Shonika Greenidge is the gorgeous 23-year old model from Arima, Trinidad & Tobago, who has big dreams and is already seeing them come to life, with her breathtaking appearance at the 2014 New York Fashion Week event! In the following ONE LOVE Interview, learn how Shonika first got started in the modeling world; her most embarrassing moment; and all the details behind the legendary NEW YORK FASHION WEEK! |
One Love Interview with SHONIKA GREENIDGE!
OL: What sparked your interest to become a model?
SG: "Funny enough, back in 2009, there was a “best dressed” competition at Zen that I ended up taking the prize for. We had to strut our stuff on stage and the person with the most cheers from the crowd won. Looking back, I realized that I won not necessarily because of what I was wearing, but the way in which I worked the stage and gained crowd reaction. I’d have to say that the adrenaline rush I experienced at that moment sparked my interest. For me, there’s a state of euphoria when I model. This sounds crazy but I get a kind of high while I’m on stage, and that’s what keeps me wanting to continue modelling."
"This industry has taught me... not all criticism is constructive."
OL: How do you handle the often rough "constructive criticism" that may be thrown your way? "Firstly, not all criticism is constructive. One lesson this industry has taught me is how to sift through the feedback and comments made by others and decipher which ones can be used to improve myself as a model and which ones are just said to bash or pull me down. I’ve definitely grown “thick skin” from being in this industry. Now I am not easily offended or hurt. I gladly accept constructive criticism thrown my way and thank persons for taking the time to tell me." OL: Do you remember the toughest "critique" you've received; how did you react? "This is really embarrassing: I attended a Red Runway casting back in 2009 and a designer made me cry. I was a real softie back then. I honestly cannot remember what was said but recall welling up in front of everyone in the room - the judges and other models included. Founder and C.E.O. of Red Runway Trinbago Keron Ward had to pull me aside and give me a pep talk on the spot." |
OL: What do you think about people who believe models are merely "ditzy showpieces"?
"Hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Though, I find that most, if not all, people who think models are ditzy showpieces, have not had any experience within the industry and tend to make uninformed statements. "
"Hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Though, I find that most, if not all, people who think models are ditzy showpieces, have not had any experience within the industry and tend to make uninformed statements. "
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 2014!
How did your opportunity to strut your stuff at the 2014 New York Fashion Week come about?
"AMANDA KING, founder and C.E.O. of A.Regal Fraternity - an Image Management and PR consultancy [company], approached me. We kept in contact for months and when she presented me this opportunity, of course I was all on board. I had to send in an online application to her, which she then forwarded to the relevant officials. She got back to me days later saying that I was confirmed as a model… and the rest was history!"
"AMANDA KING, founder and C.E.O. of A.Regal Fraternity - an Image Management and PR consultancy [company], approached me. We kept in contact for months and when she presented me this opportunity, of course I was all on board. I had to send in an online application to her, which she then forwarded to the relevant officials. She got back to me days later saying that I was confirmed as a model… and the rest was history!"
OL: What was the most memorable moment of this trip and of your career thus far?
"The most memorable moment of this trip was receiving a compliment from Leanne Marshall, Season 5 winner of Project Runway. When I attended her casting, she told me that I had a really strong walk. It felt good to receive compliments from someone respectable in the fashion industry.
"Another memorable moment was the Russell Simmons after-party. There were so many celebrities present that I’ve seen on TV but never in person. It was inspirational to be in the presence of many great fashion icons. [And] even though I had a crazy busy schedule with the shows, I tried to do a bit of site-seeing like visiting the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square, and managed to squeeze in a lot of shopping." (She giggles!)
"The most memorable moment of this trip was receiving a compliment from Leanne Marshall, Season 5 winner of Project Runway. When I attended her casting, she told me that I had a really strong walk. It felt good to receive compliments from someone respectable in the fashion industry.
"Another memorable moment was the Russell Simmons after-party. There were so many celebrities present that I’ve seen on TV but never in person. It was inspirational to be in the presence of many great fashion icons. [And] even though I had a crazy busy schedule with the shows, I tried to do a bit of site-seeing like visiting the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square, and managed to squeeze in a lot of shopping." (She giggles!)
"The models abroad are so serious: modeling is their full-time job."
OL: How has this trip and experience impacted you? "I never really saw modelling as a career for me, just as a hobby; a fun activity I did at the side to gain some income, being a full-time student. I had such a wonderful experience in NY, it opened my eyes up to modelling internationally as a profession. "The models abroad are so serious. They are signed with international agencies and this is their only source of income and full time job. "As a model, you are really an ambassador for yourself. You have to make sure you look good all the time because you are representing and selling yourself as a brand. Everyone looked like a model while I walked across Fashion Ave in Manhattan." OL: What is your attitude towards conventional 9 to 5 jobs? SG: Based on my personality and current lifestyle, I do not see myself taking up a conventional job. I love action, being out and about and socializing. The most important thing though, regardless of what kind of job I end up getting, is me enjoying it. My job needs to be fun and I must look forward to working every day. |
OL: What differences have you noticed as it relates to modelling in the Caribbean (T&T) and this legendary New York show?
