NEW BOOK COVER WORK....

I love working with Moneygraphicsllc she has given me the opportunity to display more of my art with her client Sharai Robbin's new book "Candace Reign" coming soon!! And the Model Ms Alondus Anderson (client) set this project off and this will be a wonderful read… We are working worldwide with clients and looking to expand even more in 2014. As Money say 95% of our business is referrals!! We provide high quality service at a very respectful rate…. www.patrickcphotography.com

2 Chainz K97 Memphis video by Patrick C

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A Little Taste of Art Patrick C Photography

WAVE CHAPELLE "THE KILL" ft. PORCELAN CHALET (produced by: Soldaylahhh)



http://soundcloud.com/wave-chapelle/wave-chapelle-the-kill-ft/s-rXwV3

WAVE CHAPELLE "THE KILL" ft. PORCELAN CHALET (produced by: Soldaylahhh)

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Team Natural Interview with Angel Berry

Name: Angel Berry

City: Memphis

How long have you been natural? I've been natural for 2 years and 4 months.

How long did it take for you to transition?  Prior to cutting it I went 6 months without a relaxer.

How often do you wash your hair?  I do wash it everyday.

What products do you use?  I use Organix Moroccan Shampoo and Conditioner   

How often do you cut your hair? I get it cut once a week to keep it neat.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to go natural? Being natural is not just an appearance, it's also a state of mind and you have to be comfortable enough with yourself to wear it that way.. Hair doesn't make or break you, it just adds to who you already are. #allnaturalnoadditivesorpreservatives

You can be next submit photo to patrickcphoto@gmail.com

TEAM NATURAL LISA B.

Name: LISA B.

City: MEMPHIS, TN

How long have you been natural? I first went natural in 1999. That lasted about a year until I succumbed to the pressure to get it relaxed. I started going natural again in 2001 and have been since then.

How long did it take you to grow your hair completely out? Each time I went about 5-6 months without a relaxer, and then I just cut it off. I don't have enough patience to deal with trying to maintain two extremely different hair textures (relaxed and kinky-curly), so I just did the "big chop." Plus, it was less expensive and time consuming (two of my primary reasons for going natural) to cut it off rather than trying to go through a long transition from relaxed to my naturally kinky hair.

How do you deal with your edges (while transitioning)? I didn't have a very long transition period, but when I did, I simply wore hairstyles that didn't reveal my edges much. I didn't want to spend inordinate amounts of time trying to straighten and smooth kinky edges. Plus, if you're not careful during the transition with trying to "smooth" edges, you can cause damage to the hairline. Sometimes I did use a little gel or mousse to smooth down my edges when I wore my hair in a pulled-back style.

Do you have to wash it every day? When my natural hair was longer (down to my shoulder blades), I shampooed it once a week, and I hated it! It would usually take me all of Friday evening and into the night to shampoo, detangle and condition, and twist my hair and then sit under a dryer for an eternity. Most of the time, it was still damp in the crown of my head on Saturday mornings, so I would let it air dry. I have extremely thick, coarse hair, and it was taking way more time than I wanted to give to maintain my superfro. I eventually decided (about six years ago) to just cut it all off. I now shampoo my hair about twice a week, and it only takes about 2-3 minutes. I work out 5-6 days a week, so this is often enough for me to keep it clean without drying my hair out.

What products do you use? This is going to sound so country-ghetto, but I shampoo with Equate Everyday Clean 2 in 1 shampoo for normal hair (WalMart brand). After I run a towel across my hair, I rub in Murray's hair pomade (what some people call "wave grease") and brush. That's it! No special oils or 11 herbs and spices. On the days I don't shampoo, I simply wet my brush with plain old tap water and brush my hair. When my hair was shoulder-length, I used products like Carol's Daughter and Miss Jessie's, but honestly, those products aren't made for hair like mine. My hair would soak that very expensive stuff up and say, "That's all you got? Where's the grease?" One product line that I used when my hair was longer that did work was Kinky Curly. The shampoo and conditioner kept my hair properly hydrated, and there were a couple of other products in that line that gave me great texture and hold when I did twist-outs.

