Monica Fatorma is a Texas born and raised and just graduated with her Master’s in Health Administration. She has a wide range of experience in different areas. She loves seeing the beauty in people and helping people live healthy lives. She hopes to use her wide range of experience in media, modeling and healthcare to be a reliable source of information on how people in her community can live life to the fullest and improve their overall quality of health.

How does it feel to be selected as one of the Abners Angels?

I feel honored.  It feels good to also know that others notice and admire my work.  It was unexpected, but I am grateful to share my aspirations with you!

Was modeling something you always wanted to do, or did it just kinda happened?

It kind of happened.  I thought it would be nice, but did not put much thought into it till I was around 15.  I first started upon being invited to join the National American Miss Jr. Teen pageant.  After being selected as a top 15 finalist many people reached out to me and asked me if I was interested in modeling.  I did some research and joined a small agency in the DFW area.  Cause of events in my life after high school, I did not get to invest as much time into modeling as I would have hoped.  Over the last few months, I have started doing what I love again.  Modeling is not only an amazing creative outlet for me, but it has given me so much opportunity.  In a time when black women were not represented, I wanted to be a representation.  I have always loved the idea of creating art and creating a way for others to see themselves in me.

What are some of the perks working as a model?

Some perks I have received are free travel opportunities, which concurrently bring about networking opportunities.  At times I need shoots for personal occasions and in the future will need shoots when I start forming my own brand.  So far I have gotten offers from photographers I work with that collaborate with me.  I’ve gotten to do some affiliate work, which means free deals oftentimes.  Free stuff is always great! Gotten to also do video shoots and star as a co-host of a local show for a while, that aired in Dallas called the Quad Movie Review.

Do you prefer studio or location shoots?

That’s a hard question.  I believe indoor and outdoor shoots each have something to offer when trying to create art.  Indoor shoots are well controlled, it is easy to give yourself a quick touch up if you need to.  You’re not at the mercy of the weather, so not only lighting can be controlled better, but you feel more comfortable than if you were to have to push through a shoot and it be too hot or too cold.  On the other hand I love the beauty in nature, I really love taking shoots that highlight nature and oftentimes good sunlight can have the best lighting. Shoots outdoors around different backgrounds, outside of natural backgrounds, also tend to be beautiful.  If you are in the right setting and depending the look you are going for the picture can be enhanced by the surrounding structures.  The only thing I dislike the most about locations shoots is when the wind does not want to act right.

What do you think your best physical feature is?

I love my dimples.  When I was younger I used to think it was weird when people tried to poke them and did not think much of them.  As I have matured I have grown to love them.

How many vacations should you take per year?

I usually take two even on hard times.  I remember having to take finals for school a few years back and still finding a way to make time for a vacation to San Francisco with my friend.  It was a super spontaneous trip that I was not sure was going to happen, because of my schedule, yet I scheduled it last minute and it was fun.  Although I have had many planned vacations I think this was the most exciting, because it wasn’t planned and we planned our day as we went.

What do you have a hard time saying no to?

Good food, especially some good Pho.

What’s the fanciest event you’ve ever been to?

A military ball.  I was in the Army Reserves for eight years.

What did you find most difficult about growing up?

Trying to figure out where I fit in, then I decided to create my own lane.  I grew up in a space where there weren’t that many people that looked like me and in my later years moved to an area that was more diverse.  I also went to a private school my whole life.  It was a culture shock for me moving to a different area and even hanging in social circles with others outside of school.  I had to learn to stop trying to fit in and be who I am.  Everyone I think learns this with time.  Everyone has different backgrounds that make them unique and it is beautiful.

Have you ever completed anything on your bucket list?

Completing my Masters in Health Administration with a concentration in Applied Gerontology.  It was a feat that I am proud of.  Many people do not know I have a passion for helping others improve their overall quality of health and this year I plan on taking my entrance exam to get into medical school.  I am excited for where this will lead me.  Thanks to modeling I have also gotten connections that help me network with those I need to further my dreams in this area as well.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Disney World, I’m a big kid and I love it.  You get the experience of being a child and at the same time they have some real great experiences for everyone that comes to participate in.  They even feature cuisine and recreate different parts of the world in certain parks.  Going there was an experience I will never forget.

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

I would not change much.  I would just really have better time management skills mostly, so I could accomplish mostly everything I wanted to do early.

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

Instagramm: @Goodi3_Mob.  Facebook @Monica Fatorma.  Twitter: @Goodi3_Mob.