Whitney Watson making the right moves
by Jae McKrae
E.E. Smith High School student Whitney Watson has grown into an unassuming young lady. She has the stature and glow of a top model and to many she already is one. Her modeling experience goes back a few years. Whitney admits modeling consumes much of her time, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything right now. "To me it’s like my ticket to another place, a vacation…a get-a-way. It’s not work because I enjoy it so much." When I met her and was told of her experiences in modeling, I was taken aback by her demeanor. One could imagine most teens would be unbearably confident in an arrogant sort of way, but Whitney was not. "I just like being regular. I never try to act like I am better than anyone because I have experienced things that many haven’t at my age; no one should look at me differently."Modeling
Whitney became interested in modeling after performing in a fashion show when she was only 5 years old. After that experience, she anxiously waited to get in another fashion show. Whitney always wanted to perform according to her mother Wanda Thompson. Wanda knew right away that Whitney was not afraid of conquering the stage, and looked for other modeling projects. This year, Whitney got an opportunity to model in New York for Sean John, the clothing line by Sean P-Diddy Combs, Baby Phat, the line by Kimora Lee Simmons, Apple Bottom, the line by rapper Nelly, Giovanni, Michael Kors, and Rocawear, the line by Damon Dash and rapper Jay-Z. She also modeled in Charlotte with Eva an America’s Next Top Model winner, during the Essence Panteen Tour sponsored by Essence magazine. She’s also done some work with Vogue Magazine. You can also look for Whitney in a fall edition of Sports Illustrated.Academics and talents
In Fayetteville, Whitney attended T.C Berrien Elementary, Max Abbott Middle School, Pine Forest High School, and is set to graduate from EE Smith High School this year. In middle school, Whitney experienced some setbacks typical of teenagers trying to find their way, but with continued support from her parents, friends—-Kenya Johnson, Shontee Johnson, and Raven Dancler, as well as Pastor Ronnie and Pamela Owens of Victory of Worship Non-Denominational Church, she has transformed into a responsible mature young lady. "When I was younger, I had low-esteem, and little patience, but as I grew up, I began to understand who I was as a person, and I didn’t let little things bother me anymore." Up until now, Wanda has held the responsibilities of being Whitney’s manager, and that combination was dynamic. In fact, according to Wanda, Whitney has landed a contract with Vogue Modeling Agency in New York. "Whitney listens well and follows instructions. I stressed to her that she has to put God first. God starts each day that she is given the strength to wake and stand up. She respectful and it will always follow her throughout life. She is also reminded of her position and her role at home as a sister to 2 year old Khristian Thompson. Her father Stanley Thompson, a notable vocalist and entertainer, has prepared Whitney for the highs and the lows in the world of show business. "I learned that there is always gonna be someone out trying to get where you are, so never get comfortable…and most important, never sign anything without an attorney looking over it."What the future holds
We can look forward to watching Whitney grow as a person and a model. She also enjoys acting as well, and according to her mother, she’s been a ham since she was 3 years old. "Whitney would not only sing and dance, but host her own variety show where she was all her guests on the show. She was mess," Wanda said. "I wanna also tell the teens that if you are going through some minor setbacks look at what Whitney has done. If she can turn it around, you can too. But you can’t do it by yourself. Open up and let someone know what you are going through. As they say, a setback is a setup for a comeback. I am looking for you to comeback stronger than ever."
To learn more about Whitney’s modeling experiences, contact Wanda Thompson. (910) 978-5828.
