Interview with
Teria Brown
Female Model of the Mars/Venus Issue
Interview Conducted By: Fashion Editor-Teronce Styyles
mrstyyles@excapethematrix.com
This is a very special interview that I conducted with the female model that I chose for the Mars/Venus Issue, which is Ms. Teria Brown. I know you’re wondering why this interview is so special to me. Well, I have known Ms. Teria Brown for approximately five years. I met her when she didn’t quite know about being a model. You wouldn’t believe it if you met her now but she was a tomboy back in the day. I would have never thought she would be the lovely woman that she is today. It’s like seeing my little sister growing up to be a beautiful young woman. Teria is known to me and others as the “Runway Diva” because she can rip a runway to pieces. If you don’t believe me then you will have to see her in action for yourself. I’m so proud of Teria. I hope she is blessed with everything she desires in her career because I sincerely believe that she has what it takes to be the model she is born and determined to be.
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TS: Hey Teria, how are
you? What’s been going on?
TB: Hey Hun!!! Just remaining on the grind.
TS: How’s the modeling industry going for you?
TB: It’s fair and predictable.
TS: Alright, well I’m going to start with the first question. Who is Teria Brown?
TB: I’m a chameleon, a person of many faces. Now that I’m an adult I have become comfortable with myself in my own skin, considering when I started modeling I was a teenager and didn’t know much about the business, let alone feel comfortable being a model at such a young age. I’m still learning and growing so that’s very important.
TS: When did you realize that modeling was something that you wanted to pursue?
TB: I noticed in my teen years how others reacted towards me and my appearance. They thought that I should pursue modeling but even then I wasn’t sure. It had to come full circle for me to realize that modeling was something that I wanted to try and now that I have I’m putting my all into it.
TS: How long have you been modeling?
TB: I started when I was 15 and I’ll be 21 in March, so that adds up to about six years.
TS: Are you signed with a modeling agency?
TB: Yes, I’m signed with Signature Ink located in Baltimore, Maryland under a non-exclusive contract.
TS: Can you let the readers know what the difference is between an exclusive contract and a non-exclusive contract?
“Learn everything you need to know about the industry, have someone in your corner that supports you”
TB: An exclusive contract is when you are signed with an agency and can only work with those particular agency/clients. A non-exclusive contract is when you can freelance and work with multiple agencies/clients. Along with that I have an agent that helps me find work as well. So I have the best of both worlds so to speak.
TS: What have you learned since being with Signature Ink?
TB: I’ve learned that you have to be humble, patient, focused, network with others in the industry and always study the craft of the business.
TS: Who motivates you to be a model?
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TB: My family motivates
me to be a model because I didn’t have a normal household growing up. I’ve gone
through many trials and tribulations throughout my childhood. There are certain
loved ones in my family that I want to make things better for and I want to set
an example for them.
TS: What do you enjoy the most about modeling and what do you least enjoy?
TB: What I enjoy least about modeling would be the negative people in the industry but I make it to work in my favor. The thing that I enjoy the most about modeling would be the opportunity to be glamorous because I can become someone else either on the runway or in front of the camera.
TS: How do you handle rejection?
TB: I’m not too fond of rejection but I handle it with a smile on my face.
TS: What would you do if you never reached your goals in the modeling industry?
TB: I want to touch people’s hearts. I want to give people what I’ve never had before. I want to start a mentoring group for young females to teach them to be strong individuals in the community and society.
TS: Have you always known that you wanted to be a model?
TB: No, the only thing I knew was the fact that I was the tallest, the smallest and a tomboy. To be honest I always wanted to be a dancer.
TS: Who is your favorite designer?
TB: My favorite designer is Marc Jacobs because he is simple but elegant. I believe he compliments a woman’s body. I love Heatherette, their designs are hot I need to rip their runway. Locally I love Natalie from Dollhouse because she is very creative and she reinvents clothing.
TS: How would you describe your fashion sense?
TB: I’m very simple. I like to give just enough. I will wear a t-shirt, jeans and a pair of heels. You don’t have to be “extra” to get attention.
TS: Are you trendy or a trend setter?
TB: I like trends but I don’t like labels and logos all over me. I like trends by item not by name.
TS: Which trend do you wish never existed?
TB: The neon accessories and layers of different color clothing.
TS: Who would say is the best dressed female celebrity?
TB: I would have to say Halle Berry because she always gives you just enough.
TS: What do you think is the hottest trend out for females?
“I use all of my flaws to my advantage and I’m okay with my flaws; they just make me stronger.”
TB: The hottest trend is
the oversized glasses and the most popular are the leggings. I personally can
not live without lip gloss or earrings.
TS: If you could work with one model who would it be?
TB: It would be Tyra Banks; not because she has ANTM or her talk show, but the fact that I believe that she has remained humble throughout her career. At the end of the day I think she will go to high measures to help an upcoming model make it to the next level.
TS: If could work with one photographer who would it be?
TB: It would be Diana Walker from Time Magazine because she captures everything in the moment and makes it so flawless without any retouching.
TS: Do you have any other interests/talents?
TB: I haven’t told anyone this but I love writing. It’s the only way I feel that I can really express my feelings of what’s going on in my life.
TS: Why a model?
TB: It gives me a sense of when I get the opportunity to give people some entertainment and enjoyment if it’s just for a couple minutes on the runway.
TS: What makes you different from any other female model?
TB: I use all of my flaws to my advantage and I’m okay with my flaws; they just make me stronger.
TS: What do you feel you still need to learn in order to become one of the best?
TB: I need to learn to be a business woman in the industry.
TS: What makes you uncomfortable?
TB: When I need something and I have to ask for it or when I have earned something and I have to ask for it.
TS: What advice would you
give to upcoming female models?
TB: Definitely do your research; learn everything you need to know about the industry, have someone in your corner that supports you, surround yourself with positive people, establish confidence, the ability to take criticism, be safe and be professional.
TS: What’s next for the “RUNWAY DIVA”?
TB: Continue to study the craft of this business, restoring and keeping my faith, remaining humble and self improvement.
TS: Would you like to add anything else for the readers of eXcape the matriX?
TB: I hope whoever is reading this magazine will approach it with an open mind, an open heart and learn to live life.
TS: Thank you so much for that last comment Teria. eXcape the matriX is about opening the minds of those that are so closed in a tight box. I really appreciate you taking the time for me to conduct this interview with you. It was definitely an honor. I can’t believe how much you have grown. I’m so proud of you. Keep your head up and you will be doing big things, just wait and see.
TB: Thank you so much. I really appreciate you for giving me this opportunity. Peace, love and kisses.
TS: Back at you babe. Remember that “FASHION IS NOT A LUXURY.”