The DIY Model -Kia Davis

When trying to make it in the fashion world, a model needs the right tools to get the job done; a hair stylist, make-up artist, clothing stylist, etc. Sometimes obtaining these things, along with other necessities, can get to be quite expensive. So what do you do when you’re an aspiring fashion model who is low on dough? You take after 18-year-old Kia Soraja Davis out of Cameron, NC, and do it yourself!

Home Made Shoes!

Davis isn’t the type of model to unwisely invest every penny she’s ever earned into something so unsure, especially with her decision to go to college in the coming Spring semester. A smart shopper, Davis bargain hunts in pursuit of her personal style, and sometimes finds it frustrating when what she wants is out of her budget. After researching certain items, analyzing magazines and celebrity pictures to see what makes particular fashion pieces pop, Davis makes her way to the nearest craft store, and begins the tedious process of cloning her desired accessories.

“Everything is so expensive. If I want it, and I can’t afford it, I just do it,” said Davis, “I feel that most people are name branded fashion, but for me it’s about the clothes, the way it looks and if I like it. Name brands don’t really phase me.”

While most fashionistas only bother to make their own jewelry, or to add a little flare to a dress, Davis’s creativity expands across a spectrum of looks. She not only designs and creates a number of jewelry pieces, but she has a hand at designing and sewing her own outfits as well as making her own diva-licious shoes. After spotting a pair of gorgeous Christian Louboutin silver heels on Beyonce, Davis bought a pair of $15 heels and 31,000 crystals for a rough estimate of $56 along with a few spikes. Three days later, Davis created the same $5000 shoes, but only asks for $250, a price that includes supplies and labor. 

Being the daughter to a model, Davis grew up with a flare for fashion. In fact, it’s because of her mother’s support and motivation that Davis is pushing so hard to make it in the fashion industry. She believes that her Asian background is also an influence in that she would often watch her mother alter a purchased item to fit the image she was looking for. After posting a few creative pictures on Facebook, her friends began to push her just as hard.

“My mom has always been my biggest fan,“ said Davis, “When I was little, I used to have runway shows. I’d make my mom sit and watch me model her clothes. She’d watch me walk back and forth then run and go change real quick.”

Along with her talents within the fashion industry, Davis also serves as an artist, selling portraits as well as designs. After posting some creative photos of herself on Facebook, and receiving so much positive feedback, her friends began to push her to do more modeling. Now, she is currently trying to get her name and face out there, a task in which Davis admits will not be easy.

LiL' Wayne Drawing

“There’s a lot of agencies that try to scam you,” said Davis, “I think the hardest part of any entertainment industry is to get out there. But once you’re out there, it gets easier and easier. I’ve tried going to an interview for the East coast talent search, but they wanted $1500 dollars to be in a runway show, and I’m not doing that.”

Davis, a class of ‘11 high school graduate has made fashion and cosmetology a major part of her life, and has waited until now to give it her all. She will be attending the Art institute of Charlotte for fashion and design in January in which she plans to build her name by entering to be a model for the Charlotte Fashion week. She also plans on signing up for the next America’s Next Top Model cycle

Davis says that she is determined to make it in the industry, and to have her own clothing and beauty line.

Les Long: the Gospel Funny Man

I've had the pleasure of working with Les in the pass. I Was interviewed on his show "The Les Long Show" twice.
Check out his show ( me on his shows) on local tv networks or catch one of his many live shows!

There is a new age of funny rising from the underground, and making its way to mainstream comedy. Comedians, who used to only be found in nightclubs, are still bringing down the house, but have taken the show into the house of God. While most are aware of the works of such comedians as Steve Harvey, there happens to be a more local celebrity bringing humor to the church. Halbert Cisco Long, known simply as “Les Long”, is a North Carolina native who found his passion in bringing a smile to people’s faces with his Gospel comedy acts.

“It’s not new, but it’s new to comedy,” said Long in a phone interview. “There’s far more churches than nightclubs in an area, so it’s good for business.”

While getting paid for his acts, Long does not reach out the good people of the church for financial gain. He finds more satisfaction in entertaining God’s people in the Lord’s house. Now, you may be able to catch him doing a few nightclub stand-up acts every blue moon or so, but his passion can be found with the church. “I grew up going to church; I’m very God-fearing,” said Long in a phone interview.

Long not only serves as a funny man, but he has produced two stand-up comedy shows. The first being “3 Fools for the Lord” inspired by a biblical quote. He along with D. L. Henry and Tim Shrop, tour across the state speaking about trying to do the right things in life and maintaining a relationship with God.

“’We are fools for Christ sake, but ye are wise in Christ’,” Long quoted, “We’ve been fools over material things; why not God?”

Because his acts are clean, and 60% of the acts are based on his Christian faith, he can identify with all ages from pre-teens to the elderly. His shows mainly focus on the everyday life of the average person, and the struggles that are met while traveling the proverbial road. Long says that a lot of the jokes that he makes for others to enjoy are reflections of his self. Thus came the inspiration for his comedy show “Who’s A Raggedy Christian?”

“A ‘raggedy Christian’ is defined as someone whose faith is strong, but actions aren’t Christian-like all the time,” said Long, “I’m no saint by a long shot. I’m cool with the person I used to be, but I appreciate the man I am now. I’m just trying to get it right. I’m the same as the people I talk to: flawed.”

Les long grew up in Louisburg, NC, and made a name for himself as a comic at a young age. “At a young age, I had a drive to be an entertainer,” said Long, “I was always in front of friends and family clowning.”

After grabbing people’s attention at an open mic event, Long was approached with the idea of doing an act for a local church. The rest became history. Not only has Les Long had the opportunity to travel and make people laugh, but also his comedy has caught a lot of people’s attention, and has opened many doors for him including a radio and television show.

“I don’t let any door in my face stop me from pressing on,” said Long, “I’m truly blessed.”