"I’m Not High-Fashion and That’s What They Wanted"– An Interview With America's Next Top Model 11's Sheena

If I were to hear the word “hooch” one more time this season in regards to Sheena, I would have thrown up. I really do think Sheena should have lasted longer, if not made the final three, since she was one of the prettiest girls this cycle. I had a chance to chat with Sheena about her time on the show, and as expected, she was delightful to talk to. In this interview, Sheena touches on if she saw her elimination coming, why she think she was sent home, Marjorie and Elina’s bogus claims, and so much more,

RealityNewsOnline: Hey, Sheena, thanks for taking time to talk with me today. Had you watched previous seasons of the show, and what factored into your decision to apply?

Sheena: I watched the show several times, but really liked Cycle 4. I was actually scouted to apply for the show, though. Someone had come across my website, where I have photos posted, and I was contacted to go and try out at an open casting call.

RNO: Did you have any previous modeling experience prior to being on the show? If so, did it help, and if not, do you think it would have helped at all?

Sheena: Yeah, but mostly as a child. I did some runway shows in high school as well, but it was nothing that was professional. I wouldn’t say it really helped me, but I knew going in that I’m not high-fashion and that’s what they wanted. I’m suited more for glamour modeling.

RNO: Your relationship with Elina was a pretty big focus for the past two weeks. Why do you think it was that the two of you just didn’t get along?

Sheena: See, now, it wasn’t shown, but in the beginning, Elina and I were very close – she had a crush on me, too! Elina and I were fine as long as we weren’t talking about our opinions on different things. Whenever we started to voice our opinions is when things would get heated, but in general, we got along great.

RNO: You made your opinion quite clear on Marjorie and Elina falling back too much on being raised in Europe as an excuse. Did anyone mention to them that they did poorly in Europe, too?

Sheena: Isn’t that funny? I really think Elina and Marjorie need to figure out who they are. It’s not about where you are from, it’s about who you are as a person. You need to accept that you are here, and you are accepted… You were picked to be on the show, so you weren’t discriminated against there. You’re in the competition, so no complaints there. It’s just taking the time to adapt.

RNO: Going into the final part of the competition, what did you think was going to be your biggest strength and how did you intend on sticking out from the rest of the girls?

Sheena: Overall, I knew that just being myself would be the best way to go. I’m an entertainer, and I have no doubt that they kept me around because I brought humor and excitement to the house. You never know who the judges are going to let go each week, so you have to just go into it and have fun.

RNO: Have you been surprised at how much Elina talks about people behind their backs when she has alone time with the camera, or was she open about her true feelings?

Sheena: No, not at all… Elina was always upfront and honest about all of her opinions. I’d say that we have all be shocked as far as Clark, though. She was always so shy and never talked, then we watch the show and all she did was talk trash. She still hasn’t confronted anything she has said about any of us. She’ll call and ask if we want to hang out, and tries to be cool about everything. It’s ridiculous.

RNO: Why do you think it is that the judges continually said that you were looking “hoochie,” and did they give you any tips on how not to look that way?

Sheena: You know what? I know I’m sexy and I love that about myself. It’s a part of who I am, and I accept that. People would kill to be told that they look really sexy all the time and I know that. It’s all about who the judges want to eliminate that week. I know they put me in a role of being the sexy one, and then played me up to it, and I was fine – it’s a TV show, after all.

RNO: Are you surprised that anyone has lasted this long in the competition, or do you feel the judges have been doing a good job with the order eliminations have occurred?

Sheena: I really have to say that the judges have been doing a great job as far as the eliminations go. I expected Isis to do better, though. She was edited as this really quiet person when that wasn’t the case at all. They are making the right decisions, though, and as for me, it was just my time.

RNO: We continuously hear the judges say that personality is just as if not more important than photos, yet you were sent home over Elina, who hasn’t shown much personality. Which do you think is more important in the competition – personality or photos?

Sheena: It’s a combination of both, really. Modeling is a business, and this show really does help you get a taste of the industry. You have to have the people skills necessary to walk into a go-see and land a job. On the other hand, you must be able to take great photos and know your stuff. I think personality is what kept me over Lauren Brie. They knew that she would be signed eventually because she’s so pretty, so they kept me around because I was way more fun and entertaining than her.

RNO: Do you feel that being on the show has prepared you enough to dive into the modeling world and given you the proper tools you will need to be successful?

Sheena: Not really. I modeled here and there growing up, and I know it’s more about the basic stuff – you have to have a runway walk, a portfolio, etc. Modeling is a natural talent, and you have to realize what you see on TV is simply an embellishment when it comes to a lot of things. You need to practice, though, and they have classes – but honestly, they are a rip-off.

RNO: What kind of advice can you give to girls that are thinking about applying for future seasons?

Sheena: Be real. That’s the best piece of advice I can give. Find out who you are and just be that person.

RNO: Were you surprised to find yourself in the bottom two this week, or did you see it coming? What about your elimination?

Sheena: I saw it coming. I looked at it like I’m here, happy and focused on becoming a model. I know that I’m not high-fashion and that’s what they are looking for. I want to be a glamour model and do things like Maxim, Sports Illustrated, etc. I look at it this way – I got a really fun vacation! I know I could be a high fashion model if it wasn’t for my big boobs, but I love them. It was never specifically said to me that they wanted high-fashion, but you watch the way they praise poses this season, and you just know.

RNO: What are your plans from here? Are you going to continue to pursue a career in modeling?

Sheena: Definitely. I know I want to entertain – I’m an entertainer and always will be. If it’s not through modeling, then it’ll be something else like TV or music. How awesome would it be for me to have my own show so that you can follow me in all my future endeavors?

RNO: Is there anything you would like to add or say to fans of the show?

Sheena: Laughter really is the key to everything. Thank you all so much for the support.

RNO: Thanks, Sheena!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent America’s Next Top Model articles on RealityNewsOnline:

Phil Kural is an office manager at a dental office, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. You can send feedback to him at pkural@gmail.com.

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