Dana Smith Bradley
~ Model ~
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Copa: Where are you from?
Dana: I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. My mom passed away when I was 14 years old, I then moved with my brother and my father to Kentucky where | lived for many years after I married, I moved to Northern Alabama where I've been going on 21 years. Copa: Which schools have you attended?
Dana: I attended our Lady of Mercy Catholic school in Chicago Illinois and Graves County high school in Kentucky. Copa: What influenced you to become a model?
Dana: I grew up watching a lot of TV and I would see a lot of models. I'd watch a lot of pageants and I always wanted to be like those other women It wasn't until I lost 157 pounds in March 2020 that I became interested in modeling | was allowed by a designer to walk New. York Fashion Week and I loved it. Then at 47yrs, it was something that I enjoyed doing that I wanted to pursue. |
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Map
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Copa: Who are your 3 favorite professional models of all time and why?
Dana: The three models that I've looked up to have been Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, and Cathy Ireland. I remember watching them as a young girl when they would model and I always thought they were beautiful, and had a lot of class and style.
Dana: The three models that I've looked up to have been Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, and Cathy Ireland. I remember watching them as a young girl when they would model and I always thought they were beautiful, and had a lot of class and style.
Cindy Crawford
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Brooke Shields
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Cathy Ireland
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Copa: What major challenges have you faced?
Dana: There are a lot of challenges that I have faced over time losing my mother at 14 was a very big challenge but I overcame that and I grew up to be a mom of two great young adults. In March 2020 I took back my health and wellness and I lost 157 pounds through nutrition and exercise Though I didn't have a whole lot of support during that time, it was a very big obstacle it was something I had to do because my health was at stake and I didn't want to leave my children without a mom. Over 4 1/2 years, I've had a lot of haters that's been a very big obstacle however it's also been a big blessing because I've overcome so much in my life and I keep getting up each day with a purpose, and that purpose is to be the best version of myself that I can be for my family and my children.
Dana: There are a lot of challenges that I have faced over time losing my mother at 14 was a very big challenge but I overcame that and I grew up to be a mom of two great young adults. In March 2020 I took back my health and wellness and I lost 157 pounds through nutrition and exercise Though I didn't have a whole lot of support during that time, it was a very big obstacle it was something I had to do because my health was at stake and I didn't want to leave my children without a mom. Over 4 1/2 years, I've had a lot of haters that's been a very big obstacle however it's also been a big blessing because I've overcome so much in my life and I keep getting up each day with a purpose, and that purpose is to be the best version of myself that I can be for my family and my children.
Before
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After
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Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Dana: Personal style is not just about fashion or what you wear. Personal style to me is how you carry yourself, one's character, and how you stand out above the rest. If I had to choose my personal style, it would be modern, trendy, classy, and sophisticated.
Dana: Personal style is not just about fashion or what you wear. Personal style to me is how you carry yourself, one's character, and how you stand out above the rest. If I had to choose my personal style, it would be modern, trendy, classy, and sophisticated.
Copa: What great advice would you give to any model starting in the fashion industry?
Dana: My advice to other models is to take care of yourself, not only on the important outside but the inside as well. Be supportive of other models. Live in the moment and enjoy every minute.
Dana: My advice to other models is to take care of yourself, not only on the important outside but the inside as well. Be supportive of other models. Live in the moment and enjoy every minute.
Copa: What does the future hold for Dana Bradley?
Dana: I will be walking New York Fashion Week in February. I will be walking Paris Fashion Week in March. I'll be walking in the Nashville Fashion Show in the spring. Soon I will be 48 but this has grown to be a passion of mine and I want to be able to pursue it who knows maybe some acting along with modeling. I am in the process of writing a book on my journey. For many years I was just existing and now I'm living and sometimes it seems too surreal and I'm still in a dream but I know that dreams can come true and I will never allow myself to give up.
Dana: I will be walking New York Fashion Week in February. I will be walking Paris Fashion Week in March. I'll be walking in the Nashville Fashion Show in the spring. Soon I will be 48 but this has grown to be a passion of mine and I want to be able to pursue it who knows maybe some acting along with modeling. I am in the process of writing a book on my journey. For many years I was just existing and now I'm living and sometimes it seems too surreal and I'm still in a dream but I know that dreams can come true and I will never allow myself to give up.
