Nina: “I’ve been singing ever since I could talk. It was a natural interest and have been in choirs most of life and in that have learned a lot about singing.â€?
[Our Model Of The Day]
Where She’s From: Nina Hibbler was born and raised in Caruthersville, Missouri. “I lived in a small town and sheltered life which I’m very thankful for,” she tells The Black Star News. “It allowed my parents to instill in me a lot of good values without the distractions of the world. Probably the most important thing that I learned from my parents and family is to always treat people the way I want to be treated regardless of how they act or treat me. To always be kind and respectful to people.”
Nina graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Math. “I have always been able to do a number of things. Math has always been one of those so I decided to enhance my knowledge academically in this area and actually work in my field of study,” the brainy model adds. “In addition to doing my work, I sing, model and act. I’ve been singing ever since I could talk. It was a natural interest and have been in choirs most of life and in that have learned a lot about singing.”
Where She’s At: Nina received one-on-one voice training in my teen years and now she does background vocal work for a lot of people. She also sings for different events and the church as well. She’s planning her own musical projects.
“I began my interest in modeling a few years ago when a photographer out of Memphis, Tennessee asked me if I would be his model for some testing. I was like ‘sure, I guess so’ not really thinking too deep into it,” she continues. “I’m currently seeking a reputable agency for representation.”
“I started my acting a few years ago as well,” she says, referring to when a playwright approached her after a Black history tribute showcase in Nashville. “I now have stepped into doing film. I’ve truly been blessed with many gifts and am seeking out a way to channel them all into something go.”
“Most of my challenges come in with modeling and sometimes acting. With modeling, I’m considered a plus model by industry standards. I’m 5’9 and a size 12,” she says.
“It’s a little harder to get work being a plus model because most people want to use fashion models, a.k.a. the really skinny girls. In today’s world sex sells but I don’t want to do men’s magazines, maxim and playboy style stuff. That’s not me. I’m a commercial, catalog, editorial type of girl and that’s the type of work I want to do. The real challenge is finding an agency that can get me the type of work that I want. A lot of big time agencies have very few women of color and it’s like a competition among African-American women to see who will get in.”
Nina’s successes includes work with Brides Noir magazine, being published in a Southern Entertainment Award commemorative issue of DV8 magazine, the cover model of Venus Diva Magazine, a magazine for plus size women and also being the cover model for Nole’ Mi Magazine, a health and beauty magazine.
Nina was assistant director in a play, When the Lights Go Out. She has also sung the national anthem at a Nashville Rhythm Basketball game and for the Nashville Chamber Choir with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. “I was also a vocalist for the Ray Charles Tribute held at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee,” she adds.
“These days you have to have both beauty and brains—the looks so people will notice you and be interested to see what you have to say and second the brainpower to keep them interested,” Nina says.
So how does this lovely and intelligent entertainer and model prepare to step out?
“I’m not stuck on any particular clothing brand,” she says. “If I like it, it’s cute and fits me nice I’ll get it. For makeup, I use a combination of things. I like MAC because of the variety they offer and Fashion Fair because they offer makeup for women of color. I use these two when it comes to finding foundation and powders. I currently use a MAC bronzer as my blush too. Lip and eye liners I usually get from a drug store. Perfume, right now I love Body by Victoria. Before that it was Romance by Ralph Lauren. I also love to wear the body sprays and lotions by Victoria’s Secret. For shoes, my current favorite is Nine West.”
Nina’s Words Of Wisdom: “Be the person you want to be and not just dream about it. Be a hard worker, don’t just pretend to be one saying you work hard.”
Nina’s Secrets Of Success: “Don’t stress. If it’s for you it will happen. God has given us all gifts and a mission to use them. If we’re on the right path He will open the doors.”
Nina’s Favorite Three Movies: “Malcolm X, The Color Purple, Boyz n da Hood.”
Nina’s Favorite Three Books: “Purpose Driven Life, Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self, and the Bible.”
Three Leaders That Have Most Inspired Nina: “My mother, a very humble person who believes fully in God. My brother, a Sergeant in the US Army who is married with children and has been in Iraq a total of two years still fighting. Jesus—he keeps me striving to do what I do each day.”
First Three Things Nina Would Do As President: “End the way in Iraq; do something about the healthcare and educational issues we face; and work on the issue of rising prices and raise minimum wage.”
Nina’s Favorite Cars: “The Range Rover because of the options the ride and the look. I love the Mercedes Benz CL Class coupe. The lowest horse power you can get with one of these is 382. Another favorite, the Lexus GS.”
Nina’s Five Favorite Entertainers: “Pattie Labelle, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, The Clark Sisters, and Kierra Sheard.”
It’s hard for me to choose a couple of songs because I like these artists so much that I pretty much like most of what they produce.
Nina’s Five Favorite Websites: “www.ninahibbler.com, Myspace.com, Modelmayhem.com, mediatake Mediatakeout.com, Youtube.com.”
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