What’s your motivation for life? For the gorgeous Shantel Jackson it’s the happiness that comes with a successful career, the continued desire to help and up uplift those less fortunate and I’m sure being the soon to be Mrs. to championship boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. doesn’t hurt [laughing]. Miss Jackson fills us in on her thoughts on female independence, a woman’s place, fashion, relationship and more…..
Miss. Jackson it’s no secret that your fiance is boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, you are definitely stepping out and making a name for yourself as a mogul in the making. Fashion designer, model, and philanthropist just for starters; how do you find time to balance everything?
Miss. Jackson: [Laughing] There definitely aren’t enough hours in the day! Making it very easy for things to overlap at times, however there’s so much I want to accomplish in life. So I live by my personal motto “Hard work never hurt anyone and the rewards are so much sweeter!”.
Do you think that it’s important for woman in high profile relationships to step out and establish their own professional identities?
Miss. Jackson: Not everything is for everyone. It’s really up to women to decide where they want to stand in the world. I choose to step out and continue making a name for myself. I’ve always been business oriented, even before Floyd and I got together. So I definitely continue on my same path and being with him isn’t going to change that.
You design and coordinate a lot of the outfits you wear, from the very simple and elegant to the more festive. What is your inspiration and do you see yourself having an exclusive clothing line in the near future?
Miss. Jackson: It’s important for women to always feel beautiful. I adore a classy-classic w/ an even balance of sex appeal. Looks such as the fluffy petticoat outfit I wore to Floyd’s last fight, to a long elegant gown with a high split. I currently have a t-shirt and hoodie line in the works, followed by the slated launch of my high end unisex fashion line. You got a peek of at the fight [wink]
Having found your place on both sides of the camera. What are your thoughts on the current depiction of women in entertainment?
Miss. Jackson: Women are always on a different playing field than men, in everyday life and in entertainment. The world likes to play the double standard game. Prime examples: If a woman’s seen on TV or in her private life dating multiple men she’s branded a whore etc. but if a man does it he’s “The Man”. Or the assumption that every woman in a music video is a “video hoe” or “groupie”, what about the male models? Are their professional and personal motivations not the same? Women want and deserve to be acknowledged as professionals just like men.
You also shouldn’t believe everything you see on TV or via third parties [laughing] this business is called ENTERTAINMENT for a reason.
As a model you maintain a balance of class and elegance, what do you feel sets you apart from others?
Miss. Jackson: What’s the point of baring it all? Women exude genuine beauty and natural sensuality that can be just as sexy covered up or showing just enough.
What advice do you have for young women that think they have to resort to posing for sleazy photos to break into modeling?
Miss. Jackson: If that’s the route they want to take I can’t knock’m for it. However, I’d remind them that cheap fizzles fast, substance has longevity. Showing everything you have from the gate leaves nothing for the creativity.
Do you think these women are jeopardizing their opportunities of being taken serious in such a competitive industry?
Miss. Jackson: Yes, reputable casting agents, directors, film producers, magazines editors etc. do their due diligence only casting those who will appeal most to consumers. Don’t miss out on opportunities ladies, quality attracts quality.
Reality TV has become the norm for letting the public into celebrity homes and lives. You have made a few appearances on Floyd’s 24/7 HBO series, if offered your own reality show or the chance to participate in one would you?
Miss. Jackson: Honestly I’m not sure, I’d prefer to be known for my work in a great movie or TV series. Not a reality show.
What are your thoughts on the stigmas that come with being the fiance or wife of an athlete?
Miss. Jackson: Everyone always wants to coach or critique others from their couch [laughing] People forget that athletes and celebrities are human and want to live, love, laugh and be happy with someone like everyone else and so do the women they choose to date and marry. I say take a look at your own relationships and intentions before you try to judge someone else’s, famous or not.
Do you feel shows such as Basketball Wives, Real Housewives etc. make it seem as though women in these roles have nothing more to offer then being associated to their significant other?
Miss. Jackson: Yes and no. Of course there are some women who just like the association and perks that come with their significant other. I’m sure if your boyfriend or husband’s a mechanic you’ll appreciate the benefits of not paying for car repairs [laughing]. But, most use the amazing opportunities from association to create their own longevity, starting businesses to support themselves and their families.
You and Floyd are very vocal when it comes to giving back to those less fortunate. Is there a specific cause that is personally important to you?
Miss. Jackson: Yes, Floyd and I are very passionate about the well being of those less fortunate. Especially the devastating number of people going without having anything or enough to eat. We spend a lot of time consistently organizing and working food drives, community dinners around the holidays, clothing drives, fundraisers and scholarships.
What do you feel others can do even within their own communities to give back and uplift those in need?
Miss. Jackson: It takes a village to nourish an entire community. I encourage everyone to volunteer time where ever they can be of service (i.e. your local Boys and Girls Club, church, or homeless shelter etc.) And for those who have the funds but no time, cut a check for a good cause.
Before we go please tell our readers where they can keep in-touch and up to date with everything Miss. Jackson.
Miss. Jackson: Everyone can definitely keep up & stay in-touch via my website www.missjackson.com for my lastest photos, videos, events and blog information and follow me on twitter @msjackson. It’s been a pleasure and thank you for this opportunity. To everyone reading this, if you remember nothing else from this interview remember this: Never fear success, always make sure it’s your first priority to accomplish and attain all you want in life. The only person standing in your way is YOU!
Arrangement of interview courtesy of Leira Public Relations
Soblu Music Group is proud to introduce Urban Pop Artist, Chris, to the music industry. Chris, a native of Washington, D.C., embodies a unique sound which is showcased on her debut EP, “Spread the Love,” releasing today (11/11/11). A refreshing blend of genres ranging from Dance to R&B to Pop, Chris has crafted an introductory project that truly showcases her versatile sound. When asked about why she chose to release her debut EP on the significant date of 11.11.11, Chris states, “It’s an exciting date! There won’t be another 11/11 for another 100 years and so many weddings are happening 11/11, so love is in the air! This project is very important to me so I thought it was fitting, a picture perfect debut date.”
