By Stranga The Great
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
The urban gentleman’s magazines have become an outlet for many beautiful women to become known. Ladies have gone from doing these magazines, to music videos, and then television. Among the most notable women to do this include Tahiry Jose and Erica Mena.
MiNova, or Model MiNova aka Mitzi Whittaker, is another lady who rose doing these magazines. Branching out, MiNova ended up being cast in an episode of BET’s “The Game.” Obviously, this was a big move for MiNova, but it’s only the beginning.
This week, Hip Hop Vibe talked to MiNova for our Hottie of the Week segment. MiNova broke down just how she got in the game and all that she’s gone through in order to be a part of this tough industry. She went on to talk about her experience on “The Game,” which was indeed a notable moment for her.
Read the entire interview below:
How long have you been in the modeling industry? I have been in the modeling industry for four years.
Can you tell me exactly how you came up with the name “MiNova?” I wanted to have a unique name so I used the first part of my real name “Mi” and in Latin the word “Nova” means “new,” which I was new to the industry. I put them together and got “MiNova”
Being born in Chicago, how did you manage to grow up in the West Coast in California? I was very young when I left Chicago, my mother wanted to get as far away from there as possible, so she went west way west to California and we stayed there until I was a preteen.
When you initially started modeling what were your expectations and did you see yourself being as known as you are? Honestly, when I first started, I had no clue as to what I was getting myself into but all I know is that I wanted to model cause I loved taking pictures and I wanted to be in magazines. I started doing my research and dove right in. It never crossed my mind that I would get known the way I did because I was so focused on trying to brand myself, get my face out there and constantly pushing my name, so It goes to show that hard work pays off.
I have interviewed a couple girls who were on BET’s “The Game,” can you tell me about your experience on that show and how it felt? I had the most awesome experience being on set and seeing how the stars were so down to earth and being able to speak with directly. Filming was very time consuming, I was there for thirteen hours but I enjoyed every minute of it and I realized that was my passion, it felt GREAT!
I read on your Instagram that you were retired. Do you care to explain the hiatus and do you plan on going full steam ever again? I chose to retire, because for one my main goal was to be published in magazines, which I felt I over exceeded, secondly the industry has changed so much, you have a lot of young ladies out here going over and beyond in the industry which makes it hard getting paid gigs. I haven’t completely retired from modeling, I’m just retiring the thongs, I still plan on doing fashion shoots, but my main focus now is to go hard on my acting.
With a face and body that has graced so many websites and men’s publications, how much of a challenge has it been dealing with the opposite sex? It was very challenging and I have had my share of bad experiences, lost time, lost money, photos held hostage, men trying to take advantage of me, and dreams being sold. I have missed out on so many opportunities because I wasn’t down for the cause. Dealing with all that was mentally stressful in itself and it’s hard because this is a male driven industry. So, if you want to succeed, you have to roll with the punches and keep it moving cause there’s always another door waiting to be opened.
What do you think men find the sexiest about MiNova? Well, outside of my backside I would have to say my eyes. My eyes will tell you if I want you, if I’m happy and overall how I feel. People always tell me I have “Bedroom Eyes.”
If I were to take you out on a date, what would be the best way to create a beautiful evening with you? Exploring new tastes together would be fun, it’s not only delicious, but it can also be very sensual. So, attending a wine, cheese or even chocolate tasting would be nice. We could share with each other what we are tasting and give opinions about each bite.
Can you tell us how to find you on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook? Website, www.modelminova.com; Twitter, @modelminova; Facebook, Model MiNova; Instagram, @mitzi_whittaker; YouTube, Mitzi Whittaker.
See additional photos of MiNova below:
Follow Stranga The Great on Twitter @StrangaTheGreat.
