We love to take you around the world to showcase all women of different colors and cultures. This month is no different. Part one of this month's VICE takes us to the origin, Africa, to a woman whose aura shows that not only does her name suit her well, but she also shows us the power of beauty, intelligence and taste to match.Her modelling experience is certainly not to go unnoticed, with features in such publications as Shy Magazine, Hype Hair, Emagine Hair, Hair Profiles International & Ledge, just to name a few.
We present to you....Comfort.
Hello World, I'm Comfort -- yes, it’s my real name (laughs). I was born and raised in Liberia, West Africa, for the earlier part of my life. I’ve lived in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea and the US, for most of my teenage and adult life. A graduate of Bowie State University, model, journalist, ambitious girl and citizen of the world!
When did you decide to pursue modeling?
Growing up, I was always the tallest & skinniest kid around and people would always suggest that I pursue modeling but my mother refused. It wasn't until I was 16, on a trip to Philly, to visit my mother's friend, who happened to be a designer and needed models to do a show that weekend. She begged my mom to let me be one of her models and that's where it all began.
How would you describe your personal style and how does it translate into your photoshoots, videoshoots, etc.?
I'm a tomboy at heart so you will always catch me in a pair of jeans on any given day! Modeling definitely changed the way I dress; I have incorporated more femininity in my everyday look because of how I’ve been pampered on shoots with hair, makeup and clothes! There's something so feminine about photoshoots that transform me into this girly girl and that feeling exudes, as I step before the camera! (sighs) There’s no better feeling (laughs).
What was your worst/ best photoshoot? Explain what happened in both occasions.
Wow! This is going to take a minute; there are too many wonderful shoots I’ve been blessed with, lol. The best shoot to date was with this wonderful photographer from D.C., whom I met on Model Mayhem. I was a little apprehensive at first but his work was so beautiful and compelling, I decided to take a chance and set up a shoot with him. He was VERY professional, had an awesome team of stylists and makeup artists, who were very friendly. The shoot was prompt, fun, easy and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
The worst shoot I had was actually in VA! I was under the impression that a makeup artist and stylist were going to be on set but was told at the very last minute I might have to do my own hair and makeup. I could manage the hair but definitely not makeup because I treat EVERY shoot professionally! I told the photographer I would not do the shoot if a makeup artist weren’t provided. So, lol, he found this makeup artist who would not shut up about how many famous faces she had done and a major award show she was a part of and yah-di-yah-dah! Long story short, the makeup was amateur, horrible and I was complete dissatisfied. I woke up the next morning with swollen eyes because her brushes were unsanitized! To add insult to injury, the picture was the cover art for a major college magazine and the main article was about domestic abuse. That experience set precedent for my expectations for every shoot I have done afterwards.
In this industry you come across a lot of different personalities. How are you able to deal with the personalities of the different models and photographers you meet?
It’s all about being humble, firm in your beliefs, setting standards/expectations, punctuality and chemistry. I am never rude, snotty or belittling to anyone I meet and I’m mostly cooperative and flexible. I am very outgoing and would usually be the one to break the ice, somewhat of a social butterfly. The most important rule is to ALWAYS be professional, polite and never let one person’s bad attitude/mood predetermine yours.
You were blessed with a perfect figure. How do you feel about women who have cosmetic procedures in order to fit the "status quo", so to speak?
Aww, thank you! To each, it’s own! I don’t have a problem with women who undergo cosmetic procedures because I’m a firm believer in changing things about oneself if you’re not happy with your current look/situation. I just think it’s a little comical when some women over do it. I’ve always thought about getting breast augmentation and even went to a consultation, but chickened out once I thought about the pain I would have to go through! As long as Victoria Secret is around, I’m a happy camper (laughs)!
Has your current or past relationships been effected by your modeling?
In college, I had to decide what was more important to me because modeling required a lot of travelling. Without any second thoughts, I stopped modeling for a while to focus on completing college. I would do little shoots here and there, but nothing major. After college, I went back to modeling full force and I can tell you, it was one of the wisest and best decisions I’ve made thus far. I do take modeling very seriously and it’s all about prioritizing. My family and friends support my career choice and decisions fully and sometimes it is very hectic but I just take it in stride and do what’s necessary.
Many people view modeling as a short-term/temporary career. Do your long-term career goals involve modeling? What are they?
Well, modeling is a very vast industry that consists of numerous avenues like commercial, print, television, etc., and while I do plan to explore those avenues, my second love lies in broadcast journalism. With my educational background in radio and television production, my long-term goal is to be an entertainment reporter and eventually go back to Liberia, and utilize my experiences to help build a better media system. I’m currently working on a web based radio show, Illustra8 radio, as a host, that will be launching very soon. I am extremely excited and feel very blessed about this opportunity.
I would also like to thank you, JukeBOX, for this opportunity! *kisses*
What is your VICE?
(Laughs) A hustler’s ambition, powerful and dangerous (in a good way) men & tattoos.
Shymagazine.com - Ledgemagazine.com
Beautiful photos....and interesting stories.....overall she is a African Queen.....!
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