How do you get it straight? When it was longer and I wanted a straight style, my hair was blow dryed, flat-ironed, and lightly misted with those special oils. That didn't last eight hours before I was back to looking like Angela Davis. Honestly, my hair stayed straight best when I got a good old-fashioned hard press with a straightening comb and some Blue Magic (yes, that old timey hair grease). I am very physically active; I love the freedom of walking in the rain without worrying about my hair "going back," so no straight styles for me.

How often do you cut your hair? When it was longer, my hair was trimmed once a month. You must trim your natural hair, or you will have raggedy split ends. Now, I might get my hair cut every 2-3 weeks. It just depends on whether or not I want a TWA (teeny-weeny afro) to highlight my curl pattern or a very low cut to accentuate more of a wave pattern. I've actually had my head completely shaved like baby butt bald before, and I'm probably going to do it again.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to go natural? First, be clear about your reason(s) for going natural. Is this a health issue, a time management issue, a financial issue, a spiritual issue, or some combination of them all? My decision to go natural and stay natural centered around all of these reasons, yet varied at different times in my life. Second, be prepared for some ignorant and insensitive remarks and questions. Are you strong enough to deal with it without coming off as the angry black woman? Lastly, educate yourself about your hair and the process of going natural. So many people think going natural means doing absolutely nothing to their hair. If anything, you have to work a bit harder to find styles, stylists, and products to ensure your natural hair is healthy without spending an inordinate amount of money. Do your research online, have a consultation at a reputable salon with natural hair stylists, experiment with various products and styles, talk to other women about their experiences. It can be a challenge, but going natural is not impossible. I have no issues with women who choose to relax their hair because everything is not for everybody, but I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had and the freedom I've gained by going short and natural for all the long, silky tresses in the world.

NATURAL HAIR WITH SHEILA (SHE RICH)

Name: Sheila R

How long have you been natural? I haven't had a relaxer since April 2010 and I did the big chop May 2011.


How do you deal with your edges (while transitioning)? With my hair type (3c) it doesn't take much to straighten it so I just would flat iron it once a week. But a good edge control for me now is DreamKids Smooth Edges.

Do you have to wash it every day? I don't wash my hair everyday because that would strip all the oils from my hair also your hair needs to rest so I try my best to comb it as less as possible.

What products do you use? I been using Miss Jesses lately but Herbal Essence is my favorite and natural Shea butter to lock in moisture.

How do you get it straight?  I straighten my own hair because the last time I went to a salon the girl burned 3inches of my hair on one side. I make sure I rub Shea butter on it while I blow dry it so when I use the flat iron with the comb it helps to protect my hair.

How often do you cut your hair? I don't cut my hair until I have to. I want long hair my goal is 28 inches.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to go natural? Don't go natural because seems cool or cute this is a complete life style change. What you eat, drink, and do on a daily bases does affect your hair. If you feel like you are ready to go back the way you were created to be then I welcome you to natural life. Drink plenty of water & exercise. Also give you hair a few months to get create a curl pattern. Check out YouTube for tips. Chime Edwards is a good person to follow. And once you have crossed over into natural life you'll be able to run in the rain not from the rain!!

Team Natural Gennell P

Name: Gennell P

City: Nesbit, MS.

How long have you been natural? I’ve been natural for a 1yr and 6 months now.

What made you want to go natural? My daughter has eczema, and her hair fell out, and I had to learn how to take care of her hair because she could not have relaxers any more. So I made the decision to transition as well.

How long did it take you to grow your hair completely out? My plan was to transition for a year, but I transitioned for 7 months, and cut the rest of my relaxed ends off.

How do you deal with your edges (while transitioning)? I didn’t have any problems with my edges. I wore styles that blended in with the rest of my hair.

Do you have to wash it every day? In the beginning I was shampooing it 2-3 times a week, to try to keep it moisturized which was difficult, and now I only shampoo once a week.

What products do you use? I use Jojoba oil by organics, organic hair thickener, castor oil, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil. For my shampoos & conditioners I use Shea Moisture line and Biotin Shampoo these are healthy products for your hair.

How do you get it straight? I was heat free for 1year and 5 months, and finally wanted to see how much growth I had so I straighten my hair once, I had it pressed with the “hot comb”, or you can blow dry it straight as well.

