BACK 2 RAW BY MII
LCN: Welcome to Le Crème Nation. You’re definitely in the hot seat. Are you ready?
KAMI: I stay ready! Give me your best shot
LCN: Tell us about your background...(location, nationality, let us know who you are)
KAMI: I am Kamila “Kami” Abdulhalim. I am currently I reside in Detroit, MI with plans to relocate toward the end of the year to TX. I’m of primarily African American descent. Who am I? (chuckles) I’m a Muslimah, bookworm, Epic Fantasy Geek with a fanatical interest in anything & all things related to Lord Of The Rings , Aspiring Author, Loyal Detroit Tiger & Detroit Lions fan, run a blog http://k2hraw.com and I am the Coordinator for the CORE Models……In that order (laughs)
LCN: You're the writer and mentor for the Core Models. That's excellent. Were have we seen you before? (music videos or magazines)
KAMI: I haven’t appeared in any music videos but I did have tear sheets in KING (web girl article) Smooth Girl Live form Jamaica in additional to doing various promotional modeling jobs nationally. I also ran my own successful paysite kami2hot.com for about 4 years. LCN: Where were you born, and how was life growing up? KAMI: I was born in Atlanta, GA but raised in Detroit, MI.. My life has been pretty interesting to say the least lol Growing up in a strict Muslim/Military household definitely allowed me to experience things that have been quite useful to me in my adulthood plus I picked up quite a few of useful skills.. for instance, I can catch, gut and cook a fish or dress a deer if the opportunity should arise..i.e. I’m pretty handy with a knife ... or gun for that matter (laughs)
LCN: Did you receive a formal education or attend college?
KAMI: I attended Michigan State University for undergrad with a premedical curriculum but my major was computer science.. I didn’t graduate but I will obtain my bachelors and eventually my masters’ degree.
LCN: How has life as a model knowing that you have a Muslim upbringing?
KAMI: It definitely was an eye opener for sure!! I was exposed to a ton of stuff that I probably wouldn’t have encounter if I hadn’t gotten into the industry.. I’m extremely thankful for it because it certainly has been essential in keeping me grounded.
LCN: Is modeling your full-time gig, or do you have another job?
KAMI: As of right now modeling is more of a third job to bring in more income.. I’m more into promotional modeling now than anything else…I do have a lucrative 9-5 in the auto industry
LCN: What would you have been if you had never modeled?
KAMI: If I hadn’t modeled, I would probably be an obstetrician right now, probably overseas.. China would be my pick LCN: Before you were a model what did you do?
KAMI: Before I modeled, I was working in customer service for Verizon Wireless
LCN: What is it about your personality and your upbringing that makes you so passionate about modeling? KAMI: Coming from such a strong and ambitious family instilled in me a powerful work ethic that won’t allow me to fail at anything I attempt to do , whether it’s modeling, penning a novel or anything else for that matter which my strong personality reflects. Once I set a goal, I always see it through, no matter how long it takes.
LCN: What was your first modeling assignment?
KAMI: Hosting an event gig in Berumda with Tiara, Decca and few other models.. met Corey Reese @coreyreesephoto (model/photographer) on that trip too i just love traveling hands down… I love going encountering environments and people... If I believed in past lives, I would swear I was a nomad in at least 3 of them (laughs)
LCN: How was it working with Treagan?
KAMI: It's AWESOME working with Treagen! (smiles) I highly recommend him to any model looking to get fantastic images…I’ve learned a lot from just from conversing with him during shoots.. He along with Sean Rush and Candice Jai (@sweetgloss) are my go to people for advice about the industry and assisted me a great he has a great perspective on life in general.. One of the best .
LCN: Erika Mayshawn said it took over a year for Treagan to even get her in front of the camera, were you hesitant as well starting off?
KAMI: No I wasn’t shy about actually shooting, I was more shy about how to pose lol.. I wasn’t and still am not comfortable with being the center of attention…
LCN: Do you still keep in contact with some of the former TKM girls?
KAMI: Yes I’m still in contact with quite a few of them…. We’re all spread out nationally now so usually when I hit a major city, I can call one of them up to hang out.
LCN: How did you become to be so comfortable in front of the camera?
