La Shondra Brown-Nelson
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Copa: Where are you from?
La Shondra: I was born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Tuscon, Arizona. After my mom married my stepfather we traveled the world before settling in Virginia as he was a soldier in the Army and Ft. Belvoir was his last duty station before he retired. We stayed in the area as this was the most culturally diverse area we had ever experienced. Copa: What encouraged you to becoming a model?
La Shondra: I have always wanted to be a model ever since I could remember. As a child I remember sneaking into my mom's closet when she wasn't home, as so many little girls often do. Playing dress up lol, I would have my little brother Shy take my pictures in her clothes accessories and all. My dad used to DJ part time in the army and so I would also go through his record collection and get to playing with his equipment. One of my favorite records at the time was by Keith Sweat! My song was I want her. That beat is still fire to me till this day! I would pretend that I was walking the runway while playing that song and boy would I get to strutting my lil stuff I couldn't have been more than 14-15. But I always wanted to be a model, mainly because fashion is one of the ways, that I am able to truly and freely express the many sides of me. I let my fashion speak for me, as I am very much what i considered to be an introvert. So, it is difficult for me to initiate conversation and I tend to feel socially awkward. However, I have learned a way to overcome that, by way of fashion. Whether it be from the intricate ways i style my hair or accessorize my outfit of the day. There will be something about me that will capture someone's attention enough that they must speak to me if only to inquire, and I then use that opportunity to engage. And the great thing about that is, you get to really see how fashion doesn't discriminate it transcends age, race or gender. Copa: Where did you attend school?
La Shondra: I attended High School in Alexandria, Virginia at Hayfield Secondary School. Where my primary studies focused in Cosmetology. After all, If I am going to be a model I have to know how to style and care for my hair and learn what works for me. I think while taking those classes it helped solidify my passion for fashion and just how important and how vast the beauty industry goes. Especially after witnessing my first hair show and how creative and skilled the many stylists were, transforming each model by their hair with the flick of a brush and comb. They were surgical with the shears. While each model helped to convey the sentiment of its artist. Copa: Who are your favorite models of all time?
La Shondra: My favorite models of all time are Naomi Campbell and Iman, Just the way they each had a very unique but powerful presence. Both displaying their fierceness with such extreme grace and confidence. They truly imbodied the expression of fashion with every part of their bodies. Whether it was with the very sway of their hips or if it was with the way they each commanded the runway with every step like elegant gazelles prancing to their own rhythm and Especially how they spoke volumes masterfully so without saying a word with a mere look in their eyes. |
Texas State Flag
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Naomi Campbell
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Iman
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Copa: Please tell us about your new cosmetics line?
La Shondra: Ooo LaLa is my very own luxury inspired cosmetics company. My motivation for creating this brand was my desire to partake in some of the finer things in life while being actively and fiscally aware of my abilities as well as my long-term goals.
Here at Ooo LaLa, we believe Luxury is not only what you can afford, but what you CANNOT! Part of enjoying the finer things in life is having good health. It's imperative. That's why here at Ooo LaLa our body butters are made with the highest quality and infused with pure essential oils, Inspired by some of the world's most popular designer brand fragrances for both men and women. We care about not only what goes on your body but what goes in them as well.
Ooo LaLa specializes in lavishly rich body butters, that pairs inseparably with the fashion industry. I feel our products are just as luxurious as any of the garments you chose to adorn yourself in, and honestly speaking I believe even more so. It's actually the first thing everyone should be draping themselves in, that not only moisturizes the body but soothes and invigorates your senses with an array of aromatic notes. That have been known to invoke and perhaps even enhance your various energy which in turn simultaneously accentuates anything you can possibly imagine to pair it with.
Come explore Ooo LaLa wear luxury that makes $cents, is not just our motto but also our mindset that has allowed us to shape our lifestyle. A lifestyle filled with love and self-care, for ourselves and for others. Ooo LaLa specializes in luxury made from dreams to an experience everyone can afford.
La Shondra: Ooo LaLa is my very own luxury inspired cosmetics company. My motivation for creating this brand was my desire to partake in some of the finer things in life while being actively and fiscally aware of my abilities as well as my long-term goals.
Here at Ooo LaLa, we believe Luxury is not only what you can afford, but what you CANNOT! Part of enjoying the finer things in life is having good health. It's imperative. That's why here at Ooo LaLa our body butters are made with the highest quality and infused with pure essential oils, Inspired by some of the world's most popular designer brand fragrances for both men and women. We care about not only what goes on your body but what goes in them as well.
Ooo LaLa specializes in lavishly rich body butters, that pairs inseparably with the fashion industry. I feel our products are just as luxurious as any of the garments you chose to adorn yourself in, and honestly speaking I believe even more so. It's actually the first thing everyone should be draping themselves in, that not only moisturizes the body but soothes and invigorates your senses with an array of aromatic notes. That have been known to invoke and perhaps even enhance your various energy which in turn simultaneously accentuates anything you can possibly imagine to pair it with.
