She's a What!? He's A Who? #5

She's a What!? He's a Who?

-Public Name: Kasius Loren Williams
-Career: Pro Model       Website: www.kasiusloren.com
-Agency's: FORD(NY, Chicago, Miami, Toronto), Directions USA, Johnstons Agency, Click LA, Decorum NJ, Axis NY, Model Management, DL.
-Origin: Heidelberg, Germany. Raised South of Frankfurt.
*Triumphant Discovery's: "There is always some highlight throughout a day even during the not so good days. And when you start paying attention to the "light"/ treats/miracles/wonderful surprises that you get everyday it gets me excited! The mere thought of being closer to my surreal dream the more driven I am. I already live a "dream life". It trips me out sometimes! lol."
-Top 5 Creativity Essentials:(not in any order) 1.) The Brass Hypnotic Ensamble albums. 2.) Pictures of my family & God children. 3.) Pen & paper 4.) Snacks. 5.) A clean house/room (depending on where I'm staying).
-Influence: Love.

Legs racing out of a Northbound taxi-cab, the soles on my Air-Jordans tongue-kissed 7th Avenue's sidewalk as I rocked my socks through rush-hour foot traffic. My destination was Loving Hut, a tiny vegan inspired restaurant chain that offers an accessible starting point for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet. Inside the pint sized cafe I maneuvered over to my midtown match, Ms. Kasius Loren. Instantly, she ditched her vegan cookie and stood up to hug me. "What's up hot-stuff? I am so sorry!" I embarrassingly apologized for being late(yea, a terrible habit of mine) as I knew for sure she was pressed for time.

For today, Ms.Loren was alleviated by her usual spiral curls via a silk headscarf and fedora hat complimentary to her everyday bare, beautiful and 'au naturale' skin. Mind you, Ms.Kasius Loren is one of the few females models that I know who actually hates wearing make-up. Smiles immediately paraded the air and allowed our friendship it's moment to catch-up. Seemingly the two of us hadn't seen each other since April, when she and I plus a few other NY based models invaded the city of Los-Angeles. "I actually just left a showroom job for Maxmara". She explained. "Yea and after this I have to head home and pack 'cause I have a job in Chicago tomorrow." I raised my eyebrows with a head nod and gave her my "Wow, good stuff homie!". Always impressed with her assertiveness and busy workload, I knew exactly the questions to ask her. So I grabbed us two green tea's and made way for my Q&A.

[Q&A segment is listed below in a separate post].

Click here for Kasius Loren Q&A

Shes's a What? He's a Who!? #5 Pt. 2

[Q&A continued from above segment.]

Triumph: So Kasius, before this whole crazy world of go-see's, gig's, make-up, jet-setting- you know, the whole nine. Growing up I didn't know you but I can tell that you had this sort of 'tomboy' to you. With modeling so far-fetched to the tomboy nature, how'd you get into such a glamorous profession?

Kasius: Well, I was in high school, unhappy and I wasn't fitting into my new environment at all. My family and I had just moved from Germany so I was fresh to New York. Upstate, NY that is. And then in school I was one of the only black girls there and because I was educated and well traveled, the white girls would say nonsense like "Oh, I've never seen a black German, there's black people in Germany?' and 'how come you don't talk like the other black girls"? Then they would have the nerve to imitate them! Bopping their necks and snapping their fingers. 

Triumph: [Raised eyebrow] Wait, what? Someone actually had the audacity to ask you that?

Kasius: I know right! What these kids thought was cool was being something that they knew they weren't. Hanging out after school, smoking weed, smoking cigarettes and going to the gravel pit, having oral sex with one another and mad other crap. They were all trying to fit in with each other. 

Triumph: Whats the gravel pit? 

Kasius: [Disgusted face] The gravel pit was just like a place to hang out after school, I think it was like a dirt road that led to like a dirt patch where they all just sat around with their cars and sat around smoking and drinking. You know just like the movies, like the country kids do in the small towns! 

Triumph: But I always thought that was like some trailer park trash stuff or something they did out in the Midwest or California?

Kasius: Yea it was trashy but it didn't just reside from trailer park trash, it's anybody that's country. It's even black kids it wasn't necessarily just the white kids. It was even the Hispanics, it was anybody without anything better to do. If your not going anywhere, you smoke you drink and you have sex and that's all those kids were doing. I couldn't get with it.

Triumph: Living in America my whole life I can honestly understand any customary youth assuming that there's no blacks in Germany, but as far challenging your culture based upon how you talk, now that takes nerve! Now I'm from a chocolate city so things like that just didn't come up. There was a thick line between any other race challenging our 'blackness'.

