Athina James

BMW: When I Google the name "Athina James", 111,000 results pop up. How did you roll out as a model and how accomplished do you think you've become?

Athina: For a "Tom Boy" who just learned how to walk in high heels only a few years ago I feel like I have made a tremendous accomplishment getting to where I am today. I was discovered by an amazing fashion designer Calvin Southwell in my last year of High School. He took me under his wings while I attended college and taught me everything he could about modeling at the time, and then later on introduced me to pageantry.

BMW: If you were not a model, what would you be?

Athina: I have always wanted my own business. So I probably would be focusing primarily on preparing myself to open my own business in the near future. That's if I was not modeling. At the moment am focused on both.

BMW: You were selected by Globalbeauties.com, as one of the Top 32 Sexiest Women in Pageantry in 2008 and as one of the Top 50 Faces of the Year in Pageantry for 2008. Any challenges there?

Athina: I was pleasantly surprised when I found out about being selected as one of the top 32 sexiest women in pageantry, one of the 50 most beautiful women in that year and as the continental face of the Caribbean. However since my beautiful Antigua and Barbuda are sooo small and I was competing against significantly larger countries, email blasts, facebook, hi5 and endless phone calls seemed to have paid off. I know those poor people must have voted at least 10 times each but in spite of all I am very grateful to my fans all over the world who supported me all through the pageants and are still supporting me now. It is because of them I did not see it as much of a challenge, more of a very exciting voting game :).

BMW: What do you think is your greatest attribute or rather asset that sets you out from the others and was able to hand you the crown of Miss Antigua and Barbuda in 2008?

Athina: I believe that my confidence, optimistic attitude, pleasant personality and maturity for my age helped me to earn the crown of Miss Antigua and Barbuda. I believe my COLGATE SMILE, which I have to thank my mom for and my legs are just a few of my many assets.

BMW: Models tend to have a strict diet. What does your diet include? Any specific cravings?

Athina: I am presently on a "See-food diet", lol... I come from a very slender family so fortunately for me I do not gain weight very easily. Nevertheless as a model discipline is very important when it come to eating correctly. I try to stay away from fried or very fatty foods. Even though the temptation is great sometimes I do not eat fast food.Cravings?... hmmmmmmmmm I am an "Ice Cream drunkey" I lovvvvveeeeeee chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

BMW: Anything else you're into besides modeling?

Athina: Dancing around the house to different types of music, spending time with children... I have also developed a love for acting and photography.

BMW: Where do you picture Athina in 10 years and what are your targets?

Athina: I would like to open my own restaurant one day. As much as I love modeling it only last for so long. In 10 years I probably will be running my own business as well as a community center for young teenage children.

BMW: What words do you have for upcoming models in the fashion industry? Especially for the fact that a lot of young girls find it hard to choose modeling as a career even when they have what it takes.

Athina: I would encourage any young person who wants to be a model and is serious about modeling to go for it because the sky really is the limit. However modeling is not a certain career so always make sure you have something else to fall back on. Education is very important. In life beauty may sometimes fade over time but knowledge stays with you forever.

BMW: Simply describe Athina in 3 words...

Athina: Hmmmmmmmmm three words to describe me... "Blessed by God."