Reader Tats
Melinda Vasquez - Kentuckys Ink Kandy
Even though she's a newbie to the urban modeling game, Melinda Vasquez - dubbed Kentucky Kandy - has been getting major attention during her rookie year. So far, she's been featured in numerous magazines, films, and on runways. Admittedly, modeling is not a full-time gig for Melinda, but her love for the arts, photography, and seeing her beautiful body art in magazine spreads keeps her motivated. Also, her modeling helps her spread awareness for the many charitable functions she takes part in.
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URBAN INK: How did you get into modeling?
Melinda Vasquez: I am new to the modeling scene - just started this year. My friend, Larr Bino - a local rap artist who grew up in my neighborhood, Shelby Park, Kentucky - introduced me to modeling. My first experience with modeling was with Nine Livez clothing line and Orange Mode Magazine. Owner Tarry Bailey contacted me and the entire experience was great. I honestly did not expect the huge response that the feature was given and the drive it instilled in me to want more.
Aside from Larr Bino and Tarry Bailey, who else has had a part in building up your career?
This year I have had a lot of fun working with my photographer, Babacar Sambe. He has truly made my modeling experience enjoyable - as it should be.
What are some of your accomplishments so far in the modeling game?
Many other opportunities have been presented to me. I have enjoyed doing print, digital, film, as well as my first runway show. I am also being featured in a local movie, Kleptomaniacs, which is written and directed by Mario "Rio" Murdock and Leonard "Dirty" Carleone. My recent features include Orange Mode Magazine, Get Fused Magazine, STRAPP Magazine, Mr. Dreamz Magazine, RebelInkMag.com, Street Khemistry, LATIN INK Magazine, Naked Hustle Magazine, Stunnaz, INKED Magazine, The WAVE Ent Magazine, and now Urban Ink!
Talk to us about your ink.
My ink has played a huge role in my modeling and it allows me to take off the business suit and really express who I am in front of the camera. I love my ink and have added several new pieces recently. I am working on finishing both of my sleeves. My largest piece covers most of my right side and is a large dragon surrounded by orchids.
Who's your artist?
Kevin "Cabbie" DeVore, owner of Art & Soul Tattoo Parlor, located in Louisville, KY, has done most of my ink.
If you had to choose, which one of your tats is your favorite?
My favorite is my back piece, which reads, "Only God Shall Judge Me." This holds so true to my beliefs and I stand by it. No one should be judged by anyone.
Were you inspired by someone around you to get tattooed?
Not really, but my father-in-law just recently got a huge tribal back piece which wraps around his shoulders. He is 56-years-old now and many criticized him for doing so at his age. Dad truly loves his tattoos and was recently worried about them being messed up because he had to have a port implanted into his chest, directly over his tattoo. Dad is dying from lung cancer; yet he was more concerned about his ink. We all smiled and laughed at his humor. This moment I will never forget. Needless to say, his port did not alter his tattoo in any way.
By the looks at your photos, I'm sure the fellas are wondering if youre single?
I am happily married and a mother of three children (Danny, Makhola, JahDesa) and two stepchildren (Will and Tanganyika--who also has two children now, Lariyah and Tazion). I also have two fur babies - my rescue pitbull, Blue and my English bulldog, Peaches.
Aside from modeling, what are some other projects you are involved with?
I have enjoyed volunteering my time over the years as a coach for YMCA flag football, soccer, and baseball teams. I truly love football and enjoy playing as well. I truly enjoy giving back to my community and do find time to do so. I am a Lions Club member and have served as President for over two years. We are currently working on Christmas baskets and gifts for families in need. I am also currently working with the TAPP (Teenage Parenting Program) School as a mentor and public speaker. I was also a teen mom and enjoy sharing my life experiences with the young moms going through many of the struggles I once endured.
Is modeling a full-time thing for you?
