Wednesday, October 19, 2011

DYME CONNECTION: KEANI COCHELLE


THE GLAMAZON
by Marius MII

LCN: Hold up, you repp’d more than one major college (which we’ll get into), none in Pac 12 except your own hometown. So what’s up with and that USC shirt ?
KC: (LAUGHS) I have family members that have attended USC so it was more of a tribute to them (smiles) and the college I went to didn’t have a football team so I felt it was ok for me to rep USC (smiles)

LCN:(Laughs) Okay, first thing first tell me, who is Keani Cochelle? KC: I am a down to earth, athletic, laid back, goof ball, sexy, intelligent, confident but not cocky and loving woman. 

LCN: What’s your nationality…
KC: I am Norwegian, Black and Cherokee

LCN: How was life growing up?
KC: It wasn’t all that bad. No matter what was going on in my life I always kept a smile on my face. My parents had me in everything from gymnastics, jump-roping and bowling clubs, swim team, piano, choir, tap dancing anything to keep me busy (smiles). I was into sports at an early age and that consumed most of my time.


LCN: You’re from Eugene, Oregon. You went to two different schools on the east coast and one down south. Now you’re in Cali. How did you stay balance and focused with all of those transitions? KC: Yeah, I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon and got a scholarship to play basketball at NC State played there for two years then transferred back to the West Coast, attending Pepperdine University where I finished my collegiate career. It was easy to stay focused, when I have my mind set on something I go after it. I’ve always been that way.

LCN: You’re very accomplished and yet you are young. Before modeling, you were a star forward playing college basketball at Pepperdine University and North Carloina State University. You’re 6ft, 1in…36-29-47… Can you ball or are you just tall? KC: I feel somewhat offended that you would ask me that (laughs) Of course I got skills. Out of high school I was ranked Street and Smith’s 27th in the nation. I know you wouldn’t want to challenge me to a game your feelings might get hurt (laughs) just kidding. Oh yeah and I talk mess too, all a part of my strategy but seriously I got skills (smiles)  

LCN: I hear ya. We can set something up; it’s whatever (laughs). Give me some stats… What was your best game in college? I believe my best College game I had 25 points and 11 rebounds

LCN: Word, not bad for a model (Laughs). You weren’t interested in pursuing the WNBA?
KC: I got offers to play over sea’s in Portugal and received a letter from Coach Cooper to attend the Los Angeles Sparks tryouts, but I had torn my ACL in high school and towards the end of college ball it was giving me problems so I decided to stop and not take it to the next level. 

LCN: You also do a little boxing right?
KC: Yes, my boyfriend at the time managed some of the best boxers in the States, and I would go to fights and see the women boxers and knew I could do that. I trained for two years and sparred with some professional boxers. Unfortunately I never got the chance to continue with it but I love the sport.

LCN: Would you rather date a man your height or taller or do you just want to be loved no matter the height? KC:  I prefer a guy to be the same height or taller. I like to wear heels and I got to know he can handle me in the bedroom (smiles)

LCN: Does size matter to you (wink)? KC: Yes, but I think it’s more important that he knows how to work with what he has.

LCN: Ok, so you like tall guys that also know how to “ball” That’s interesting because you’re well rounded; and you’re beautiful. Did you finish college? KC: Thank you and yes I received my BA from Pepperdine University

LCN: Smart girl. What did you study while attending school?
KC:  I majored in Mass Communications with the emphasis on directing/production.

LCN: Cool. Obviously, your major is something that you put some thought into before pursuing it, but what made you decide to put modeling and entertainment on the list of career choices as well?
KC: I’ve always loved the modeling and entertainment industry and knew I was going to be a part of it one day. I dream BIG and knew all I needed was a chance to be seen. I grew up looking at fashion magazines paying attention to everything makeup, poses, styling, hair the location or the props and how models sold the product through image. Career day in high school I went to the modeling class (laughs). I just love everything about modeling.

