| Puerto
Rican Jewel...Clarissa
Santiago
This
Puerto Rican Jewel doesn’t have your stereotypical
run way figure design,
She doesn’t have high cheekbones, bony legs, a super
tall figure that is as slim as a fine tine,
She doesn’t have a flat chest, with an even flatter backside,
and an androgynous jaw line,
This
Puerto Rican Jewel from the Bronx has a risqué-shapely
full-bosomed figure that leaves very little to the imagination,
When she runs her fingers through her long wavy brown hair,
arcs her divine spine, and creates that sexy “S” in
her buxom constitution,
She simultaneous captures your attention and affection by
her beauteous pose, and sends your mesmerized mind on a long
vacation,
Her
wry grin, and impeccable creamy olive Latin skin are of
a such a high sensuous sleekness like it was purged in
an Aloe Vera and Elderflower dip,
Her warm playful smile shines so bright that not too many
women can eclipse . . .
Her curvaceous Latin hips, smooth soothing finger tips, and
soft tender-to-touch lips,
This Puerto Rican Jewel is more sought after than Puerto
Rican Pina Colada and Don Q rum,
Her voluptuous vapors are so intoxicating that they will
make you wild with merriment, and leave you numb,
Her enticing Asian slant eyes are an ocean in which her
dreams are reflected like a mirrored gem,
And are too pure and genuine to conceal the sweet soul shining
through them . . .
Her undeniable beauty lies on the outside, but her passion
comes from within . . . |
It’s
with great pleasure that I introduce to you ladies and
gentleman Clarissa Santiago from the Bronx, New York. Even
though Clarissa is a strikingly beautiful and alluring
young woman, her breadth taking aesthetic appeal is merely
the tip of her iceberg. So without further adieu let us
begin to explore what lays hidden beneath the surface!
Clarissa Santiago began her career as a contestant and
top finalist in the 2001 Latina World Pageant, representing
her native New York. She then became the State director
of the Latina New York World franchise in 2002 and founded
her own business called Ideal Entertainment under the
guidance and mentorship of Dawn Rochelle. As pageant
director she was awarded the prestigious Director of the Year
honour in 2004 & 2005. Each year, New York delegates
have obtained top five positions in the international
competition through her training and mentoring programs.
In 2005, Clarissa became Vice President and show director
of the international Latina World production, which
is based at the New York pageant headquarters. While
honing her own professional modeling career, Clarissa has
been featured in various commercial film and print campaigns.
She is also actively involved in her community, and organizes
pageant training workshops in the New York metropolitan area
for upcoming models. Clarissa is committed to her Latin people
and is on a mission to promote Latin women in entertainment
. . . so look out world because this ambitious and entrepreneurial
Latin bombshell is coming!
Thank
you Clarissa for spending some time with Pulp Magazine.
On behalf of the Pulp Magazine team whom worked extremely
hard to bring our loyal readers the very best in informative
and entertaining content, we are really happy to have you
and are very excited to interview you! We hope that this
interview and photo shoot will be the first of many with
us and other magazines during your blossoming career. Without
further adieu let us get this interview started! |
| Andrew:
Why don’t we start with you first telling our audience
a bit about yourself: like where were you born and raised; your
ethnic background; your philosophy in life; and your immediate
family. |
| Clarissa:
I was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey to very young Puerto
Rican parents; the youngest of 2 and still the spoiled
brat of the family. My older sister Melissa lives in Oak
Ridge, Tennessee and has 3 beautiful children. My parents
separated when we were toddlers so my mom raised us with
the help of our grandparents and Godparents. We also have
5 younger brothers and sisters from my Dad’s 2nd
and 3rd marriages – he’s a pimp (lol). My philosophy
on life is that everything is a state of mind; if you believe
things are bad, then they will be. But if you believe things
can be great, then they will be. I also believe that everything
happens as it’s supposed to, and we should embrace
our lives entirely – the good and the bad. It’s
all a blessing! |
| Andrew:
Tell our audience how you hooked up with Mark Anthony, and what’s
your experience been like working with him and the Pulp Magazine
team? |
| Clarissa:
I met Mark Anthony through Stephania Bella on myspace.com.
She was at the Puerto Rican Day parade and I almost immediately
had great admiration for her physique – she’s
in great shape! I found her on myspace ironically and sent
her a message inquiring about her work out and diet secrets.
