Tashie Jackson is a model, actress, dancer and singer, originally from Oxford but now spending much of her time in both London and New York. Despite her incredibly busy schedule pursuing many different creative avenues, she kindly agreed to complete a feature model interview for Urbanity Chic. Read the full interview below to discover how she became involved in the entertainment industry, her inspirations and what she does to relax when not working.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErRbeGl85XM
Q: How did you get into modeling?
Well.. having grown up in the Oxfordshire Oxfordshire, it was quite a manic journey of pure determination to get into modeling by just following my dream. I went to a school which had an excellent Performing Arts department and left with my A levels, piano, singing, dancing and acting grades as well as my first singing demo.
I guess I couldn’t get enough of the limelight, so I started entering talent competitions from MTV Dance competitions to the ‘S Club Juniors’ audition where I actually reached the final few out of over 10,000 competitors *Cringe*
At the age of 18 I landed myself an extra role in the movie ‘The Prince Of Persia’. Whilst as an extra and on set, one of the Assistant Directors took a shine to me and gave me a more featured part. The same director gave me the opportunity to play another small role in the final ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows’.
Following this, I also went on to act in ‘Its A Wonderful Afterlife’ and many TV and Radio programmes such as Misfits. I’ve also played the lead female in the BBC radio drama ‘Sunny Afternoon’.
I really have met some wonderful people so far and have also appeared in many music videos for well known artists from all over the world. I’ve now worked with P Diddy, The Far East Movement, Dirty Money and Jake Gyllenhaal among others!
Q: How was 2010 for you?
An amazing year… packed out with filming and the rest spent in New York recording my album with Grammy Award winning writer Angela Hunte. Angela wrote the track Empire State of Mind for Jay-Z & Alicia Keyes, amongst writing for the likes of P Diddy, Timbaland, Dr Dre, Magnetic Man and more! Angela is like a sister to me now I feel very blessed to have such inspirational people taking me under their wings and helping me to fulfill my dreams!
Q: Who inspires you?
Michael Jackson for sure! The king of pop! Jennifer Lopez since she acts, sings and dances too. Finally, Obama for ruling a nation with such knowledge and confidence.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
Defo on location.. its more risqué and so much more exciting! You have to work with your surroundings and you can be really outrageous in your clothes and makeup!
Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
I go through a lot of preparation before any type of filming or a shoot. My skin must be clear and my hair clean and un-styled. I then have a meeting with my stylist and she puts together outfits and designs for me that I could shoot in. I always find out the necessary details for the day and then get a good night’s sleep (beauty sleep is number 1 for me) and eat a lovely breakfast before I set off!
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
Yes I think I do as of last week! Overlord X is a very talented and well known photographer who I have shot with a few times. I did a cartoon style shoot the other day and the pics look amazing!
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
I don’t have one as such since I admire the work of many photographers all over the world!
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?
Yes, I would love to work musically with Nicki Minaj and Ne-Yo. Film-wise I would love to work with Ben Affleck, the whole cast of Step-Brothers and The In-Betweeners! Hilarious!
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1JdqLiYRic
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
F- Fabulous
A- Artistic
S- Super-cool
H- Happy
I- Individual
O- Original
N- New
Q: How would you define your personal style?
Barbie but real, bright colours, figure-hugging garments… POP STAR!
Q: Where are you based?
My family are based in Oxford. I often travel to and from London and New York. But I’m such a family girl really so I stay in Oxford as much as can as have so much fun with them!
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
It’s not the most exciting city but it has a lot of history and culture so it’s a tourist attraction! But as I’m not a tourist its just home to me. There are fun things to do and beautiful places to go. I have some friends I’ve kept up with from school in Oxford and friends I’ve met along the way there but most friends now are from all over the country.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Acting in Harry Potter and starring in BBC3’s ‘Music Money And Hip Hop Honeys’ recently!
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
Many more of my goals! I strive for the best and I aim for the stars! I would like to release my debut single and appear as a lead in a film!
Q: What do you do to relax?
I spend time with my family, go to the beach, go to a spa, go shopping, internet shop *shhhh* and eat!!
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
Trey Songz, Adele, Nathan, Nicki Minaj and me!!
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Well I love to sleep if that’s counted as one 😉 but also as a trained dancer in over 10 styles, I love to just dance! I belly dance too at private functions (just for me)!
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8x9HzmqDjE
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new models or aspiring models what would it be?
You sometimes have to start at the bottom to get to the top… I did that 🙂 and I’m still on my personal ladder of climbing in to the sky! Make sure you are not exploited! When you apply for things, you need to know what your applying for…. A role in it or an extra? Ask for payment? Know your limits!
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
My soul… my dreams within me… I am my motivation! No-one else will get you to where you want to be… you have to fight to succeed in this life and that’s just what I do! I’m on my grind every day from the moment I open my eyes to the moment I close my eyes at night..
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7sb0IxoD50
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
Remember this: “Don’t judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again” -- Nelson Mandela
Thank-you so much to every one of you out there for all your support and love! I wouldn’t be here without that!
Editor’s Note: Tashie Jackson has an incredible array of creative talents as well as a commercial look. We’re sure everyone will be seeing a lot more of Tashie over the next few months and beyond. Watch this space!
If you’d like to learn more about or contact Tashie Jackson, follow the links below:
web page: http://www.tashiejackson.com/
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tashiejackson
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tashiejackson
Finally, If you missed Tashie’s appearance on BBBC3’s ‘Music Money And Hip Hop Honeys’ here are the highlights of the show:
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZUAYpgXI7Y