*Interview* Arie J

Tae: Tell me about yourself?

Arie J: My name is Ariana, but I go by Ariana Jacquel or Arie J in the industry. I am a transfer junior at Southern University and I used to march for Grambling State University “World Famed” Marching Band on trombone. I am a member of three organizations, one underground and two nationally recognized which is N.B.W.A. (GSU’s Trombone Section), N Phi O Music Organization Inc., and the Order of the Eastern Star. Some of my hobbies include music and the arts, dancing and just overall being around people, but my true passion is the Arts, you know, the theater, writing poetry, drawing and anything artistic. Overall, what I am looking for is exposure in Music Videos, Print, Runway, Television, and Commercial.

Tae: How long have you been in the modeling industry all in all?

Arie J: I have been modeling for a year now and I love it and I was actually introduced to it through my frat brother GO DJ J-Weezie. It’s something new and exciting and I love new and exciting and to say it’s only been a short time span, it’s picking up for me very well. It keeps my interest and it’s not something where you can go to school, get a degree and go work, you have to grind for it because anyone can be a doctor or a lawyer or an office assistant, but this is something that you really have to be strive to be somebody or nobody at all.



Tae: I’ve heard that you are an actress; do you have formal training or educational background?

Arie J: I do know how to act proficiently well. I do not have formal training, but I used to do productions in small theaters out of state when I was in high school and I got a lot of great compliments on my roles and it’s something I love to do as well. It’s fun.

Tae: Have you worked for any companies or done freelance for anyone?

Arie J: Since I’ve only been modeling for a short period of time, I haven’t done any work for companies other than GO DJs L.L.C. but I am working hard and grinding hard and I am actually being offered more jobs.

Tae: Is there any advice you would like to give upcoming models?

Arie J: Just keep in mind that it’s a hustler’s job. You have to be a grinder and know what you want out of it. You can’t rely on other people to promote you, you have to make a name for yourself. It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know and who knows you.

Tae: How can people get in touch with you?

Arie J: I don’t really be on MySpace too much, but I am very active on my Twitter which is www.twitter.com/GOModelArieJ and Facebook which is www.facebook.com/GOModelArieJ

Tae: Thank you for your time and before we go, is there anything you would like to add?

Arie J: Thank you for this opportunity and all of you promoters, DJs, Artists, Directors, etc, get at me!!!

Ladies February Sweet Tooth

LADIES...here's Modu Seye. Once I find out if he has a Twitter account, I'll let you know!! Enjoy Ladies

Men's February Sweet Tooth

We are starting something new...Sweet Tooth!! Submit photos for your Sweet Tooth Model of the month to TheSweetLyfeBlog@gmail.com

Here's model Suleika, she can be found on Twitter (click her name). Enjoy Fellas!!! (theres more!!!)

Interview: Valencia Christina & Purpleink

Tae:

Tell me about Valencia Christina and Purpleink.

VC Barbie:
VC is a self motivated individual determined to help all those who want my assistance. I am a fashion model, musician, runway coach and aspiring actress. Aside from my entertainment career I have a small business by the name of Purpleink Models and Talent. Purpleink was designed in the hopes of building an empire for New Orleans Fashion Models. Our company has been exposed to many areas of entertainment : promotions, Fashion Show Planning, Talent Scouting, Casting Calls, Networking Events, Marketing and Runway coaching. We also offer personal assistant services for anyone or business. Our main focus is on modeling, do to the fact that we are in a city where video vixens are in high demand. We have planned many successful Fashion Shows here in New Orleans, La and will be having many more to come.

Tae:
How long have you been in the modeling and acting industry all in all?

VC Barbie:
I started in 2005, I placed second in a Sigma Pageant at Southern University A&M and in 2006 my 1st Fashion show was with Kuala Clothing (clothing featured n T.I's Do It Video). I won Miss Black College Beauty in 2007 and went on tour and I've been traveling and getting work since.

Tae:

I’ve heard that you are an actress; do you have formal training or educational background?

VC Barbie:
I'm not quit an actress yet I'm an aspiring actress. Yes, I have training from middle school through high school. While attending college I attained 23 credit hours of acting skills. I have been featured in several movies this past year and i plan to get principal roles in 2010. I'm always moving up.

Tae:

Have you worked for any companies or done freelance for anyone?

VC Barbie:
I have worked for and with many companies. It all depends on what you are talking about. If its runway New Orleans Fashion Week LLC, Promotional Sobieski Vodka with ATN (accross the nation), Photo Shoot Xpression2Art, Movies Coulon, Batherson, and Dan Agency. Planning Shows - Purpleink, Red Carpet Events, and Big Stan Productions. These are the more recent names.

Tae:

Do you feel your current career or some of the work you’ve done as a model will fuel or detour your goals as an actress?

VC Barbie:
Fuel! As a model I have learned many ins and outs, ups and downs of the business. Modeling is almost the same as being an actress just without the words most of the time. The more I learn as a model makes it that much easier for me to excel as an actress.

Tae:

Is there any advice you would like to give upcoming models and actresses?

VC Barbie:
Yes! Contact me or my model manager Dnyia at purpleink1986@gmail.com . Aside from that, be as dedicated as you can be. Never allow your failures to determine your success. There is always a door open some where, you just have to find it.

Tae:

How can people get in touch with you?

VC Barbie:
For booking contact- Deck Entertainment L.L.P. Cross: 347-962-9560 or King: 609-556-501 www.myspace.com/Deckent08

Models, Talents and anyone looking for promotions or Fashion Show Planners, email Purpleink1986@gmail.com

View our Wix site http://www.wix.com/vcbarbie/Purpleink-Models-and-Talent

Follow me on www.twitter.com/vcbarbie

Model Mayhem www.modelmyhem.com/vcbarbie

Face Book www.facebook.com/Valencia.Christina

Fan Page VC Barbie or Vcbarbie on facebook also

Tae:

Thank you for your time and before we go, is there anything you would like to add?

VC Barbie:
This past year I have been ignored by many public figures here in New Orleans, La. For those of you who are going through the same things remember that it's not the end of the road (Boyz 2 Men). Just keep grinding and make sure to dot all I's and cross all T's. Make connections outside of your area and watch your success unfold. In just one year I have met so many stars and have them as friends now. It's not who you know all the time it's what you know. Who you know can get you in but what you know brings success. My motto "either you in or you out" make your decision.

Rosa Acosta for Supreme NY

photo by terry Richardson