Dear Fairy Model Mother: I'm Different

she doesn’t think she’s beautiful
because of a birthmark
that takes up a little less than half of her face
kids used to say she looks like a wrong answer
that someone tried to erase

I've always been a bit "different" from others. When I was a really little kid, I was shy and quiet. In all my pictures I did this sort of half nervous smile thing. It's as if I was already afraid of everyone because I knew what was coming. Once I hit elementary school, the taunting really started. With every new freckle on my face, the name-calling from other kids got worse. My book smarts and my complexion only added to make the situation worse. I knew that my mother and sister had gone through this before me, but I wasn't sure I could do it. My freckled light skin wasn't quite thick enough.

Other kids looked at me like I was an alien. I was tall and skinny with reddish hair and spots on my face. "Black people don't have freckles" or "you act like a white girl" were a few of the things I heard from my classmates. My mom encouraged me to keep up with my schoolwork, and if anyone hit me then I should hit them back and make sure it hurt. If things got too tough for me to handle, then I should tell my teacher. I eventually learned how to maneuver out of difficult situations. I just kept thinking what would Martin Luther King or Gandhi do? Over time, I collected a great group of friends who were just as different as me and who knew what it was like not to fit in. We were bright, outspoken, and didn't need anyone else's approval to know we were doing things right. I knew they had my back and they knew I had theirs.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I get this Facebook wall post from my friend who's a a teacher in Texas that reads "So glad I have a famous model friend I can use in my English lesson :)" She went on to explain "They are finishing a poem called 'To This Day,' and it's about kids being picked on. There is this one line that reads 'she doesn’t think she’s beautiful because of a birthmark that takes up a little less than half of her face. kids used to say she looks like a wrong answer that someone tried to erase.' So I'm using your Tyra Banks interview to show how beauty is different and how you're a super model even though people picked on you because of your freckles."

The tears immediately came flooding from my eyes. This friend and I had been through a lot together as teens. We'd both been teased for being "different" and I'd always admired her tenacity for calling someone out for being mean and wrong. The fact that she used my story as an example for her class is such an honor. If it hadn't been for good friends and supportive family, I wouldn't have made it through all the picking and bullying. Theirs were the voices that harmonized with my inner thoughts telling me it was okay to be me and that I'd keep on keeping on no matter what those naysayers said.


If you know a kid or even an adult that others are constantly teasing, stand beside that person and encourage them when no one else does. Let them know there is light in all the darkness. We are all human beings even if some of us look like we're from another planet. We all have insecurities and hangups, but that doesn't mean we should talk down to each other. I'm glad i had people who lifted me up when others were trying their darndest to keep me down. Thanks for that, friends. I wouldn't be where I am without you.

How To Wash Your Bras & Delicates

Lace, satin, and baby-soft cotton. These are the fabrics my lingerie is made of. They are dainty and sophisticated, yet also protects my girly parts. When it comes to washing your delicates especially your bras, you’ve got to take very special care of them. How many times have you accidentally thrown your favorite bra into the wash with your other clothes only to find it warped and shrunken later? Or you’ve got a sweat stain on that white satin bra you like so much and you think it’s ruined forever. The secret to keeping your bras in tip-top shape…do it the old fashioned way and hand wash.

Unlike panties that you can throw in a delicates bag and put in the washing machine, bras need extra TLC. Get some tips and keep reading on KisforKinky.

This is part 5 of 6 in our Kisforkinky x Model Liberation 'She' collaboration.

My Style: Florida Evans

I must be in a classic rock kind of mood. First the Santana album and now Clapton. How can you not admire either one of them. They are a couple of my all-time favorite guitarists. Definitely in a class all their own. This look isn't just about music, but a movement and an era. A time of self expression and experimentation. Freedom of speech and the freedom to disco. Black power and black exploitation. For some reason, when I put this outfit on and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, the name that came to mind was Florida Evans. Don't ask me why.


In all honesty, this isn't something the mom from Good Times would've worn at least not in its entirety. Maybe she would've had this floral number, but the sunglasses and turban are something her best friend Willona would've sported. Anyway, I picked up the blazer from Zara on super sale. I thought it looked a little busy for my taste, but as soon as I slipped it on I knew it was mine. When I saw the peep toe booties I immediately felt sexy in that sort of Mary Jane Girls vibe. But the combination of the floral in the jacket and the shoes has Paisley Park written all over it.