SG: "NYFW is SUPER organized. Before I even [got] to New York, I was sent a detailed schedule of my casting calls, fittings, show dates and times along with the running order of designers. Models always attended castings with their portfolios or comp cards which included their statistics, photos and contact information they could leave with the designer.
"There were translators present at all times during fittings and at the show because there were models from various parts of the world that spoke different languages such as Spanish, French and Portuguese among others. Some of these models only knew basic English so while the events manager would hold briefing sessions and rehearsals with the models, the directions were repeated in different languages.
"NYFW is a huge production comprising of a lot of different shows such as New York Fashion Week Fashion Gallery, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Caribbean Fashion Week New York. Usually, for our fashion week, we have one show each night at the same venue whereas for NYFW there were numerous shows throughout the day at various venues.
"There was a lot of security at the location. Every day for every show, in order to enter the building, you are checked at the front door by back stage staff that made sure your name was on a list for you to proceed any further. Before show time, everyone on the compound –from hair to makeup to back stage staff to models and media- was a given a badge that we had to display at all times while on the compound.
"The staff was incredibly nice! The production team often checked in on the models, asking if we were okay and kindly ushering us to hair, makeup, fittings or rehearsals as the case may be. They acted as though they were there to serve us, never hesitating to make us feel more comfortable.
"Models had a call time of merely three hours before every show. Usually for our local shows, call time is several more hours before show time, which turns it into a whole-day affair."
"The staff was incredibly nice! The production team often checked in on the models, asking if we were okay and kindly ushering us to hair, makeup, fittings or rehearsals as the case may be. They acted as though they were there to serve us, never hesitating to make us feel more comfortable.
"Models had a call time of merely three hours before every show. Usually for our local shows, call time is several more hours before show time, which turns it into a whole-day affair."
Insights & Tips from Shonika: "You have to start somewhere."
Here are some first-hand tips from Shonika on how she realized she had to adapt to the very professional modeling scene in New York - while remaining true to herself of course!
- "Always make sure your hair, skin and nails are clean and tidy and keep an approachable attitude, even on bad days because someone can scout you from off the streets."
- My advice to young girls, and even guys, who want to pursue modeling is to not give up. Though I’ve been modeling for five years now, it is only this year my modeling really picked up. Now, I’m booking a lot of shows and sometimes don’t even have to attend castings - people approach me or I am recommended. This was not always the case; things started off really slowly for me. I started off doing stuff for friends and doing shows for free. You have to start somewhere. Perseverance is the key to success. Eventually you’ll get there!
- In addition to this, I believe the key to this industry, along with perseverance, is networking and developing connections. I met Amanda King while doing a regular promotion [at a grocery store]. I believe a lot of modelling opportunities, both promotional and runway, were offered to me because of my personality. I am naturally an affable and social person. Apart from having “the look” or the walk, it is crucial for you to have a great personality; be open to talk to persons. This helps you develop connections.
HAVE A PERSONALITY:
Being open can help you make connections
Want to model, but don't know how to start? Have no fear, SG is here!
SG: "I know networking was definitely a challenge for me when I began modelling. I would not know of castings until after they passed, so I started a Facebook page called, Behind the Scenes of Modelling, to help out the newbies. This page focuses on highlighting various aspects of modelling by providing updates and information on casting calls and fashion-related events.
"I also am a part of Fashion Focus which covers fashion, photography, models, behind the senses at fashion events and showcases local talent." You'll never be out of the loop again, thanks to Shonika's helpful insights and inspiring initiatives!
"I also am a part of Fashion Focus which covers fashion, photography, models, behind the senses at fashion events and showcases local talent." You'll never be out of the loop again, thanks to Shonika's helpful insights and inspiring initiatives!
Shonika's Goals & Dreams:
from Miss Universe and traveling to inspiring others!
Shonika has her eyes set on representing her country at the international Miss Universe pageant. "I love meeting and interacting with people, as well as traveling and learning about different cultures so I would also like to model at other international fashion shows in places like L.A., Paris, Milan and Africa." "As a final year student pursuing a B.A in Mass Communication, I’m not quite sure what my career path holds at this point, but I see myself interacting with a lot of people from different walks of life. I’d like to try various avenues such as acting, hosting and behind-the-scenes work at events and productions as well. Whatever I do or wherever God leads me, I hope to help others along the way and positively impact society." Now that's #OneLove. Shonika's enchanting beauty is reflected in her warm spirit often inspiring you to pursue your biggest dreams as well. As she said, she has had to be patient, but with effort and dedication, her dreams are coming to life. So don't give up - push on and push through! |