Kasius: It was all just nonsense to me. I come from a place where 1 out of 3 people are mixed race. Black&Asian, Black&Philippine, Taiwan, Portuguese, Peru, Italian, American- everything! And I come into this new high school with all Caucasians that have known each other since elementary school, do all their small town stuff together and for spring break every year they go to Cancun and-- actually no, let me take that back, they don't even leave the country. They go to Virginia beach for spring break. All of 'em were small minded, they had no idea how big and integrated the world was. Uh, when I was 11 I was going to Spain and France for vacations. I didn't get in with those cliques at all. 

Triumph: How did you prepare for the move here[NY]?

Kasius: I was scared to move to New York. This may sound foolish but all I knew was the guns and gangs and violence and I wasn't trying to get stabbed up.[Laughs] We had gangs in Germany. So like the American's that go there they wanted to be all rough and tough because they didnt have anybody to regulate them so we did have bloods and crips- my boyfriend was a crip and hence my favorite color is still blue but it's just funny the way you're influenced. 

Triumph: Damn, gangland in Heidelburg.

Kasius: [Shaking head] America was such a culture shock to me though, Tony. I just needed a way to escape and express myself. 

Triumph: I presume that's where the modeling came in. Were you discovered?

Kasius: Kind of, but not exactly. One day I was riding along with my mom and one of those really exciting ads had spun across the radio. It was some sort of yearly competition, you know kind of like the IMTA which attract hundreds of people. Mind you I had no idea what modeling was but it sounded interesting so I figured why not try it out. So we went ahead and wrote down the 1-800 number and it gave us instructions to head over to a certain Ramada Inn with a date and time for my age group. 

Triumph: Oh geesh, one of those. And you went, huh?

Kasius: Yea we went, thankfully because I was picked. I was 1 of 30 people that they choose for the day.  Then I had to wait for another call back and I got it. Tony! I was seriously sitting there talking to myself like 'Me, a model'? I couldn't believe it. 

Triumph: Was that how you found your first agency?

Kasius: Yes, I ended up with Karin Models New York when I was 17. My first agency, 524 Broadway. [Smiles] 

Triumph: Major move! I remember Karin, they were a top agency. I think they're MC2 now. Ha, I remember my first agency's address too. As many times as I would pop-up and beg them for castings.[Laugh]

Kasius: I was a healthy teenager back then though, so they shoved me onto the plus size division. 

Triumph: And what do you call healthy?

Kasius: I was like a size six or seven dude. Sometimes when I'd go to castings the folks in charge would ask, 'Hey. Are you lost, because you must be in the wrong place'? 

Triumph:[Laughs] I can see why, a size six is not 'plus size'! I mean, it's too big for high fashion but it's nobody's 'plus size'. Geesh, my family would be so appalled. How did your family react to you modeling?

 Kasius: Moms was supportive. She tired her best to keep me happy. 

Triumph: When did you finally start booking jobs?

Kasius: Well it took me over a year to finally groom myself into the model that I needed to be as opposed to the usual six month crash course. I was commuting back in forth from Bermington, which is upstate, NY where I lived. I would have to get up by 5am every couple of mornings to catch a 7am bus so that I could be to Manhattan by 10 and go straight to my go-see's. 

Triumph: Your kidding right? Homie, you just took me back! I ran through that same scenario back in 2006. I was commuting from Baltimore every week before I finally convinced my mom to let me move here.

Kasius: Yea, it was crazy. As soon as my bus would pull into Port Authority, I would literally be in sweatpants running for a place to change my clothes. And that was the worst experience- actually trying to get cute inside of a public bathroom. 

Triumph: [Laughs] Been there done that as well. The Starbucks bathroom was my best-friend back in 2006. [smile]

Kasius: Ha, so my very first job was for The View. It was a hand modeling job and my booker made it clear that I needed to get a manicure. But mind you I was new to this so when I sat down to get my manicure I ended up getting all sorts of french tips and glued on extensions. 

Triumph: Oh no, they had you pulling the ghetto girl twist.

Kasius: I woke up the next morning in so much pain. They had filed down my cuticles way too low and with all the glue from the press-ons it was unbearable. I showed up to my job looking at all the other chicks like, "what the heck, they don't have all this crap on their fingers!"

Triumph: Geesh louise, Kasius. *Laughs*

Kasius: I knew nothing about modeling when I started dude. No Naomi, no Beverly Johnson, no Beverli Peele, no role models, no America's Next Top Model, nothing. 

Triumph: Not even Beverly Johnson, your twin!

Kasius: [Shaking head] Nah. I didn't even have girlfriends to school me. I had no idea what a model was, top-model wasn't even out yet. 

