Metromix Encore Model Search winner LaNika Hampton

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We sat down with Metromix Encore model search winner LaNika Hampton to find out what makes this 24-year-old Detroit native tick. Hampton rocked the runway during the Encore Regeneration fashion show during the Arts, Beats and Eats weekend.

Ok, we’ve got to start with a question you must get all the time. How tall are you?
I’m 6 foot, but sometimes I lie and say I’m 5’11” because that’s the cut off for a lot of agencies. I’m really 6’1/2”. I’m between 145 and 150 pounds. When I used to live at home, I was like 130. When I look at myself now, I’m like I must have been looking crazy because I’m so skinny now.

I do like the fact that everywhere I go, people always ask do I model – it actually helps me because it makes me feel like I can be a model. Women come up to me and say, “Oh, you’re so pretty, I wish I was that tall.” I like the fact that I have the natural stature to be a model.

Being tall and thin is typically considered an asset in the modeling business, so you’ve definitely got that to your credit. What are some of the challenges you've faced in your quest to become a model?
My skin is my number one challenge, because my skin isn’t smooth and porcelain, but I feel like the thing that was actually keeping me back from modeling is my age. I felt like I’m too old to be just trying to start off. There are plenty of models that are 24 and modeling but they started when they were like 13. I’ve been pursuing modeling since I was 18, and I haven’t really gotten anywhere, but I’m not going to just give up on it.

Everybody was telling me to focus on school, and that’s my fallback right now.

You’ve been busy recently modeling in the Encore Regeneration Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy fashion show, the American Solider Fash Bash at the Emerald earlier this month, Detroit’s Diva Groove Fashion show and the African World Festival. What other things have you been a part of?
I’ve done promotional jobs for a couple different companies. I did one for T-Mobile. I’m signed with Heyman Talent in Ohio, Real Styles in Detroit and Productions Plus in Detroit because I’m trying to get into movies.

I was an extra in the Lifetime movie “Prayers for Bobby” with Sigourney Weaver, which is going to air in January. I was in the back wearing four-inch heels. I was also in “Prince of Motor City,” but I’m not sure when it’s going to be released. I was contacted for “Whip It,” Drew Barrymore’s movie.

Modeling is obviously your passion, but what happens if that doesn’t work out for you?
I honestly want to be a model because I feel I'm up for the challenge, and my determination for it is so overwhelming. I can't give up on it, I can't stop sending my pictures to agencies, and I can't turn my head and look the other way when I hear about a fashion show, not until I've made it to the level I want to be. I'm supposed to be doing this, I feel it. It's a feeling I can't really explain. But modeling is not guaranteed so you have to have a plan B, something to fall back on. 

I have an associate's (degree) in graphic design and would like to go to Michigan Institute of Arts in Novi for a bachelor's degree. I graduated from International Academy of Design and Technology. I was part of the first graduating class in that school. I like to draw. I don’t draw as much as a should since I’m trying to be a graphic designer.

I think we’ve had enough talk about work. What are you doing when you’re not strutting down the catwalk?
I like to stay at home and watch TV. I usually watch TV a lot – reality shows, reality shows, reality shows. I love going to the movies. I’m always on the phone.

I do like to sketch, mostly animals. I love pizza. I wish I had a big expensive restaurant to name, but I don’t because I can’t really afford to eat out like that. 

I’ve worked at Victoria's Secret in Westland for one-and-a-half years. I wanted to work at Victoria's Secret so bad because it seems like the most glamorous job in the world on top of the fact that I want to be a Victoria's Secret model. Working there is nice, but it doesn’t pay enough money for anybody.

I guess we just can’t keep your mind off modeling. Since you brought it up, what goals have you set for yourself as far as a life in the fashion industry?
I’m not trying to be a high-fashion supermodel. I just want to make enough money – a little more than average. I will feel like I’ve accomplished my dreams when I can keep up on the payments for my student loans.

I’m not trying to be a Tyra Banks or anything like that – that’s not me. I want to be able to have somewhat of a regular life. There are no models that I really look up to. I just like Tyra's attitude. It seems like I would actually be able to relate to her.