ANA V - THE PRIME EXAMPLE

BY CICI SANTARELLI

MY FIRST BAD GIRL OF THE WEEK IS CHOSEN! HER NAME IS DIANA - BETTER KNOWN AS ANA V LATELY. SHE IS AN 18 YEAR OLD CLEVELAND NATIVE WITH MORE ON HER PLATE THAN YOUR AVERAGE 30 YEAR OLD. NOT EVERYONE CAN JUGGLE A MODELING CAREER, JOB, SCHOOL, AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, ALL WHILE RAISING A FAMILY OF THEIR OWN. THIS WEST INDIAN AND SWEDISH BAD GIRL IS SURE TO SET THE INDUSTRY ON FIRE WITH HER DETERMINATION MATCHED WITH EXOTIC LOOKS AND COKE BOTTLE PHYSIQUE(34 - 28 - 41, 5' 10", AND 150 LBS.). IN HER OPINION SHE IS THE PRIME EXAMPLE OF WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE DOING WITH THEMSELVES! CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW WITH ANA V BELOW TO SEE IF YOU AGREE.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE MODELING INDUSTRY.

Modeling has always been a passion of mine and when I really want something, I get it. [Sly smile] I put myself in the position to meet the right people and now that's just what I do.

SO WHO WERE THE RIGHT PEOPLE?

Well, first I'd have to say, Dawn from House of Ego. She shot all of my pics and did a great job with helping me with posing, etc. Aundrea Jackson of RMV, Arty of Sweetz/Fedz Mag, Duane of DymeXtreme Models. These are just some of the people who helped me start my career.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE MET THE RIGHT PEOPLE, WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

I'm featured in the issue of Sweetz Magazine which came out today. I was in the May issue of The SOURCE. I'll be in Ink Trendz Mag sometime this month and I also recently shot for SHOW Magazine so stay tuned for both issues! I'll also be hosting The Source Tour - San Diego on June 21 along with my fellow RMV, Ms. CiCi Santarelli! [high five exchanged] Also I have two websites launching soon: www.ana-v.com and www.anaxoxo.com.

DEFINITELY SEEMS LIKE YOU MET THE RIGHT PEOPLE. WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT DOORS OPENING FOR YOU, IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING IN THIS INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Honestly at this point I am trying to figure out where I would like to fall in this industry. I feel I will be content when I am a household name and my name is used to compare other models to. [laughs]

TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE. I'M STILL FINDING MY NICHE AS WELL. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR CAREER IN 5 YRS?

In five years I want to be very established. I want to be a household name, featured in any and every magazine. I want to do some acting and maybe videos. I want to be an official spokes model of a product or a line. I also want a big ass house in South Carolina. [laughs]

WITH SO MANY MODELS COMING UP IN THE GAME ALL BATTLING FOR THE SAME MAGAZINES, VIDEOS, ETC., HOW DO YOU SET YOURSELF APART FROM OTHER LADIES IN THE INDUSTRY?

I feel I'm different, because I am very focused but I don't take myself too seriously either. I always have fun and try to remember why I am doing this in the first place.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE PERKS OF BEING A MODEL?

I have met so many good people. It has opened so many doors for me. It makes me happy and makes me feel good about myself.

I KNOW THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS SO "PEACHY" IN THE GAME. BAD ALWAYS ACCOMPANIES THE GOOD SO WHAT ARE SOME NEGATIVE THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE INDUSTRY?

People confuse glamour and eye candy modeling with porn. I have heard the wildest things since I have started modeling, men will come up to me and ask me to have sex with them like its just that easy and haters come by the bus loads.

TRUST ME. I CAN RELATE. WITH THAT BEING SAID, WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST THING YOU HAVE WITNESSED IN THE INDUSTRY SO FAR?

Going out to LA was quite an experience and I will never forget my night out on the town in Hollywood. It is so fast paced out there and the industry is cut throat. Eat or be eaten, but I loved every second of it!

TRAVELING ALONE, STALKERS, ETC.; THIS PROFESSION CAN BE AS DANGEROUS AS IT IS GLAMOROUS. YOUR LOVED ONES MUST WORRY. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THINK OF YOUR PROFESSION?

My boyfriend is my number one fan I could not do it without him. My friends all love it also, but my family actually hates it.

A LOT OF LADIES COMING IN TO THE GAME ARE UNSURE OF WHAT TO DO. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN UP AND COMING TALENT?

Stay focused. Don't over indulge, don't get greedy, set standards for yourself, and just love it. And when people won't open a door for you just take note of where it is so you can go get it your damn self! [laughs]

[LAUGHS]SO REGARDLESS IF YOU MEET THE RIGHT PEOPLE OR NOT, IT SEEMS LIKE YOU'LL SUCCEED IN WHAT EVER YOU ASPIRE TO DO. WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS AFTER MODELING ?

Well I'm in school for occupational therapy, but once I finish this two year program and start working, I plan on going back for graphic design and advertising.

OK, I SEE YOU HAVE A BACK UP PLAN. THAT'S SMART. WHEN YOUR NOT MODELING, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

I am a full time mother, a part time student at Tri C for occupational therapy assistance, a full time waitress at Aladdins Eatery and a Golden Tigers wife. Go Warner!

WOW! SO HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO BALANCE ALL OF THAT?

I keep all of my priorities straight. When I find it too be overwhelming, I cut back. I love everything I do. It's a lot, but I know it will pay off!

LET'S TELL THE PEOPLE MORE ABOUT YOU. WHAT IS ONE MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT YOU?

A lot of people think that I am stuck up, but that is not the case at all.

SINCE YOU'RE A REAL MUZAK VIXEN, I KNOW YOU MUST LOVE MUSIC. WHAT'S IN YOUR IPOD?

I'm a huge old school fan. Babyface, Keith Sweat, Rude Boys, BlackStreet, Tony Toni Tone, Al B, and I am a huge Michael Jackson fan.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?

My daughter Dahlia, my man Warner, and my Jessica Simpson pumps! [laughs]

YES, GIRL! GOTTA HAVE THE PUMPS! [LAUGHS] IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

At this point I am fairly content with myself, so I wouldn't change anything!

BEFORE WE WRAP THIS UP, ANY LAST WORDS, SHOUT OUTS, THANK YOU'S, ETC.?

I'd to thank Dawn of House of Ego, Aundrea, RMV, Duane, Warner, Chariah, Madd, and CiCi Santarelli for the great interview.

NO, NEED FOR THANKS, ANA! AS ALWAYS, IT WAS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU. SEE YOU IN SAN DIEGO!