5. What do you think is the hardest part about being in the beauty and fashion industry?
The hardest part at times is for people to see past your beauty. I am way more than what is printed in a magazine or a walking down a runway.
I have a story that can be overlooked. I love when people get to know me and see the depths of me. Their reactions are priceless and always makes me smile.
6. How has the industry changed with regard to accepting women just as they are?
It is a slow process, but I hope that even as slow as the process is with accepting it continues. It can be difficult for a model that looks like me to make it onto the larger platforms.
There are more models speaking out about the lack of diversity in the fashion industry. Everything from hair type, body imaging to makeup. We are all beautiful. There is room for us all.
7. What is the best advice you could give to a young woman wanting to pursue a modeling career?
The best advice I could give a young model is to have confidence. Be confident in yourself, your unique qualities and talent.
8. Who are your favorite designers?
To be honest one of my favorite designers is Simply Cecily. She has a locally owned and operated clothing line here in the DC area. Her clothing lines are phenomenon all and she has a beautiful spirit. I love working with her.
9. How do you prepare for a shoot?
When I have a photo shoot I start with a simple prayer “It’s just me and you Lord, Thank you”. It’s how I start a shoot or show actually.
I like to relax, smile and laugh. I love music so there is a lot of that also. Even if I have to hum to myself. I also like to add my own input for ideas and creativity as well whenever possible. I really like organization and I like when things are in order.
10. Top 3 beauty secrets! Go!
I’m pretty natural in many of my not so “secrets”, but African oatmeal black soap as a facial cleanser, sweet almond oil* as a body moisturizer and honey.
I love honey*! I use it as a face mask and also added (just a tip) in my hair oil* everyday. I also add a little of the oil to my bubble baths.
11. Stranded on a desert island, you can only bring three beauty products… what do you pack?
If I’m stranded I would need what I have just mentioned lol. African oatmeal black soap, sweet almond oil* and honey*. Yup! That’s all I need I’m a simple lady.
12. Have you ever been rejected for a job based on your hair?
Rejected no, BUT I have been asked to wear a very straight, very long wig*. It was a VERY LONG wig*. I have also been asked to wear it in a bun or pulled back.
13. Everyone is motivated by some thing or even some one, what or who motivates you
My motivation are the people around me. Not just the people that support me to do better and do more, but the people that I meet and help along the way. The people I can talk to, pray for and care for.
14. How do you remain creative?
All my life I have actually been naturally creative. I remember as a child for Christmas I would want pottery wheels, color charts, nails and wood screws. I drove my mom crazy.
I haven’t ever lost that. Recently I coordinated my first large scale group photo shoot. 8 natural hair beautiful women of color of all shades.
I was the creative director for it. Making decisions from the location of the shoot, models that would participating, make up artist, photographer.
I used black tulle as hand wrapped tops for each model including myself. It turned out absolutely amazing. I’m looking forward to doing it again soon. I call the series “Shades of Beauty”.
15. Where can we find you online?
Twitter @asirenspirit
IG @Cyrene.Renee
Fb Cyrene Renee
Pinterest Siren Renee
Manú Lab Morgano says
Great tips for natural hair and a wonderful interview.