Triumph: You've clearly got the hang of it now Ms.'Jetsetter'. As air-headed as your first job experience makes you sound, your actually a very earnest and assertive woman. You stand strong behind your personal beliefs and opinions. Now let's take this time to flashback to LA, four months ago. We were riding in your car leaving Target when I cracked a joke involving the "N" word which in return landed you into a tyrant- a respectable one, but still indeed a tyrant, about why the word 'nigger', excuse my french, should be abolished. Can you elaborate on that for me? 'Cause honestly I don't believe I fully grasped your feelings that night.

Kasius:[Charming smirk] Ok. Someone can't just sit and tell me that some people can use the word but others can't. That's buffoonery at it's best. I feel like if everyone can't say it, then it can't be said- straight-up! And it's not only that it's a derogatory term, it originated as a negative thing. It was never a positive word from the beginning. So to try and change that and turn it into a word with a double meaning is stupid. 'Up' can't mean 'down' and 'left' can't mean 'right'. And for such a negative, hurtful word to be suddenly switched into a term of endearment- I think it's all bullshit. 

Triumph: I wont clarify any specific races but I do notice other non-black, ethnic races using the 'N' word, especially in New York. How do you feel about that?

Kasius: In terms of not all persons being able to use it how can you say that one person can use it but others can't? Which vocabulary in freedom of speech supports this? It doesn't make any sense. And then, when is it called for? When is it necessary? Like saying, 'Oh what's up my 'n-word'' and then, 'Oh fuck you 'n-word'! No, it doesn't make any sense. 

Triumph: Like a double negative?

Kasius: Exactly, a double negative. I feel like black people, and especially with hip-hop, as influential as we are as a culture we do have the power to change it and not use it. If kids in Asia are trying to sag their pants and children in Europe and India are spitting lyrics by Jay-Z and Nas and whoever else that they don't even understand you can not use the word and make a difference. 

Triumph: Rap was originality intended to educate, but over the past decade there's definitively been a mirage of all sorts of ignorant lessons. At this point I think that everyone knows that the smoke is dying off on the educational bandwagon of hip-hop. So you just named Jay-z and Nas, would you say that some of the hip-hop legends were ignorant to their own culture?

Kasius: It's definitely ignorance because the rappers are the main ones who need to expand their vocabulary's. There are other words that rhyme with what you have to say. But it's also family too because the rappers had to learn it from somebody just like their fans. It starts with family. If it's not already a normality then it will be more of a shock when people use it.

[I notice Ms. Loren getting itchy with the time]

Triumph: Alright just one more quickly and I'll let you go 'cause I know you have to catch a flight. It's a pretty generic question, where do you see yourself within the next five years?

Kasius: [Thinking smile] Wealthy, having kids--- and embarking on my deepest dreams. 

-Interview conducted especially for A Triumphant Discovery. 

*Triumphant Discovery's: Obligations or endearments that were discovered in the process of creating their business. Things that they would have never known without undergoing the process of this creation.

Peace and Discovery,

Tony Triumph

She's a What!? He's a Who? #4

She's a What!? He's a Who?

Name(s): Brothers David & Custo Dalmau. Bka, Custo Barcelona.

Origin: Barcelona, Spain.

*Triumphant Discovery's: California lifestyle and it's bold and sometimes psychedelic surf wear.
Top 5 Creativity Essentials: 1.) Be fearless. 2.) Be bold. 3.) Love Cali. 4.) Love Color. 5.) Accept the non-conventional.

Influence: California

Interview by: Afrika Brown.

When ever I sit down to watch a Custo Barcelona fashion show I prepare myself to view a collection of Matisses – an array of colorful masterpieces. The fashion of Custo Barcelona is perfect for any fearless fashionista. Their clothes are bold, in vivid multi-hues and are not for the fashion timid. Women and men who wear Custo ooze confidence and announce to the world that, “I am here.”
Custo Dalmau was raised in Barcelona and first studied architecture. After taking a motorcycle trip around the world and being influenced by the colorful psychedelic clothes by California surfers, Custo and his brother David created Custo Barcelona. Initially beginning with a line of t-shirts, the brand has become a major force in fashion, and has won many design awards, including Marie Claire's Designer of the Year Award, and the GQ fashion award.
The newest venture for Custo Barcelona is a line of accessories, released in spring ‘09. Below, Custo Barcelona Spring 2010, RTW collection.

The new accessory's line includes sunglasses, sneakers, watches and cologne. Recently I got a chance to ask head designer Custo Dalmau a few questions about the economy, their new accessory line and the future of Custo Barcelona.

