Toni Adenlé

BMW: Young as you are, has your family accepted your wishes to pursue modelling?
Toni: My family are very supportive with anything I wish to do, but they do have their ground rules about studying hard and not having too much 'booty' on show. Otherwise, they are incredibly fine with me modelling. They are also very fascinated by it all! My father will drive me up and down when necessary (Daddy's girl I know) and my mother and sister always love to know what's going on. At 13, and 5ft 10 I think it may not be long before my sister takes over with the modelling in the house though!

BMW: You model for Mahogany... your agency. Let us know how they discovered you.
Toni: I had read and heard a lot about Mahogany regarding their Black but Invisible campaign and a friend of mine told me they hold regular castings so I thought I'd apply to the agency and luckily I got in! The experience was a little nerve racking at first, especially with me being only 5ft 7" in a room full of long legged beauties but once I had cooled down, it all went great and I made some very lovely friends!

BMW: Nice... Now that you are in I'm sure you watch what you eat to maintain your looks. How important is your diet to your modelling? What does your diet consist of?
Toni: I’d be lying if I said my diet was great... I love baked goods too much! Haha...

One good thing I do is stay away from carbohydrates after 5pm. I was on the Atkins not too long ago but stopped as I go to the gymn 4 days a week and need as much energy as I can get! Otherwise, I eat a lot of chicken breast and salad. I also take daily multivitamins to be sure I get everything my body needs. When I'm feeling peckish though, I pick up a bag of Maltesers - at only 190 calories a bag they're great for not wanting to feel to guilty!

BMW: And does your being at University right now in the UK have an effect to your modelling?
Toni: Right now being in University isn't really impacting my modelling or vice versa. The only problems I tend to have are schedule clashes. For example, getting a casting call when I have a lecture! Sometimes, I have to multitask and manage my time carefully. Otherwise, everything seems to be going okay. I think what helps is the fact that modelling for me, is a part time venture. My education is the most important affair right now and will be for a long time. (I hope my Mum reads this!)

BMW: (laughs) Well with your part-time modeling, is there any particular international model that you are basing your career on?
Toni: My career right now isn't 'based' on any model; solely down to me struggling to find a category where I feel I really belong. I've been told by industry insiders that I have got a body for glamour but that's not what I really want to get into, so it is a bit difficult... I do however, 'admire' particular models. I think Chanel Iman is gorgeous and I absolutely love Liya Kebede! Heidi Klum is also a favourite of mine; she's a stunning woman but always comes across as very sweet, humble and family orientated... which is why I just love her!

BMW: What has been your greatest asset in modelling?
Toni: I think my greatest asset in modelling has to be my presence and my friendly but professional attitude with clients. I think half of being a model is your personality and not just your looks. In the industry you meet a lot of different people, which means its vital to have the ability to interact and communicate well.