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Ask Karen Tep who she is and listen for her to say... " More Than Rice ". Called iKandy / Asian Barbie her story makes you think about what a new model goes through in the unforgiving industry of beauty. Staying true to her Cambodian descent, IKandy manages to stay sweet in a business that turns so many sour.
After hearing Karen's rant about more Asian women needed on film / print I was impressed. YES, we do share the same hometown of New Orleans but that's not why I took her side, I did because I feel her pain. No Im not Asian but Im Plus Size and dont see anyone that looks like me when I watch videos. I know what iKandy is going through.
Which is why I pulled her to the side to ask 10 questions. Her answers are worth the read. To say thanks for iKandy's time I'll send gifts from my art store, EnticingObjects.com -
1. Tell me how you got into modeling ?
I was in nursing school, and one of my fellow class mates was a former model and suggested that I get into it. I was interested but didn't decide to do it, until I kept getting comments about how I should model from strangers, plus nursing wasn't my dream, being a part of the entertainment industry is one of them.
2. You say Asian girls are never casted for principal roles in videos why do you think that is ?
I honestly think, it's because of the "image", how beautiful women should be portrayed, curvy would be one of the traits. Asian women, are usually not stereotyped as curvy, but hey, there are some of us out there that are! like me!
3. Who's next video do you want to be in and if YOU could write the treatment how would you star yourself ?
I was actually an extra in Ne-Yos Never Knew video - and yea, they cut me out. I wouldn't mind being in a fun type video, for example, Bed Rock by Lloyd etc, looked like they had a ton of fun! Believe it or not, I think I prefer being in videos with female musicians, like Beyonce or Katy Perry. But wouldn't mind working with Trey Songz or Jason Derulo.
4. Getting glammed up is the perk of your job, what make-up artist can you remember getting you all dolled up for a runway affair and what made him/her so friggin cool?
Brandy Gomez Duplessis has a wonderful and comforting personality. Easy to talk to. It was my first fashion show ever and it was for Austin Scarlett. So speaking to her and having her answer my questions was really comforting and calmed my nerves. Shes an amazing make up artist, and I am honored to have worked with her.
5. Do you feel foriegn models like Tila Tequila makes it easier or harder in the industry for you ?
Actually I feel that Tila has made some progress for other asian models, just the fact shes getting noticed, negatively but she accomplished what she wanted. More power to her. If there were 10 Tila Tequilas, then I would say maybe it would be harder because people already think Asians all look alike, now everyone is going to think we all act or talk alike too!
6. What's your favorite book and why ?
The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam. I love that book, because its an autobiography of a modern day heroine, who survived the Cambodian genocide, sex slavery and made the most out of life, by creating organizations to save children and women from this violent monstrosity committed by men in south east asia. She promotes awareness, and to me, thats a true leader.
7. How does your parents feel about you craving to be in music videos ?
My parents don't know! I have Asian parents, they would just die. I follow my own path. As much as I want to please them, I have to live my own life.
8. Seems like this really stresses you out, how do you relax ?
Nothing much stresses me out. I've been through a lot, and how I cope is through humor. I am a very goofy person to be around!
9. You've mentioned Black and Spanish girls always get casted but Plus Size and darker African American girls are normally left out as well. What do you say to them ?
That to be truly creative, you must break free from the box! And to my beautiful ladies that aren't casted, stay persistent to achieve your dream!
10. You can be scouted today and your life could change tomorrow what do you plan to achieve with your new found fame ?
My passion is to spread Cambodia Awareness- you can find me and my postings on my face book fan site. I post facts about poverty, sex slavery, human trafficking, history, the genocide, the architecture, the Temples, the dances,and the culture! I want to use my gift, not only for myself but to make the world as comfortable for others as it can be. Life is hard, why not share the wealth?
I'm sending you a gift from www.EnticingObjects.com what's your favorite color ?
Blue - Lately its been blue, it changes ever so often, but I also love Gold.
Courtesy of LipServiceInk - http://www.lipserviceink.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=287:enticing-objects-karen-tep&catid=45:monthly-ink