LCN: How much experience have you gotten as far as working with and meeting people in that field? KC: I had the opportunity to shadow Bryan Barber while he was shooting Andre 3000 “Hey Ya” music video. I’ve also worked as a Tour Manager Assistant that traveled on tour with various artists Patty LaBelle, Destiny’s Child, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Mary J Blige, Music Soul Child, Jaheim, Alicia Keys, Mario and many more. 

LCN: How did you balance being a student-model that’s possibly always on the go at anytime?
KC: I just started modeling in 2009 and I graduated by then but I have a full time job that I have to balance with my modeling career and at times that is difficult and can get hectic, but I love what I do so it’s worth it.


LCN: How do you balance being a duel threat with beautiful and educated?
KC: Not to seem conceited but it’s not hard (smiles) I’m grateful to be blessed.

LCN: What was it about your personality and your upbringing that made you so passionate about modeling? KC: I think I was born with this passion inside of me. It helps that my parents allowed me to be creative and artistic and never discouraged me from doing what I love.

LCN: What was your first modeling assignment? KC: My first paid job was a music video for a local Compton rapper Hollywood Smoove “Keep it Poppin”

LCN: How did you become to be so comfortable in front of the camera?
KC: I love the camera, and once I’m on set for a photo shoot I just go for it.

 LCN: In life or in the industry, who are some of the people you looked up to?
KC: I’m inspired by women like Kimora Lee Simmons, Oprah, Beyonce, Marilyn Monroe, Tyra, Grace Jones, Sade and Serena Williams

LCN: Who introduced you to the urban modeling industry? KC: I was aware of the magazines but my manager Jay Dee of 1208Models helped me get noticed by some of the major players in the industry.


LCN: What would you say has been the most difficult part of modeling in the industry? KC: Knowing who to trust

LCN: What type of ritual or routines do you follow to relax before shooting?
KC: Good sleep, water and music.

LCN: What type of modeling do you enjoy the most? Glamour/high fashion or urban?
KC: All of it, I want to be a versatile model that can do it all


LCN: Elaborate on some of your magazine features and successful photo projects.
KC: I have been the Cover Model for two major Magazines “Titanium Girlz Xtra” and “SWEETS.” My very 1st feature was in Titanium Girlz Xtra, in early July. The issue was 50+ plus pages of me, and was digitally distributed worldwide to over 35 countries. My feature in SWEETS magazine is my latest and it’s my 1st print cover! The issue will be in stores nationwide mid October. Beginning of November I am gracing the cover of “CRED” magazine. I will be a Valentines feature in the February 2012 issue of “STUNNAZ” magazine, with a cover feature to follow in the Summer.

LCN: You have a full plate. We talked a while ago about some nude photography you did at one point that really got you a little heated. We will not get into any names but were they leaked? KC: Yes, the photos were leaked. I was in talks with a photographer about having a member section for a website. He took it upon himself to post pictures that were NOT approved by me. I have a problem when people do not listen or try to take complete control over me or my brand and that’s what happened. Therefore, I had to cut ties with him. As a way of revenge he decided to posts the nude pictures.

LCN: What made you decide to shoot nude for the site? KC: I think the woman’s body is gorgeous and a work of art and I feel comfortable in my own skin. I wanted the pictures for my member section to show the beauty of the female body in an artistic, sexy and somewhat edgy way.

LCN: I agree. How did you feel taking off your clothes for the first time?
KC: I started out with implied shots because I nervous about trusting the photographer but once I began trusting him it was easy but then that back fired….smh

LCN: How would you describe the image that comes across when people saw at your photos?
KC: I think a lot of people assumed I did porn…which is NOT true.

LCN: With that being said, I’m sure plenty of people such as photographers and editors have pursued you about posing nude after seeing those pics. Is there anything you would like to address about any misconceptions about your genre of work? KC:Yes, they have and at this time I decided to change the direction of my work and not to pose nude.

LCN: I’m sure it was a learning experience for you. What did you learn about that experience? KC: Keep my clothes on (laughs) and be careful with who I trust.

LCN: What advice would you give young models looking to step into this industry? KC: Stay in control of your career, do your research, have a good team that knows your goals and keeps you first and stay focused.

