The first time I caught sight of this model one word came to mind....."Gorgeous".

Believe me it's not a word that I throw around to describe just any model..  The fact that she has been in the modeling business for some time now and has established herself as an "A" list model is an accomplishment in itself.   Shalon keeps us captive with gorgeous good looks and charm.  Have you seen her in VBlazin Magazine?  Or maybe in the latest issue of Élan Extreme?  You owe it to your eyes to check out her....ahhm.... work.  It's very good indeed.

Enough small talk....on to the interview.

 

Height: 5 4'
Weight: 120
Measurements: 34-28-39

DCMM: Tell me about some of the high points in your career:

Shalon: The high points in my career... Well knowing that people are interested in working with me and actually following through. Getting asked to be in magazines and getting calls that say hay I saw you on set of this movie and I want you to be a principle role in my movie. And even getting an email from another film producer saying I was given your picture and name from a friend but no info. I goggled you and this is how I was able to get your contact info. Do you want to be a lead in my movie? Those are my high points in my career so far. I'm looking for more

DCMM: You've been modeling and acting for awhile now, what's been your motivation or how do you stay motivated?

Shalon: Yes, I've been modeling and acting for a long while now:). My motivation is very simple.... Its in my heart, a true dream... I stopped for a while and was completely miserable and I knew I had to continue to follow my dream. What people don't realize is when you settle for less than you dream of your unhappiness will spread to others. I don't want my children to think that they can't get to where they want in life.

DCMM: You've done different types of modeling, (print, catalog, video) What are you most comfortable with or have the most fun doing?

Shalon: I have done all different kinds of modeling, and I must say the love is in all of them. It is all in who you work with, I'm laid back and a lot of things don't bother me, I've seen the ins and outs, the goods and bad of the industry and know that I'm still in it doing what I love to do. Print and acting to me are the best. I can pass up a runway show in a heartbeat:)
 

DCMM: Urban modeling seems to have taken hold of the industry. It seems everyone want to be around beautiful models or have access to them,...Whether its showcasing them in videos, on websites, in magazines.  I'm sure you've seen a change in the way people respond to models and what they want or expect from them on a personal and professional level. But what has been your experience:

Shalon: Wow!! Yes the industry has changed soooo much since I got in, I know it dates me a bit to answer this question, but the young new models need to  know what us elders have gone through. It used to be all white or all  black and there really was no in between. I remember getting turned down for almost everything and the reasons were because I was not the right
 color, my butt was too big and I was only 100 pounds then, I was too  short, my hair was too dark, and of course the biggest of all I was too fat, at a size 3. Now the new urban is thick and beautiful and all colors and sizes apply. I'm definitely glad that the market has changed, I  wouldn't be where I'm at now if it were the same.

As far as what is now expected of us beautiful models, a lot is expected  both good and bad, but being a confident model and knowing that patience  is vital in this industry. I tell models and actresses to never do  anything that is going to compromise your name in the future. Go for your goal.


DCMM: Pretty good so far Shalon...when I contacted you, I realized that you were an accomplished model. A gorgeous one at that! For those who don't' know...tell us about some of the roles you've had or magazines in which you've been or will be featured:

Shalon: Well accomplished is a big word:). I feel I'm a seasoned model but I'm a bit modest on accomplished... Well in my earlier years I was features in  a westcoast hair magazine and a couple of movies such as Gattaca, and  Jingle all the way. Now I have been seen in music videos such as  N.O.R.E., I'm a G, and a few independent artists, such as Sparks, and  Woodz to name a few. I will be in the September 15, 2006 issue of ELAN,  as well as the next issue of Thique magazine, and VBlazin.

DCMM: So you've done magazines, TV shows, movies and videos...what other things do you want to accomplish in your modeling:

Shalon: Yes, I've done all those things, but what I really want now is name  recognition, I want to be able to say my name and producers and other artists will say, oh yes! Shalon, I would love to work with her! I've seen her in this or that and she is awesome, how can I meet her:). And I would love to teach others how to model and act, of course later...


DCMM: So with all this exposure, I'm guessing that you get approached quite a bit from fans and would-be stalkers...
How do you handle being more popular or being somewhat of a model celeb?

 Shalon: Fans are always great! Stalkers, I haven't yet had and I think its  because I'm really low key, I don't ride around looking like I stepped off set, I am very casual and I'm not out a lot. And I think that when I see people looking hard at me they are trying to decide if they should approach me or not. I appreciate all the support I get from my fan or as I call them friends...


DCMM: Pursuing a dream can be a grind sometimes, especially modeling/acting.   Have you had to sacrifice to pursue these things?

Shalon: Sacrificing for my dreams, yes, there is a lot that goes into my modeling and acting, but the most difficult for me is TIME... Since I have a  family, I can't always pick up and go at the drop of a hat, and scheduling things is very hard, because it sometimes kicks my family stuff to the back burner and that is where the understanding and support comes in, it can break a relationship if you're not careful. But I do make a point to spend any off time with my children to let them know that I'm there for them and love them.


DCMM: We measure our success in different ways, so would you say that you've been successful in your endeavors

Shalon: Success... Well I guess I am pretty hard on myself and yes I am my worst critique, I would say that I have come far, but am not where I would call myself a success yet, I feel I still have a long way to go, and I will keep climbing until I get there.

DCMM: so are there plans for building the "Shalon Delgado School of Modeling and Acting"......or are you just toying with the idea?

Shalon: Well I really never thought of building a school after me, but that would  be cool:). No, I was offered a teaching position after working with this other model who wants to open a school. It interested me because as she explained it, there are so many small organizations that offer modeling classes and acting classes but they and their instructors have no experience and therefore should not teach a class that they know nothing about or even charge for it.

DCMM: The Washington DC area, is not really a high profile spot for modeling. but it is good nonetheless because so many people party here and hold events. Come to think of it we have so many designers and private labels as well. But how do you feel about that, do you feel like there is enough going on fashion wise to push your modeling career in the direction you want?

 Shalon: I kick myself all the time for leaving the LA market... Yes, there are a lot of designers, independent filmmakers, independent artists, and this is a party city, to be honest, I believe I can get off my feet here, but once  I'm in the air it will be time for me to flap my wings all the way back to the west coast:). I will give it 10 years before this market changes, its headed up, but not there yet.

DCMM: As far as your career goes.....is there anything in particular that you want to do? (Maybe TV hosting, sitcom, soap operas)  I'm trying to get a feel as to the direction you want to grow:

 Shalon: My career... Well I think hosting would be fun, I love to get to know people. But my true goal is feature films. I want people to go to the movies and say, this is going to be an awesome movie because Shalon's in it. And I want to be the Top Model for a major designer line so when you pick up Cosmo, or glamour, or even vibe I'm on the front and all throughout the pages representing the best line of clothing out.


 DCMM: What stands out about you (Be it physical feature and/or unseen attribute) and how is it a plus for your career / look or style...

 Shalon: Well I think my hair is my main attribute, I think people remember me by that and once they meet me it would be my chilled out attitude. And if  you meet me at a party I'm a blast:)

DCMM: Any shout outs or last words:

Shalon: I definitely want to shout out God first of all,  Urban Capital Enterprises, Carlos Howard, for backing me as a manager for the last 2 years. And all of the many photographers that have taken the time to capture me in the best light, producers that have given me a chance to act, and my family and all my many fans who support me, And of course DC Music and Models.  Thank you always and God Bless.
Blessing you
 

Show Support for Shalon. She is available for print work and 
host modeling as well as TV/Video appearances.