It turns out that she will be featured in Pulp as well
and Mark Anthony must have noticed me from her page and
reached out to me for the opportunity to work together
on my very own feature. This is incredible for me because
I believe that everything we do in life should serve a
higher purpose other than our own self-gratification. Through
this opportunity Pulp will also feature pieces about my
pageant affiliates and through this connection I’m
able to hook others up with the same opportunity. |
| Andrew:
How special is it for you to be in a position now where you
can give back to your community by providing the talented Latin
models of the future with mentoring, career training resources,
life experiences from the pageants you help organize, and confidence? |
| Clarissa:
It’s very special for me to be in the position that I
am where I’m able to give back and still do what I love.
This was a way for me to pursue my dreams while still helping
others along the way and never forgetting what I’ve learned
or where I came from. It’s not as easy as people think
though because these girls want to get close to you, but it’s
not a reality since they just want to win the pageant. Not
to mention that if they lose, 9 times out of 10 they’ll
bad mouth you to the public so it’s a difficult job.
My relationship with the girls is very professional and very
stern. I don’t allow them to get close to me, but I don’t
compromise my personality either. They have a lot of fun with
me and learn many key points about the industry, but it’s
business – period. |
| Andrew:
Tell our audience a bit about how the idea of your new company
“Ideal Entertainment” came into fruition, and some
of the objectives that you wish to accomplish through this business? |
| Clarissa:
The name Ideal came from my drive to be successful and self
made. My main objective was to be an event production company
and produce live shows. I had no idea I would end up becoming
a pageant producer. I just wanted to make money and be
in business for myself. I wanted the freedom to be as creative
as I wanted to be and not have to answer to anyone. But
I’ve learned that there is always someone to answer
to, whether it’s a supervisor or a client. Dawn Rochelle
was a tremendous inspiration for me and I proved to her
over time that I could do what she did. I earned my position
as Vice President through my dedication over the last 5
years. She mentored me and I learned everything I know
about this business from her. I now can stand on my own
and produce any type of show. I’m looking forward
to promoting a concert series in the near future. I’m
a big fan of live soul music so that’s my next venture,
for sure! |
| Andrew:
You are currently the Vice President of Dawn Rochelle Productions,
which is an acclaimed beauty and fashion event production
company. Dawn Rochelle started Miss Latina USA 13 years
ago at the grass root level in Dallas Texas, and since
then the DRP team has worked hard to bring Miss Latina
USA to national prominence, produced Teen Latina USA,
secured a T.V. broadcasting deal with Telmundo International,
and in 2001 produced the Miss Latina World Pageant. Talk
a bit about the influence that Dawn Rochelle has had on
you as a person and as an entrepreneur, and on the impact
that the success of the Miss Latina USA and Miss Latina
World Pageants have had on young Latinas’ perception
of themselves and on their conception of beauty? |
Clarissa:
As a person and entrepreneur, Dawn has contributed immensely
to my career. I would have to say the most admirable thing
about her is that before we became partners, she did everything
herself from designing our website, and marketing materials,
to managing the girls and contacting sponsors. The single
most important thing that I’ve gained from this entire
experience is that I can do anything! I’m very much
in control of my career and I’ve become much stronger
within my own capabilities because of her influence.
I love to talk about Dawn Rochelle because many people are unaware
that she is not Latina. Yet, she has managed to promote the biggest
pageant for Latinas across the US and now on an International
level as well. That’s pretty huge in my eyes. Her drive
trickles down all the way to the contestants. They are just like
me when I competed back in 2001. They can’t wait to meet
her because she is the face of Latina World – everyone
looks up to her because of the level of success she has had with
the pageant and her international modeling career. You just feel
beautiful around her! |
| Andrew:
What are some of the success stories of the winners of the Latina
Pageants? |
| Clarissa:
Too many stories to mention, but the most important thing is
that most of these girls that have taken the international
title, have never competed in any other pageant before.
