NOVEMBER: SW Spokesmodel Dyesha Hicks

Name: Dyesha Hicks a.k.a. JusDyeAlready

Dimensions: 34 – 27– 40
Zodiac: Leo “Queen”
Occupation: Receptionist, Hospitality Ambassador, Radio Host, Model
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Bio: This month’s delight is our very own spokesmodel, Dyesha Hicks. She’s one of the most lovely, versatile, humbled, inspirational, and energetic (seriously, she’s like the frickin’ Energizer bunny) models that we’ve worked with. A true practitioner of the pose, she’s constantly pushing herself to get the right angles and lines. Even more impressive is her fearlessness, she’s not afraid to let go or push the limits…  resulting in edgy, candid, and captivating shots that simply can’t be ignored.

Click here to see the behind-the-scenes video

Why did you get into the industry?
I was introduced at the age of 6. My grandmother enrolled me into a charm school that was established by a model, an African-American model. So, I literally fell in love with of modeling at a very young age.

What was your first gig or experience in the industry?
It was a website was for makeovers that I found on Craigslist. They needed beauty shots of woman so that when you go to the website the faces could be a template. That gig was $550 for a total of 35 mins! In the same month, I was in a music video for Charles Hamilton, cool rapper dude that had that Lupe Fiasco, little earthy thing going on.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I want to evolve my own thing called, “Just Dye in Reality.” I don’t want to give too much a way, but it’s kind of going to be like a variety based on my of perception of the things I do. I am really working on building that, for 2016.

I also have this really big urge to grow. So I really feel that in the next two years I’m going to be venturing back to school to see if that can help me in this business. Modeling is a business. It’s not only about having the right pictures, granted that evolves your career. But it is a business and I want to learn about that to the best of my abilities, so school is calling to me.

What do you like about the industry?
I definitely enjoy meeting people. In the last five years, I’ve met friends that I can see being around for the next 20 years. They’re mostly photographers and artists-types, or something of that nature. These relationships are amazing personalities that inspire me to keep me going and let me know that I need to keep doing your thing. I love the people I have been meeting and networking with… it’s a great thing!

What don’t you like about the industry?
I really dislike networking, I’m very shy!? It’s kind of like a pro and con with the people I meet. Sometimes I wish I was a bit more outgoing. I also don’t like that at times everything can be repetitive. Like they’re trying to generate girls that look the same, doing the same things, and having the same body. It seem a bit like originality has gone out the window, I know it’s not always the case, but there are a lot of carbon copies out there.

You also have to invest in yourself… and if things are given to you based on your look, be thankful, don’t just take stuff like that for granted.

What advice would you give an up and coming model that you wish someone gave my you?
To meet the right people and do research… you can do research in modeling. I would also stressed being patient, and try to have a clear understanding of the direction that you want to go. Know what success is to you right of the bat. A quote from Maya Angelou that keeps me balanced when I feel like I’m not doing anything right is “success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” So know what success is to you! I have an understanding in doing this, I’m not compromising my integrity just be on a cover. I’m being sexy, but I want to look back 15-20 years later and be happy with what I’ve done.

Who is your fave model or #WCW?
There is an artist and I use to model with named Jungle Pussy… and she’s super dope. I like her movement cause she’s fierce in posing and can do more than just Hip-Hop. She is a fucking beautiful, dope, Black young lady that is doing her thing.

Have you been published? if so, when/where?
I have been published in Eccentric Edge Magazine, L3, Caribbean Urban and Hype Hair.

What major bookings have you done?
Most of my features deal with beauty and hair. I was in Adam Sandler’s  movie the Cobbler where I had a short scene walking by but everybody seemed to reach out after seeing me in that. They paid me and it was a great experience. I also had a great hosting opportunity where I got the chance to work with the Jack Thriller for an up-and-coming radio station.

Your photos look amazing, what’s your secret?
I would say don’t stress it shows up on your face! Find a way to find your calm place whether it’s with in fitness or an affordable spas. Like in Chinatown, you can get a nice massage there. You have to relieve yourself from stress. If you’re a smoker, I would say go to a steam room, hydrate, drink a lot of water… mineral water is good! Adding activity in your life whether it be running or walking or getting on the stationary bike is important. There’s only so much plastic surgery can do and I’m sure the plastic surgeon would also say being physically fit will help so you don’t have to keep coming back to get something sucked out of you.