AB: Why did you decide to launch an accessories line, especially during this dismal global economy?
CB: The project to launch accessories for CB is something that has been in the works for years. We work with long, mid and short term plans in the company of which our long term plans include product launches. All of our products are a result of years of creativity, planning and the ability to express ourselves. We do not believe we need to stop expressing ourselves in these economic times.

AB: My favorite of the new accessories line is the shoes. Each of them is as bold and unique as your clothes. What made you choose to add athletic footwear under the Custo Barcelona brand?
CB: Custo Barcelona designs for a lifestyle which includes a wide range of needs. We feel sneakers are a basic necessity in today's lifestyle so we created our interpretation of that sneaker.

AB: Did you and David decide on all the pieces of the accessories line?
CB: We work with a large team of talented designers that understand our philosophy; however I am more involved in the final design of each product. My brother, David, oversees the area of production.

AB: It has been said that, “It is difficult to come up with a word that would define Custo Barcelona's clothing.” How would you describe Custo Barcelona to a fashion novice?
CB: To describe the brand in one word is a little difficult, but some words that come to mind are: graphic, colorful, fresh, unique, Mediterranean [and] non-conventional.

AB: You have received numerous awards and worldwide recognition, what motivates you to keep creating?
CB: Creating is a way of expression. We are motivated by the opportunity to reinvent ourselves every six months through a new collection each season. We are committed to this project and that is all the motivation we need.

AB: You have conquered the fashion world and soon will have people lining up to buy your accessories, what is next for the Custo Barcelona brand?

CB: We will continue to add categories to the line, open stores around the globe and cater to our fans while the product is in demand.

Right: Afrika Brown styles an NYC local in Custo Barcelona.

Interview conducted especially for: www.custobarcelona.com. Special thanks to ASI Marketing Group: www.asi-mkt.com.

She's A What!? He's A Who? #3

She's a What!? He's a Who!?


Name(s): Edwina and Jennifer, Ofori.

Origin: Ghanese Descent. Born and raised in New York.

*Triumphant Discovery's: You can't run a business alone. "I am glad to have my sister as my partner, we work well together."

Top 5 Creativity Essentials: 1.) God! 2.) Confidence / An Ego 3.) Support of family & friends 4.) Optimism 5.) Acceptance of Failure (it's part of Growth) 6.) Drive - it won't allow you to ever give up even if you want to. (sorry they HAD to add 6).

Influence: Josette


Within our existence, the results of your daily shop drops revolving upon a gracious rack, favored finding or a personalized sample size is simply well, not a normality. While spotting a promise on a rack is quite limited, in Fashion House "Zhozet Incorporated", your sure to encounter "endless possibilities".

Sisters Jennifer and Edwina Ofori are setting standards and breaking stereotypes for African-American females in a big, thriving city. From the delicacy of their craft, to their enchanting vision, artistic collections and embrace of purity, Zhozet has truly incorporated a vision that allows clientele to embrace their own distinct elegance. "We've merged our dreams to build a brand where our love for fashion and elegance has intertwined." Says co-owner Edwina.

Exhilarated and equipped, I journed for a quiet conversation with the two sisters. Truly, Zhozet gave an innovative approach to 'Moda' at 13 Stanton st. Quietly pleated into a strip of auspicious small businesses, their establishment stood strong, firm and polished amongst their gritty, art-scaped neighbors on little ole' Stanton st. Collectively, their fresh store front added a cheek yet definitive shine to the entirety of this classic Manhattan neighborhood. My observations rode fine and elegant amongst their ethnically inspired abode on this Lower East Side block of New York City.

Triumph: Afternoon Lady's, How's everything?

Pearly white smiles accented by angular faces and chiseled features granted me a double greeting. Rosy smiles and "how do you do's", a lively fashion ridden below the tunes of "Neyo", as well as the unraveling of my notepad.

Triumph: Alright, so I've known you guys for about one year now- and I've seen all sorts of colors, styles, cuts and textures so overall, what would you say is Zhozet boutique's specialty?
Jenn: Well- altogether Zhozet provides a haven of unique designs for fashion conscience woman. We represent designers that understand fashion trends and understand our clients need for that distinct look.
Edwina: Pretty much each designer offers us a piece that gives us a story to present to our clients.

Triumph: Mnnnnn, nice- and how has the industry reacted to your boutiques specialty's?
Edwina: Very well from a clients aspect because our pieces are one of it's kind. Everyone seems to love the exclusivity, the fits, customization- the list goes on. We offer a lot without breaking your pockets.

Above: Sisters & owners, (l-r) Edwina and Jennifer Ofori.