How often do you cut your hair? I cut my hair every 3 months

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to go natural? Research, research, research! You are to treat ALL of your hair as if it’s already NATURAL very important especially if you plan to transition for more than a few months or a year or more. Treat your hair in the beginning as if it’s already natural, so you can prevent breakage. Make sure to condition & deep condition your hair and keep it moisturized. Everyone transitions differently its best if you do braids or sew-ins but not to do them often because it can break your edges, and then you’ll have to find a way to grow them back. You-tube was my best friend but you have to also be careful with that as well, because what works for others may not work for you. Choose a product you’d think would work best for you can try it for about a month, try not to become a product junkie, but it will be so difficult. Stay motivated, don’t let anyone tell you that NATURAL isn’t for everyone, sure enough it will get difficult at times trying to figure out what works best for you, but you once you work with your hair and tame it you’ll be fine.

Music Interview with Crown Vega

Music Interview with Crown Vega

What made you realize that music was your path?

The first time I spit freestyle in middle school. If someone during lunch time started beating on the table it was bound to be a flow coming so always had to get mine in.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Its Rap/ Hip Hop. I can go from commercial to gangster, club to street. I try not to limit myself but I let the music from the instrumental inspire my writing. I was brought up in the hood but I always saw past that...I like to make songs that can be heard and someone can relate to it or it will paint a certain picture in their mind, give them a vision.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
Well the old DJ Paul and Spanish Fly tapes from back in the day got me started. I always rep the hometeam 8 Ball and MJG but as I gained more exposure it went to Nas, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane to Ice-T and NWA. Some of my favorite artists in Ludacris because of his versatility, Nas with his story telling and Twista or Tech N9ne w/ the Rapid fire flow that I first heard from Memphis own Skinny Pimp.

What makes your music unique?
It's me and what I feel. I have my own commanding voice and I don't try to do what every other artist is doing or what they are not. I make records that move me and that's relative. I also put my best in every song and not just make album fillers...those records made me lose love for some artist b/c they stopped putting their heart into it and did just enough to put something out.

Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

My first performance at Juneteenth in Memphis at Douglass Park. Just the reaction from the people during and after my performance was so uplifting and motivating to continue what I do. It's what I love to do but when you get positive feedback it is always more inspiring to push forward.

Who would you like to work with in the near future?

Whomever want to cut me a check, lol. Seriously though one artist for sure is Juicy J. He is a home town living legend and he still doing it.

What’s next for you?
I'm currently in the process of releasing a 4 song EP and I have an upcoming album/mixtape, Concrete that I am putting the finishing touches on.

How can we find you?

Google Crown Vega and I'm there lol, seriously. But on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Im under Crown Vega

I am also on www.reverbnation.com/crownvega and I have a Crown Vega YouTube channel for booking, feature or music and entertainment services email me @ crownvegamusic@gmail.com

Anything you want to add before closing out?

Yea, no matter what it is you want to do in life the only thing that can stop you is yourself, and in accomplishing your goals always try to out do your best. You are your competition!

ENVI NICOLE MODEL INTERVIEW

Model Name: Envi Nicole

Location:  Originally from Hernando, Ms. but currently reside in Memphis, Tn

What made you get into modeling/fashion? My mother is a seamstress who owns her own company. When I was a young girl she use to design clothing and she would use me as a model in her fashion shows. Modeling comes natural to me and it has been my passion ever since.

How long have you been into it? I started when I was 14 years old and stopped. I started back modeling again 8 years ago and been modeling ever since.

What are some of your hobbies? I love writing poetry, swimming, traveling, shopping, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends.

How do you view the industry? I think the industry is missing something and that would be that it doesn’t highlight enough full figured models/women. Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with skinny or slim women but you don’t get to see enough of the full figured women being recognized for their contribution to the fashion industry. Everytime I pick up a magazine I see nothing but skinny women and lets be honest that is not the average woman now days, you see more women with curves. I think they should showcase the women with curves. So that little girls can pick up a magazine and say that it’s ok for them to embrace their curves rather than starving themselves to try to become something that they are not.

You have anyone in mind you want to work with next model etc.? I would absolutely love to work with Cynthia Bailey because she seems to be really humble (unlike some successful models) and she is open to people to all sizes and races.

