an elegant grace that is almost ethereal. Her combination of
ethnicities and high cheekbones makes Shanelle Howard stand
make-up to her advantage with a rising modeling career. Howard has
been modeling since she was thirteen but now seems to be her time.
"The art of modeling is what inspires me," she confesses. "Photography,
lights and fashion are all things that I enjoy." She is already hours into
her photo shoot and her day has been consumed with previous hours in
hair and make-up but Howard seems to love every minute of it with no
complaints and a smile. "I think that my best quality is my personality.
You can be a beautiful girl but if you're stuck-up and have an attitude it will
make you ugly no matter what." We're on the eighth floor of an incredibly
immaculate loft that redefines the word spacious. The loft is reported
to have a $10,000 a month demand in rent (something that is almost
foreign and astronomical for Downtown St. Louis living). The setting of
immense opulence adds to the dynamic shoot being captured through
the lens of spectacular photographer Brian Cummings. "This is why
I work hard," says Howard. "I wouldn't mind living like this." Howard's
work ethics are strongly paying off as she is gaining more exposure with
the support of a new agency contract. She recently was selected as the
St. Louis winner of Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model and flew to
the semi-final auditions where she came close to being in the top 38. For
the first time, the reality show and competition was open to women who
were shorter than the average model. The 5'7 and under requirement gave
Howard an opportunity she wouldn't have ordinarily had in the modeling
world. "As a 5'7 model my height is definitely a challenge. I know what
my limitations are. I know I can't do high fashion and certain things
but I believe in myself and I know I can be successful in other areas.
I plan to keep pursuing my dreams. I believe confidence is everything
no matter what you do in life." Howard says she would one day like to
become a household name and plans to keep pushing hard until she
reaches her goals. Outside of long hours being photographed, Howard
attends college and says that her perfect day is: "A day at home with my
boyfriend watching the Twilight Zone and eating takeout pasta from The
Cheesecake Factory." She also reveals that if she had to be an advocate,
she would be a fighter for animal rights. "I love animals and my favorites
are cats. They are cuddly, loving, and mysterious." Howard also shared
that the key to not giving up on hopes and dreams is confidence and
belief. "If you don't believe in yourself it will be hard convincing anyone
to believe in you."
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