Tampa Model Keeps It Real On Oxygen Reality Show
Photo provided by Oxygen Network
Tampa native Gavyn Michaels is one of a new batch of models on Janice Dickinson's show.
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Published: August 29, 2008
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If you're a fan of the "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency," you may have seen a familiar face this week. If you're not a regular viewer, Gavyn Michaels hopes you'll tune in.
The Tampa native is one of a new batch of models on the show, which airs at 10 p.m. Tuesdays on Oxygen.
Born and raised in Tampa, Michaels has only been modeling for about a year. He was looking for something to "further his career" when he decided to throw his Speedos into the ring and try out for Dickinson's show.
"I thought I had a pretty good chance" to be selected, said Michaels, 26, from his home in Los Angeles. "For some reason, I really felt confident I would be on the show."
Unlike other reality shows, no one gets voted off Dickinson's show. Cameras follow the outrageous, outspoken diva as she runs her modeling agency and tries to jumpstart the careers of her fledging models - who want desperately to follow in her footsteps. The models, who are not paid, participate in photo shoots, runway shows, auditions and castings hoping to land a paid gig. To shake things up a bit this season, Dickinson and the models share a Hollywood Hills mansion.
"It's exhilarating, but it's difficult," said Michaels, who is one of 12 new models handpicked by Dickinson. "The hardest part is not having any privacy. You're around the models all the time. And she Dickinson would make us do some really crazy things. She's very strict about maintaining hygiene and things like that."
Michaels said there will be lots of booty shots, sexy swimwear and public displays of nudity (among Dickinson's many assignments).
"I'm one of the most real people on the show," said Michaels, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 175 pounds. "I'm very down to earth. I was there to advance my career and get some exposure. I was as professional as possible. I did what I was told and I didn't start anything with anyone."
Now that the show has wrapped filming, Michaels, who works part-time for Starbucks in California, hopes his telephone will start ringing with modeling and acting assignments.
"I don't want to be known as a 'reality star,'" he said. "I want to be an actor. And I'm going to keep pushing. I never thought I was going to get out of Tampa. And here I am. "
Vote For A Cutting-Edge Stylist
It's Barbara Forgione's job to make clients beautiful at her namesake salon in South Tampa. Now her skills are getting some national attention from the beauty industry.
Forgione, a master colorist, is one of five finalists in a national video contest sponsored by Redken.
The Seminole Heights resident was chosen for her talent in transforming one of her clients, Bianca, from a red hot mama to a silver siren using Redken's Shades EQ hair color.
"I'm excited," said Forgione, 56. "I've been working a long time to get a little recognition from my peers. But I'm even more excited Tama Bay would win and be recognized for beauty talent and knowledge."
You can view Forgione's video and those of the other four finalists at www.doyoushadeseq.com. You have until Sunday at midnight to vote for your favorite video (guess who that should be).
The winning stylist gets a trip to New York and a feature spread in American Salon magazine.
If The Suit Doesn't Fit, Donate It
How long are you going to hold onto that old suit? Do you really think you are going to fit into it again?
Why not donate it to a good cause?
Donate dry-cleaned men's and women's suits to the "USF Suits of Success" program, which helps men and women as they enter the work force. You also can donate gently used blouses, men's dress shirts and ties. Please note: This is not a dumping ground for Melanie Griffith's "Working Girl" wardrobe (before her transformation). Before donating an item, ask yourself this question: Would YOU hire someone who showed up for an interview in a mint-green short-sleeved polyester suit and white pumps?
Drop off your items at the University of South Florida Career Center through Sept. 12. The Career Center is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), in room 2088.
If you have a beauty or fashion item you think is worth Hot Pursuit, e-mail ccabrera@tampatrib.com. And while you're at it, sashay on over to the blog at TBO.com, Keyword: Hot Pursuits.