The Look
Jacket: Zara
Shirt: thrift store score
Jeans: Wrangler
Shoes: Aldo
Turban: Lublu Kira Plastinina
Ring & Earrings: Urban Outfitters
Bracelets: R.J. Graziano
Sunglasses: Outlook Eyewear (similar)


The inspirations for the outfit just keep on going. The t-shirt and jeans are things I practically live in. They are so worn down and cozy that I wish I had a thousand just like them. Very tomboy and boxy which is just my style. A great way to dress up such a masculine look is with fabulous accessories. The turban and earrings have a north African feel like an Arabesque Cookie or A Night in Tunisia. If you've never heard any of these jazz songs, please look them up and have a listen.


This is something your flower child godmother would wear except that I doubt she'd be caught dead in a double-knit blazer. It's very earthy and rock-n-roll but with a touch of chic. Keep in mind, everything was kind of thrown together. I was literally just grabbing things from my closet to put on like I was dressing up as a character from that Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous. The end result is a little bit gypsy, a little bit hippy, and a lot trippy.

Scent of a Woman

"I recognize your fragrance. You ain't never gotta to say s***." It's rather nice when someone knows you're present just by your scent. Not that you've doused yourself in strong perfume, but your fragrance lingers and reminds that person of everything they love about you. The other day after brunch Taye and I wandered into Nordstrom to peruse the beauty department. I was running out of my favorite everyday perfume, and wanted to try something new. I sprayed one perfume on my wrist, another on my neck, and I found room for one more on the inside of my elbow. Good grief. A few hours later I must've smelled like a baby prostitute with all the different scents on my body. Finding your signature fragrance is like sampling sweets in a candy store. Some may be too sugary, too sour, too rich or too bitter. When you discover the perfect one, you're hooked.

Certain fragrances either turn me on or turn me way off. I don't like something that smells synthetic like it was cooked up in a lab. I enjoy scents that are earthy, floral, and sometimes spicy. Hugo Boss Woman was one of my first ventures into perfume. Let's not talk about how long I've had this particular bottle. The scent is very feminine and airy with a blend of apples, berries, water lilies, and hints of the ocean. This is a wonderful daytime fragrance. Another really nice scent is Cannabis Santal from Fresh. It reminds me of a cup of Earl Grey tea with brown sugar and a slice of lemon. It's tantalizing and comforting. It's slightly masculine, but smells wonderful on women too. This scent is quite captivating and it lingers ever so lightly.

Moving on to richer evening fragrances. I am absolutely obsessed with Tom Ford Black Orchid, well let's be honest... anything Tom Ford. It's an addiction. I fell in love with the fragrance a year or so ago and now it haunts me like a sexy ex-boyfriend that I know isn't good for me, but I want him any way. Black Orchid also has notes of bergamot and citrus with a touch of sandalwood. I like how to body lotion sets on my skin compared to the eau de parfum. Another favorite of mine is L'eau Ambree by Prada. This one may be a little harder to come by, but worth the quest. Rose de mai, vanilla, amber, and patchoulli are what gives this perfume its allure.

If you're kind of up in the air about a few scents, get samples. Perfume will usually smell different on your skin once you get home. You may have fallen in love with it in the store, but a few days later it's just not for you. I'm trying out a couple of new scents myself: diptyque's Eau Duelle and Place Vendome by Boucheron Paris. Both are woodsy but place Vendome is a bit floral while Ea Duelle has hints of vanilla and old world spices. I imagine that both smell a little something like Cleopatra.

The perfect scent for you depends on a number of factors: eau de toilette versus parfum, your own body chemistry, and what other scented products you use on your body. What may smell divine on someone else may not smell the same on you. When you've found something that mixes well with your skin, it's perfection.

Chime in: What's your signature perfume?

Underneath

For many of us, underwear is just functional. We put it on to support the girls or to protect our womanly parts. There's no lace, no frills, and no fuss, but boy is it boring. Ladies, they may do the job but there is absolutely nothing attractive about granny panties and 18-hour bras. Get rid of them! If it looks like something your mother would wear or maybe even your mom bought it for you, trash it. For models undies can be even more blah than usual. A nude bra preferably strapless and a nude thong is our required uniform for photo shoots. Because of all my practical undies, a real problem arose. When I actually wanted to look sexy for a hot date or even for myself, I had nothing to wear. I had a few basic full-coverage black bras and plain colored panties but that was it. My underwear needed an overhaul.

