A shining example of beauty from The Bahamas, model, Kamela Forbes

The Bahamas Weekly contacted Kamela Forbes, Bahamian model now living in New York for an interview.

Kamela, who is represented by MC2 Model Management studied at the College of the Bahamas and University of North Carolina and obtained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, but is now focusing on her modeling career full time.

Through her modeling career she has traveled all over the USA (189 cities to be exact); Canada; (Cape Town) South Africa; and (Paris) France.

1. Where were you born? School and any work related information you may want to share.

I was born in Nassau, Bahamas.  I attended St. Anne’s Primary and High School, and then went on to obtain my Associates in Accounting at The College of The Bahamas.   I completed my studies at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

2. When did you start modeling?

I started modeling professionally about 9 years ago.

3. What inspired you to be a model? (or who) 

My sister Keejo inspired me to be a model.  She wanted to model when we were kids and I always wanted to do whatever she did, so my mom enrolled us both in Yodephy Modeling Academy.

4. Any highlights of modeling in The Bahamas?

In 2002, I was on the Ebony Fashion Fair tour and we did a show in Nassau.  It was great to be able to do a show in my hometown in front of my family and friends.  Also, in 2008, I participated in the first Islands of the World Fashion Week in Nassau.

5. What got you to New York?

I was living in Los Angeles, and had an opportunity to go to New York for a photo shoot, and I discovered that New York was more focused on high fashion modeling, so I packed up and headed to the Big Apple!

6. Who is your agent?

I am represented by MC squared (MC2) model management in both New York and Miami, and PTG models in Nassau. 

7. What are your professional career highlights?

I did a runway tour with Ebony Fashion Fair, an ad campaign for Motorola, an editorial spread for Essence Magazine, and walked in shows under the tent for NY Fashion Week.

8. Describe a day in your life on a day you are working

I usually have a very early call time, so I get up early, shower and brush my teeth, throw on some clothes and I’m out the door.  I get on set, have breakfast and then jump in the chair to get my hair and makeup and nails done.  Then go over to wardrobe to get dressed, and then it’s time for me to get on set and actually do some work!!!  The shoot begins and it’s up to me to come up with poses and facial expressions to make the clothing or accessories that they’re shooting look great and very “sellable”.  Once the photographer and art director is happy, then it’s a wrap! And off we go….

9. Where have you traveled for your work?

I have travelled all over the USA (189 cities to be exact); Canada; (Cape Town) South Africa; and (Paris) France

10. What's coming up?

Only the Lord knows!  Hopefully something BIG!  Every day I go on castings in hopes of landing the next big job, so fingers crossed and lots of prayers!

11. Met anyone interesting?

I’ve met tons of interesting people! Most noteworthy are the black models who have paved the way for me to get the jobs I get today, and they include: Beverly Johnson, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford, and Liya Kebede (my favorite).

12. What can you say to inspire young models based in The Bahamas, or those that think they may want to become models?

I’d tell them to be sure to get an education, so you always have something to fall back on, and because modeling is a business, you need to be educated enough to know how to run your business.   Also, it’s a very tough industry to be in, but if it’s something you really want to do, put your all into it and have patience….as success doesn’t happen overnight!

13. How important is your health, diet, etc. to modeling?

My health and diet is very important to my modeling career.  As a model, I have to maintain a certain figure and take care of my skin, and that’s a direct result of what I eat.   I don’t starve myself, most of the time I eat what I want, but everything in moderation is the key.

14. Is modeling your sole career at this time? Other aspirations?

Yes, modeling is my only career at this time.  I do aspire one day to start a business in which I can combine my business degree and my love for fashion and entertainment.

15. What publications or ad campaigns have you been featured in. What designers have you worked for?

I’ve done ad campaigns for Motorola, Mitsubishi, Lafayette 148, Wamsutta, and Wella Hair Care Products.  I’ve worked for many designers over the years; some of them include Marc Jacobs, D Squared, J Mendel, Kaufman Franco, and Chloe.

16. What is your greatest beauty tip (original or from another)

I use baby oil on my skin while it’s still damp to keep my skin soft and hydrated.

Kamela Forbes can be found on Facebook or through her management company: www.mc2mm.com