Triumph: What have been a few of you all's challenges as a boutique?- and how have you two overcome them?
Jenn: Well one of the challenges we've experienced is getting people to recognize the concept and brand. During the hard economic times, people are scared to explore a new fashion outlet and it seems to me that the term "exclusive" has deterred people from wanting to explore what we're about being that the term "exclusive" generally goes with the word "expensive".
Edwina: Another thing we've done to overcome our challenges is focusing on marketing. We host monthly shopping events such as Shecky's, "Girls Night Out" while focusing on online advertising and things like trunk shows to give our clients the opportunity to know what our "exclusivity" is all about.


Triumph: Wooh girls night out, huh? Sounds super exclusive. *Wink*
Edwina: *Laughs* Yea, but we haven't overcome any challenges altogether. No one ever does. Business has improved but we are consistently looking to take Zhozet to the next level. We're looking more into branding the experience were providing.

Triumph: That sounds like a solution- and I say this because I've noticed that people don't just want to shop anymore. Especially in a crowded store, so I'm sure this new shop by appointment gimmick is setting you all sorts of waves apart from that cliche'.
Edwina: Oh yes, were innovating a lot. We're even gearing up for wines to be served for our shop by appointment clients. I'm pretty excited to see how they'll respond to that.

Triumph: Hmm, well I know where I need to bring my momma!
Ofori's: *Laughs*

Triumph: In three words, how would you describe your boutique?
Jenn: Exciting..... Chic- Unconventional.

Triumph: Well, that's quite a range.
Edwina: *Smirk* Hence our slogan, "endless possibility's".

Triumph: Yes, that's true. So what exactly sparked this Zhozet vision?
Edwina: Well I got most of my inspirations going to a fashion school. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Marketing and an Associate of Arts in Merchandising and Buying. After college, I worked for a few people but I was always determined to work for myself. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm into fashion- I always sketch and outline things so the creativity and coordinating came natural.
Jenn: There's also a huge sentimental value behind our name, Tony. The boutiques name derives from our younger sister Josette but we choose to pronounce the boutique based upon it's French pronunciation of "Zhozet". It's our way of dedication to Josette being that she's mentally disabled so it serves as a way to bring us altogether for a family oriented business.

Triumph: Wow, you girls are blowing me away. There's sooo much inspiration behind this camp. Where are you guys from?
Edwina: We're both born and raised in New York but our parents are from Ghana.

Triumph: And what type of morals did they raise you under?- Has it impacted the way that you run your business?
Jenn: My parents always pushed hard for us to achieve as children- and now as an adult, my biggest two terms are patience and determination.
*Edwina nods her head to agree*
Jenn(continued): And patience is a bitch to maintain, but we have to keep hustling for success.

Triumph: Wooh-hooh. Bravo! *Applause*
*Exchange of laughter*

Triumph: What about your childhood as a whole, did it help you to define the passion that you have for your work?
Edwina: Oh for sure. We watched our parents host lots of party's growing up. They were social butterfly's. I'd sit and watch my mom get ready to go out with her friends, most of them were from the Studio 54 era. My mother had such fabulous friends- one was so fab that she had every detail of fashion down packed from the furs, shades, expensive wigs, crazy colors, everything- you name it. Yet in the long run I actually think this particular friend of my moms was a man dressed as a woman, but she in particular inspired me so much with her boldness. When she and my mom were getting ready I'd always run and grab my sketch book and sketch out everything they were wearing.
Jenn: Yea, I would always go through my mothers jewelry, shoes, makeup and especially her clothes. And then my father, he's magnificent African artist.

Triumph: Are you serious? What's his name?-- My grandfather collects loads of African work. It spooked me out so bad when I was a little kid but as an adult I think it's such a great craft. What is your fathers name?
Jenn: Edwin Atta' Ofori. He actually graduated from FIT.

Triumph: Ah, I see. And as far as your educational experiences go, did any of it influence you to start the business?
Edwina: Well I'm an FIT graduate just like my father so I had no choice but to be inspired through college.
Jenn: My educational experiences helped me with understanding the process of building a successful business. I generally just utilize everything that I've learned.

*I raised from my seat to browse their pieces while Jenn circled the store to assist a few guest. A glide into their mixed and matched racks offered me a variety of appeals that fused an infatuating bond between myself and most of their collections. I'd like to call them, great endorsers of "Trend Bending".*

Triumph: Edwina, which of these designers have been the most successful in Zhozet?
Edwina: I'd have to say Kephera designs.

Triumph: Oh yea?
Edwina: Yes, she has a very creative mind with the patterns and colors. And she likes to work with denim to create timeless pieces for a lot of occasions. Plus when she gets custom orders they're never a problem for her to handle.

