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Nicole Cheeks-Piper
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I
would like to introduce you to
California
native Nicole Cheeks-Piper. This sultry model & Make-up
artist let me in on her passion
for art and magnetism. She has always had a flair for drawing
and painting. She's taken that talent back to her roots with
the twist. She not only represents beauty but artistic
talent.
Take
a few seconds to enjoy what she has to say...enjoy!
Jay:
When did you know that you wanted to be a model?
Nicole:
I didn’t necessarily want to be a model,
it happened by accident.
Because
of my height and exotic features I’ve always been approached
and questioned about my status as a model. Because
of my Creole bloodline I
get questioned a lot about my ethnicity which
makes it dually
important
for me to get exposure
not only as
a beautiful woman but one of
the “multiple” beautiful shades of African American women.
Jay:
How did you get started in the biz?
Nicole:
I started off modeling in mall fashion shows also working as a
promotional model for a local disk jockey in Oakland,
California as a “Crowd Hype Girl”. I was also
featured in one of the first music videos for
Oakland
’s very own Casual of the Hieroglyphics. I
quickly learned
how much I enjoyed being in photo shoots.
I get a lot of promotional model opportunities but right
now I mainly focus on hair and make-up modeling and I have
been featured in many
hair magazines
spreads.
Jay:
Who are your influences?
Nicole:
Oprah
is at the top of the list.
I
am most influenced
by people who weren’t the cookie cutter perfect type
celebrities, people that had to work and make it work for them.
Jay:
What is your proudest moment professionally/personally?
Nicole:
My moment is ongoing, I am proud of what I’ve accomplished
to date and I’m not done. Full-time
I work for one of the top Insurance firms. I elevated
myself from
customer services to the Executive Assistant to the COO of the
company, all while attending and graduating from make-up
school, hair/makeup
modeling and starting my own business. I’m
really enjoying life right now.
Jay: What
type of modeling are you looking to do?
Nicole:
While I’m always delighted to see print work myself, as a
make-up artist I would like to see more of my own work on
other models printed. I love to look at a beautiful
picture and can say, “I did her make-up!”
Jay: What
type of work will you refuse to do?
Nicole:
Anything Nude!
I like to keep it classy.
Jay: How
have you managed to keep working over the years?
Nicole:
Not
giving up my day job, it
takes money to make money.
Continuing
to be confident, pleasant to work with, not thinking any
assignment is beneath me, always willing to learn more and
keeping my name out there by self-promoting.
I’m not trying to conquer the world, I just want enjoy my
time while I’m here.
Jay: What's
on the horizon?
Nicole:
I started my own make-up artistry business called Cheeky Girl.
I want all
women to know they are beautiful. I believe every woman has
the ability to be even more beautiful by emphasizing the right
facial features. Wearing the right clothing for there
body types etc.
I also work with models and actresses in
building portfolios as well as wedding and prom makeup
application.
Cheeky
Girl was started to uplift self-esteem in women who don’t
realize how beautiful they really are. We speak more to each
other with our bodies and facial features then we do with our
mouths. First impressions can make all the difference
and I want to make sure their impressed! Please
visit my website http://www.cheekygirlmakeup.com/.
In
addition I’m working on and looking to publish a self-help
book on makeup techniques, style and body language.
Jay:
Any words of advice
Nicole:
This is a tough industry, be confident, be tougher! Whatever
it is you want to do, whatever it is you’ve dreamed of
becoming make an attempt to do it. You’ll never know
if you’re a survivor if you don’t fight the war. You
only live this life once. Don’t let life’s opportunities
pass you by, don’t let anyone stereotype you because of
race, size, age, income, whatever. Get out there and
give it all you’ve got!
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