LCN: What’s the worst stereotype that you’ve ever faced as a model?
KC: The worst stereotype is that because I’m very tall and thick that there’s no place for me in the modeling industry. I’m striving to prove them wrong.

LCN: What keeps you motivated? KC: My fans, my goals, and other tall girls that finally see someone they can relate to modeling all keep me motivated.

LCN: What’s the greatest compliment that you’re received as a model?
KC: When people tell me not only am I beautiful on the outside but my personality is amazing and that they see greatness in me (the “IT” factor).

LCN: How is it working with Lisa Raye’s PZI Jeans? KC: AMAZING!!! I love their jeans and it seemed like a perfect match for us to collab for their website ad. They sell jeans for the curvy woman and offer x-long inseams. They are virtually the only jeans that fit me perfectly.

LCN: You were also featured in Ice Cube’s "I Rep That West" music video. Knowing that Cube is known for his definitely renowned for his movie directing also, how nervous were you about being casted? KC:  I wouldn’t say I was nervous but more excited. I am a long time fan of Cube and what he’s done for Hip Hop and how he’s been able to branch off and have a successful film career.

LCN: What did you learn from that great experience? KC: It was great to see Ice Cubes work ethics and the filming process.


LCN: Would you consider stepping into the world of reality TV soon? KC: I wouldn’t say I’d never consider it. It really just depends on what kind of show it is.

LCN: What shows do you enjoy watching during your busy schedule? KC: I enjoy watching sports. I love all the model, fashion and talent reality shows…ANTM, Model Latina, Project Runway, X Factor, SYTYCD. I like Family Guy, the Kardashian shows and I can’t wait for second season of Single Ladies.

LCN: What advantage do you have over any other model in the industry?
KC: My height and measurement combo together with my exotic look help me stand out among the rest.

LCN: What is your ultimate goal in the modeling world? KC: To be the cover model for all major urban model Magazines, keep taking the internet by storm and become a mainstream model, modeling for high fashion designers, commercials/film and walk the runway.

LCN: What's your vision for the next five years in general? What do you want to do? KC: Next five years I plan on accomplishing my goals as a model and setting up for the future building the “Keani Cochelle” brand/empire.


LCN: What’s the sexiest thing about you other than your beautiful mind and your amazing stature? KC: My heart

LCN: What do you consider your sexiest feature? My eyes and smile


LCN: What is the best part of your body; the part that needs the most improvement? KC: The best parts of my body are my ass and abs. The part that needs improvement is my thighs they could be a little slimmer.


LCN: Hypothetically, if we were to go out sometime; how do you like to be romanced? KC: I like how you plugged yourself in there (smiles) but I like for a guy to make me feel like a queen he’s got to put thought into it.
                                                                                              
LCN: What’s one thing about yourself that everyone should know? KC: I will not lose (LAUGHS)

LCN: What future projects do you have lined up? KC: Beside some of the magazines that I will be featured in the next few months (covers & interviews for SWEETS & CRED Magazines), I will be putting together a special Christmas edition of TitaniumGirlz Xtra Magazine…featuring myself! I am also in the process of closing several major mainstream deals…so stay tuned! Also for my fans, I am putting together special posters and a Keani Cochelle 2012 Calendar, both of which will be on sale on my website, www.OfficialKeaniCochelle.com . Ya girl is very busy, ending the year BIG!


LCN: You’re definitely looking to make a serious push before this year conclude. Where can we find you? KC: You can follow me at my Keani Cochelle Facebook fan page and on Twitter, @keani_cochelle…and you will always get hot new pics and updates on everything me at my website, www.OfficialKeaniCochelle.com !

LCN: Any shout outs? KC: I love all of my fans, and shout out to my management team JayDee of 1208models and Le Crème Nation for this interview it was fun and in depth (smiles) love Keani Cochelle.

1 comment:

  1. One of the best if not the best model out there. She's lovely and down to earth, a fine combination indeed!

    ReplyDelete