Xena Kai Angelique Velez
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Where were you born, and how was life growing up?
Angelique Velez I was born in the Bronx, NY and growing up, I was extremely sheltered and kept to myself mostly. Apparently, I was a bit socially awkward and all my teachers believed I needed psychiatric help because I would blank stare at people without blinking and never respond to their questions. (Scary, I know) Thankfully, my mom never conceded to their requests of seeking help...she knew I'd come to my senses one day...it took me 16 years but she was right!
What is your ethnicity?
Angelique Velez I'll keep you guessing!
Alright! Alright! I give in ... I am Puerto Rican with a splash of another descent ...but I will still keep you guessing on that one!
What would the average person say about you?
Angelique Velez Besides my complete randomness and quirkiness, I believe that most would say I am very motivational and inspiring...I am all about positive energy and going after head first towards whatever it is you believe in and have a passion for - and I make sure that I pass the message along to most everyone I meet. Positivity is contagious!!
What kind of stuff did you get into after high school?
Angelique Velez I graduated high school at 16 (I'm something like a genius!) After high school, I went to Virginia to go to college and studied Mass communications and decided I had wanted to be a screen-writer and a film director. Even though, I did want to be behind the scenes, I sort of fell in front of the camera.
How did you get into modeling?
Angelique Velez While in college, I worked for a women's lifestyle magazine based in Virginia beach and one day - one of the models had cancelled last minute and the photographer looked my way and said "hey you - take her place!" I tried to run and get away but I got caught and to this day the industry still holds me captive! (Kidding!) I love the fashion and entertainment industry with every fiber of my being. I have a deep rooted passion for everything that I do and I thoroughly enjoy every second of it.
How long have you been modeling?
Angelique Velez I'm going to say its been about 4 years since I have started modeling, all I really remember was that Kanye West "Stronger" and "Fergie "Big Girls dont cry" was on heavy rotation during my shoot.
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How did you feel being in front of the camera for the first time?
Angelique Velez Well, I had always secretly dreamed of being a model and I used to practice poses and facial expressions in the mirror growing up, so I was remarkably prepared for the shoot - and I still like my photos from that shoot.
How did you feel walking into your photoshoot?
Angelique Velez I did feel beyond nervous before I got in front of the camera - but once I was in front - it was like "alright...I'm supposed to be here" It felt right and everything came easy.
So would you say you are comfortable in front of a camera now?
Angelique Velez I never get tired of being in front of the camera, It allows me to play different characters and portray different emotions and its so much fun to pretend to be fabulous for the day (because I am such a semi tom-boy in real life)
Would you say you are pretty comfortable with your body?
Angelique Velez Hmmm...before I got involved with the industry - I could care less about my flaws. But once in it - I started noticing things about myself that the industry deemed "not beautiful" and I started obsessing over my "imperfections." But now, I have realized that you have to absolutely embrace everything about yourself, it is what sets you apart from everyone else, it identifies you. And it was hard accepting that because the industry is very vain and paints this image of beauty for everyone, but after learning the ins and outs of the industry I realized...none of that is real.... You open up a magazine and none of those girls look like that in real life... everything is an illusion. It is the one thing that I dislike about the industry - it makes others feel that beauty doesn't come in variety and is just skin deep - when, in all actuality it comes from within and it radiates outward.
What would you say is your best feature?
Angelique Velez MMm, I'd say my eyes because I always win staring contests, ha! ...my stomach is a close second though.
What's the best thing about being a model?
Angelique Velez Theres alot of perks to being a model, you get to travel, you get fed, you get spoiled with clothes and shoes and jewelry and gift bags and its beautiful indeed. But to me, the best part of being a model is the role you play to the younger generation of girls... they're looking at you like "hey, I want to be just like you when I am older" , "I want to do exactly what you're doing" and to me - thats cool. I'd like to set a good positive example for these girls... and let them know that they absolutely can do whatever they put their mind to.
What do you do differently to set yourself apart from other models?
Angelique Velez I don't know about most models, but I grind intensely to make sure I am making my way to the top, I am passionate about what I do - its not just for pretty pictures and I believe my passion shows right through me. I meet alot of models who just think "fame, money, covers" and thats it...not me I see bigger and better than that. I'm thinking about leaving behind a legacy!
Where do you hope your modeling will take you?