They take the Latina World title with no prior experience
whatsoever. That itself is a success story for most of
our queens. |
| Andrew:
Who are some of your role models who you revere not only for
their admirable accomplishments, but also for how they conduct
themselves in the public? |
| Clarissa:
I would have to say that all of the contestants in our pageant
system are the people who I admire. It takes a great deal
of self-control, and skill to compete in a pageant. You
have to know what to wear, what to say, how to act both
onstage and off. It’s incredibly challenging and
these girls have tons of pressure to deliver. This is the
essence of the top model industry and these encompass it
without even realizing. It’s amazing! |
| Andrew:
What are your thoughts on the changing face of the modeling
industry over the last decade as the wide spectrum of markets
expands exponentially to provide exceptional opportunities for
models whom don’t have the typical runway model physique
and facial features? (You know Clarissa . . . the bony legs,
super slim and super tall bodies, flat chest and even flatter
backsides, and the high cheek bones and androgynous jaw lines). |
| Clarissa: I
think the modeling industry has come a long way primarily
because of people like Dawn and myself that refused to be
pigeon holed by it. We stepped away from that and did our
own thing and have succeeded. Nowadays there is a demand
for pretty much any type of model – full figured, petite,
tall/skinny, and most importantly – there’s tons
of work off the runway such as print work, and film. The
possibilities are endless, but you can’t ever leave
it up to someone else to decide for you. It’s already
yours, so take it! |
| Andrew:
How receptive are the clothes designers, magazine and catalog
editors, catalog art editors, magazines, advertisers, finance
people and retail buyers within mainstream America to the boundless
beauty of Latin models whom don’t necessarily fit into
the typical runway model mold? |
| Clarissa:
I think that most people in the industry have created a “Latina
look” in their minds, which is totally wrong because
you can never pinpoint a Latinas look. We come in so many different
shapes, colors and sizes, and if you don’t look like
JLo or Roselyn Sanchez, then you don’t look Latin. It’s
ridiculous and I hope that the industry can overcome this to
open the doors for boricua/morenas like me. ;-) |
| Andrew:
Do you place any limitations on yourself in terms of what you
will and will not do in this industry to succeed both
as a model and entrepreneur, or do you have a ‘by
any means necessary, I will get mine in the 21st century’ attitude? |
| Clarissa:
I definitely have limitations of things I will or will not
do in the industry. When you’re aspiring to succeed,
your decisions can make or break your career, so I am very
careful about whom I work with or what jobs I choose to
accept. This business is pure exploitation, and it’s
up to you to decide to what extent you will allow yourself
to be exploited and in what light. I try not to underestimate
myself and always keep in mind that it’s my career,
and I’m in control; you can’t let your hunger
control you. |
| Andrew:
Do you think that the emerging online communication networks
out there such as myspace.com and onemodelplace.com have enabled
entrepreneurial minded models such as yourself to replace modeling
agencies, or are they still just a secondary tool within a model’s
marketing/promotional arsenal? |
| Clarissa:
I think that sites like myspace.com and onemodelplace.com are
great resources to make connections and expand your career.
I don’t necessarily think that it will replace modeling
agencies, but I think they’re just great resources
for models to gain exposure, build a fan base, and maybe
even get signed by a top-modeling agency. I think it
all comes hand in hand and if managed properly, great opportunities
can come about. |
| Andrew:
What is the oddest or worst job that you ever performed before
you got into modeling? |
| Clarissa:
I’ve had so many bad jobs, lol. I worked at a day trading
firm, and I absolutely hated it. I think that was my real first
taste at life’s grind and it was intimidating. It was
like walking on eggshells everyday and just being someone outside
of myself. It was pretty whack. |
| Andrew:
Where is the most unusual place that you ever had sex in? |
| Clarissa:
I had sex on Miami Beach one time, with my last boyfriend.
LMAO, we didn’t care or even bothered to cover up.
We just got it on and we didn’t care who was watching.
Ah, another drunken moment in the life of Clarissa Santiago. |
| Andrew:
What sort of qualities in a man do you look for and really turn
you on? |
| Clarissa:
I like independent driven men that have an old school approach
on how to treat women; sweet, respectful, and treats me
like a Queen. I like well-rounded/open-minded spontaneous
guys. I definitely need someone that can hold me down and
be completely understanding/supportive of my lifestyle.
And real good cologne always turns me on! |
| Andrew:
Tell some of the men out there the do and don’ts of being
on a date with you? |
| Clarissa:
Don’t push up on me on the first date. I get real turned
off by guys that try to kiss me, or give the impression that
we’re together – hello! It’s just a date – you’re
not getting in my pants – I’m in control, not you.