The first thing I had to do was stop thinking of it as underwear and start calling it lingerie. There is a big difference. Undies are what you use to cover up while lingerie is what you wear to embrace and enhance your precious goodies. It is made of luxurious fabrics like lace, silk, and satin that feel soft against your skin. While breathable cotton is highly encouraged for your lower half, you can go all out on the top with pretty bras. I prefer bras with support that still look alluring, so my eye tends to gravitate toward balconettes, t-shirt bras and the occasional demi-cup. Besides these, there are a few other types of brassieres that I believe every woman should have in her lingerie drawer.

Black Lace
It's as classic as a martini. Just look at all the detail in the fabric. The delicate eyelets and the fleshtone mesh peeking through. This bra reminds me of something a French woman would wear. It's very delicate but sophisticated. This particular one is from Truth or Dare by Madonna, so you know it screams sexy. It has underwire, but is a more relaxed fit for those days you're just lounging around the house. I love wearing black lace under a white button-up shirt so that someone possibly could sneak a peek of it when I'm leaning over. Business on the surface, but underneath it's all play.

Floral Print
What says feminine better than flowers. Floral prints come in different colors from white to black with red roses and anything in between. This one is by Gap Body and features bright orange and yellow on blue satin. It's so hot it's tropical. The longline cut is similar to a bustier but with straps, so there's lots of va-va-voom. This style also great for ladies that are a little busty. If you want to pair this bra with panties, pick something solid that's got shine and a punch of color.

White and Structured
Something that Marilyn Monroe would have worn. This bra is full coverage without looking matronly. The silhouette is reminiscent of that 1950s sort of cone bra the Hollywood sirens used to wear, but with a modern twist. This H & M bra is lightly lined and has this really pretty scalloped trim paired with a nude mesh. It's also a convertible bra so you can wear it with or without the straps. Works great under a sweater or even a crew neck shirt.

Yes, bras are designed to hoist up your bosom but they can also be quite nice to wear. You can match your bra with your panties or mix it up with separates. See how pretty lingerie can be. It doesn't matter if you're showing it off to the world or keeping it a secret for yourself, buy lingerie that makes you feel like a million dollar baby. You definitely deserve to spoil yourself every now and then.

Underneath is part 4 of 6 in our KisforKinky x Model Liberation "She" collaboration. Photographs by Angel Jordan.

Let's Talk About S-E-X

This subject is for grown folks only.
I am a woman who knows exactly what she wants from a lover. I want someone who is strong but knows how to be gentle when the mood is right. Not that I’m too demanding, but I’m very vocal about what I expect in the bedroom. If you’re going to venture into my queendom, you’d better come correct. I can say all of this now, but a few years ago it was a totally different story. I was very shy and timid about sex. Of course I enjoyed it, but I didn’t know how to express my desires to my partner. As girls, we are taught that certain subjects like sex are taboo. Because of this, by the time we grow into women, we don’t approach the idea of sexuality the same as men do. They can boast about their conquests and not be judged by others or labeled a “ho.” As women we aren't "allowed" the same courtesy so we feel we have to be more discreet about our deeds...

Keep reading my 9 Things I Wish I Knew About Sex in my 20s That I Know Now on KisforKinky.


This is part 3 of 6 in our KisforKinky X Model Liberation 'She’ Collaboration. Self Portraits by yours truly.

United in Style: Ash & Blake

Finding your other half is already difficult enough. The search for the right man is similar togoing on a treasure hunt. You know it's there, you've just got to keep digging for gold. But finding a guy with style is like Mission: Impossible. A man who knows how to carry himself and dress is so incredibly sexy, but only a handful of them exist. As women we either have to mold our guy into dressing like James Bond or deal with ratty jeans and holey t-shirts. Uber-stylish couple Ashley and Blake of Anything and Everything LA definitely lucked out when they go together. Both have not only a fantastic wardrobe but an ability to complement each other's style. When you see them out and about Ashley and Blake look photo shoot perfect. I caught up with Ash to chat about what makes her relationship really spark.

1. How did you and Blake meet?
Blake and I met in High School. It was such an awkward time at both our lives, but we made it through and are so happy. We’ve basically grown up together, and that has effected our relationship in so many ways.

2. What attracts you to a guy?
Confidence and a great personality. I love someone I can converse with, and someone who accepts and allows me to be myself. I guess that’s way almost 10 years later, I’m still extremely attracted to Blake.