Who are some of your favorite designers? Honestly I don’t really have any favorite designers, if it looks good I’ll wear it. Doesn’t matter if it came from Paris or Walmart in America, I will rock it if it compliments my figure.

Where can we find you online?
www.facebook.com/envinicole
www.twitter.com/envinicole
www.instagram.com/envinicole

What is something you willing to share with your readers that they might not know about you? A lot of people don’t know this about me btu I have a hidden talent and that’s that I can play the drums. I started out playing in high school and when I graduated I use to play a little for my church.

Anything you want to add before we close out? I am a girl who chases her dreams and I will never give up on them. Hopefully you will know me as more than just the small town girl with big city dreams.

www.patrickcphotography.com

SheRich the Dame Model Interview

Model Name: SheRich the Dame

Location: Memphis, TN/ MS

What made you get into modeling/fashion?

As a child my father said I've always posed. So I've been modeling for the world all my life. I didn't really give it much thought professionally until I was approached by a photographer.

How long have you been into it?

I actually began in 2009 while I was in college but I stopped for a while I just recently started back last summer.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love to read and take pictures of course!!! I am also actually a big thrifter. I love going to GoodWill and second hand shops to find things.

How do you view the industry?

I think alot of people want to be in the industry but don't know all the work that actually gos into building a brand/name for yourself. It's not all about being sexy, you have to make yourself marketable.

You have anyone in mind you want to work with next model etc.?
I am so in love with Chei Emon from Jackson, Ms. She is a beautiful young lady once I have some more experience I would love to do a shoot with her. I also love the work Nate Boogie from Hattiesburg, Ms had done. I would love to do something with him.

Who are some of your favorite designers?
I am actually in a runway show this summer with Jess Jackson and her designs are great and so is her over all style.

Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Model Mayhem #2908672. I also have a IG & Twitter @sherich_bish.

What is something you willing to share with your readers that they might not know about you?

I really wanna have my own PR firm oneday and modeling team. As much as I like to be in front of the camera I love even more to be behind it.

Anything you want to add before we close out?

Uuuummmm just for anyone who is reading to know that with work you can have anything you want in life. My grandfather Elijah always said "Know your plan and Work your plan"

Safari Bullock Interview

Model Name: Safari Bullock

Location: Memphis, TN

What made you get into modeling/fashion?

I’ve always loved fashion. Growing up I was always told that I had “the look” of a model. I did my first photo shoot and ever since then I’ve been hooked. Modeling is my catharsis.

How long have you been into it?

Ive been modeling for 2 years and have taken interest in modeling since I was 14.

What are some of your hobbies?
My major is Graphic design so I have a passion for digital art and painting. I enjoy rock climbing,fishing, and skating.

How do you view the industry?
The industry seems somewhat judgemental as it is human nature but I think self confidence is key.

You have anyone in mind you want to work with next model etc.?
I don’t know exactly who, but I’ve always wanted to work with body paint for a shoot. Something really artsy and colorful.

Who are some of your favorite designers?
Gwen Stefani and Betsy Johnson

Where can we find you online?
https://www.facebook.com/safari.fletcher
instagram.com/ohsofiery#

What is something you willing to share with your readers that they might not know about you?
I can do a back bend in my heels!

Anything you want to add before we close out?
I look forward to being successful in this industry

 www.patrickcphotography.com

Peep into weekend work Patrick C

After a busy weekend I am letting you get a sneak peep at some of the work that was done…. More work coming soon, new interviews and a lot more of exciting things… Stay tuned www.patrickcphotography.com join the blog also….

IF YOU WANT TO BOOK DON'T DELAY WWW.PATRICKCPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

LOVE OUT LOUD... Author Shana Jay

Greetings!

How do you show it, do you love quietly, softly or strong? Perhaps you LOVE OUT LOUD like author Shana Jay...no matter which way you do it, you'll love this poetic journey...order Shana's latest release at www.shanajay.com or www.agaphepublishing.com. For the digital format, please visit www.amazon.com.

Pre-Orders are available for A Piece of My Heart Vol.3: Love Out Loud starting at $10.00 with $1.99 shipping. This offer is only good through April 14, 2013. Visit www.shanajay.com and place your order today! I'm also pleased to announce All That I Am: Love Unlocked. This is a compilation of A Piece of My Heart poetry favorites all in one! Pre-Orders are available now for only $12.00 with $1.99 shipping. This offer is good through April 14, 2013.Visit www.shanajay.com and place your orders today!! All Pre order purchases will be shipped after April, 15, 2013.

