DYME CONNECTION

CATRISA: THE EVOLUTION

By Marius MII

Catrisa Turner has a strong desire and passion for modeling. She is an enthusiastic and dependable individual who excels in challenging environments. She's been featured in Alle Chante Belles Magazine, Black Men Magazine, Sweets Magazine , PZI Jeans campaign ad. Not to mention, a great list of music video features and leads with artists such as Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, to Gucci Mane Lemonade. Catrisa is now taking on a new venture while in Los Angeles since her role on BET's The Game.

LCN: Hi Catrisa, Welcome to Le Creme Nation. How are you?

CATRISA: I’m wonderful, thanks!

LCN: Just for the people here who maybe unfamiliar with you and yourwork, let the people know who's Catrisa (resume, hometown, residence, relationship status, etc)

CATRISA: I'm originally from Birmingham, AL. born and raised. Now i live in Los Angeles, CA.

LCN: When did you first dream of working the entertainment industry?

CATRISA: I've always loved entertaining. Since I was about 3 years old I would put on shows for my family. I would dress up, sing and dance while standing on a Strawberry Shortcake chair. I’m also the one who keeps everyone smiling around me. I love to make others laugh and just have an overall good time. I started modeling when i was 13 and was so amazed that this was a job. it was fun and the spark was lit under me that day….I knew this was the Industry for me.

LCN: Who inspired you to become a model?

CATRISA: When I was younger I looked to the beautiful Iman, Noami Cambell and Tyra Banks for inspiration.

LCN: Did you come into the modeling industry expecting to be a video vixen or dream of hitting the runway like most girls?

CATRISA: I don't think of myself as a Video Vixen…. I am a Model/Actress. Yes I have appeared in a lot of music videos R&B, Hip hop and Alternative. But I have also booked AD Campaigns, Acting jobs and runway. I actually started in runway at 13. Plenty of famous models and actresses where in videos earlier in their careers. I think of myself as a model that can pretty much do everything. I’m just really happy to be a working Professional Model in this Industry.

LCN: That’s true, actresses such as K.D. Aubert, Lisa Raye, Claudia Jordan, and even Tyra Banks were in music videos early in their careers. How was your experience working with artists such as Ludacris, Gucci Mane, and artist of that caliber?

CATRISA: It's always great!! They respect me, I respect them. You have to keep it business.

LCN: What's your opinion today's modeling industry?

CATRISA: The entertainment industry as a whole has taken a huge hit by the economy. But, I have been blessed to still book "quality" work. So, I am happy with every Blessing God sends my way

LCN: What projects do you enjoy the most behind the camera? Videos or photo shoots?

CATRISA: I enjoy both.  I love being able to play different roles and have a different look almost everyday. Never the same day twice.

LCN: What was your first casting experience? How did you feel during that moment?

CATRISA: It was so nerve wrecking.  I got there and signed in and waited with about 200 other models. Finally when my number was called I went into the casting room. It was about 10 people sitting at a table in a room. They asked me to stand on the 'X' on the floor, I had to tell them my name, number, and when the music starts, dance. I guess I did a great job because I got booked.

LCN: Have you ever been on a bogus booking or casting call? If so how was that experience?

CATRISA: Yes, OMG! I was booked for this reality show reel… It was hilarious.

LCN: So have you ever had some bad experiences with directors or artists coming onto you?

CATRISA: Honestly, no. People respect people who respect themselves.

LCN: Well knowing that you’re relatively a sex symbol, how often do you experience clients that attempt to make your business relationship personal? How do you handle those types of situations?

CATRISA: It's been a couple of times clients have asked to fly me somewhere or take me shopping. Even offered to pay me to "hangout." I say no thank you. I'm my own business and that’s not the reputation that I want my "business" to have. Sure, it may have held me back at times but sleeping your way to the top will get you nowhere! I've always wanted to be famous for my talent. Not, for who I slept with. I know that some day when this rollercoaster comes to an end I can look at myself in the mirror and say I stayed true to me and I worked really hard for all that I have.

LCN: How was it working on set of BET’s The Game?

CATRISA: It was great. It was a very professional atmosphere. That experience really pushed me to get serious about acting.

LCN: Would you consider acting more in the near future? If so, what kind?

CATRISA: Yes, most definitely.  I would love to do action movies or romantic comedies.

LCN: In general, how has the industry been treating you? Do you feel like you’re given the respect you deserve from the photographers, video directors, crew and whomever else?

CATRISA: Yes, I've definitely had to work hard. Being from a small town in Alabama and being of darker skin. But, I'm happy that I'm starting to get the recognition that I deserve.

LCN: How difficult has it been to stand out in a larger market being from Birmingham?

CATRISA: It's been really hard to get people to take me and my talent serious. But once I get the opportunity, I always take full advantage. People are always surprised when I say I'm from Alabama.

LCN: Are you a huge hip hop fan? If so, who are some of your favorites?

CATRISA: I'm just an all around music fan. I listen to artists such as Rick Ross, Kanye, B.O.B, Ludacris, and Common just to name a few.

LCN: Can you cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
CATRISA: Yes, I'm from the South!!!  You can call me "Chef Catrisa."  I cook a lot of things well.  I'm really into healthy cooking now. So, I cook a lot of fish, chicken and turkey with brown rice and vegetables.

LCN: Interesting. So "Chef Catrisa," how are you viewed by kids or relatives when they see you as Catrisa "The Model"?

CATRISA: They think it’s hilarious that people actually pay me to be pretty.  They just see my goofy side when I'm with the family.

LCN: If you could have your way right now, what would you do?

CATRISA:  I would continue to be successful in the modeling industry, act on a television sitcom and get my fashion line off the ground.

LCN: The biggest misconception about Catrisa is...

CATRISA: She only does videos. True some of my videos did put me in the spotlight but, I’m much more than just that.

LCN: Tell us something your friends don’t know about you.

CATRISA: I tell them this but I don't think they really know. I miss them and wish I could hang with them like I used to.

LCN: That’s real. What’s Catrisa’s sexiest attribute? Name one physical and one abstract.

CATRISA: People say my figure.  But I like the fact that I'm genuine and have a great sense of humor.

LCN: What’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you?

CATRISA: Love me unconditionally (smiles)

LCN: What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for someone?

CATRISA: I love to surprise the person I'm with. With gifts, kisses, etc.

LCN: What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?

CATRISA: I've had so many: 4 national publications, leads in some of the biggest artist videos, acting on BET's "The Game" and the list goes on.

LCN: What upcoming projects do you have in development?

CATRISA: Too many…keep your eyes open.

LCN: What advice would you give anyone who's interested in stepping into the modeling and/or entertainment industry?

CATRISA: Only get in the industry if it’s something that you’re really passionate about. It's not as easy as it looks. You won't have any off days. You’re going to have to have confidence because this industry is blunt. You’re going to see some crazy things going on around you. So stay focused and true to yourself.

LCN: If you had to say anything you wanted to at this moment, what would it be?

CATRISA: I'm happy I had the chance to do this interview with you. I was very pleased to answer non-ignorant questions. I hope this interview gives my fans a better understanding of who I am.

LCN: Thanks for talking with us Catrisa and supporting Le Creme Nation. Much love to you and we wish you the best.

CATRISA: No thank you ! (smiles)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/catrisa

Twitter: @catrisa

For Bookings: pdpickett@gmail.com