Triumph: So I'm assuming most designers appeal to your average working class female?
Edwina: Oh definitely not, we just had a whole swarm of girls come in looking for prom dresses not too long ago. We've actually sold about three of the one right next to you, this week.
*Edwina pointed to a mini dress with a complicated design, funky patterns and an Afro-centric scheme. As opposed to classic earth tones, this design showcased a distinctive use of neon colors while maintaining an afro-centric appeal.*


Triumph: Well, you guys seem to have a pretty consistent customer base. What type of new clients are you looking to bring in?
Edwina: Editors, bloggers, celebrity stylist....
*Jen tunes in*
Jenn: Socialites, celebrity's, the whole nine!

Triumph: Haha, you tell em' Jen. Alright, alright! I hear it,'cause you know what they say, your possibility's are endless.



*Triumphant Discovery's: Obligations or endearments that were discovered in the process of creating their business. Things that they would have never known without undergoing the process of this creation.

~Interview conducted specifically for: www.zhozet.com~

Thanks for tuning in!
Peace and Discovery,

Tony Triumph

She's A What!? He's A who!? #2

She's a What? He's a who?

Next up to bat- a model that I have absolutely grown to love. Apart from modeling, this down to earth, open minded, unstoppable peace machine is an absolute, genuine friend of mine. On the down side of modeling you'll probably catch her gazed into the midst of her textbooks or maybe even rocking a pair of Air-Jordan's as she struts across New York City to the classic tunes of Mrs. Whitney Houston, one of her all time favorite artists. With her hair and facial features simply dawning as a beauticians dream, she sports a well crafted smile that is always crowned with a charm, clearly- it's heaven sent. If I had to choose adjectives that described her highest points they would be: Impeccable Spirit, that's a given. One thing will always stand, and it's that we're both ride or die together in this industry, self-proclaimed underdogs in our own right and are indeed Christian- YES I SAID IT--Christian Models whose accomplishments in this world would match up to a mere nothing without the lord!

The Damsel is quite sincere, yet straightforwardly as remarkable in appearance. She's the one and only: Minyoung Cheong.

Self-proclaiming modeling as, "her second nature" Minyoung is as charismatic and masterful as they come. When I think of Min, I feel a brush of emotions, all filled with understanding, encouragement and definitely hope! She powers a vessel that burns bright and strides a flame that is extra full of value and righteousness. Just peep her smile, wouldn't you agree? Literally, she is one of the most grounded people that I have in my life and I truly do value our friendship. She sounds so perfect, huh? Well, she is far from it, she'll be the first to say. "We all have our dirty laundry." Minyoung admits. "It's just that I don't believe in letting dirty laundry air, because it'll cut you too short to shame. We all make mistakes, I just learn from mine." She added.

I met the young model a little over one year ago while we both freelanced through a start-up agency, "JG Model Management". As we bonded through jokes and our naturally silly nature, we instantly formed an aggressive pact to quote-on-quote, "Make it" whilst most refer to this terminology as simply reaching high-end success in our industry. Our brother and sister style alliance was to dawn shortly after. We've been through the same industry hustles, have identical story's of "The Photographer from Hell" and nonetheless, push for the same field of dreams every single day. Honestly, I have yet to meet anyone in this industry with as much drive and passion as I have in Minyoung- it is truly a rarity. Surely with the right push- I don't see anyone manager enduring hard persuasion within future bookings of this beautiful Asian.

I enjoyed a quick lunch with my model match, Minyoung at New York City's good ole Whole Foods in Union Square(yes we eat healthy, do you?). Our awkwardness eventually evolved into laughter as we drew towards the fact that we truly had to be serious with one another, all while my journalistic path went to work.

Mr. Triumph: So Minnie Min *I winked at her*, you always look so fly! Does anyone inspire your style?
Ms. Cheong: Thanks Tony, *She laughs* I wouldn't necessarily say that anyone inspires my style or anything, instead I just take in everything I see. I could be walking down the street in the city and if i see a cool pair of boots that someone is wearing, I just find them in a color that would compliment me. Same goes with tops, pants, dresses, and everything else. I get my sense of style from ads, bill boards, magazines, and just about everywhere that you see ad's. *She threw her hands up with laughter*.

Mr. Triumph: Mnnnnn, gotcha! So what inspired you to be a model?
Ms. Cheong: Most of my family and friends actually. It's funny, my dad is the minister of my church and he's the one who actually encouraged me the most. That was weird to me because a lot of Christians look down upon modeling as a form of self-degration but I had my familys support. It felt especially good to have that.

Mr. Triumph: Yea, trust me- I've had quite a few sketchy situations throughout modeling myself, so I know where all the assumptions come from. So what happened next?
Ms. Cheong: Yea, so I researched auditions. My first audition was for a Korean modeling agency where the winner got flown to Korea for representation with a top agency there. It was held here in New York. I didn't win though, I came in third place.

