Kelli MacKenzie has been on the scene for quite some time, but it's only recently that I had the chance to sit down with this mother of a beautiful daughter and a recent adoptee of a "mutt-igree" puppy named Mia. We talked about her aspirations, the pitfalls of the modeling industry, and what she looks for in her knight in shining armor (or joker in tin foil, whichever comes first).

On the biggest pitfalls of the industry and how women can avoid them…

One of the biggest pitfalls in this business comes from girls thinking that they are more than they are or expecting immediate fame without hard work. How can they avoid them? Be yourself. Hard work, dedication and hearing "no" several times will help you succeed in the long run. No one becomes a star overnight—it takes passion, desire, and hard work to succeed.

On what she does when she's not being beautiful…

I am that sexy nerd, so to speak. I am an IT project manager by day and model by night. I absolutely love to be out with friends, but am the one that, after the night of drinks is over, wants to make everyone breakfast.

On why "video vixens" get no respect…

I think girls are striving to get close to celebrities, thinking that they will take them to the top with them. But these are the same girls that think you can sleep your way to the top, and we all know—with the exception of Kim Kardashian—that doesn't happen. If you want to get to the top, you have to work.

On what she likes to do for fun…

I love to go dancing, hit the beach, water ski, sing and cooking is my favorite thing to do.

On how she got hooked up with Playboy

I was very fortunate to have an agent that has gotten many girls in Playboy, so I went to the casting call in New York City and wowed them with my looks and personality. The rest, as they say, is history.

On what a man has to do to win her heart…

They must be able to handle my smart-ass tendencies and give it right back—be funny and supportive, and I don't mean financially, but rather support my goals and ambitions). Also, physical attraction is a must. Family values are important, and a Southern Gentleman will always score brownie points in my book! —Bernadette Giacomazzo (@bgiacomazzo)

More From XXL