KAMI: Time was the key… when I had my paysite, I shot 2-3 times a week EVERY week so it became pretty routine..Then of course I always shot with the same crew for the most part so it was more like hanging out than work.
LCN: How did you feel taking off your clothes for the first time?
KAMI: I looked at it as something to a dare…it was something that I normally wouldn’t think of doing but I wanted to show myself that I could & be good at it.. not only did I shock Treagen and CJ, I shocked myself (laughs)
LCN: What was your favorite modeling assignment? (hosting, video shoot, photo shoot)
KAMI: Traveling hands down… I love going encountering environments and people..If I believed in past lives, I would swear I was a nomad in at least 3 of them (laughs)
LCN: Did you pursue modeling with the hopes of being ANTM or on the runway? If so, how did you learn to accept your role as an urban model?
KAMI: Not at all; my whole motivation to start modeling was to break myself out of the depression I had slipped into I touch on that experience on my blog k2hrawe.com…. So when I came into the industry I intended to get into what was then known as the glamour market. I already knew I was too short and not thin enough for runway. Being a RTB (recovering tomboy) I wanted to explore the sensual side of myself that I hadn’t tapped into yet and see what would happen..
LCN: Who introduced you to the urban modeling industry? KAMI: I was attending Michigan State University when I heard about Anthony & Tori shooting models (Eyecandymodeling.com) so when I left MSU I made some inquires and that was that..
LCN: What has this year been like for you in terms of modeling work?
KAMI: This year has been all about building up my brand and evolving into something beyond modeling, primarily the epic fantasy novel series that I’m penning and my blog..Thus far, the only thing I’ve done modeling wise has been promotional jobs to supplement my business goals.
LCN: How much experience have you gotten as far as working with and meeting people in the industry?
KAMI: Having been in the industry since 2004 I have had the blessing of interacting and working with a slew of talented people both nationally and aboard..I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge of not only the modeling industry but also on the music and film industry as well that I’m excited to be able to use with my new endeavors.
LCN: What has been your most memorable modeling experience?
KAMI: Going to the store and flipping through a magazine to see my name and images in print.. that NEVER gets old.
LCN: Do you think exotic dancers and pornstars stepping into the modeling industry create a negative stereotype for models that are only focused on being just models?
KAMI: I don’t think that exotic dancers and pornstars dipping over into the urban industry creates a negative stereotype for models because if more “models” were on the ball, they would eclipse them. in fact its been my observation that its more “models” than adult stars/dancers acting inappropriately and having bad reputations in the industry…people need to learn to concentrate on bettering themselves instead of what everyone else is doing.. If they did that then this wouldn’t even be a question *shrugs*
LCN: Have you had to pass up any opportunities due to your morals and ethics?
KAMI: I’ve always been a person that the majority of the time goes with my gut and common sense so there have been quite a few opportunities that I have passed up that while that could have panned out positively for my modeling career but just didn’t sit write with my conscious…as time passed I often saw that my instincts were right and I feel content to have peace of mind over any material gains..
LCN: How would you describe the image that comes across when people look at your photos?
KAMI: The image that people generally get when viewing my images would be best described as “playfully sexy” I never get that reaction like, “Got dang, she’s sexy!” I assume that as long as I’ve been online interacting on different social networks and message boards/forums that it’s hard for most to associate my personality with thoughts like that
LCN: What keeps you motivated?
KAMI: What keeps me motivated on a daily basis is the self satisfying sense of accomplishment. I know people always say that you shouldn’t pay attention to the naysayers but I say bring them on! In fact people telling that I couldn’t make the transition from doing glamour websites to obtaining tearsheets in the MAJOR urban magazines is what prompted me doing just that.. Otherwise I would have happily kept shooting for my paysite making some NICE money
LCN: What do you do to relax or to have fun?
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KAMI: I do a variety of different activities to have fun as well as relax.. to say that I thoroughly enjoy reading would be a GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT lol.. I also enjoy fishing, crocheting, paying fast pitch softball, hitting the gun range, traveling talking to the elderly (they have the most fasticinating conversations) plus I have a mischievous side.. I like playing harmless pranks on people.. Its all about the reaction! (smiles)LCN: What do you enjoy the most, modeling or hosting?
