Ever since my interview with Gianna DeNinno and the subsequent chat with Jessica Castillo, I’ve been looking around for yet another, intelligent, intellectual, successful, sexy, model who was well rounded (I mean that in EVERY sense of the word) and cool enough to sit down and talk to. After featuring the lovely Carmel Candy on the blog, we spoke for a bit, and I decided she was the one. Down to Earth, friendly, and full of personality, Candy has a lot on her plate professionally, (if you want to keep up with her, or talk to her yourself, just hit her up on facebook, or on twitter @modelCarmelCndy), from acting, to singing, to owning her own business, Candy is much more than just a model from the UK. Check the method below to find out a bit more about the UK’s favorite Carmel flavored treat.
DJ Storm: So as I understand it, your from the UK, what part are you from specifically, and what’s it like starting a career in “urban modeling” out there?
Carmel Candy: I’m from Manchester- known for its famous football team Manchester United. Urban Modeling in the UK, is almost none exsistant. The media here are crazy- they only want slim girls with big breast. They are not much into curves over here! Dont get me wrong men love the curves here, but the media does not. They see ‘Slim’ as being attractive, but I don’t think so! Women are meant to be womanly!!! Thats why Im going to try my luck in the US, as they seem to love the curves!!!
DJS: I’m personally a fan of people around my age range who are making waves in their industry, and I already know you have a pretty impressive portfolio, but what age did you know you wanted to get into modeling, and what pushed you to start?
CC: I have been performing since I was 11, singing/acting/dancing, but its only recently that I tried to get into Urban Modelling. All my friends kept telling me I should go over to America, coz they would love my ‘ass’ over there! I thought if I can make money out of it, why not??
DJS: So, I’m curious as to where the name “Carmel Candy” came from. Was it a long time nickname someone gave you, or just a stage name?
CC: This is a funny one, My best friend has very dark skin, and I call her silky because her skin is as soft as silk, and she would call me – Caramel, as I have caramel coloured skin, and we had fun with it. My real name is Candice, so after a play around with a few different ideas I came up with Carmel Candy. Im as tasty as caramelised Candy treat! And thats the truth!! hahahaha
I thought It was appropraite to have a model name- as all the urban models I know have them!
DJS: What nationality/ies are you?
CC: I am Mixed Race. White/Jamaican. I take after my mother- but I get my body from my jamaican father, and I aint complaining!!
DJS: Out of all the shoots you’ve done so far, which one has been your favorite?
CC: My favourite photoshoot is one I did the other week. In a swimming pool-(in the UK we dont have swimming pools outside!) and the photo’s are so sexy! The water is everywere and they are very cheeky!!! You will love them!! They are my best so far!!
DJS: Are there any places you’d like to travel to model? Or any “dream jobs” you’d want to do in the future?
CC: I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be in King Magazine, and Black Men Magazine! That would be my dream!! That would mean everyone would get to see me, and really get my face out there!
My dream destination would be on a beach in Miami- that would be so special!! I get excited thinking about it!!
DJS: When your not modeling, what else do you like to do in your spare time?
CC: I run my own e-commerce business. I started it up a year ago and it seams to be taking off. I also love to perform. I do reguler acting lessons. It is also my dream to become a successful actress.
And like all women, I love to shop till I drop, and I like to go on dates and be wined and dined!
DJS: Business oriented AND sexy, I love it. So, I happen to know that music and dancing are some of your other passions, what types of dance do you specialize in?
CC: I love to dance. In the past I have studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Street dance.. I like best just to free style, as thats when I can best express myself! I love to dance to R&B and hiphop, dancehall etc. The sexier the music the better! I love to shake my ass!! hahah
DJS: What type of music do you sing, and who in the music community would you like to work with down the road?
CC: I prefer to sing R&B, and my insperations are Beyonce/Destinys Child/Kerri Hilson, Alicia Keys and Rhianna etc.
I would like to work with anyone!!! im easy!! if someone thinks im talented enough, then im willing to give anything a try!
DJS: I’m good friends with DJ Roy Rovelli who spins all over London, so I know the music can be a bit different from what folks are used to in the states, but what kind of music do you listen to at home, and what do you like to hear in the clubs when you go out?
CC: I like all kinds of music! I studied Musical Theatre when I was in college too. I like pop/alterative/funkyhouse/dance/R&B/Drum and Base/HipHop/Soul/Reggae/Dancehall. Any thing I can dance too. But when I go out to party and have a good time I like R&B and Hip Hop.
DJS: I see you’ve been featured on tons of websites other than mine for your looks, but you earned a degree in Media and Performance, what are some of the benefits you see in having a degree in Media and Performance, and what are some of your future goals outside of modeling?
CC: Yeah my degree was a great experience for me to gain. It taught me many things- and really re-affirmed in my head that I want to be on screen performing. It also taught me how to grow up and become an adult. I think University really helps me come into the real world, and realize your resonsibilites as an adult! I would tell anybody that they should get their education first!
DJS: Education is always the key when it comes to moving ahead, and accomplishing your goals in life… Its interesting that you say school solidified your decision to want to be on screen, is Hollywood one of the places the world should look for you next?
CC: I hope so, all I know is I have more talent in my big toe then Kim Karadshian!!!! so If she can make it then why cant I???
DJS: That’s a good way to look at it. So now that we’ve covered all the bases with acting, singing and modeling, Are there any models, singers, or actresses currently in the industry that you admire, or look at as inspirational?
CC: Yeah I really like what Lola Monroe is doing. A, shes gorgeous, but B, she has used her success from being a video vixen, to further her career as a rapper amongst other things so, the sky is the limit!!! I believe my modeling can take me to the next level.
DJS: I believe so too. Its been amazing talking to you Candy, when’s the next time you think you’ll make it out to the states to do a photoshoot and where would you want to go that you haven’t already been?
CC: I will be in New York in June this year, to meet some agents as I am currently looking for a professional with all the right contacts! I already have some photo shoots lined up. I want to go and party the New York way, and meet some great people and have the time of my life!
And since the interview, Candy and I have discussed a working on a few projects together, both internationally and state-side. So stay tuned for news on that.