Erica Mena: Music Videos To Reality TV By: N. Newallo Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Outside it's raining as I sit on the phone with Model/Actress Erica Mena. She had just come in with her two year old son King from the park.  We share a few laughs about the antics of children before getting down to the nitty gritty.  Her smooth voice is full of life as she tells me about where she is now and where she's taking her career in the near future.  The focus and drive that embody this woman is a testament to a path she started on at the age of 14 and has since followed diligently.  Sometimes life throws you that unexpected curve ball, but Ms. Mena is not deterred and remains zeroed in on her goals.

SH: Tell us how you got started?

Erica:  I started modeling at 14, but things really kicked off for me when I was 16.  There was an MTV contest to be in a J-lo video, I entered and everything pretty much spiraled from there.

SH:  I'm sure we've seen you in at least one video, but why don't you give us an idea of who you've worked with?

Erica:  Well to name a few, Chris Brown, Bobby Valentino, David Banner, and Twista.  After taking a bit of a break I was most recently in So Paid by Akon, Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, as a personal favor to Gil Green who directed the video.  I'm personally very choosy about the videos I feature in because I'm trying to take my career to new heights and focus more on the acting side of things.

SH:  I understand that you like to change it up work wise; give us an idea of what projects you have on the go right now?

Erica:  I'm working on a women's T-shirt line, taking on more acting jobs, I'm working on the pilot for a reality show.  MTV has shown interest in it so right now I've got camera's following me everywhere.

SH:  I know you said that you are moving your career forward, I was wondering if you plan on doing anymore videos in the future?

Erica:  I won't actively be looking for music video spots, but you can look out to see me doing more acting.  I'm really picky about the projects I work on, I'm more focused now and that will show through in the work I take on.  I've found that over the years the image of a video girl has changed, and it seems that some people in the industry are hooked on T&A, than the actual quality of work that a model will bring to the table. So in that light sometimes being known for doing music videos can hurt more than help your career.

SH:  Your mother raised you and your sisters single handedly.  What affect did that have on your career?

Erica:  Being the baby of the family I got to watch my sister's make mistakes and learn from them.  So when I first came on the scene I came with a wealth of knowledge that some girls may not have had.  I had their (mom and sister's) support, and through the years they have been there whenever I needed them.

SH:  The roster of artists that you've worked with is pretty impressive, but who is the one artist you'd work with in a heart beat?

Erica:  I love Hip Hop, but I would do a Britney Spears video in a heart beat!

SH:  In your opinion, who's the hottest name in Hip Hop right now?

Erica:  Man, how you gonna do me like that?  I can't pick, there are too many to pin point just one.

SH:  What does Erica bump in her I-pod?

Erica:  A lot of different stuff actually,  Britney Spears' Circus, Drake, Day 26, Raul Tiaz show on Mix 96, and the Dream, and that's just to name a few.

SH:  You're a strong woman that has no fear when it comes to taking what you want.  I read that you see nothing wrong with approaching a man if he catches your eye.  What makes you take that step?

Erica:  When a man exudes confidence, and has a firm understanding of himself.  When a man can look at you and talk to you and give you that tingle down your spine, that let's you know you've met your match; that's the man for you.  And when that happens, I don't wait for him to make the first move.

SH:  On a more personal note, what is your idea of the perfect date?

Erica:  It wouldn't be any particular place or thing really.  I would have to say anything that was spontaneous, out of the ordinary, it has to be exciting and super sexy.  Surprise me, I'm really big on that.  It’s more the connection than what we did or where we went, that to me would make it perfect.

http://twitter.com/only1ericamena

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ThoughtProcess 2009-05-05 11:46am	I was wondering what ever happened to her. Shes HOT
Complex 2009-05-07 11:07am	Didnt even realize it was her in that Akon video. Shes cute as hell
sharlabing 2009-05-07 11:13am	beautiful woman, hope to see more of her in the near future
IamConcept 2009-05-10 04:38am	Dope write up. Seems like she's keeping grounded, plus been in the game since 14, Yikes. Goodlooking out Soundhustle.
MONEYLOVER 2009-05-12 04:41am	Its models like this that still keep me open and excited about the game. She is right the over rated ugly no talent females killed the whole thing. We even got these low class females on tv trashing it even more on the candy girls show ! So much respect to you Erica Mena. Cant wait to see more of you and your work.
DOODSTAXX 2010-01-19 01:03pm	shes dope.. hope to see more of her soon

 

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