By Lady Killa
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Get used to this pretty face, because it is not going anywhere anytime soon. This face being discussed belongs to Katrina Howell, who is making herself known as a rising actress and model. Sensing an opportunity for herself, Katrina made the bold decision to take it and she is currently in the midst of a journey.
Four years ago, Katrina Howell made a cameo in a music video from an independent rapper that sparked her interest. Since then, Katrina Howell has been starring in independent films and also doing modeling. With both industries being closely related, Katrina decided to try her hand in both.
Katrina Howell is currently starring in the popular web series, “Broken.” As fortune would have it, Hip Hop Vibe had the opportunity to talk to her. During Katrina’s feature in Hottie of the Week, she talked about her acting and modeling career, and her business ventures and ambitions.
Read the entire interview below:
When did you start working in entertainment? In a music video called “Monumental” by Greensboro, NC artist Evin Gibson in March 2009.
Which came first, the modeling or the acting? Acting came first, then about a year later I decided to give modeling a second try.
How do you feel one compliments the other? Modeling and acting go hand in hand. First of all, I’m a true blue Gemini (laughs) and I love to act out my different personalities. I get to do that with both modeling and acting, because they give me a chance to portray different people. I get to exercise my acting skills without even speaking when I model and that skill is very useful when I have to silently perform a scene or film where i have to rely on demeanor, facial expression and actions alone. So yes, I feel that acting and modeling very conveniently complement each other.
What led you to work more on the business end of things? Essentially, I am an entrepreneur, a business women. As far as modeling goes, I’ll be 30 this month and I can’t model forever, looks fade, but knowing the business side of it is important. In order to succeed, you must know the business side to achieve success, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! As for the business side of acting, it’s even more important. For me, I want to produce in the future, so when I’m filming I ask a lot of questions and pay attention. I watch their mistakes, so that I know what NOT to do and use what I’ve learned towards a future in production in film and television. Again, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, plus who better to do these things than someone who has also been in front of the camera!
Originally from California, what led you to North Carolina? That’s easy (laughs). AFFORDABLE LIVING! I love my state of California, but Cali is expensive!!! I don’t have it like that!… yet.
How important do you feel it is for people to be involved on the business end of their projects? I have always felt like it is important to take a hands-on approach to the business side of my acting and modeling career. I like to know how things are being done, that way it’s much harder for people to stir you wrong maliciously. You can never trust anyone more than you can trust yourself.
When you are not working, what are you doing? When I’m not working, I’m home with my kids. I have two daughters, right now they are ages ten and six. Besides that, I’m usually watching TV talking to my best friend or my mother, eating or exercising away what I just ate (laughs) because I can put away some food. What can I say? I love to eat!
How do you feel about the current state of urban entertainment? Well, now that’s a good question that I may not answer politically correct, but hey I’m pretty vocal and passionate about this topic. The state of urban modeling, unfortunately, is and has always been an ultimate downfall for our black women. From half naked exploited photo shoots to the dancing that we do in music videos that have nothing to do with the lyrics. Women allow society to label us and women make it possible for us to be visually degraded by exposing our bare bodies and calling it sexy! No it is not sexy to been over for that camera, no it is not sexy to squeeze your breast up and out for this video or photographer just because they want you to. The entertainment industry is like a child, it’s only going to do what you allow it to do. Urban modeling is growing more and more explicit, but at the expense of women. But I can’t really feel sorry for them because at the end of the day it’s at our own hand. Ladies, please know your worth and stop allowing this industry to downgrade your beauty to a pair of boy shorts and a cut off shirt. Your every existence in a music video does not have to feature how hard you can’t twerk, or the size of your butt, and how low you can squat and bend over. Its as simple as an easy “no”. Show some self respect. That’s how I feel about the state of urban modeling. As far as the current rap and hip hop artist, most of the lyrics are garbage. Today’s rap and hip hop artists have no depth, no truth, no meaning or realness to the lyrics. Sad but true.
Do you have anything coming up that fans should be on the lookout for? Yes I have three films, one called Behind Close Doors, another called Dead Don’t Die, and the other named Rootz, which is based on the effects of the Willie Lynch Syndrome releasing on DVD. I am also starring in a current series called “Broken” the web series (on YouTube) that’s new and doing well. I have a couple of more projects releasing, but I’m not in the position to speak on them right now so just stay tuned and stay updated through my social networks. I’m starring in two short films that will be entered into the film festivals, one named Let Go you can check that out onwww.440films.com just click the 440TV tab and select short films and you’re good to go. The other short film is called I Willow, not to mention my company’s The Candy Shop (erotic candy) and The Candy Shop (sweet tooth) which is kid friendly. Both companies use only organic chocolate, so be on the lookout for those, both coming soon!
How can followers connect with you online and where? To connect with me and keep up with future projects add me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, and Instagram. I always make time for anyone supporting me, so please don’t hesitate to inbox follow or comment.
See additional photos of Katrina Howell below:
