Who's That Girl?

A model's road to success is like following the yellow brick road. There are lions, tigers, and bears and it takes a brain, courage, and a heart to get where you want to go. This has definitely been the story for Alabama-native Jana. She's been freelancing as a model and commercial actor for years and now this beauty finally has an agent. Let's get to know her.


1. Describe your style?
Skinny Jeans +T-Shirt + Sneakers + Hoodies or Leather Jacket : I like to be cute, but comfortable. You'll always see me in my studded diamond earrings. I mainly wear jewelry that has sentimental value to me; each piece has a story. Then, there's the edgy side of me who loves Ruby Woo, for hawks, and my septum piercing.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
A lion definitely represents me. It is known to be a strong and courageous animal. The lion protects his pride. I am very protective over those I care about. People saying things in an attempt to cause me harm doesn't bother me as much, but coming for someone I care about will cause me to roar. I protect, help and love those in my life.

3. If you had a super power what would it be?
Super speed, so I can quickly get through LA traffic. I'd like to be able to leave at the last minute, but be on time everywhere. Wouldn't it be cool to travel a great distance in seconds? I would travel the world without delays.


4. If you weren't modeling or acting what else would you do?
I would own my art bar, helping young artists get their foot in the door. My bar would be a central location for artist to connect and support one another. It's a strong support system driven by young, great artist ready to change the world through their art. Come hang out with your friends and enjoy art.

5. What keeps you motivated everyday?
I have family in Alabama who are rooting for me. I don't want to let them down or myself. I have grown so much in the 2 years that I have been in LA and I want to keep growing and becoming a better person, so that I can help someone else. My trials and tribulations weren't in vain; they happened so I can guide someone else. Someone needs to know that their goals can be achieved. I want to be the person to let them know that.

Jana is so committed to achieving her dreams. She is such an inspiration, and the campaign with Sseko Designs is beyond beautiful. You go girl!

P.S. Don't forget to take advantage of 20% off for Sseko's 30 Ways 30 Days for Education special. Use discount code Sseko30x30 at checkout. It's the last day!

Dear Fairy Model Mother: What's up With All the Agent Fees?

GQ India March 2013

Hello lovelies! It's your guardian angel here for your monthly dose of advice. I really appreciate all of your emails and I'm doing my best to get around to them. This question comes from a working model who's been thinking about switching representation. She met with an agency I'm familiar with who's interested in signing the beauty. The main booker gave her a contract to consider and upon further examination she said:

"I was reading over it and started thinking, they have alot of financial obligations...like $300 a year for a modeling website, 100 zed cards (which I'm not sure who even uses those anymore), new headshots from test photographers for $250-450! Almost seems kinda scamy...am I crazy??"

You guys already know I hate dealing with contracts. It seems like they are only designed to benefit one party and not the other, but it's a necessary working agreement. In order to get to the bottom of this, I pulled out every modeling contract I have. From my experience, somewhere in every agreement there exists a clause about expenses. One contract of mine states "Model understands that Agency will deduct 20% commissions as well as any expenses and/or reimbursements to the Agency." Another goes into further detail and lays out the deductions including comp card printing, courier charges, website fees, attorney fees, etc.

You would think that all these expenses would be included in the agent's commission for the jobs you book, but it's not. Your reps will argue that in order to properly market you, they need all of this stuff. This may be true. Maintaining your online portfolio and promotional materials takes money. The agency will front these expenses for you knowing they'll get it back somehow. Keep in mind you should never be charged up front for comp cards, test shoots, and the like. These get billed to you later or deducted from your checks. When you receive payment, the accounting department should itemize all of your expenses. And guess what? When you're doing your taxes later, you can write these expenses off.

Is this practice shady? Not really. Wouldn't you rather know exactly what you're paying for instead of getting a surprise later. But if you're feeling like it's risky business, you've got options. You can amend the contract and state that certain expenses must go through your approval beforehand or that you'd rather pay for them yourself. For example: I opted out of getting a portfolio printed and instead I have my book on my iPad, saving probably $200. What you have to remember is that you have control over this situation because in the end it's your money and your career on the line. Best of luck!

