'Doing It B.I.G.! Beautifully, Intelligently and Generously' - Shanise B.
June 2007's Spotlight of the Month -
Christina Mendez
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This interview with Ms. Mendez was another blessing for me. I am still amazed by the timing which people come into your life. Christina and I had a wonderful telephone conversation a couple of weeks ago. We discussed business, motherhood and her community involvment.
I met Ms. Mendez after receiving an advertisement promo for Tough City. After some research, I realized that I wanted to interview Ms. Mendez as a Spotlight for Akua.
New Yorker Christina Mendez is a 30 year old single mother. She stated during our conversations, she is available. I laughed in disbelief when she told me. After learning more about her life, I understood why. If you are going to be a man in her life, you need to have drive and know how to be supportive of this very busy woman.
Ms. Mendez started modeling in 1993. She took a break for motherhood and returned to modeling in 2006. Christina talk to me about the rat race of the Model Call. She explained how you become familiar, even become friends with other models. "You always see each other, because you are always at the same calls together. For awhile, I would see girls at one call then see them at another to find out they got job for the last call." It has gotten alittle least bitter sweet in meeting with the other models, once Christina started getting more jobs. Most recently Christina has received the knod from MarSile Innovations. MarSile has a demin line for cruvy women based in New York. Christina will a be their signature model. Christina is will appear in Glamour Magazine in September and All You Magazine in August.
It was Christina's answering a Modeling Call which brought her to Tough City USA. Touch City USA's CEO, Supreme, was conducting her interview and was very impressed with Christina's presence. He offered her their Head Marketing position. Tough City USA is a casual male clothing line. Ceo Supreme and Design Un are at the helm. They have received the support of artists and magazines:
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XXL Magazine
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Mike Jones
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Nick Cannon
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Swizz Beats
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Sisqo
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Paul Wall
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King Magazine
Visit Tough City's site for their catalog and store locations. Their Summer Line should be dropping soon.
Christina has found the transition from Model to Market Executive seamless. They both require hustle and confidence. Christina says working with the guys (she and Missy are the only women in the company at the moment) has taught her alot. She has had the opportunity to learn how they do business street style, while showing them the boardroom way of doing things. Ms. Mendez's endeavors don't end with Modeling and Tough City USA. She has her own custom web design company and aspires to have her own marketing firm.
With the time and enegry it takes being a mother, model and executive, Christina still makes time for her charity. Christina is a strong participate in the fight to teach and understand Autism. She and I had an in depth conversation about many of the misconceptions related to Autism. Christina was the Autism Speaks Walk 2006 Mahattan Boro President. Christina was also a National Board Member for Hispanic Support Organizations. Ms. Mendez has help organize scholarship gala for New York Area students, worked with Habitat for Humanity and Dress for Success campaigns through HSO.
I asked Christina if she had a word of advice for women (young and old) she said, "Stay professional, Stay focused and Try not to mix business with pleasure."
I think that is the perfect place to end this article. I enjoyed speaking with Christina and intend on keeping in touch with her. Two things I have benefited greatly from since starting Akua are the people I have met and things I have learned from them. Thank you again to Christina for taking the time to talk with me and thank you for reading.
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