Don’t talk about all the money you have, or fancy clothes
you wear. I don’t care about it, it bores me and I get
real turned off by materialistic people. Don’t talk about
that one girl that broke your heart. It’s a new day and
you’re on a date with me, not her. Don’t be a comedian
if you’ve never done stand up. I’ve been on dates
where the guy said corny jokes the whole time and I was turned
off ASAP. Don’t expect for me to go half on dinner – be
the man, and pay the bill. |
| Andrew:
What is your favorite food? |
| Clarissa:
Puerto Rican food – arroz con pollo! |
| Andrew:
Name one of your addictions? (Something that you can’t
do without) |
| Clarissa:
Right now, I’m addicted to Kimora Lee Simmons “Amaretto” lip-gloss.
Love it! I also love shoes, and bags. |
| Andrew:
What
is your favourite word to cuss with? |
| Clarissa: English:
Shit, Spanish: Que jodienda or No joda |
| Andrew:
I’m going to say a few words and tell me what immediately
comes to your mind? Success. |
| Clarissa:
CLARISSA |
| Andrew:
Beauty |
| Clarissa:
CLARISSA |
| Andrew:
Destiny |
| Clarissa: CLARISSA |
| Andrew:
What does sex appeal and beauty mean to you? Is it a state of
mind and attitude (mental/intellectual), physical perfection
as defined by society, or being born with the right set of physical
attributes that get the teenage boys’ hormones into a
frenzy? |
| Clarissa:
Sex appeal and beauty to me are two different things. If you
have sex appeal, you appeal to the masses because you have
something that makes people stare, and want you or hate
you. If you have beauty, beauty is in the eye of the beholder – so
you may not appeal to everyone. I love being sexy!!! |
| Andrew:
What is beautiful about yourself? |
| Clarissa:
My inside - soul, energy, personality. |
| Andrew:
If you had to change one thing about yourself what would it
be? |
| Clarissa:
I love everything about myself and the things
I would change, I can change so nothing is impossible. |
| Andrew:
For all of the people seeing you for the first time who will
become instant mega-fans, tell us where can we see and read
about some of your past, present, and future projects? When
is Mark Anthony going to complete that trendsetting, stylish
and elegant website for you? |
| Clarissa:
My domain is Clarissa-Santiago.net – Mark Anthony
is definitely a top pick for my signature web design. For
now, it’s under construction, but by the fall 2006,
you’ll be able to find me there, and also pick up
a copy of my 2007 swimsuit calendar. Until then, you can
find me on myspace.com/clari5sa.
You can also visit my state pageant site www.latinanewyork.com |
| Andrew:
For all of the young aspiring Latina models reading this interview,
tell them how they could enter the pageants in Canada, the United
States, and Central and South America? |
| Clarissa:
Latinas- do you have what it takes to be the next
Latina World? If so, enter today online at www.misslatina.com!
Now accepting entries for 2007, includes competitive prizes,
shoots for the Latina World calendar, model camps, and
more. Enter today! |
| Andrew:
Tell our audience who are interested in attending or participating
in the upcoming pageants this year, when and where they are,
and how they can acquire tickets? |
| Clarissa:
The Latina World pageant takes place July 1-3,
2006 in Dallas TX. The Look of the World model competition
will take place November 2006 in Miami Beach. To purchase
tickets or obtain event information visit www.misslatina.com. |
| Andrew:
Thank you Clarissa Santiago for doing this interview with Pulp
Magazine! We wish you all of the best in your future business
endeavors, look forward to hearing about your success in the
media and the success of the Latina pageants, and we would love
to have you back anytime! |
| Clarissa: To
all my beautiful women: I used to be incredibly insecure
and my own worst critic. Yet, I’ve dedicated many
years to encouraging young girls to be more confident,
and yet I couldn’t even do it for myself. I would
look at my photos with disappointment and never realized
how beautiful I was until I challenged myself to “love
me”. I was depending on someone else to make me feel
good and I’ve learned not to leave that door open
for people to put you down and hurt you! This experience
has brought me closer to realizing my dreams because I
feel good about me. Whoever I let in will only experience
that radiance I have within – it’s contagious.
When you treat yourself the way you would want to be treated
by someone else, only good things can come to you from
that love you give yourself. It’s great Karma and
best of all, you’ll have more control over the people
you choose to share you life with. So, I challenge you – LOVE
YOURSELF! Take the world in the palm of your hand – it’s
yours! Latina World – the takeover…stay tuned |
