It’s no surprise her favorite song is 50 Cent’s “I Get Money,” and not just because she’s in the video. It has more to with the fact that it’s somewhat of a theme song for her. But things weren’t always so bright. Watch this one closely because she’s already made it through the thick of her struggle. From here on in, we gotta respect her game.

Words: Kelvin Garcia

Image: Jahsé

Sorry I couldn’t make it down to the shoot. I heard you did your thing.

It’s all good. Yeah I liked the shoot. I was a little worried you guys weren’t getting what you wanted out of me. But then I spoke to a few of your people. They seemed satisfied.

So where are you from?

I’m from New York. I was born in Pennsylvania, but I grew up mostly in Brooklyn. Then I was put in foster care so I moved around a lot. I lived in every borough except the Bronx. I even lived in Long Island and upstate. I lived with a Guyanese and Jamaican family. They were ridiculously strict. I used to have crazy chores like cleaning the chicken coops. Plus, they were hard to talk to and deal with. I couldn’t come to them when I was going through things.

How long have you been out of foster care?

I just aged out of foster care a month ago. My foster agency still helps me out though. I got a scholarship through them. I have to maintain a certain GPA, and they’ll help pay my tuition until I get a BA.

That’s really impressive.

I’m very driven. I’m really trying to be serious about modeling full time, now more than ever. When things start to go right you have to work harder.

So how do you relax?

If I don’t have to leave my house I won’t. I like to just keep to myself sometimes. Plot out my next move. Clean the house. Have a glass of chardonnay or two. I like to chill on my roof and get some sun. I love movies. My favorite movie is probably City of God. My favorite comedy though is Coming to America. Eddie Murphy in general is funny. Especially Delirious.

Boring. Can you tell us something sexy?

Well, I clean my house in my underwear. Lay around, you know? Like I said, I like to stay home a lot.

Wow, you’re a cheap date. What’s up? I need a girl in my life to blow on my dice so we can make our point twice then skate outta town.

(Laughs) No, I have a boyfriend right now. In fact when I get a little tipsy off chardonnay I dance for him. And of course I’m in my underwear.

Damn, he’s a lucky dude.

Well, I try and put my best into anything I do. Anything I do. In fact I just came from panty shopping. I went a little bit overboard and I spent way too much! But it’s worth it. I think it’s important to look and feel good. Anyway I love dancing.

Do you?

Yeah. I was a dancer first actually. I was in competitive dance groups in college. That was like my first passion, choreography. I loved it. I still love it!

Why’d you switch it up?

Honestly, it was mostly motivated by money. It was definitely a decision I made based on what I felt would provide a better, more consistent source of income.

I think we’re good. Any parting words?

Mmmmm can I give some shout outs?

Uhhhhh… sure.

Okay, here goes. First off I’d like to give a shout out to [tape stops].