Angelique Velez Modeling has taken me to places I would have never thought I would be about 5 years ago, and its exciting because I have no idea where its going to take me next. I do know that I would love to land a mainstream beauty campaign such as Covergirl or Maybelline and I would love to have an editorial in Vogue or Vogue India.
Any highlights in your modeling career?
Angelique Velez I think when I started going out and people started recognizing me and knew me by name or by campaign, ha! It was a surreal feeling for me, and probably a big highlight because my goal is to become a household name and that lets me know I am on my way to that. Other than that shooting a video with Diddy and Drake and Lloyd Banks was cool for me too.
Where can we find you on a typical weekend, if you aren't doing a photoshoot?
Angelique Velez I'm usually home if I am not traveling, reading a book or making vision boards in my room. Even if I am out and about - my mind is constantly on creative mode - so any down time I have - I am constantly thinking of what my next move is, what I want, dreaming new dreams... for me - this grind never stops.
What keeps you busy away from modeling?
Angelique Velez Acting, traveling, and being creative director of different projects, and working on my very own tv personality show! (Be on the lookout!) If I am not modeling in front of the camera, I am either setting up photoshoots or events for different companies within the fashion and entertainment industry and that keeps me very busy.
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What do you want to do outside of modeling?
Angelique Velez Outside of modeling, I would like to land major roles in feature films... and then hopefully still fulfill my dreams of being a screen writer and a film director...I also have a couple of television show ideas that I am working on putting together and I hope to one day be able to get them on a network...and then I want to own my very own island one day and design the houses myself and give to families in need.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself?
Angelique Velez 5 years from now, I see myself living in a different country and learning the ropes of how the entertainment industry works over there and I see myself being CEO of maybe 2 different businesses - and by then hopefully my name gets more recognition and I can inspire others on a bigger level.
What is the coolest thing a fan has ever done for you?
Angelique Velez The coolest thing a fan has ever done for me is literally - cool me off when I get hot.
OHH...you mean "fan" as in a person?? ha! MM, I was drawn once and that was pretty cool!
Any photographers you enjoy working with or hope to work with?
Angelique Velez I really hope to shoot with Markus Klinko and Indrani one day, and also Jamie Nelson. Last year, I actually shot with Jamie for a hair campaign but I had no idea it was her until about 6 months later, and I didnt fully get that feeling of excitement that I know I'm going to get when we shoot again
Which internet websites would you say you spend most of your time at?
Angelique Velez I dont really spend alot of time on the computer but I would say facebook and twitter are up there, models.com and ArdenB (because I'm waiting for them to post my pictures) so I check their site about 50 times a day...haha
Do you travel much for your modeling?
Angelique Velez I travel very often for work, I just got back from West Palm Beach not too long ago, I am heading to Ohio and Vegas in a few weeks, and soon I have LA, DR, PR, South Africa, and Dubai in the works... so I am excited!
Do you like all the traveling?
Angelique Velez Traveling is another passion of mine, and I love going to different countries where their way of life is so very different from ours. I love learning about different traditions and different histories - it really amazes me how much we don't know about the world.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Angelique Velez My top three dream places are Egypt, Brazil, and Australia. I can't wait until I finally have the opportunity! The island of Seychelles is also another spot I have on my list.
If you could play lead role in any type of movie, What kind of movie would it be?
Angelique Velez Ever since I saw the movie Gia, with Angelina Jolie - I have wanted to play a movie such as that one. A movie based off of a true story and a real person that has so much range and character and has left behind an inspiring legacy. I think Angelina did an amazing job in that movie playing Gia and I hope to one day have a role that is similar. (I am still team Aniston though)
Do you have a favorite Car?
Angelique Velez Well, Cars dont excite me butttt.... when I was about 18 years old, I was going to buy a red Toyota Celica as my first car for 10 grand...and I ended up seeing this rusty brown, water damaged, 1989 Acura Vigor on the side of the road and I fell in love. Why, you ask? ... I have no idea... I just knew I had to have it, and I got it for 800 dollars (it didn't even work) I fixed that bad boy up and named it Tazmanian Devil and because thats the only car I have ever felt that way for, It seems only right to say that is my favorite car.
Do you have a favorite drink when at clubs or bars?
Angelique Velez I don't drink alcohol, but I do love me some virgin pina colada... and if its not that - just give me straight pineapple juice and I am happier than a pig in a blanket!
What is your favorite type of food?
Angelique Velez A cheeseburger with a sunny side up egg and mashed french fries on it... its BURGMAZING!
