interview

Name:
Imena de Barros

Agency:
Q Model Management NY (New York)

Also with: Next Miami (Miami Beach)

Age:
23

Height:
5’10”

Place of Origin:
Born and raised in Hyattsville, Maryland

Ethnic Origin:
Cabo Verdiana (Cape Verdean)

Birthsign:
Leo

How discovered:
It’s always been a dream to model so my last year of college I took a road trip to Miami and walked into every agency I could think of!

Favorite things:
I was a HUGE beach bum when I lived in Miami so I’m always first in line for a beach trip. I love to travel as much as possible, play video games on my days off and spend time with my dog.

Favorite music, band:
I love a lot of different genres of music so this is always so hard to answer; I will listen to anything from trap music to neo soul. Lately, I’ve been listening to PartyNextDoor, Michael Jackson, Sade, Drake, Erykah Badu and Incubus.

Favorite movie, tv show:
Game of Thrones is my ultimate life addiction as far as TV series but I can watch Transformers, Finding Nemo or Harry Potter any time and be completely happy.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
I am a little all over the place as far as which designers I’m obsessed with but my fragrance will always be Flower by Kenzo. I’ve worn that since I was in middle school and it doesn’t get old.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
Before I became a model I worked for the Navy and was offered my position after college, which I would have loved to accept but modeling was calling my name. I have so many things I want to do during my modeling career and after I can’t keep up. All I know is that I want to give back to the world in anyway whether it be working with our youth, helping animals or just trying to persevere nature.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
I am a huge World of Warcraft and Diablo fan which is where the WoW comes from in my IG name =)

Favorite modeling experience so far?
I got an amazing opportunity to shoot in the Maldives for Otto riding a horse through the beautiful Indian Ocean. It was epic. I think the most publicity I’ve gotten was walking for Project Runways season finale during fashion week last summer where I met Zac Posen, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. And of course, my casting call for Sports Illustrated!

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
The best thing about my hometown are the crabs!!! I would die for a crab cake or blue crabs with ole bay and a ice cold beer… Delicious!

Which brand would you really love to model for?
I would love love love to work with Sports Illustrated

Place you would love to visit:
I would love to visit Egypt, I’ve always been infatuated with their culture, art and architecture.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
I just made a huge move from Miami to New York so honestly I’ve been focusing on getting my apartment situated. Shopping for furniture and decorating is super exciting and I can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like once I’ve put everything in its place. Some days I’m completely over it but for the most part it’s been fun.