Be prepared for that last-minute call. Make sure you’re feeling good because you’ve been maintaining yourself. If you have a rough moment… it’s okay, now get right back into it! Had a rough two days partying? Drink water, put some cucumbers on your eyes, and get it together!

How do you feel you’re empowering yourself and others?
Look what you can achieve if you meet the right people, they end up believing in you because you’re giving off this energy! Seeing the way I can be photographed and being creative gave me the confidence to say “you know what I’m going to model… I’m going to ride this out.” It’s been a consistent seven years, and I really just didn’t give up! If you keep believing in yourself, if you’re self-motivated enough to really achieve what you want, and you can be patient… then you can really do this. It doesn’t happen overnight, but don’t wait for anybody else make it happen for you either.

In this day and age, you don’t have to wait… be your own magazine, get some type of blog set up, even a Facebook page can really make it happen! Reach out to other popular blogs and say “hey, I’m feeling your content” and they will probably re-blog you… then you can gain the audience and so on.

I want to empower others so that they can actually get out there and  create their own content.

Do you feel this industry objectifies women?
You know sex sells, so I can’t blame everything on the industry. Some women are down with it, but a lot of the situations that we’re seeing are because some women jump into things too fast. Remember, you can say “NO!” You can be in control of the situation, and still be open-minded… find what works best for you.

What does boudoir mean to you?
I always thought it was lingerie… [pauses to ask Siri “what is boudoir?” Siri responds: “boudoir means a woman’s bedroom or private room.”] It definitely inspires a certain tone, it’s an intimate type of feeling, something sexy. Taking these images, I was just allowed to be in my element, you guys created a very comfortable vibe, even with stripping down, it didn’t feel like I was crossing any lines… I just felt like a beautiful woman serving fierceness.

When are you inspired to bring out that “fierceness” and show your more intimate side?
You know it seems like I really just wanted to turn things up… my makeup is done, my hair done, I knew the lighting is right and I had been working out three weeks prior to the shoot… I was looking forward to creating the images that really inspire. Photo shoots are always my best motivation to bring everything together. Sexiness is something that’s being projected, I’m working to showcase that element… in my real-life that’s not even necessary for the person that loves me. We’re simple.

Any interesting you’d like to share with us and your fans?
First, I love my fans every message, every follow, every like. That’s what let’s me know there’s still an interest. I’m really pushing for something quirky. So thank you to my fans for being there I appreciate it all.

I couldn’t be more thrilled that I’m going to see myself on the cover of this magazine. Now I can finally check it off! I must say, I’m so glad you guys are doing this and I hope other models have this opportunity. Whether they’re experienced or just starting out… they may not have a buzz but are amazing behind the camera, or  they may have a huge following and just respect the opportunity you’re giving them… I hope they all jump on board because this is something different, something unique.

Finally, Just Dye Already is going to be a really different experience. I’m going to take a leap and put all my heart into it! So stay tuned.

One of the most important things I need in my life is great energy, and [the shoot] had me feeling like completely euphoric from the evening all the way to the next day.

How would you describe your experience shooting with the ShotsWeekly team?
Oh my god it was a great day. Jason is hilarious… good vibes but not creepy, I’ve shot with him a ton and we work really well together. Steven was on point with the way he sees things visually and great at directing how the look should come about. Natural, the make up artist was great, and their accessory stylist, Kat, had so many amazing pieces… everything was already lined up for a great day. It was fun and that put me in a great mood, great energy. I felt very beautiful.

Photographer: @shotbyjason
MUA: @naturaltouchartistry
Accy Stylist: @illasparkz
Art Director: @stevenDZYN

Watch the behind-the-scenes video

Special Thanks to:

@HallofFameStudios
With Beats By Heavy Hitta

Accessories available from @illasparkz

Pink Outfit:
http://www.illasparkz.com/brittney-necklace-set/

Black Outfit:
http://www.illasparkz.com/jada-necklace/
http://www.illasparkz.com/proper-scarf-necklace/
http://www.illasparkz.com/cessy-necklace/
http://www.illasparkz.com/sassy-body-strap/
http://www.illasparkz.com/abbi-harness/

Cubes on Ledge:
http://www.illasparkz.com/geometric-bracelet/
http://www.illasparkz.com/fancy-cube/