Come explore Ooo LaLa wear luxury that makes $cents, is not just our motto but also our mindset that has allowed us to shape our lifestyle. A lifestyle filled with love and self-care, for ourselves and for others. Ooo LaLa specializes in luxury made from dreams to an experience everyone can afford.
Copa: How was your experience when you won you award?
La Shondra: In October i had the privilege of participating in New Day Associate International Beauty of the year competition, hosted by John Blassingame. It was the most amazing experience. There were 9 other contestants all of which have modeled before. At first, knowing that was very intimidating as i was the only novice amongst them. However, all the ladies were equally as beautiful in spirit as they were in appearance, and all were welcoming. Sill, imagine my surprise and amazement when they announced that i placed runner up. To work with such professionals who have established themselves in the industry and are well respected. This was more than a dream come true. I think my biggest, most unexpected surprise, was when I got to meet a group of young girls called Soup City Kids and the awe that exuded from their eyes. They were so complimentary and so inspired to see someone who resembled them. To be embraced and surrounded by such admiration and love was overwhelming. I consider myself blessed to know that although unintentionally just my presence, was able to have made such an impact on them. They encouraged me knowing somehow that I also was able to motivate them to continue to follow their dreams. Even though i didn't win first place, i don't think I could have known any greater feeling in that moment. I was made to feel like a celebrity. The judges were very personable and everyone in attendance, including the photographers, was so affirming. It was an experience I will never forget.
La Shondra: In October i had the privilege of participating in New Day Associate International Beauty of the year competition, hosted by John Blassingame. It was the most amazing experience. There were 9 other contestants all of which have modeled before. At first, knowing that was very intimidating as i was the only novice amongst them. However, all the ladies were equally as beautiful in spirit as they were in appearance, and all were welcoming. Sill, imagine my surprise and amazement when they announced that i placed runner up. To work with such professionals who have established themselves in the industry and are well respected. This was more than a dream come true. I think my biggest, most unexpected surprise, was when I got to meet a group of young girls called Soup City Kids and the awe that exuded from their eyes. They were so complimentary and so inspired to see someone who resembled them. To be embraced and surrounded by such admiration and love was overwhelming. I consider myself blessed to know that although unintentionally just my presence, was able to have made such an impact on them. They encouraged me knowing somehow that I also was able to motivate them to continue to follow their dreams. Even though i didn't win first place, i don't think I could have known any greater feeling in that moment. I was made to feel like a celebrity. The judges were very personable and everyone in attendance, including the photographers, was so affirming. It was an experience I will never forget.
Copa: How would describe your personal style?
La Shondra: I would describe my style as eclectic, bold and vibrant often full of color, patterns and textures even a bit eccentric. I can definitely say there is not one word that can describe my style. Because my style is often a reflection of my mood at any given time, so it is extremely versatile. One moment I am very heavy on a vintage look with the peplum tops and wiggle dresses. I love my tea dresses and petty coats always adding my own little twists that are often heavily infused with a lot of African or tribal print. I'm also a nature lover and often gravitate to fabrics that are what i consider hyper feminine soft airy flowy in texture, that tend to drape my body. You know on some mother earth type stuff like Erica Badu or Afro Punk if you will.
La Shondra: I would describe my style as eclectic, bold and vibrant often full of color, patterns and textures even a bit eccentric. I can definitely say there is not one word that can describe my style. Because my style is often a reflection of my mood at any given time, so it is extremely versatile. One moment I am very heavy on a vintage look with the peplum tops and wiggle dresses. I love my tea dresses and petty coats always adding my own little twists that are often heavily infused with a lot of African or tribal print. I'm also a nature lover and often gravitate to fabrics that are what i consider hyper feminine soft airy flowy in texture, that tend to drape my body. You know on some mother earth type stuff like Erica Badu or Afro Punk if you will.
Copa: What does the future hold for you and your wonderful world of fashion & style?
La Shondra: What I believe the future holds for me and my wonderful world of fashion and style is vast and limitless. My hopes is to really take advantage of this season in my life to explore all things fashion. Whether it be to participate in more pageants or explore any opportunities to really make a splash in the modeling industry whatever that may look like be it commercial or print magazines. and I am so excited about my future plans to expand Ooo LaLa's product line and solidify it as a luxury brand that is synonymous with the fashion industry like the finest of linens in a master tailors' hand can complement any and every physique, we too provide a plethora of fragrances that are so pronounced that you will be sure to make a statement in place your presence graces.
La Shondra: What I believe the future holds for me and my wonderful world of fashion and style is vast and limitless. My hopes is to really take advantage of this season in my life to explore all things fashion. Whether it be to participate in more pageants or explore any opportunities to really make a splash in the modeling industry whatever that may look like be it commercial or print magazines. and I am so excited about my future plans to expand Ooo LaLa's product line and solidify it as a luxury brand that is synonymous with the fashion industry like the finest of linens in a master tailors' hand can complement any and every physique, we too provide a plethora of fragrances that are so pronounced that you will be sure to make a statement in place your presence graces.
