Isyss Kivela Is An Urban Goddess

Isyss is another referral from King Davis of IBBM, and she's quite the beauty. Given her appearance on StarForce Hip-Hop—where she demonstrated her incomparable flexibility—this DMV damsel took some time out of her busy schedule to talk about her crush on Future, what being "represented" means for a model, and what the biggest misconception of urban models is (and what she's doing to combat that). —Bernadette Giacomazzo (@berngiacomazzo) 

Measurements: 36 - 26- 40

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/isysskivela

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/isysskivela

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you? What do you do?

My name is Isyss Kivela. I'm an upoming model based in the DMV area. I was born in Virginia Beach, VA. I recently graduated from Howard University majoring in Criminal Justice and Sociology.

You're represented by an agency. Tell us a little bit about this agency, and what sort of opportunities being with this agency provided you that you wouldn't have gotten elsewhere?

I am represented by a management and marketing firm. My team, IBMM, has opened me up to a new world beyond just magazines and videos. I am hosting a mixtape with a MMG artist and I have a short film coming out with my IBMM sisters Kelly Bundy and Inkd Faith. I have shot with some amazing photographers in and outside of my team and I am being published.

When you're not modeling, what can we find you doing?

When I am not modeling, I am usually just chilling. I enjoy what every girl does, shopping and going out on dates. I am a dog lover (I have two) and no kids so they are my kids. I am always playing with them when I have free time. I love traveling. Vegas and Miami are my favorite places to party and to shoot.

What is the biggest misconception people have of urban models? Why do you think they have this misconception? What are you doing to combat this misconception?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that modeling is easy. Sure, anyone can get in front of a camera and take pictures, but that doesn't necessarily make them a model. People fail to realize that it's like a job. It's a major committment. Sometimes you have shoots that may last all day. You have to make sure everything is perfect to capture the perfect picture. Every little thing is noticeable from your hair to your nail polish color.

Who is your celebrity crush, and why?

My celebrity crush is Future. I love him because his swag is so raw. He is different from all the ATL rappers. I enjoy his music too, which is a plus. I have seen him at a couple of clubs in the DMV area and his performances were great.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years from now, I plan to have solidified myself as a model and furthermore as a brand. I plan to launch my own shoe line and maybe even a makeup line. Five years from now, they will ideally be thriving businesses. Additionally, within those 5 years, I plan to develop a few counseling centers for at risk youth in urban areas.