MML Magazine

Ciji Michelle is one to look for in the future.As a new model to the scene, Ciji Michelle with her extremely exotic name and look has taken the modeling industry by storm. Though modeling was a career path she accidentally fell into, she has strived to make it her most successful venture yet. Beginning only a couple years ago behind the scenes, Ms. Michelle has defined herself not only by her beauty but most importantly with her brains. Currently a honor student at the University of Phoenix with a major in Business Marketing
Contact her here

How did you get started in the modeling game?
I got started thanks to this very nice girl at my school she told me that there was a casting call for a music video. So I went for the casting and got the part. Ever since then I have loved the modelling industry and I have been very active in it.

Does the internet help in finding gigs and stuff?
Oh yes the Internet is great way for many models to gain exposure. Especially how fast pace and technologically sound our world has become, if you don’t have anything poppin on the Internet, your in trouble. So yes the Internet is my best friend.

There are a lot of models out here right now, why
would a casting agent pick you for a project instead
of another girl?
I believe that a casting agent would pick me because I’m the definition sexy the classification of beautiful no half stepping any day of the week I bring it. And Casting agents observe that in me.

What are your measurements?
B36, 26,42

Are you single?
Yes I am single still looking for the right man.

What kind of guy would get your attention?
The kind of guy that would get my attention would be one who has a lot of swagg and confidence. He cannot be afraid to come up and talk to me. I hate when grown men get their boys to go holla at a girl for them. Do it yourself. I’m also into very funny guys.

Whats your biggest goal for 2009 or you haven't thought
about that yet?
Well I have a lot of goals for 2009 the 1st would be to graduate from university with a degree in business and theatre this is my last year so once that’s out of the way I can then focus on my acting and modelling career with that I just want to get casted in some really big hip hop videos and then branch off to my mother land of Nigeria and star in some major Nollywood movies down there. And also to make mad money!

Have you been involved with any major projects such as TV, film etc...
Oh yes I just returned from Hollywood, where I shoot a scene for the Tony Rock Show and Nip Tuck. They both should be airing sometime in October.

On the political side are you going to vote for Barack or that other dude?
I vote for Obama. He and his wife are so motivating.

Where can your fans contact you websites and stuff like that?
They can check out my websites www.myspace.com/hotgaltracy and
http://www.modelmayhem.com/272096

So what got you in the modeling game?

Tyra Banks, aspired me to get in the modeling game; I remember as a child flipping through the magazines and seeing all theses beautiful thin white women, and thinking to myself this is beautiful, this is what I have to be to become a model. And when I evaluated myself, I knew I wasn’t white girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, and it almost discouraged me, and made me think that I wasn’t beautiful because I didn’t have those European features. But when I was 12, I can remember seeing Tyra on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and I was in aw of her beauty, she was so exotic and alluring and so sexy, and on top of everything she was BLACK!! And I was like Oh my god, she’s just like me, and the more I learned about her the more it made me aspire to be like her. And she has been my inspiration ever since. I didn’t come in to my own as a young woman until I was about 20, and didn’t really start taking my dreams seriously until I graduated college (at 22) and knew I had something solid to fall back on.



What is the model grind like nowadays?

The modeling grind is tough, not only do you have to keep your body tight; you have to do A LOT of networking, and keep your name out there because there are thousands of pretty girls who want the same thing you do. You also have to be smart; you can’t come in to this industry and be JUST be pretty with a fat ass and big boobs and expect to have longevity. A lot of girls will do ANYTHING to be front paged, but I wont, it’s just not my steez, and yes, I might miss out on some great opportunities, but at the end of the day business is business, and if you’re not talking about business then you’re wasting your time. I want to become a reputable working model, with a good name, and a positive & sexy image, its tough, but it can be done.



Have you been in any major magazines or music videos?

No major magazine or music videos yet, I still relatively new to the industry, but if I keep grinding it will come.



What are some of your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are to keep grinding to get my name out in the entertainment industry, and also go back to school for my cosmetology license. I have always loved hair make-up and fashion, and women empowerment, so I would like to open my own image consulting firm. A lot of women either don’t know anything about fashion or don’t have time to deal with it; I would like to open a salon that gives women a chance to embrace their womanhood, and just become fabulous, fashionable sexy!



Are you a student or did you graduate college?

I am a recent college graduate from Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte NC. I studied the Communications Arts field and majored in Public Relations.



Are you single?

Yes, I am very single.



What do you look for in a guy?

I love a confident, independent man whose gooned out, yet he still knows how to get his grown man on. I look for a man with swag, who is respectful and driven, and knows how to love a woman. But the most important thing I look for in a man is some one who is honest. Honesty is rare, that’s why I trust no one, BUT if a man can keep it 100 with me, he gets my heart.



Are you into romance?

LOL, I am very much in to romance, I love to get dressed up for my man, rose petals, wine, some R Kelly, the whole nine yards, I get my grown woman on.

What kind of fashion style do you have?

I am very fashion savvy, but I don’t stick to one particular style, it really just depends on my mood. Whether I’m going out to dinner or a club, my style is original and sexy without trying hard. Even on my down days, in a pair of skinny jeans and a cargo hat I’m still one of the flyest!



Where can the fans find you, myspace, model mayhem etc..

To see more pictures, and get to know me better you can contact me on my myspace page @ http://www.myspace.com/keepupwiththejoneses

Special shout out and thanks to Antoine King & SPATE MAGAZINE for the interview, and much love to the QC, Hampton Roads, and the whole DMV! VOTE OBAMA THIS NOVEMBER!!!! MUCH LUV & RESPECT! MUUAAAHH!!!!