This month we are redefining sexy with a new ReachNYC staple. Lohi Ailoje, a local model who is anything but local, has the honor of being our very first Reach Girl, a monthly segment where we scour the city looking for dime pieces, inside and out, who are making it happen for themselves.

Tell us about you interesting history:

LA: Well, I was born in Moscow and lived there until I was three. After that my family returned to Nigeria. We traveled around Africa when I was a kid, and spent a few years in Angola. After that we were off to China. I finished high school in Beijing before I came to the US.

Moscow? Beijing? What’s that all about? Are you a secret agent or something?

LA: My parents were studying in Moscow when I was born. Afterward, my father went to work for the Foreign Ministry of Nigeria. He was assigned to our embassies in Angola and China so my family was able to go along for the ride. But coming to New York was my own move.

What were your initial thoughts when you arrived in NYC?

LA: I was really excited. It was a lot colder than Nigeria but I got used to it.

How did you get involved in modeling?

LA: A talent agent approached me on the street and gave me the whole pitch about how I should try modeling and that I was the right height. So I figured, what the heck, I don’t have anything to lose. So I tried it out. That was three years ago.

What types of modeling have you done?

LA: Print work, runway shows, product promotions, even a music video here and there. My last gig was Brooklyn Fashion Week.

That show is really coming up these last few years. Tell us your thoughts on Brooklyn’s biggest runway show.

LA: It was a really positive experience. The show was well organized, and really exhibited the diversity that Brooklyn is known for. I walked for student, local and international designers. The atmosphere was a lot of fun too.  Everyone was so much more down to Earth than in some of those Manhattan shows.

I heard you mention videos, anything recently?

LA: Mrs. International with Method Man and Redman.

What was that like?

LA: A lot of fun. Those guys are really down to earth. The shoot was hectic though.

What do you like best about modeling?

LA: It is a lot of fun.  I never allow myself to become stressed out from it.

What do you like least about modeling?

LA: When a designer or photographer discriminates against someone based on their looks before that person even has a chance to show what they can do.  This industry is superficial by its very nature, but some people take it a little too far.

You’ve brought up an interesting point,  how do you feel about the movement to include models with unconventional looks in runway shows?

LA: I think everybody should be given a chance in life to do what makes them happy without their shape or sizes getting in the way.  You don’t have to be 5′9″ and 105 pounds to be a good model.  You should have seen the big and beautiful line that one designer showed at Brooklyn Fashion Week.  Those girls did their thing and the crowd really loved it.  With such a wide variety of styles, why should the models always look the same?

That brings up another issue; there has been a lot of talk lately about an epidemic of models with eating disorders, care to sound off?

LA: I disagree greatly with the whole idea of eating disorders.  I hope people can love themselves for who they are.  At the same time I am not trying to criticize anyone who does it because a lot of people are influenced by society, entertainment, friends and family on what seems to be an ideal body shape or size. I just hope that those who are suffering with eating problems right now realize that there are natural and safe ways to stay in shape before they cause real damage to their bodies.

How do you keep in such wonderful shape?

LA: I really enjoy yoga. I try to do a little each day. I try to eat reasonably healthy too, but I don’t get too obsessive with it. The most important thing is maintaining a low stress level. I try to be happy all the time, when you feel better emotionally your body will follow suite.

So you don’t really have a particular diet?

LA: Are you kidding me? I love food! I’m from Africa, it will be a shame to see food and not eat it, food is the source of life didn’t anyone tell you that?

So do you mind if we get a little personal for a minute?

LA: Go right ahead.

Okay, what kind of guy are you attracted to?

LA: I want someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I have found that a lot of guys in the US, and especially in New York think they are God’s gift to women. If you feel that way than you certainly aren’t. If you are too worried about maintaining your image or emotional facade than you won’t have anytime to have fun with me.

What is the craziest date you have ever been on?

LA: I plead the 5th amendment!

You are only allowed to do that once an interview, are you sure you want to use it now?

LA: I am sure!

Okay, Have you ever experienced any designer or photographer trying to hit on you, or acting unprofessionally?

LA: Damnit! I knew I should have saved my lifeline! Just kidding, but seriously no I haven’t. It does happen, but you have to carry yourself with confidence. These guys come into contact with a lot of women and they can sense who is vulnerable. But in reality most men I have come into contact with have acted very professionally. I don’t think it is as bad out there as everyone thinks.

What kind of projects do you have coming up?

LA: I have a photoshoot coming up in a few weeks. I have also been in contact with a lot of designers from BK Fashion Week, nothing firm yet though.

What would be your dream modeling job?

LA: I don’t know if i have a dream modeling job because as I said I am not obsessed with it, I do it and I enjoy every bit of it. Okay, maybe Victoria’s Secret.

What other interests do you have?

LA: Oh my god I love anything that has to do with health, medicine, and science. I went to school for phlebotomy. I love poking people with needles almost as much as I like eating a juicy burger.

Okay, the interview is over, I gotta go. Nah just kidding, you scared me a little though.

LA: Don’t worry…

Just one last question, what advice do you have for young girls just starting out in the modeling industry?

LA: My advice to them would be never sell out your values no matter what and let good people influence you only.

If you are interested in working with Ms. Ailoje, you can find her on Model Mayhem, just search for Lohi.

Hey ladies, think you have what it takes to be the next Reach Girl? If so then email us at contact@reachnyc.com. Send us a few pics and tell us why we should choose you! Or hit us up on Twitter @ReachNYC

This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 3:16 am and is filed under Fashion, Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.