As always, if you've got any questions or you need a bit of advice, the Fairy Model Mother hotline is always open.

Model Bites: Juicy Summer Salad

Lunchtime is upon us. During the warmer months, you don't want to eat really heavy food. I once made the mistake of snacking on a croissant while lounging around the pool, and it felt like the thing was baking in my belly. Bleh. A great alternative is a crisp salad with fresh ingredients. For this edition of Model Bites, we're combining a Southern summer favorite with a little Mediterranean flavor for a sweet and tangy dish. Hope you're hungry.

When it comes to certain recipes, I'm very much like my grandmother. I don't use specific measurements unless I'm baking. It's always a pinch of this, a dash of that, or just add however much you like. Got it!
To get the recipe started, here's what you'll need:
Cucumber
Watermelon
Fresh Basil
Fresh Mint
Lime
Arugula
Sliced Almonds
Prosciutto
Honey
Olive Oil
You can either get a whole watermelon or a small package of pre-cut seedless watermelon. Either way cut the melon in small cubes. Grab a few leaves of basil and mint. Chop finely. If you like cilantro, you can add that in the mix too. The more the merrier. Place cut items to the side.


Next get your cucumber ready. I normally go for your typical cucumber, but this time I decided to try out Persian Cucumbers. Cut to match the size of the watermelon. Now it's time for your prosciutto. I suggest taking the thin cut, rolling it, and then slicing into small ribbons. Set to the side.


Get ready for the dressing. I'm not really a dressing girl, but I like for this salad. Pour a little honey in a small bowl. Then add a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Next squeeze in your lime juice. If a few juicy pieces of lime fall in the mix, then great. If you like a citrusy dressing, then add more lime. For sweeter, just a little more honey. Remember to taste as you go because that's part of the fun. Whisk thoroughly.


You're ready to combine your ingredients with the arugula. In a large bowl, add your basil, mint, watermelon, cucumber. Toss in your prosciutto. Slowly add your dressing. Sprinkle in the almonds. Continue to toss. Once it looks pretty, you're ready to serve. Garnish with flatbread or pita.

This dish is a delicious experiment of flavors. Instead of adding salt, add more prosciutto. For a little more kick, add cilantro instead of pepper. You can also switch the almonds out for feta. Or maybe go for the classic Italian prosciutto and melon instead of watermelon. The possibilities are endless. You should definitely try and let me know how it turns out. I love this salad because it's a great balance of salty, sweet, and tangy. I hope you enjoy it too.

Buon appetito!

My Style: Sseko Designs 30 ways 30 days for Education

"Each one teach one" is an African American proverb that I say all the time. If you're not familiar with it, here's a little background. The saying started during slavery, a time when our people where denied an education. If you learned something, it was now your responsibilty to pass the torch to the next person and share that wealth of knowledge. That same giving spirit is the concept behind Sseko Designs.


The Look
Head wrap: Gap scarf
Tank top: Zara
Miniskirt: H&M
Sandals: Sseko Designs
Earrings and Rings: Urban Outfitters
Bracelets: Target

Sseko is a brand based in Uganda that produces leather goods like sandals and accessories. The sandals are made by the caring hands of women earning money towards a university education. In the months between finishing high school and going to college, these young ladies put in real work. Half of their earnings go into a special savings account that will be used for tuition. When it's time to ship off for school, Sseko Designs gives university scholarships that match up to 100% of the savings each girl has made during her 9 month period with the company. Each young woman now has a fighting chance to become a bright, shining future lawyer, doctor or world leader.


Each piece of footwear is uniquely special. The base of the sandals are the same style, but you can interchange different straps and accessories to design your own. The selection is so cute ranging from classic elastic to funky, seasonal prints. I chose these pretty mint chiffon straps and decided to tie them like a pair of ballet shoes. Sseko even offers different sandal accessories to jazz up your outfit. I never have to stress out and go shopping for the perfect summer sandal again. Oh, and you can always re-up and get new straps whenever you like.