KAMI: I enjoy modeling rather than hosting.. I don’t drink., smoke, or dance so being in a club environment has always been rather boring to me.. now if it was an event like a competition or showcase, THAT would be more up my alley..(thumbsup)
LCN: Every girl wants an honest man. How can you tell if a guy is honest?
KAMI: There isn’t any sure first way to determine if a man or any person for that matter is honest.. You just have to open to allowing them to prove that they are and keep your senses about you in order to spot any type of deception.
LCN: How do you like being romanced?
KAMI: I don’t have any particular way that I like to be romanced… Just be sincere and surprise me; we’ll see what happens from there.. I’m an easygoing person; if anything I can tend to secretly be pessimistic although I’m trying to break that trend
LCN: What is the best part of your body; the part that needs the most improvement?
KAMI: It would be a tie between my legs (they look great & have many uses) and my boob.. they receive attention for obvious reasons; nice & naturally perky still definitely my stomach; I’m currently working with my personal trainer in getting a nice toned up four pack
LCN: (Laughs) Do you have any secret weaknesses or guilty pleasures?
KAMI: My secret weakness is spending time with my family especially my niece & nephew or my elderly relatives.. I love hearing stories form them about their life experiences and the children are so full of energy and delightful…. My guilty pleasure is spoiling my dude..nothing is more rewarding then seeing his face/hearing his voice light up when you do something nice for HIM out of the blue that he isn’t accustom to winning
LCN: Do you have any secret fantasies?
KAMI: I sure do and my dude is going to find out about them all FIRST (laughs)
LCN: What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?
KAMI: When I do it, I’ll let you know..I’m still plotting on that one (laughs)
LCN: What’s the kinkiest item you own?
KAMI: *giggles* I make my own toys but they’re for use on my dude not me.. you might want to dig up my web girl article in KING magazine to get a glimpse of what I’m referring to
LCN: What’s the sexiest thing that you’ve ever done for your man in general? KAMI: The sexiest thing I’ve done to date for my dude was to support his goals TOTALLY in anyway I could, including monetarily..He didn’t need it but it was something that I wanted to do to show I was all in 100%. A lot of women expect man to do things for them without really giving anything back especially when it comes to money so I think that switching it up put me right up there on the sexy meter
LCN: What’s your biggest turn on and turn off?
KAMI: The biggest turn on for me is ambition because it usually excludes confidence and that is hella sexy to me.. Biggest turnoff for me is ignorance because I have an extremely low tolerance for it…nothing irks me more than someone that you cannot reason with
LCN: What’s one thing about yourself that everyone should know?
KAMI: I may not make it known, but I take note of EVERYTHING when a person is in my presence and file it away in my memory bank for future reference…
LCN: What would the average person say about you?
KAMI: The average person would say about me, “Dang that chick is freakishly quiet and such a geek! Did she really just give me a *thumbsup*??!” (laughs)
LCN: What wouldn't you mind doing for the rest of your life? KAMI: I would be the most content for the rest of my life living in the woods or a rural area penning books while taking care of my husband and children
LCN: What advice would you give young models looking to step into this industry?
KAMI: Research, Read & Execute but most importantly use your common sense… I cannot stress that enough.. far too often I hear aspiring models making questionable moves and then wanting to blame everyone else for situations that they could have easily avoided smh
LCN: I agree, so what future projects do you have lined up?
KAMI: I have tunnel vision right now; my novel and blog are the only things I’m focused on…if any other opportunities arise then I’ll handle them accordingly but those are the primary focus until completion
LCN: Any shout outs?
KAMI: I want to acknowledge YOU of course for the lovely interview; it was a pleasure.. I also want to acknowledge my boyfriend (wink) , my family, Treagen Candice, Anthony, Sean Rush, Sean Malcolm, the CORE Models & DJs, all of the photographers, makeup artists, stylists, magazine editors/writers and graphics artists that I have, am and will work with in the future, my friends, my supporters and anyone else that takes to time out to read this and the naysayers because in the end, I do this to get under your skin REAL good! (laughs) (thumbsup)
LCN: No problem luv. Everyone Check out Kami's Lifestyle blog : http://K2HRAW.com & follow her on twitter @K2HRAW As for all of my other sites on the web, check out KAMI2HOT
