24: Introduce yourself to the readers and let them know where your from?

Shannon:  Hello readers! I’m Shannon Janai and I’m from Connecticut.

24: What lead you to start modeling?

Shannon: I was actually in transition and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to further my studies in fine art and have that as my career or pursue something else.  Then one day I was on my way to a party in Manhattan and got lost, so I stopped the first person I saw and asked for directions. She just happened to be putting together a calendar and  thought I’d be great as one of the models. I’ve been in the industry ever since and I now use my gift of art for my modeling and incorporate that in my shoots.

24: How long have you been modeling for and what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Shannon: I’ve been modeling for a little over a year and the biggest thing I’ve done to date was the Day 26 video for their next single “Stadium Music“. It was my first big video and I was cast as one of the lead girls, so I’m extremely excited about it.

24: With so many beautiful models in the industry what would you say you bring to the table that separates you from everyone else?

Shannon: My artistic abilities separate me from the other models. I use modeling as another medium to express myself artistically. A lot of people don’t know this, but I sketch out a design before almost all of my shoots. Everything from how I want to be lit,  to how I’d like my makeup, set design and background, wardrobe ideas, poses, everything. A lot of the concepts from these shoots, I’ve come up with, myself. I don’t just go to a shoot and do cute poses and typical back shots like everyone else. I shoot to kill! I aim to inspire and use my artistic inclination and creativity to make art. I don’t know any other model who does that. I also feel that I have a lot more passion for what I do than other models.

24: What are your measurements and what part of you would you say is the sexiest?

Shannon: They are 36D-24-36. I think the shape of  my eyes are sexy.  As well as my ambition! I think a lot of men would agree that an “Ambitious” woman is sexy.

24: What Photo Shoot you did so far would you say was the most memorable?

Shannon: My two most recent shoots were my most memorable. I did this one shoot in Phoenix,Arizona in an abandoned goldmine and we also did a shot where the photographer and I both agreed we should do a photo that was true to my ethnicity. So I thought it would be cool to be a modern-day Sphinx/Nefertiti.  That was also my first time flying on  a plane! I also did a shoot in Brooklyn a few weeks ago dressed as a boy. I really wanted to take a photo that embodied Brooklyn and  captures that whole “I don’t care” rawness and realness that Brooklyn has. I want you to look at it and know exactly where I shot it.  So I decided to have my jeans sagging below my knees with a gold, rope chain, high-top sneakers and grab my crotch, like boys do(lol).  I wanted to kind of imitate some of the boys I saw there, but just be an exaggerated version of that. This is one of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken. My mom hates it though(smiling).

24: What would you say is an automatic “Turn On” for you about a guy?

Shannon: I love men who are driven. Drive is so attractive to me. And passion. Someone who has a dream and that dream pushes them to wake up everyday and go get it. Respect is always a “Turn-On“.

24: What’s an automatic “Turn Off” for you about a guy?

Shannon: If you’re rude and disrespectful you “Will be ignored” and possibly slapped in the face!

24: What would you say is the biggest misconception people have about you?

Shannon: I think the misconception most people have about models in general is that we’re all airheads. NOT TRUE!  Well, not in this case(lol). Another misconception people have of me, personally is that I’m conceited. Because I’m a model, I’m supposed to be really in to myself and think  I’m the most beautiful person in the world that’s also not true.

24: What  flavor Ice Cream would you say best describes you?

Shannon: Chocolate, because I’m a chocolate girl(smiling)! There’s nothing more beautiful on earth than a black woman. For some reason, people in this industry are afraid to put chocolate girls in their videos, because they think we’re ugly or not as beautiful as a lighter skinned girls. I’m here to change that. Get ready people, chocolate girls are coming back and we’re not going anywhere!

24: What’s the sexiest outfit you have in your closet?

Shannon: I have some of the sexiest shoes! The higher, the better. I just bought these hot 5 inch heels the other day, they’re so sick and sexy.

24: Are you currently single? 

Shannon: Yes, I’m Single.

24: Okay, your off the hot seat for now tell everyone what’s next for you?

Shannon: What’s next for me? Wow that’s a broad question. There are so many things on the horizon for Shannon Janai. I’ve hooked up with a great manager and besides modeling I’ll be venturing out into TV and film so sky’s the limit!

24: Tell the readers the best way to find out more about you and check out more photos, etc?

Shannon: You can always find out the latest about me on my twitter. It’s www.twitter.com/shannonjanai, or my Myspace,which is always updated. www.myspace.com/shannijay724 or here on 24HourHipHop.com. Also for booking contact me at  bookshannon@starstruckmgmt.com.

24: Any final words for the readers?

Shannon: Thank you so much for checking me out and stay tuned because there’s more to come.

Photos by: Ryan O. Nash