I'm so glad Sseko decided to include me as one of their ambassadors for 30 Days 30 Ways for Education. If you hear of a kind deed, it's important to spread the good news to others. Until the end of July, join the celebration and enjoy 20% off your purchase (use discount code Sseko30x30). Lend a helping hand for education and look fabulous while doing so.

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Tender Lovin' Curls

Vogue Japan June 2013

Every woman would love to wake up with perfect hair. It's the stuff that dreams are made of. Bouncy curls or luscious waves without having to fuss over your mane. I'd say that only 5% of ladies actually have hair like this, the rest of us have to wash, condition, use tons of product and still use a curling iron to get the style we desire. Especially during the summer, nobody has time for all that work.

On Sunday my girlfriends and I were sitting around eating chips and salsa and talking hair. Los Angeles had recently experienced some of that hot, humid weather that the rest of the country gets every summer. The city of Angeles and the ladies that live here looked like we'd been hit by an electrical storm. Around town all you saw was big, frizzy and fuzzy hair. Though I'd done a little chop-chop to my natural hair some weeks ago, even I got a case of the frizz. Geez! The ladies and I came to the conclusion that although we are product junkies, we are ill-prepared for summer weather.
The two most important words for hair this season are moisture and texture. The hot air and bright sun are doing their best to dry out your locks, so you've got to fight back. Ladies, I know you've heard me say it before, but deep conditioning is a must. My new favorite for this is Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask. It can restore your dry, damaged hair to the healthy coif you love. Don't think you're done there. Next it's time for a great leave-in condition to fight the frizz and fuzz. Go for John Frieda Frizz Ease leave-in spray or if you've got thicker hair try Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Hair and Scalp Serum. Moving on to the texture part of this equation. Forget straight styles for the summer and play with curls, twists, and waves. If you have fine hair, work in a bit of mousse to damp hair using the scrunching method. For you super curly mamas, go for a lightweight styling creme like Quidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel which was specifically designed for crazy summer temperatures.

Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean you have to look like a hot mess. Skip the flat irons and curling rods and work your magic with your hands. Play up your curls and waves with those simple tips. Healthy happy hair can be so romantic.

Weighing in on Size Zero

It seems like every week we hear a new chilling story about the reality many models face working in the fashion industry. This time the revelations come from a former editor at Australian Vogue, and what she says is astonishing. The accounts range from models only eating tissue or cotton balls to stay thin and girls in and out of the hospital due to the stress of the job. Despite recent health initiatives by Vogue and the CFDA, super thin models still rule the runways and magazines. We've got to do something about it.

I've written a lot about unhealthy models and the ridiculous beauty standards that many models are held to in this business. One of my articles,"How Thin To I Have To Be Realistically To Model", caught the attention of the folks at the Huffington Post Live. On Wednesday, they invited me to an online chat to discuss the size zero model epidemic with a panel that included a fellow model and a couple of health experts. You can check out the segment below.

Too often we play the blame game in fashion. Who's at fault for size zero models? Some say it's the fashion editors for puting thin girls in magazines. The editors say it's the designers for making size zero samples of the clothes. Modeling agents say they are only supplying what the clients demand. The poor models are tangled up in this spider web and are just trying to keep working. Just think about the effect seeing skin and bones has on other impressionable girls. Self hate, eating disorders, depression. We've got to build a support system for these young women and push forward for a better, healthier tomorrow. It takes a village...

Chime in: Are you surprised when you hear stories about models eating cotton balls dipped in orange juice? Do you think things have gotten better since Vogue initiated its health initiative?

My Style: After the Fallout

Imagine the earth after a disaster. Chaos is the standard. Motorcycle gangs are the new sheriffs in town. We are all just refugees wandering around in search of answers and shelter. It's a lawless land straight out of Mad Max or Book of Eli. That's the backstory for this post-apocalyptic look.