I have no desire to make modeling my career, but I do love modeling and the art of photography. Therefore, as long as the opportunities present themselves, I'm game! However, I did obtain my business degree and real estate degree while being a single parent and working full time. I currently work as an accountant for Radiant Networks Services and I am planning to work more in project management in the near future.
www.KentuckyKandy.com
www.Twitter.com/VasquezMelinda
www.facebook.com/KentuckyKandy
www.modelmayhem.com/KentuckyKandy
Photography by Babacar Sambe
Article by Mannie Pendexter
Melinda Vasquez: I am new to the modeling scene - just started this year. My friend, Larr Bino - a local rap artist who grew up in my neighborhood, Shelby Park, Kentucky - introduced me to modeling. My first experience with modeling was with Nine Livez clothing line and Orange Mode Magazine. Owner Tarry Bailey contacted me and the entire experience was great. I honestly did not expect the huge response that the feature was given and the drive it instilled in me to want more.
Aside from Larr Bino and Tarry Bailey, who else has had a part in building up your career?
This year I have had a lot of fun working with my photographer, Babacar Sambe. He has truly made my modeling experience enjoyable - as it should be.
What are some of your accomplishments so far in the modeling game?
Many other opportunities have been presented to me. I have enjoyed doing print, digital, film, as well as my first runway show. I am also being featured in a local movie, Kleptomaniacs, which is written and directed by Mario "Rio" Murdock and Leonard "Dirty" Carleone. My recent features include Orange Mode Magazine, Get Fused Magazine, STRAPP Magazine, Mr. Dreamz Magazine, RebelInkMag.com, Street Khemistry, LATIN INK Magazine, Naked Hustle Magazine, Stunnaz, INKED Magazine, The WAVE Ent Magazine, and now Urban Ink!
Talk to us about your ink.
My ink has played a huge role in my modeling and it allows me to take off the business suit and really express who I am in front of the camera. I love my ink and have added several new pieces recently. I am working on finishing both of my sleeves. My largest piece covers most of my right side and is a large dragon surrounded by orchids.
Who's your artist?
Kevin "Cabbie" DeVore, owner of Art & Soul Tattoo Parlor, located in Louisville, KY, has done most of my ink.
If you had to choose, which one of your tats is your favorite?
My favorite is my back piece, which reads, "Only God Shall Judge Me." This holds so true to my beliefs and I stand by it. No one should be judged by anyone.
Were you inspired by someone around you to get tattooed?
Not really, but my father-in-law just recently got a huge tribal back piece which wraps around his shoulders. He is 56-years-old now and many criticized him for doing so at his age. Dad truly loves his tattoos and was recently worried about them being messed up because he had to have a port implanted into his chest, directly over his tattoo. Dad is dying from lung cancer; yet he was more concerned about his ink. We all smiled and laughed at his humor. This moment I will never forget. Needless to say, his port did not alter his tattoo in any way.
By the looks at your photos, I'm sure the fellas are wondering if youre single?
I am happily married and a mother of three children (Danny, Makhola, JahDesa) and two stepchildren (Will and Tanganyika--who also has two children now, Lariyah and Tazion). I also have two fur babies - my rescue pitbull, Blue and my English bulldog, Peaches.
Aside from modeling, what are some other projects you are involved with?
I have enjoyed volunteering my time over the years as a coach for YMCA flag football, soccer, and baseball teams. I truly love football and enjoy playing as well. I truly enjoy giving back to my community and do find time to do so. I am a Lions Club member and have served as President for over two years. We are currently working on Christmas baskets and gifts for families in need. I am also currently working with the TAPP (Teenage Parenting Program) School as a mentor and public speaker. I was also a teen mom and enjoy sharing my life experiences with the young moms going through many of the struggles I once endured.
Is modeling a full-time thing for you?
I have no desire to make modeling my career, but I do love modeling and the art of photography. Therefore, as long as the opportunities present themselves, I'm game! However, I did obtain my business degree and real estate degree while being a single parent and working full time. I currently work as an accountant for Radiant Networks Services and I am planning to work more in project management in the near future.
www.KentuckyKandy.com
www.Twitter.com/VasquezMelinda
www.facebook.com/KentuckyKandy
www.modelmayhem.com/KentuckyKandy
Photography by Babacar Sambe
Article by Mannie Pendexter
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