a tight body, what do you do to keep in shape?

Well nothing really if I’m being honest.. maybe running up and down after my son- does that count.. :) or sit ups I was doing between 50-100 a day but I’ve not seen much of a change but truthfully I do actually walk quite a bit. But when I become more strict with myself I intend to go to the gym.

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?

Bring it on... no seriously yes I believe I am ready and could handle rejection well because with an industry that is so big and trends that are for ever changing you have to be open to the idea that not every time you will be what people are looking for. With that it doesn't mean to say that an opportunity might not come knocking on your door all the same.

There’s loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out?
Well I’d say because I’m a very down to earth, honest and determined individual. not only that but being 5ft 5 its a lot harder to get jobs in the modelling industry as some areas seem to be determined by height. so it makes me want to give my up most best just knowing that I have to work 10 times harder.

Who would you like to work with in the future?

I’d like to work with up and coming UK urban designers as I feel we should support our own more. Otherwise I’d love to be the face of a product or be featured in a respectable magazine.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully, I would like to go to America next year sometime and see how I go out there- test the waters.. so watch this space!!

For more info on Deja go to:

www.myspace.com/deja86

Boys in the Hood

FU spoke to Boys in the Hoods CEO Linda who told us why she decided to start an all male model management company.
“The reason I started my management company is because I wanted to focus on something other then my modelling. Also I was trying to get my brother to model, but he didn't want to have any one but me managing him, so I thought as I’m getting a lot of links myself why don't I just start up my company now, sign my brother and get the ball rolling. Plus my friend is a model and a photographer so that made the decision even easier” -Linda Clare-Noel
Linda decided on the name Boys in the Hood as she thought this best described the look of her models as they’re just like the boy next door .Although they are not the stereotypical pretty boy models they all have a uniqueness which makes them stand out in such a competitive industry.
“My aim is to help models out there who might be a little different or not as commercial as some and to be one of the first male originated urban model management agencies to bring a sexy, street model to the scene.” -Linda-Clare Noel
Because of the many female and mixed model agencies saturating the market, Linda decided to focus on one category and take the male model route to try and open up the male model market and be remembered for doing so. Also as males are a lot more laid back she felt this would make her job easier:
“Like I said in my other interview I like to think outside the box. Plus I work better with men and I believe that it is a lot less stress, lol” -Linda-Clare Noel
CEO Linda stresses that Boys in the Hood, is not like your average company looking to just hire people and make money, they care about their models. Unlike other agencies Boys in the Hoods models are not just one dimensional and CEO Linda is happy to promote their other skills such as rapping, DJ-ing, Writing and Designing:
“I'm looking to expand my knowledge of the business and meet people who are interested in working with me. It is not going to be just one sided, but built into an empire and a family” Linda-Clare Noel

Boys in the Hood
C.E.O Linda-Clare Noel

Co-Manager-Photographer Kelly-Ann Taylor

P.A Sophina Wilson

If you think you have what it take to join Boys in the Hood or if you would like to hire a Boys in the Hood model :

Email: cereece6@hotmail.co.uk

Or go to www.myspace.com/bihnent

Also for photography go to:
www.myspace.com/klevelsphotography