Monica is the type of model that will tackle just about any modeling job with a sharp look that captures an interesting expression that would intensify any clothing in print, on location or moving down the runway!
by Rodney W. Branche
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Monica: I am a proud native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Princeton High School alum. And yes, I'm a Bengals fan living in Ravens and Redskins Nation. WHO DEY!
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Monica: I am a proud native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Princeton High School alum. And yes, I'm a Bengals fan living in Ravens and Redskins Nation. WHO DEY!
Copa: What were your favorite subjects in High School and what degree(s) have you received?
Monica: My favorite subjects in High School were History (I am a Civil War buff) and Physical Education (all I wanted to do was play, play, play sports). I received my Undergraduate degree in Marketing and an M.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing from Morgan State University.
Monica: My favorite subjects in High School were History (I am a Civil War buff) and Physical Education (all I wanted to do was play, play, play sports). I received my Undergraduate degree in Marketing and an M.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing from Morgan State University.
Photo Credit: Artiga Photo LLC
Copa: In your High School years did you ever dream of becoming a model?
Monica: Never. Modeling was the furthest thing from my mind. My dream was to become an Olympic Volleyball Player after playing college ball. Sports was everything to me, particularly basketball and volleyball. I was once approached by a local modeling school in Cincinnati, but after the first information meeting... it was re-confirmed I had no ounce of modeling blood or passion in my body. Back to sports I went. Luckily I was blessed to receive a full scholarship to play Division I volleyball at the great Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. MEAC CHAMPS! GO BEARS! It was at Morgan State that I started to be exposed to the various fashions and styles. Being on the East Coast really influenced my style. Still, I remained a very Mid-western, shy tom boy with a very conservative style. I loved wearing my jeans or sweats, athletic or flannel tops with my favorite pair of Timberland boots or Adidas. My athletic shoe collection was out of this world - my fetish! I took a few chances when it came time to head out on the town with the girls, but I always kept it safe and conservative. Never would I wear high heels.... I did not learn to walk in heels until age 25 or so. Call me a late bloomer to all things fashion.
Monica: Never. Modeling was the furthest thing from my mind. My dream was to become an Olympic Volleyball Player after playing college ball. Sports was everything to me, particularly basketball and volleyball. I was once approached by a local modeling school in Cincinnati, but after the first information meeting... it was re-confirmed I had no ounce of modeling blood or passion in my body. Back to sports I went. Luckily I was blessed to receive a full scholarship to play Division I volleyball at the great Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. MEAC CHAMPS! GO BEARS! It was at Morgan State that I started to be exposed to the various fashions and styles. Being on the East Coast really influenced my style. Still, I remained a very Mid-western, shy tom boy with a very conservative style. I loved wearing my jeans or sweats, athletic or flannel tops with my favorite pair of Timberland boots or Adidas. My athletic shoe collection was out of this world - my fetish! I took a few chances when it came time to head out on the town with the girls, but I always kept it safe and conservative. Never would I wear high heels.... I did not learn to walk in heels until age 25 or so. Call me a late bloomer to all things fashion.
Photo Credit: Phil Kogan
Copa: What developed your interest in actually becoming a model?
Monica: About 4 years ago, my then 2-year old daughter (Hayden) fell in love with modeling after participating in a local Washington, DC kid's fashion show. Soon after that show, I took her in for a casting for a bigger fashion show to be held at the National Harbor, MD. The show would showcase a fabulous kid's clothing line "My Bougie Baby", but the main adult showcase was a clothing line by "House of Kas". Designer Kenny "Kas" Flanagan was present during my daughter's audition, but then approached me about auditioning for his show. Bewildered, shocked and incredibly nervous by his request... I was a sport and got up there to audition with the best runway walk I knew how. Hey, I'm always up for a new challenge - so I went for it! Long story short, my debut in modeling happened in front of hundreds of people. I could not believe that I walked the runway for a couture designer. While I thought I was checking off an awesome bucket list item, that KAS show gave me the itch and the fire to explore MORE. I've been so blessed to be surrounded by people that believed in me and encouraged me to pursue modeling. I am so thankful.
Monica: About 4 years ago, my then 2-year old daughter (Hayden) fell in love with modeling after participating in a local Washington, DC kid's fashion show. Soon after that show, I took her in for a casting for a bigger fashion show to be held at the National Harbor, MD. The show would showcase a fabulous kid's clothing line "My Bougie Baby", but the main adult showcase was a clothing line by "House of Kas". Designer Kenny "Kas" Flanagan was present during my daughter's audition, but then approached me about auditioning for his show. Bewildered, shocked and incredibly nervous by his request... I was a sport and got up there to audition with the best runway walk I knew how. Hey, I'm always up for a new challenge - so I went for it! Long story short, my debut in modeling happened in front of hundreds of people. I could not believe that I walked the runway for a couture designer. While I thought I was checking off an awesome bucket list item, that KAS show gave me the itch and the fire to explore MORE. I've been so blessed to be surrounded by people that believed in me and encouraged me to pursue modeling. I am so thankful.
Copa: What was your first professional modeling job?
Monica: While the KAS runway show was my very first job, I found my niche in print modeling. My first professional print modeling job was for the The Baltimore SUN newspaper. I shot for the cover and inside feature of "B" Magazine. What an amazing first experience to be paid as a professional. My first commercial was for Bons Secours Hospital, where I played my real daughter's "mother". A priceless moment that I will always cherish!
Monica: While the KAS runway show was my very first job, I found my niche in print modeling. My first professional print modeling job was for the The Baltimore SUN newspaper. I shot for the cover and inside feature of "B" Magazine. What an amazing first experience to be paid as a professional. My first commercial was for Bons Secours Hospital, where I played my real daughter's "mother". A priceless moment that I will always cherish!