3. How do you plan your outfits with Blake? Do you pick something out first?
Blake and I never really plan outfits together, we’re so different. We do like to contrast color palettes so that the other stands out as an individual; we don’t want to go around looking like twins. That wouldn’t be pleasant. LOL. As a blogging couple, we’re always seen together, but in the end, we’re still individuals with individual style. We never plan ahead. We see one another before we leave and it’s a surprise. That’s always fun!

4. What inspires your style?
I am greatly inspired by street style blogs around the world. I admire the simplicity exuded by real people. They’re my greatest inspirations.

Ash and Blake are too cute. They are the most darling couple and just all around really nice people. Check out their blog Anything and Everything LA to see how a couple that's in style together stays together.

Go Deep: Vamp Lips

Lips the color of night. Deep, dark, and sexy. She is mysterious. The woman who wears darker makeup is not afraid of being daring. She revels in it. You can never tell exactly what she's up to. With her dark eyes and dark lips, she's as mischievous as a black cat. She watches her prey from a distance and attacks when the moment is right only to disappear back into the shadows. Her face is that of an angel with tiny glimmers of light who decided to take a walk on the darkside. She's a black magic woman, and she's got you under her spell.

I've always been curious to try deeper hues on my lips. Colors that look like dark chocolate or Merlot seem so enticing. Until now I was a bit hesitant, because I didn't know if they would work for me. I associated really dark makeup with goth or a dominatrix-type woman. Not that I wouldn't mind walking around wearing a black patent leather corset and carrying a whip, but I wasn't sure that dark lips were right for me. Well, don't knock it 'til you try it. I've finally discovered some hues that are rich and sultry without being too unapproachable.


Spicy Chocolate
They are as a sweet as fudge brownies fresh from the oven and piping hot with sex appeal. These reddish browns have a warmth that complements any complexion. Go for colors like this gorgeous one from Tropez called Choclate Mousse (top) or Hestia by NYX (bottom). Both are the tone of a polished cherry wood with a dash of paprika. Spicy! These browns have shine and are extremely moisturizing, so your mouth won't dry out. I like to imagine that Foxy Brown would be kicking ass and wearing this color on her lips.



Red Wine
It's so easy to fall drunk in love with these colors. They can be as dark as a blackberry or as light as a glass of Pinot Noir. Homegirl by Kat Von D (top) is a vampy dark hue that glides on your lips with ease. It looks like velvet once you have it on. Cherry Bomb by Wet N Wild(middle) is my go-to when I want to look like a femme fatale. It has more of a matte finish and the color lasts for hours. No need to reapply throughout the day or night. Last but certainly not least there's Rebel by MAC(bottom). I've nicknamed this color Purple Majesty because I think Prince would like it. Gorgeous, majestic, and an attention-grabber.

Before you go smearing any of these lipsticks all over your mouth, keep a few things in mind. Don't rush. Pay close attention to the shape of your lips when applying dark colors. Use a lip liner when possible to prevent the color from bleeding. Always keep makeup remover nearby to clean up any mistakes. Use a dab of illuminator whether it's powder or cream to highlight your pretty cupid's bow. Keep the rest of your face simple with just a little mascara and blush. If you're daring enough to wear dark lips, you should go all the way and pair that with a Phoenix Eye concocted by my girl Angel of KisforKinky. See how she created the look here. Put these two together and that's one fierce kitty. Watch out, boys!


Vamp Lips is part 2 of 6 in our KisforKinky x Model Liberation 'She' collaboration. Makeup by me, photographs by Angel Jordan.

Sweet Sweet Music

It started with a simple question: "What are you doing today?" I had a few things planned for that day like an audition and writing, but when your director friend Chuck Willis comes calling of course you answer. He said it would be a very easy shoot for another friend and musician Jason Dowd. We'd all worked together before on the Ginny Blackmore "Bones" music video, and that turned out beautiful. I knew this would be just the same. When I arrived to the studio, it was still a little rainy. Time was extremely limited, so I'd hoped we would be able to fit everything in. We were a very small crew compared to the epic production that was taking place in the adjacent room. But you don't need a gang of people to produce something that's really good.

The setup was simple. A girl, a guy, and a guitar. The boys picked up some really cool goodies from Gibson for the shoot. Since Jason's the singer-songwriter, it was obvious what his role in the video would be but Mr. Director Chuck had a surprise up his sleeves. "Can you fake play guitar?" he asked. Ha! Well there's a first time for everything. Peep the video for yourself and tell me how I did.