On a Sunday afternoon my friends and I decided to be renegades and explore Fort MacArthur, an old military base near San Pedro, California. Although it hasn't been used for training or defense purposes in decades, the area still feels eery as if it's haunted by the ghosts of the Cold War.


This was orignally shot by photographer Neil Sharum with hairstyling by Ruth Rivas for an upcoming jewelry line called Fallout. The accessories are mostly recycled materials and unique stones reconstructed and reimagined to be pretty yet a but rugged. The styling is along the same vein. An oversized, acid-washed denim jacket from a thrift store. Beat-up old combat boots. A black t-shirt my friend grabbed in downtown LA that had been shredded into something quite different than what it was originally made for. In a post-apocalyptic time you'd wear whatever you have and make it work.

When you're searching for an oasis after a catastrophic event, I think this is what that would look like. This is my little abandoned hideaway where I can play far from the chaos. It's a beautiful disaster.

Any Excuse to Shop

Fashion bloggers are obsessed with clothes. Shopping for us is a sport. We're not only competing with other bloggers to find great sales, but we're challenging ourselves to score the best deals. When we get together we're like "Oh my gosh! Where'd you get that? It's sooo cute!" So leave it to clothing line Stella & Jamie to add some extra fun to our favorite pastime with a blogger shopping event. Oh yeah!

The event was hosted by my girl Taye Hansberry and Sari Tuschman of Foam Magazine. When I got there the party was in full swing. There was plenty of bubbly and lots of fantastic clothes. Some of LA's best bloggers were there to enjoy the festivities and drool over the hot male models passing out drinks. Oh and no party is complete without a photo booth and wacky accessories to play dress-up. The pics were bananas.


I got there a little late and missed the munchies especially the macaroons. Sad face. But I did get to indulge in champagne while I snapped photos. The deals were crazy. These ladies were snatching up clothes left and right. And could you blame them? The spring/summer line was on super sale. Practically a steal. We were also able to preview the new collection and order some goodies at a great price.


Stella & Jamie really brought out a spectacular group of fashionable bloggers. I ran into Jenny from GoodBadFab, Rachael from Everything Hauler, and the fabulous Tosha from Bambi's Armoire. They all looked so fly as expected of course. On a side note, Taye was as sweet as a candy-striper in her Stella & Jamie pink suit.
This party was dangerously fun. Although I was on photographer duty, I was still able to snag a sexy vest from the summer collection. Just wait until you see it! Do yourself a favor and check out Stella & Jamie too. Thanks for the invite, darlings.

xoxo

For the Love of Sunnies

Man is it bright outside! That summer sun is so brilliant that I never leave home without shades. If you're anything like me, then you lose sunglasses left and right. Because of this misfortunate tendency, I normally buy cheap ones. Or I'll just so happen to semi-permanently borrow a pair of cool glasses that a guy friend lets me wear. They're more my style anyway therefore he doesn't need them. Am I right?

Shopping for sunglasses can be so frustrating. You see a pair you like, try them on, but somehow they look funky on your face. Shades come in so many different styles that it can be a bit overwhelming. You've got aviators, wayfarers, round, oval, cat eye, butterfly, and square just to name a few. Not only that, but then you have to figure out what color to get. Does it work with your complexion? Are you going to get bored with basic black? Tortoise shell...yay or nay?
When picking out a great pair of shades pay close attention to the shape of your face and the shape of the glasses. If you've got a round face, angular and oversized frames will work the best for you. If your face is more square, go for shades that will soften your face like round frames and thin rims. More of a heart-shape, try out sunglasses that are wider on top and will draw attention to your pout and jaw line. And finally there's the oval face. Any round or square frame will work for you just stay away from anything too oversized. For the most part, wayfarers like these Ray Bans and this pair from Toms are perfect for anyone. I'm a huge fan of these round specs by Quay. The circular white pair didn't look phenomenal on me until I chopped off my hair. Now they're the bomb!

The key to pulling off any pair of sunnies is just to have fun with it. When I first saw these red heart shades by Vans, I thought they were to crazy for me. But then I put them on and... voila! I'm in love and ready for the sun.