What kind of music are you listening to these days?
Angelique Velez I absolutely without a doubt have fallen in love with Adele and her music! So I have been loyal to her and she's all I really listen to - but if I decide to stray a bit - I listen to Frank Sinatra, Christina Aguilera, R. Kelly, The Dream or the Righteous Brothers... Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder is an all time fave and I like Frank Ocean and the Weeknd as well.
Tell us something you got away with?
Angelique Velez Friends and I decided to play hide and go-seek in the cemetery one night and ended up getting really scared and we all started screaming...when we got out the cemetary - the cops were waiting for us, but we jumped in the car and sped off and they chased us but we lost them because we're good like that!
Which celebrity would you like to meet and why?
Angelique Velez I would absolutely love to meet Christina Aguilera, besides the fact that I have a girl-crush on her - her voice and her song have always been my "go-to" place when I was upset or down or feeling insecure - especially when I was younger...so if I met her I'd def ask her to sing for me - I would just die!
Best pickup line you've ever heard?
Angelique Velez "Do you want to go out and grab a cheeseburger?" - That line guarantees me falling in love. HA!
Worst pickup line you've ever heard?
Angelique Velez MMM..."YO MA" - I think thats the worst...lol
If you could be a super hero, what would that superhero be like?
Angelique Velez My superhero outfit would definitely be sexy but have stripes on it like a tiger does. And my super power would be changing bad environments to good ones. Reading minds would be nice too, but stressful at the same time.
What the worst prank you've ever played on anyone?
Angelique Velez The worst prank I ever played was changing the time on a friends clock so she woke up at 3 in the morning thinking it was 7 in the morning - and went to work. hehe.
What the worst prank anyone has ever played on you?
Angelique Velez No one has pranked me yet. I am queen of pranks... I spot them quick!
Find a lamp and out pops a Genie, you get one wish, what would it be?
Angelique Velez I wish that I could have a pet tiger cub that never grows. :-)
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Are you single now?
Angelique Velez No, I am happily taken.
Tell us about the person your with today?
Angelique Velez He's tall dark and handsome and the best friend I have ever had.
Give us the dirt on your dating life. Any first date rules?
Angelique Velez There is nothing remotely interesting about my love life, ha! But first date rules... be careful what you say..because you never know who that person might become to you and first impressions always linger.
Do you kiss on the first date?
Angelique Velez Absolutely not. The longer two people wait to kiss, the more it means when it finally happens.
How many kids in high school have asked you out?
Angelique Velez I had a boyfriend all throughout high school that every one was scared of, so I was never asked out, ha!
Should a person call right away or wait a few days?
Angelique Velez Right away! Don't play games! If you're interested, let it be known!
What kind of guy bugs you?
Angelique Velez Liars! And obnoxious big headed guys who cant get enough of themselves and guys who can't have an intellectual conversation that can stimulate my mind.
What does a guy need to do to make you stay?
Angelique Velez There is no necessary rules, but if I like you... Im staying put.
What's the worst place to meet a guy?
Angelique Velez I'm going to say those crazy college parties... you don't want to end up with a guy who likes that lifestyle...it'll take him awhile before he grows out of it.
On a date... What does the person have to do to make it perfect for you?
Angelique Velez Be spontaneous! Random! Creative! The movies and the dinners and the museums and stuff is getting old guys! (Its still cool every now and then, but dont get stuck in routine) Be creative, find new ways to laugh and make memories. Be different!
Leather or lace?
Angelique Velez Lace!! Its so much more feminine. Pretty and sexy at the same time!
Do you have any dreams or goals you're shooting for?
Angelique Velez I see young girls every day that get pressured or influenced by the media. They seem to think that they have to wear designer clothes, look a certain way, party hard, act like a diva, etc. in order to fit in to what the media calls the industry. My major goal is to become influential enough to show young girls or anyone for the matter that you can absolutely be yourself and still be a part of the entertainment business.
Where can we expect to see you at in the future?
Angelique Velez In the future I plan to be the face of different major brands, and in movies and television shows as well...and then I'll also step behind the scenes too - so always keep a look out in the credits!
Do you have anything to say to your supporters and your future fans?
Angelique Velez I want to give a huge shoutout to everyone that has supported my grind and believes in me. It really helps in keeping me motivated, and I appreciate all the love!
Interview and images provided by Angelique Velez
