There wasn't anyone who was specifically taking me under their wing. I definitely looked up to people, though, one major person being Naomi Campbell, of course. That's, like, a given.
I didn't have a problem with myself or my skin. I had a problem with the way people treated me because of my skin. They tried to define me.
I was a lucky kid, and I grew up connected to a lot of people.
Focus on your opinion of yourself and not the opinion others have of you.
I love to play with make-up. I adapt my beauty look to my outfit, so as soon as I know what I'm wearing, I know if I want to go for a red lip or a smoky eye. I usually won't put those two together, but it all depends on what outfit I'm going for.
I don't perm my hair anymore, but I'm not a natural hair expert just because it grows out of my head like that.
If I'm running around or just hanging out at home, then I barely wear any make-up.
I feel like I pull inspiration from everyone, and I feel like I'm honored and grateful that people feel that they can pull inspiration from me, be inspired by me. But I definitely don't think I'm a role model. I'm not someone to be imitated.
Nick Knight was my first big gig as a 'real' model. Prior to and during 'ANTM,' I never actually called myself a model because I always viewed it as a hobby.
My confidence was more of a fake-it-until-you-make-it kind of thing. I tried to build my own confidence and not rely on the opinions of others.