Thanks For Your Support ~SJ

 

Photography By: Patrick Covington and Stylist Tara Seals

INTERVIEW WITH DJ SKETCHZ

DJ: DJ SKETCHZ
CITY: MEMPHIS


Where did the name come from? I chose Dj Sketchz because I wanted my name to have meaning I consider djing to be art forms just like drawing a picture or sketching a picture. So that how I came with sketchz

So how did it all begin? I've always been around music my mom has played piano forever but for me I use just make a lot of neo soul mixes I was a barber by day and downtown Chris brown that was on 101.1 at the time was one of our regular customers got to hear a couple of them and thought I had a real ear for music and thought I should go for it so he let me hangout at a few of his gigs and learn so here I am..

What genre of music do you play? I play it all I feel if you’re going to be in this game why limit yourself so from top 40 to house...

What gave you that initial push? Wow man where do I start I’ve always been very close with Howard Q & Boogaloo & my guy Hypo I went to T.S.U with those guys so they have always given me encouragement also My guy Dj Kojac, Freddy Hydro & Chilli T. In Atlanta, But what really pushed me was I got to go to a party years ago and really hear my Dj Kutta man that dude is a beast!!!! To hear him work the crowd & scratch & transition music I knew then I wanted to go for it & become a Dj.

Did the Djing, Production, Promoting come 1st? I actually started with Howard Q & Hypo promoting parties back at T.S.U

Who's throwing the best parties at the moment? I would have to say my guys David Mack Marvin Todd, Ken Mack, & Craig Cunningham. Cool out & Social Therapy rocks!!!!So shout outs to those guys....

Which other countries have you played/put parties on? Wow I’ve had a chance to Dj in Atlanta also Dallas but I would love to hit some cities & out of the country...

What was the first event you ever played at/put on? The first big event was when Crumpys had their comedy club a couple of friends I put on a show with live entertainment with Larry Springfield & comedians Lester Bibbs & Tony Tone...We had great turn out... But we also had a tragedy happen with the death of officer Don Williams... So it made me back away from the promotion side it’s always tough when you try to give people a great time and someone comes and ruins it......

What's the best event you've played at/put on? Years ago I threw a New Years Eve party with Dr. Derrick Payne and few friends and if you've ever been to one of Doctor Payne’s events man you know people come out and party!!! We also had the legendary Dj Just Bourne on the 1's & 2's

What was your first record you bought? Man first records had to be Eric b. & Rakim paid in full

Out of all the tunes you have, which one 'never fails?' If your trying to get the ladies up I’d have to say lathum freak it that tune never gets old....

What's your favorite tune of all time? Wow I come from that break-dance & Hip- hop dancing era lol I have so many from Black Sheep This or That to Hashim- Its Time...

When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out? I actually like to cookout and grill so just hanging with friends & Family works for me I like to keep it simple..

So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment? Everyone is kind of doing the same thing it needs something new if it’s not Hookah parties its Day parties...

How big is your vinyl collection? What do you think of CDJ's? My vinyl Collection pretty big I’ve actually got the original sugar hill gang album with jump on it as well as the Original Here my Dear Marvin Gaye... I'm actually using the pioneer cdjs to Dj with me love them... But I also plan to buy some turntables I’ve used them so that vinyl has a total different feel...

Funniest thing that ever happened at an event? Wow I have to say these past few years I Dj a lot of parties for strictly jazz ENT. and they have a new year’s party at the Westin downtown so there people of all shapes & colors attendance when I played a serious of old school rap I look up and its two couples that are probably about sixty out on the floor pop locking to sir-mixalot baby got back when I tell you that was some funny ish!!!

What are your feelings on the MC's? Man its overrated people think that if you don’t talk to work the crowd then the party isn’t live so now we've got to have mc's on the mic all the time, But truth be told there will never be another Hypo.... But in this day and time nobody rocks a mic like B. Hall & C. Diddy so big shouts out to those brothers... But to each is own...

