By Shamora EvansSM: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MODELING, AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?
SHAMANDA: I've been modeling “off and on” for about three years now. I would say that I officially started modeling May 2008 because that’s when I became committed and focused on modeling. I began modeling when a friend of mine introduced me to her agent, and I went on from there.
SM: HAD YOU ALWAYS DESIRED TO BECOME A MODEL, OR DID YOU INITIALLY HAVE ANOTHER PROFESSIONAL GOAL?
SHAMANDA: As a young girl, I was always teased about being skinny; as an African-American female, being skinny is sometimes considered “taboo”. (Laughs) Everyone always said I was beautiful, but due to the lack of self-esteem, I didn’t believe them. One day, I realized that I could use something that I thought was negative for something positive, so that’s what initially gave me the desire to begin my modeling career.
SM: ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MANY ASPIRING MODELS OFTEN DON’T REALIZE IS HOW COMPETITIVE THE MODELING INDUSTRY TRULY IS, AND MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALLY KNOW HOW MUCH GOES INTO PRODUCING THE PHOTOS THEY HAVE BEFORE THEM. SO, GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THE PHOTO SHOOT PROCESS TAKES PLACE.
SHAMANDA: Many people believe that photo shoots are as simple as dressing up, having a photographer snap your picture, and you're done. (Laughs) There is much more to a photo shoot than that! A model has to be in shape and always photo shoot/modeling gig ready at all times. The photo shoot process begins long before the actual shoot. A model and the photographer must mutually agree on the time and date of the shoot and the theme, compensation, etc. A professional photo shoot consists of a concept, or theme, the perfect location to shoot, a make-up artist, wardrobe stylist, hairstylist, awesome photographer, and an outgoing, energetic model that knows how to pose and work the camera.
SM: AND, IN ORDER TO DO A GOOD PHOTO SHOOT, YOU HAVE TO BE IN SHAPE. SO, WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR BODY IN SHAPE?
SM: SO, FOR THE FELLAS OUT THERE WONDERING, WHAT ARE YOUR MEASUREMENTS?
SHAMANDA: My measurements are 32-25-34.
SM: DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER CAREER OUTSIDE OF MODELING?
SHAMANDA: I am currently working on my Associate's degree in Business Administration and Psychology. My ultimate educational goal is to earn my M.B.A and Ph.D. in Psychology!
SM: WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING A MODEL?
SHAMANDA: The thing that I like most about modeling definitely has to be meeting new people and other models that have the same goals as me and feeding off of their positive energy. I also love the fact that modeling has helped me inspire and motivate other mothers that have dreams that they would still like to pursue, although they have children.
SM: AND WHAT THINGS DO YOU LIKE THE LEAST ABOUT MODELING?
SHAMANDA: The thing that I least like about modeling is having to be away from my kids sometimes, but it’s a bittersweet situation because I know at the end of the day, I have two beautiful people to come home to, and that makes it so much better and motivates me more.
SM: WHAT PHOTOGRAPHERS HAVE YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH?
SHAMANDA: Wow...I've actually shot with some great photographers such as Kehinde Patterson, Brandy Wine Bullman, Christi Falls, Yeng Moua, Lisa Moua, Dominic Gray, Robert Christopher, and many more. My very first professional photo shoot was with Kehinde Patterson. He shot my first three shoots, and he gave me great feedback, which gave me the confidence to really pursue modeling. Shout out to him for the "push" that I needed! (Laughs)
SM: DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES, OR THINGS YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
SHAMANDA: I’m a college student and mother, so all the things that come along with that really tie me up, but I’m actually in the studio with “C-Boi Productions” working on music. I love reading “ZANE” novels, surfing the web, shopping with my mom and talking with my dad. He's a really big motivator, and I can talk or listen to him for hours. Most of all, I love spending time with my kids!
SM: HOW CAN YOUR FANS KEEP UP WITH YOU, AND HOW CAN AGENTS CONTACT YOU?
SHAMANDA: My fans can definitely hit me up on my MySpace page, which is www.myspace.com/uniquemodel88, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ShamandaB. Agents, I’m free and looking for great management...You can email me at bookshamandab@yahoo.com (Serious Inquires Only, Please) and, to check out my work, visit www.modelmayhem.com/121055. I love you guys, and thank you so much for all the love and support!!!