Copa: The "Maryland Fashion Awards", how did you feel when you received news of your nomination for "Best Print Model?"
Monica: Oh GOSH, you know when I was nominated for the third year in a row (not winning the first two times)... I felt at peace with being the "Susan Lucci" of the FAMDs. No, really, being the oldest on the ballot and with the least experience of all the others... I was just extremely honored to be nominated with such amazing talent. At the awards show this year, when they called my name as the winner, I was in shock. I know that I made a speech at the podium, but please don't ask me what I said. LOL I literally could not believe I won. With that I said, I do want to thank all those who nominated and voted for me, it feels really awesome to be recognized by my peers. And to my fellow nominees, which I'm sure I forgot to also mention during my speech, I want them to know how much of an inspiration they are to me. I love their work and am a fan of each. I do remember thanking all those who have given me an opportunity in this industry. Whether it be the local DMV photographers who helped me build my portfolio with test shoots, to the fashion show producers who added me to their line-ups, to the hair/make-up/wardrobe stylists who chose me to shoot for their look books, to the designers who selected me to rock the runway in their looks. THANK YOU, THANK YOU... I love and appreciate ALL of you.
Monica: Oh GOSH, you know when I was nominated for the third year in a row (not winning the first two times)... I felt at peace with being the "Susan Lucci" of the FAMDs. No, really, being the oldest on the ballot and with the least experience of all the others... I was just extremely honored to be nominated with such amazing talent. At the awards show this year, when they called my name as the winner, I was in shock. I know that I made a speech at the podium, but please don't ask me what I said. LOL I literally could not believe I won. With that I said, I do want to thank all those who nominated and voted for me, it feels really awesome to be recognized by my peers. And to my fellow nominees, which I'm sure I forgot to also mention during my speech, I want them to know how much of an inspiration they are to me. I love their work and am a fan of each. I do remember thanking all those who have given me an opportunity in this industry. Whether it be the local DMV photographers who helped me build my portfolio with test shoots, to the fashion show producers who added me to their line-ups, to the hair/make-up/wardrobe stylists who chose me to shoot for their look books, to the designers who selected me to rock the runway in their looks. THANK YOU, THANK YOU... I love and appreciate ALL of you.
Copa: What special memory did your experience in the "Fashion Awards" show that will leave the best impression on you forever?
Monica: The FAMDs allowed me to realize that you are never TOO old or TOO young to DREAM. If you have a passion for what you do, GO ALL IN, be purposeful, be intentional and conquer the world with that passion. It's a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. I still pinch myself that I was able to leave my full-time job in Corporate America to pursue enterpreneurship (I run a small health & wellness IT WORKS business - home of "That Crazy Wrap Thing") and model full-time. This has been a dream come true. I encourage those reading this who's dreams have not yet come to fruition... to keep dreaming, keep pushing - don't ever give up. Remember, your dream does not have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try again. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
Monica: The FAMDs allowed me to realize that you are never TOO old or TOO young to DREAM. If you have a passion for what you do, GO ALL IN, be purposeful, be intentional and conquer the world with that passion. It's a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. I still pinch myself that I was able to leave my full-time job in Corporate America to pursue enterpreneurship (I run a small health & wellness IT WORKS business - home of "That Crazy Wrap Thing") and model full-time. This has been a dream come true. I encourage those reading this who's dreams have not yet come to fruition... to keep dreaming, keep pushing - don't ever give up. Remember, your dream does not have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try again. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
Copa: What is your personal philosophy on Fashion and Style?
Monica: My personal philosophy on fashion and style is to wear things that make you want to do a little dance in them. I believe in being comfy, stylish and sexy at the same time. And my #1 rule when shopping: only buy if it goes with five other things in your closet. Mixing and matching of separates is my ultimate satisfaction. Throw on my favorite pair of shoes, trendy accessories and I'm ready for my day!
Monica: My personal philosophy on fashion and style is to wear things that make you want to do a little dance in them. I believe in being comfy, stylish and sexy at the same time. And my #1 rule when shopping: only buy if it goes with five other things in your closet. Mixing and matching of separates is my ultimate satisfaction. Throw on my favorite pair of shoes, trendy accessories and I'm ready for my day!
Photo Credit: Cade Martin
Copa: What does the future hold for Monica Scott Haynes?
Monica: SO much more is in store for Monica Scott Haynes - the model, the actor, the entrepreneur. As a wife and mother of two, of course, family comes first... however, big things are always in the works. As a typical Virgo, I love to stay busy with projects. I was honored to be cast in an Emmy-nominated TV series, airing this Winter/Spring. And this Fall, I will be featured in three national magazines: Modern Woman, Best Years and Hispanic Living. I am thankful for all of the opportunities that God has knocked on my door with. I am fearless and ready to take them all on. Much love and big shout out to my loving husband, Leonard Haynes IV, for his unconditional support as I pursue my crazy dreams. We are truly #bettertogether.
Monica: SO much more is in store for Monica Scott Haynes - the model, the actor, the entrepreneur. As a wife and mother of two, of course, family comes first... however, big things are always in the works. As a typical Virgo, I love to stay busy with projects. I was honored to be cast in an Emmy-nominated TV series, airing this Winter/Spring. And this Fall, I will be featured in three national magazines: Modern Woman, Best Years and Hispanic Living. I am thankful for all of the opportunities that God has knocked on my door with. I am fearless and ready to take them all on. Much love and big shout out to my loving husband, Leonard Haynes IV, for his unconditional support as I pursue my crazy dreams. We are truly #bettertogether.
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Behind the scenes with Monica. Video from USA Today:
http://flipagram.com/f/HU02I9ajAn
~Copa