COVER: Dancing with Cynthia Bailey
Team Credits:
Photographer: Jim Lafferty
Stylist: Dash Armstrong
Hair and Makeup: Aleetha Clanton at Agency Gerard Artists
Manicurist: Monique Cleckley
Assistant Stylist: Jasimere McMillan
Cynthia Bailey is a force of nature: from top model, to actress, to reality TV star, to powerhouse entrepreneur! Oh, and in her spare time she helps train women and men in self-etiquette, self confidence and self-promotion in the fashion industry. Giving them tools that can transfer anywhere else in their life. Basically, how to “Be Better”! To learn more about this strong woman, please read Jejune’s exclusive interview below.
Where are you based?
Atlanta, Georgia.
How did you get into modeling?
I was homecoming queen of my high school, and was discovered in a beauty pageant for homecoming queens. Ironically, the pageant was here in Atlanta, Georgia. One of the judges was a model scout from Wilhelmina models in New York City. She approached me after the pageant, which I did not win by the way, and offered me a five year modeling contract. I eventually accepted it, signed it and moved to New York City. The rest is history.
How did you get into acting? How was the transition from being a model to an actress for you?
The transition from modeling to acting came organically. As a successful model working in New York City, I received many requests and opportunities from casting agents to audition for movies and television shows. My first big movie break was a role opposite Sandra Bernhard called “Without You I’m Nothing.” My first television show appearance was on the "Cosby Show." Being a part of a reality show is not acting. It’s my real life, and I basically play myself for the world to see. As an actress, I get to play different characters other than myself. I love acting, and I hope to do more in the future.
Is the fashion world important to you?
I moved to New York City to start my modeling career at the young age of 18 years old. I have been in the fashion industry most of my life; therefore, fashion will always be an important part of my life in one capacity, or the other. It’s in my blood.
Can you tell us about your experience working on The Real Housewives of Atlanta?
I joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in season 3. I had just moved from New York City to Atlanta, and I had no clue of what I was actually signing up for. Reality television does not come with a manual. The only way to figure it out is to actually be a part of a reality show. To be very honest, my first season on the show, I wasn’t sure that I was right for it. It was a lot to take in, a lot of moving parts, and I was overwhelmed. Talk about on the job training! I knew I had to learn fast if I was going to survive the next season. Ten years later I can barely remember my life outside of the show. The Real Housewives of Atlanta has been an incredible platform for me to not only become a fierce business woman and entrepreneur, but to also be able to share my journey with the world.
How does it feel to have your romantic life so in the public eye?
I am a lover of love, and I love nothing more than being in love. Having my romantic life in the public eye is not always easy. People who do not actually know you personally, but watch you on the show, can be very harsh and judgmental with their opinions. However, I do understand, that as a reality star, sharing ALL of my life is part of my job. I try not to take the hate and criticisms too seriously. I am a positive person by nature, and strive to only focus on the good.
You are quite the entrepreneur. Why do you feel it is important to have your other businesses going on in addition to your acting and modeling?
I am an entrepreneur. It is important to me to stay on top of my businesses as well as my reality television and actor lives because after it is all said and done, I will always have my businesses to fall back on. I can’t always count on the entertainment industry to give me what I need, but I can always count on myself, and I never count myself out!
Can you tell us about Be Better, and why you started it?
The mission of the Be Better Foundation is to unlock the potential of young men and women through interactive fashion industry learning experiences. They will acquire a deeper understanding of self-etiquette, self-confidence and self-promotion leading to on and off-the-runway success. More importantly, they will obtain life skills for success in any chosen career path. I started my foundation two years ago.
Many people argue that fashion is hard on women. Why did you choose to use the industry as a way to empower girls?
I chose my experience and history in the fashion industry to empower young model hopefuls because regardless of how successful you are as a model, self-esteem building is an asset in any industry you decide to pursue. I was “somewhat” confident when I started my modeling career years ago. However, I still needed to work on my self-esteem. The fashion industry instilled not only the drive and determination for me to follow my dreams, but it also forced me to embrace believing in myself.
What advice do you have for young girls going into fashion?
The best advice I can give young girls that are interested in getting into the fashion industry, specifically modeling, is to be realistic. Aesthetically, becoming a model is very specific. It is very easy for me to tell young girls that they ALL have what it takes to be a model. However, that is not true. Thankfully, the business has changed a lot over the years, and now there are different types of modeling options. I never want to crush anyone’s dreams. However, I don’t want to sell them false fantasies either. I always encourage anyone who I do not think is modeling material to pursue acting. Acting does not have height and age requirements. It only requires talent.
What advice do you have for women wanting to start their own businesses?
I speak often to women at women’s empowerment events. I always encourage them to empower themselves personally, spiritually and financially. Owning your own business is a great way to control your own financial security, as well as leaving a legacy for your children.
What is your motto in life?
My motto is: Live your best life, you only get one.
To learn more about Cynthia, please follow her via the below platforms:
Instagram: @cynthiabailey10
Twitter: @cynthiabailey10
Team Credits:
Photographer: Jim Lafferty
Stylist: Dash Armstrong
Hair and Makeup: Aleetha Clanton at Agency Gerard Artists
Manicurist: Monique Cleckley
Assistant Stylist: Jasimere McMillan