I heart this so much. Sweet and simple. After the first time i heard the sing on set, I liked it instantly. Thanks so much to Jason and Chuck for thinking of me for this project. I really, really enjoyed the experience.

The Gift of Love

The sun is shining a little brighter. The birds are chirping a little happier. There's exciting energy floating around. Don't you feel it? Love is in the air. We're counting down the days until Valentine's Day. Apparently Cupid's arrow has already struck some people early. I swear every week since the holidays I've heard about friends of mine getting engaged. Good for you, girls! And guys, you are extremely lucky to have a wonderful woman in your life who wants to spend the rest of her life with you. Let's say it's your BFF who got engaged and she lives across the country and you want to get her a gift. Or if you're the new fiancé and you want to get your soon-to-be-bride something to start off her wedding planning...


That's exactly why my friend Ashley started Bliss N Bundles. A little while ago her best friend got engaged in Paris right under the Eiffel Tower. Talk about romantic. Anyway, once she got back to the States, Ashley wanted to send her friend an engagement gift. Cards are cute. Flowers are pretty. But what about something practical. Oh and did I mention...there are thousands of miles between them, so it's not like the girls could just get together for a spa day. Ashley couldn't find a company that had the perfect present her newly engaged BFF, so she created something on her own.



The lovely baskets come in different sizes and options. The platinum package comes with three bridal magazines, a wedding planner, chocolates, scented hand lotion, sparkling wine and glassware. There's also a picture frame for the official engagement photo. Honestly, these are all things we could use on Valentine's Day. Gentleman, imagine proposing to your girlfriend and this is already waiting in your hotel room to celebrate the occasion. Bliss N Bundles even has a basket for expecting mommies since I'm sure some babies will made on Valentine's night. Order your basket now and use discount code Nikialove at checkout to receive 20% off. Share the love.

My Style: NYFW Flashback

Aaah the memories. Fashion Week has once again decended on New York, but this time I'm not there. I keep seeing all the photos and updates from the runway, and it makes me sad. Why am I not there too?! But when I see other style mavens all bundled up that's when I'm glad that I passed on this trip. How can you be cute in the cold? I digress. For this edition of My Style, I dug up on an oldie-but-goodie from my past days at Lincoln Center.

This look was something that I threw together at the last minute. You know when you went out partying the night before and you're running late for a morning fashion show. Well, that's this. The truth is, it's actually a repeat. Shhh, don't tell. I slipped it on briefly for a party but didn't funk it up. Besides, I didn't get photographed wearing it... I don't think. Geez.

Every fashion blogger has her NYFW outfits planned out in advance. We lay everything out and sometimes even take pictures of our looks so that we're organized for the trip. But you also have to pack some extra separates just in case you pull something from a showroom. I grabbed this dress from BCBG the night before the company's show when they were still finalizing all the runway looks. I'm usually not a girly girl, but for some reason the lace was just calling me.

So I didn't have time to straighten my hair from a job that I'd done the day before. I woke up in the morning and I looked like I'd gotten into a fight with a flat iron. My edges were already starting to curl back up. There was no way that I was going to straighten my hair all over again, just to have it attacked by humidity once I went outside. In a frenzy, I threw on a hat I borrowed from my girl Taye and off we went to Lincoln Center.

Beauty is pain. I got these Giuseppe Zanotti sandals on super sale and knew they'd be perfect for fashion week. The problem is I forgot to break them in beforehand. They may look good, but talk about uncomfortable. These babies only feel good when you're walking on thick carpet and rose petals, not when you're trekking around the city.

The Look
Dress: BCBG Max Azria
Jacket: L'Agence
Hat: H & M
Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti
Clutch: Mano
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Despite the hilarious circumstances surrounding this outfit, it was a hit. When Taye and I finally got to Lincoln Center photographers swarmed us. We had to politely fight our way through the frenzy to make whatever show we were going to. Afterwards I graciously posed for the cameras. I miss those flashing lights. Thanks to Taye and photographer Aristide Loua for snapping these shots.

xoxo

Beauty Blast: Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage

We all want bright, youthful-looking skin. Am I right? I seriously doubt you've ever looked in the mirror and appreciated a gray, ghostly face staring back at you. Oh the horror. Bloody Mary! Bloody Mary! Bloody Mary! During the colder months my normally luminous skin starts to lose its luster. There's not as much sunshine or warmth to stimulate that golden glow. I end up looking like a dirty penny or the old silver that sits in your parents' china cabinet desperately in need of polishing. But not only do I need to shine up, but I need a scrub down to restore my skin. Enter Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage.

