Friday, November 15, 2013

Desaree Rutledge - America's Next Top Model in New York City

It takes courage to embark on a journey.  Sometimes you will be alone and fearful of what
lies ahead.But that's when your faith comes out to guide you.
My next two interviews will chronicles the path of two young ladies that have
set out to accomplish their dreams. They share common goals. Both differ in the locations they have chosen.
My first interview is with Desaree Franchon Rutledge. She is a product of Cheyney University. Her goal is to become a runway model. She is also an actress. Desaree set her sights on New York City to start her career. She left a well paying job at a casino in Philadelphia and moved to the Big Apple to explore opportunities. Desaree is involved with social media to promote her endeavors. She also has a blog. We found time for a series of questions when she returned to Philly for a visit.





1).How long have you been modeling?
 I have been in a serious pursuit of modeling for about 4 years. A few bumps along the way but I managed to fulfill part off my dream by moving to New York this past August.

2).Did you have any formal training?
 I worked with a talent scout company in Philadelphia when I first started modeling. I continued to learn things on my own and strengthen my craft after working with them. I recently had a session with International Model/Runway Coach Alva Page. That was one of the BEST experiences ever! He fine tweaked my walk in minutes.

3).How was the experience of going to a HBCU?





The greatest experience of my life. Not only did I receive a great education, I learned the richness of the history of African Americans and I met some of my best friends there. My time at  Cheyney University has molded me and shaped me into the woman I am today.

4).What is your favorite restaurant?
I can eat at the Cheesecake Factory almost everyday! But whenever I'm back in New Jersey, I have to drive to Philly to eat at Green Eggs Cafe! They have some of the best food I've had in my life.

5).What did you like about working in the casino?
I loved that everyday was different. You never know what you will see, who you will talk to and what someone can bless you with (tip wise or with words of wisdom). I got to meet a few celebrities along the way too!

6). You were known for your hair. Different styles. What was your favorite?



My mother is a hairstylist so changing my hair consistently was something that was common growing up. I became her guinea pig for most new hairstyles during her early years. I love big hair! The bigger the better. My big curly afro has to be my favorite.

7). Do you have an agent?
Yes.

8). Compare living in New York to New Jersey.
New York is very different! A lot more fast paced and so many things to do in one place. There are moments of tranquility I have left behind for the noisy blocks of New York that I miss from time to time. I also miss seeing the miles of leaves changing on the trees in my hometown of Florence. Although I miss those little things there are so many opportunities for my career in New York and I love it.

9) Best movie you've ever seen?
"12 Years a Slave." I've never been so emotionally connected to a character like I was with Solomon. I felt like I experienced every emotion with him during his journey. I appreciated the films true depiction of slavery in America and in spite of the movie being hard to watch, I left feeling like my life had changed.

10) What is your ultimate career goal?



I would love to be a Victoria's Secret Angel and star in major motion pictures.

11). Who is your favorite artist/ performer?
 Beyoncé!  Her talent is mind blowing! I have watched her grow into a superstar and I've loved every moment.




12) What magazine would you kill to be on the cover of?
Elle magazine. Of course I want to be on all major fashion magazine but I have been reading Elle for years. I feel like the women who make that cover are not only beautiful but influential. People want to buy the magazine based on who's on that cover and not by what they're wearing.

Closing notes from Desaree.  Her favorite color is turquoise. Her dream date would have Will Smith
as her leading man.                           
                                                                Look out Jada!

 
 
Follow Desaree on Twitter at @iamdesaree
 She is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dfranchon
                           So many awesome photos. It was hard to narrow it down to what you see here.
                                              Contact her with serious professional inquiries.

            Follow me for the 2nd interview with Deitra Leak.  I am on Twitter at @GamingGuyM











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