What do you do outside of the dance music scene? I was a barber for 19yrs... Now I’m the Marketing /Admissions Director for Memphis Institute of Barbering....

What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/Promoters? Just stay humble definitely stay in your lane make sure that if your djing or promoting your doing it for the love of it & not just the money because it’s a lot easier to do this every day if you’re enjoying it...

When you play is this pre planned set? For me never because each club, party & crowd is different just because I like something doesn’t mean the crowd will so I’m always trying to read the crowd...

What music artist is motivating the music scene right now? I have to say that whole Rick Ross clique French Montana, Meek Mill my guy Juicy J. Is gettin it!!!

If you could change anything about the night scene what would it be? Man make these brothers stop standing around like they’re scared of these women man I’ve never seen nothing like it... all of these beautiful women in this city and they won’t even hold a conversation with them it’s crazy!!!!

Do you feel the DJing game is changing if so how? Yes it has some good some bad I just wish we would come together in our city as a Dj I’ve found that a lot of these others djs get in these cliques man and won’t even speak to other djs or hate on them and that’s crazy I want to see everybody do well, But when you have a lot of grown men that act like chicks!!!!! We've let other cities pass our city when hands down I think we have some of the hottest talent around but we keep ourselves for shinning with this foolishness.......But on a positive note you have brothers like Dj Rocksteddy ,Dj Stylez ,Dj Xculsive & Dj Kaliber that are doing the some positive & big things so I salute those brothers....

If you could pick any place you could spin at where would it be? Anywhere in Vegas.....

What is the difference in a radio personality and DJ? Radio personalities are more like a host or Mc's you do have a few that do it all. A Dj usually does is it all from mixing, Mc, to controlling his or her crowd...

Where can you be found doing your thing? I'm @ Perignons Restaurant and Lounge @ 2818 Coleman Rd. Every Saturday Nite for Sensual Saturdays Ladies Free Till 10 2 for 1 food & Drink specials....So come holla at ya boy...

How can we find you on online? Facebook Dj Sketchz, Instagram Dj Sketchz
twitter @dj_sketchz

Anything you want to add before we close out? I'd like to thank you for interviewing me shoutout to my probeat Dj fam...


Be Blessed fam....

Model Interview with Lisja Swauncy

Model Name: Lisje Swauncy 

Location: Memphis, TN

What made you get into modeling?

 I'm a girl with a full group of guy friends. They're all musicians and have cultivated their craft into a music production company (#GroovCliq). I play saxophone but music really is not what I want to do. I honestly just started looking for my place within the group to not only better their careers and help their dreams but find my own voice in media as well. Modeling is that voice for me. I've always loved captivating images; there is something really beautiful about a girl that can say a thousand words with just one look and pose. I'm working towards being that girl and creating that type of inspiration. I finally found my place where I can do me and link up with them at the same time.

How long have you been into it? Four Years

What are some of your hobbies? Music, reading, tweeting and cross country running.

How do you view the industry? Simplest put: It's a hard knock life. The industry is definitely not for the weak-hearted. You have everyone scrutinizing every flaw in your body and face; while simultaneously having to weed through photographers that love their craft as much as you do verses the ones who just want to snap a sexy picture of a sexy girl. In the days of Instagram where anyone with a big booty and a weave is a "model" and anyone with an I-phone is a "photographer"; the fakeness is real. At the same time; when you link up with people who are actually serious; magic happens. The creative energy from the hard-workers is so real; it's beyond beautiful. I wish there was more spotlight for us and less attention on the posers. Its a struggle and an uphill climb; but I love it enough to push through.

You have anyone in mind you want to work with next model etc.?

I really love Goddess Chee. I'd love for me, her and a few other girls to hit a really hot "Memphis Models" shoot. Something classy and sexy and upscale; vogue type stuff. I also really want to work with Adarryl Jackson. He's the only photographer on my "Must shoot with in Memphis" list that I have yet to work with. He does some GREAT natural scenery work. He's that photographer I want to go out into an open field with and just go ham with nature. That'd be dope.

