“I was told that brands only booked black girls if they looked like they’d been ‘plucked from a remote village in Africa’ or like a ‘white model dipped in chocolate,'” Ebonee Davis wrote in an open letter in July. Risking her standing as one of the most promising up-and-coming models, Davis has been vocal in fighting against racism and prejudice in the fashion industry. While there’s still a long way to go, Davis is leaving her mark, appearing in Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue, on Victoria’s Secret’s website and in a Calvin Klein ad embracing her natural hair. We spoke with the American model and asked her our quickfire questions.
- My morning routine includes… meditating, gym and breakfast to start the day.
- My beauty essentials include… African black soap, shea butter, coconut oil and tea tree oil.
- I’m dying to splurge on… nothing at the moment.
- The person I’d love to work with is… Oprah.
- I knew I “made it” as a model when… I still don’t feel like I’ve “made it.” I’m enjoying my success, but I’m not comfortable enough to say I’ve made it.
- When it comes to my fitness routine… I don’t have one. I just do what I feel like my body needs at the time. I try to go to the gym as consistently as possible, though.
- When I can’t motivate myself to work out… I really treat my body like a temple. It’s my holy place and my vessel. That’s enough to motivate me.
- If you looked in my fridge you’d find… champagne.
- In speaking out about racism in the industry I found… happiness, I found purpose and I found strength.
- One thing people don’t know about modeling is… it’s a real business that requires a lot of skill and focus.
- My favorite beauty trick is… drink water!
- A tip for looking good in a picture is… smile!
- When it comes to dealing with my own insecurities… I look to God. I was created in this world to be exactly who I am and so was everyone else. Insecurity and self-doubt happen when we start comparing ourselves to others. It’s important to remember how great you are and how special and unique you are.
- If my days had one extra hour I’d… probably get an extra hour of sleep.
- The best place I’ve ever traveled is… India.
- In 20 years hopefully… I can look back at this time and smile.
- If you looked at my desktop you’d see… my writing.
- If I wasn’t modeling… I have no idea. Never had a plan B.
- The best piece of advice I ever got was… be yourself and know that you’re good enough the way you are.
- My biggest pet peeve is… when people chew their food hella loud.
- One thing I wish people knew about me is… I love people. I really love people.