Mr. Triumph: Were they only looking for Korean models?
Ms. Cheong: Yea, they were.

Mr. Triumph: Ohhh, were you born here in New York?
Ms. Cheong: No, I was born in Korea actually. The country side. We moved here when I was 6 years old.

Mr. Triumph: Oh, interesting. What made your family decide to move you here when you were six?- Actually, what made them even move from Korea at all?
Ms. Cheong: It was mainly for a better education for my sisters and I. My father wanted to start a ministry here in New York so everything just seemed to fit into place so soon the whole family moved to New York.

Mr Triumph: Do you remember a lot about the move? Was it hard adjusting to life in a busy city like NYC, at such a young age?
Ms Cheong: Tony, I was so thrilled and excited to move here! But I was devastated to leave my grandmother behind by herself with my uncle who is mentally challenged. And I do try to call her a lot and visit Korea whenever I can because she is a big part of my life. It was a little difficult at first, being one of the few asian kids in school, but all the kids in my class were pretty nice to me. Learning the language was difficult too, but I eventually picked up on it.

Mr. Triumph: So what about the New York party scene? A lot of models get sucked-up into that, I even did- but I've noticed that you haven't been going out often. Whats up with that?
Ms. Cheong: Well Tony, there was a time where I was into the party scene but then I realized it wasn't the environment I wanted to be in. It's not something that God will be proud of and praise me for because in everything that I do I want to do it for the LORD. So yea, I don't go out and like party all wild and stuff but I do go out every once in a while if I feel like I'll get a lot of networking done. Thats because modeling is all about networking and meeting people that'll get you to places you want to go to, you know?

Mr. Triumph: Yes, I totally feel you. Who are your favorite designers?
Ms. Cheong: Hmmm, they would have to be Louis Vitton and Celestino. I say LV for the quality and distinctiveness and I say Celestino because I worked with him this past New York Fashion Week and his clothes were amazing! *She smiles*.

Mr. Triumph: Nice, nice! So I know that your between 5'7 and 5'8, and being that you've worked with both designers Jedda Khan and Celestino- I'm assuming that your height isn't really placing a burden on your career, right?
Ms. Cheong: Well actually it does sometimes. Like I remember when I walked into Elite models- the lady wouldn't even look at my book, she just looked at me and said, "Sorry, your too short.", but then there are designers and photographers who love my look so much that they don't even acknowledge my height.

Mr. Triumph: Are you currently represented by anyone?
Ms. Cheong: Well, yes but all of my contracts are non-exclusive so I mostly freelance. Technically I'm with Ikon Model Management, but they don't do absolutely anything for me! I'm also with Funny Face Today, thanks to you. *She smiles*

Mr.Triumph: Haha, yea I know- I remember the day that we just flat-out walked in like, sign-us!
Ms. Cheong: Haha, yea, but I am currently looking for a new beauty/fashion agency.

Mr.Triumph: Speaking of the word Icon, do you have any that you look up to?
Ms. Cheong: I do look up to angelina Jolie because she was a bad ass before and she totally changed into a completely different person, you know- always doing good deeds and stuff. That's so inspiring for someone like her to change for the better because it's not an easy thing to do. Aside from that she is an amazing model and actress.

Mr.Triumph: Very true. Anybody else?
Ms.Cheong: OH, I ALMOST FORGOT! *She yelled* I look up to LUCY LIU, because that woman is an Asian icon! She's amazing at acting and her martial art skills are sick!

Mr.Triumph: Oh yea, I always meant to ask you about that, Min. Aren't you like a black belt?
Ms. Cheong: Well, yea. I mean I started taking taekwondo when I was 12 years old. I decided to take it because I wanted to learn how to defend myself and I wanted to be the next Lucy Liu. *She laughts* So, I really got into it and ended up taking it for about 6 years. But I recently injured my back while I was sparing and I was forced to quit. So yea, I am a black belt considering that I passed the black belt test but I didn't recieve my black belt license or my black belt because I wasn't able to pay the $600 for it. That money would've had to come out of my own pocket and I didn't have that kind of money at the time so I just continued to train and practice because your true skill is what matters the most- not your rank or belt.

Mr. Triumph: So what else do you have in store for the world besides studying, kicking butt, and doing couture poses? *I laughed*
Ms. Cheong: Haha. Well I want my largest contribution to the world to be participating in mission trips to poor countries around the world. Hopefully, as I began to work more consisently as a model I will have a good amount of money. I want to travel because we don't realize how unfortunate those people are over there because we all live our lives without worry of not having food, shelter and clothes, you know? And, there are some who have not heard of Christ! So i feel it's very important for me to bring this contribution to poor countries around the world.

Mr. Triumph: What would you call your ideal dream job?
Ms. Cheong: Definitely the cover of Vogue.

Mr. Triumph: Where do you do you see yourself in 5 years?
Ms. Cheong: Well I will be done my degree in Communications, most definitely. I want to have a great loft in Manhattan and I want to be a classical music singer aside from modeling. A lot of people don't know that I have experience with singing. I've sung in Carnegie Hall and in Lincoln center.

Mr. Triumph: I didn't know you could sing, Minnie Min. * I winked at her* Do you wish to travel abroad?
Ms. Cheong: Yes I do. To Tokyo and Paris.

Mr. Triumph: Alrighty, and for my last question. I saved the best for last!
Ms. Cheong: Oh, gosh- what is it? Haha.

Mr. Triumph: Tell me all about this love life of yours. How do you balance him with modeling?
Ms. Cheong: You mean my relationship with my boyfriend? *She blushed* Well if thats what you mean, everything works out fine because he's in a similar situation as me, career wise, because he is attending NYU as a music major and wants to become a hiphop producer and a performer. He is amazing on the piano, especially at playing jazz. He's loving, kind, understanding and extremely supportive. And he always gives me advice when I need it, even in modeling. So, all-in-all he's pretty beneficial to my career.

~After our late lunch, we skidded off to Min's church for their youth night. While we were on the train, Min said something to me that I don't think I can ever forget: "Tony, God gave us a purpose in life. Our purpose is to be an understanding model- and while doing so, we've gotta have a positive influence on people and just spread the word of God."

***Bravo! ;-)

~Special Thanks to Minyoung Cheong for participating! Email: Minyoung1125@yahoo.com. Myspace: www.myspace.com/minyoung1125

~Are you a Painter? Model? Designer? Artist? Architect? Poet?---Better yet, do you have a well rounded, artistically inspired craft and just simply feel as though you would make a great candidate for a highlight on A Triumphant Discovery?--Don't be shy! Hit me up. This isn't a contest so don't feel like your being judged at all. Trust me, we all go through that enough! "She's a what!? He's a Who!?" Is an on-going segment that I am hosting and will highlight all of the above who are just so damned good at what they do, but simply don't always gain the recognition that they desire for their fine craft. Power to the under-dogs! "What creates any form of value to your stardom without a struggle?"-Tony T.

Shoot me an email me at: tonytdiscovery@gmail.com

~Shout out to my Godsister Anne Thomas who pinned and published my very first write-up! Check it out here: http://somuchglam.wordpress.com/2008/02/24/one-to-watch-tony-triumph/

~Thanks for tuning in, catch ya later.

So, I have arrived, time to get down and dirty in this blogging world(I guess). :-P

History/ Bio:

Tony Triumph is more then just a young man or common male figure. He is a true essence. Growing up in Baltimore, MD- Tony has always been Triumphant. Born July 7, Tony grew up in a comfortable middle-class family with his single parent mother. From the tender age of 2 Tony aspired to be a model. As a child, he possed a unique yet undenyable charm. At age 10, he started with fashion schools, programs and company's such as John Roberts Powers but soon learned that time naturally develops all of which we are entitled.

Sacrificing his education, Tony Triumph hit the fashion scene at the age of 18. His appeal to this fashion industry is distinct- smooth, electrifying and ever-changing. With his sultry charm, 6 foot frame and spunky mind set, the young model stands true to his ambitions. Tony admits being the under-dog of this industry at times and from his view, "What makes any noteworthy Supermodel with out a struggle?".
Since the spawn of his mainstream career, Tony has walked for Prince Williams III for New York Fashion week, appeared in Braids and Beauty Hair Magazine, worked countless times with street-couture designers GA Art of Fashion Inc., and walked for B.Oyama, a well-known Harlem boutique that specializes in traditional English suits & top hats. Tony has also strutted runways for top names as Nordstroms as they debuted the new lines of: Armani, Hugo Boss, True Religion, John Varvatos and Deisel. His editorials also include Pulse, Bleu and Legende Homme Magazine, based out of Paris. Tony was also the cover face of The Washington Posts', Men's Fall essentials collection which eventually revolved into a regional campaign. The plethora of Tony's work undeniably rivals many other fresh faces today. Recently, Tony made a very recognizable cameo in Kelly Rowlands, "Daylight" music video directed by Jeremy Rawls as well as ABC's "Ugly Betty", set for release in Fall 2008. He's edgy and adrogynous with a gleaming mystery behind his eyes that never fails to draw you into his humble yet high-spirited character. Many times it takes a true artist to identify with his rare compassion, his image. Bold but beautiful, this star shines bright. True to his name, Tony is Triumphant.