Who are some of your favorite designers? Elizabeth Mclean of Square Rooted Noodle is a local designer from Nashville who I ADORE! Her clothes are edgy and simple at the same time. She does crazy things like turns pants into skirts. She's seriously the only person I know that can make that work. I love designers who design things that are different; yet wearable in everyday life. Her swimwear line is seriously to die for and I live for her new dress designs. (I secretly stalk her FB page for new work haha). She even designs jewelry out of recycled material. I once saw a necklace she did made totally out of paperclips. It was so hot you didn't even notice they were paperclips. That takes talent. I love that.

Where can we find you online?

I mainly tweet so @_ItzDutchess. I try to follow everyone back and reply to mentions and stuff. Don't DM me for my number though. Not cool. Most of my pictures are posted on my FB fanpage: Facebook.com/LisjeSwauncy. I do a bit of tumbling as well: LisKis.Tumblr.Com

What is something you willing to share with your readers that they might not know about you? I'm rather religious. It probably doesn't seem that way from the lingerie pictures but I take my relationship with God serious and am heavy into ministry Specifically ministering to young people. I also do a lot of work with Memphis Urban Debate League. Debate has been a really big part of my life and I love bringing the art of it to young people. It is really awesome to watch the kids grow as speakers and thinkers. There is so much scholarship money and life skill in the art of debate. Memphis Youth need that opportunity.

Anything you want to add before we close out?

It really is an honor to work with you; I have been following your photography career for a good while and you really are one of the best in the city. Thanks for having me!

Interview with Model/Makeup Artist Zii

Model Name: Zii

Memphis, TN

What made you get into modeling/makeup?

Modeling – I got into modeling after participating in a pageant, and it was something that I was curious about, so I tried it, liked it, and been doing it ever since.

Makeup—I got into makeup around the time I had to break into it for the pageant. I remember my first lesson, and quite frankly, I wasn’t all that interested. After modeling for a few years, I had to learn how to do my own for runway shows and photo shoots. With practice, I was getting pretty good at it. Then, January 2012, one of my friends asked if I would do her makeup at a fashion show. We went to the restroom, and after I finished her face, it just hit me – I could freelance professionally. At that moment I recognized that God gifted my hands to do something that was unmatched to only a few I had seen. It inspired me to start Daughter of Zion makeup by Zii brand and service. Since then, makeup has been an opportune journey and learning adventure. I love it, and I don’t plan on turning back!

How long have you been into it?

Modeling – I’ve been modeling nearly 6 years, and I’m humbled by the opportunities I’ve been allowed. I’ve graced many runways and worked with some talented photographers.

Makeup—Although I’ve only been doing makeup professionally for a little more than a year, I’ve been perfecting my craft since I was 16.

What are some of your hobbies?

Other than makeup and modeling, I love to sing, dance, act, and go to church. I also enjoy mentoring young people. It’s amazing to see the transformation of young people if you take out a few minutes during the week to encourage and work with them. They gain your trust and respect, then you become someone to them that you would have never imagined.


How do you view the industry?

The industry is very cut-throat. It’s all about networking and making important, valuable and meaningful connections, especially if you want to do more than take pictures for fun. The door is always wide open, but the key is to be prepared. One of my mentors always taught me that PREPERATION + OPPORTUNITY = SUCCESS.


You have anyone in mind you want to work with next model etc.?

I would like to groom more children. Children are so open and willing to learn. They’re easy to teach and mold because they’re like little sponges.

And if I could meet Beyonce, then that would be a plus!

Who are some of your favorite designers/brands?

One of my favorite designers is Korto Momolu out of Little Rock, Ark. She’s so humble and sweet, and her spirit is so very pleasant. Her work speaks for itself. She’s a designer of style and definitely comfort. The fabric she uses melts onto the skin and makes you feel like a goddess.

As far as brands, I’m not hung up on a name. It was just how I was raised. If a t-shirt and jean outfit from Wal-Mart is cute and comfortable, then I feel good. It’s never about the clothes, but the person in them.

Where can we find you online?

You can find me at www.DOZmakeupbyZii.com, or on Instagram @MakeupbyZii. I’m on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DOZmakeup


What is something you willing to share with your readers that they might not know about you?

I’d rather be behind the scenes. It is true that I love the runway, but I get the most excitement when I’m helping someone and making someone else feel good.

Anything you want to add before we close out?

If you don’t know Jesus, get to know Him. In this day in time, you can’t afford to live without a RELATIONSHIP with Him. (That is all.)