This stuff is the real deal. It's an exfoliating facial that gets down deep into your pores and cleans. Glycolic Gommage scrubs your face below the surface and clears away the oils and grit your skin collects throughout your day to day business. It removes all the things makeup wipes and normal face washes just can't do. After it cleanses, the mask polishes your skin. It's really easy to use. First you should wash your face and then pat dry. Apply Glycolic Gommage to your face in a thick layer. Be sure to avoid your eyes and make sure the layer is even. You will feel it tingling immediately, so you know it's already working its magic.

Allow the facial to dry for at least ten minutes. That's just enough time for me to enjoy a glass of champagne. Before you rinse off, get your fingers wet and massage your face. The mask will start to crumble off. This is the final exfoliation. Now you're ready for a full rinse. When you're done pat dry and go about your usual after cleansing routine. My skin feels as soft as a baby's bootie. And talk about a glow! Serious Skincare's Glycolic Gommage is a steal at just under $40. Why spend hundreds of dollars when you can pamper yourself like this at home.

Who's That Girl?

Hey guys! Let me introduce you to Michelle. She's a firecracker who may look like a normal model, but she's actually living a double life. Michelle is currently studying Mechanical Engineering and has spent the last two years doing research for the Air Force Research Laboratory. Wowzers! After growing up on a farm in Maryland, Michelle moved to LA to become a special effects makeup artist, but then landed a modeling contract that took her to Seoul, South Korea then Milan then Paris then Dubai and a few places in between. That girl gets around. But how did she make the jump from modeling to science? Let's get familiar...

1. What's your style?
I guess I could describe my style as biker-school-girl. I love leather jackets, motorcycle jeans and my black on black Yankees fitted, but pleated minis, collared tops and platform stilettos just as much. I am a sort of girly tomboy; my favorite wardrobe items are my purple heels and all/any of my leather.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
If I had to pick an animal with which I can identify I guess I'd say a butterfly and a tiger. The butterfly for personal transformation and attraction to beauty, art and the evolution of life and the tiger for strength and vitality, independence and willpower.

3. If you had a super power what would it be?
My superpower would be hyper-learning abilities, kind of like LeeLoo in the 5th Element learning all of human history in a flash. I could have a port in the back of my head or something, plug in, download a bunch of information and just have it all immediately processed.

4. What prompted the switch from glamorous model to super science chick?
Modeling was great because it provided me a lot of freedom, and the opportunities to travel to foreign countries and to meet interesting people, but I was always really into science when I was young. I grew up working with my hands, helping on the farm, raising animals, and fixing and building things. After traveling and modeling for like 6 years, I started feeling like I wanted a new challenge which would give me more job security and the ability to plan better for my future. I started taking classes and fell back in love with science and the learning process. Meanwhile, between classes and modeling jobs, when the weather was good and work was slow I found myself out on my patio building things like a doghouse with passive ventilation and a greenhouse made from salvaged materials. It was like everything just added up and engineering became a natural and fun transition for me.

5. What challenges have you faced in your career or life?
Career-wise I've faced some challenges. Traveling internationally on my own was an experience, I had to learn to be very adaptable and independent, to move to a new, foreign place in an instant and find my way around to castings and jobs. In Asia our agents helped us a lot more by driving us around and translating, but in Europe and the Middle East I was essentially on my own to work it all out. Transitioning into college after an eight year break was also a huge challenge for me. Most of all it was very hard to give up the freedom that I had grown used to. Specifically I didn't want to start in low level courses so I had to work really hard to catch up (mostly with the math) since I had spent years forgetting anything I had learned in high school. Both of these challenges were well worth the effort though.

Bonus Question - What keeps you motivated everyday?
I'm really self-motivated. I get a lot of pleasure out of learning and working and I really just love science and engineering. It feels great to work in such a critical field. I also want to try set a good example for my nephew and make my family proud. All of my friends are super supportive of my new career path too. I'm very lucky and it all makes it really easy to stay motivated.

Oh wow! Seriously, this girl blows me away. When I met Michelle years ago, I had no idea that all this was inside of her. But I knew there was a spark and lots of confidence to go with that pretty face. From farm girl to makeup artist to model to engineer... I wonder what's next for this spitfire. We'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for sharing your story, Michelle. If there's a model you want to get to know or if you're a model with an interesting story, shout me out.