2008 Woodie Awards
What's your Fetish?
A new modeling and dance troupe seeks to reinvent the runway
Veronica Carrington
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Features
From the birth of a dream of diversity and self-awareness, sprung Fetish Ink*, the newest modeling and dance troupe in Greenville. Fetish Ink* was founded in March 2008 by Nakia S. Pittman and Jasmine Upshaw, two ECU students who believe that models don't have to be 6'2" and 110 pounds to be beautiful. They feel that true beauty lies in the confidence of a model's stride.
Pittman, acting major, has participated in many other modeling groups, but found that creating her own helped to carve a comfortable niche in her life.
"Everybody has a Fetish*, [and] we just want to bring ours to the runway," said Pittman.
The group operates under a mission statement that seeks to inspire all individuals to strive to do everything to the best of their ability by giving back to the community, as well as to encourage inner and outer beauty and self-esteem. The group also has a diversity statement to encourage anyone with a "passion for fashion" and individuality to try out and become a Fetish* model. Although tryouts have already been held, the group is still in their growing stages and will continue this trend in the future.
"Fetish Ink* is doing big things, [and] I'm definitely going to try out next time they have them!" said Tamaya Henderson, a South Central High School student.
Fetish Ink* is open to the entire Greenville community and accepts children as young as six years old.
"We want kids to feel they can be a part of something; we have strict policies in place so that the older models will know how to interact with the younger kids once we have some join," Pittman said.
Fetish* also includes a group of dancers who will also perform with the group at shows and other events
"Fetish* isn't just modeling, its entertainment," Pittman said.
Fetish Ink* will also be holding annual parties at the Phoenix here in Greenville to raise awareness about the group as well as to gain support from the community. Some say having a fetish is a bad thing, but it's apparent that the models of Fetish* are making a positive statement.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.
Pittman, acting major, has participated in many other modeling groups, but found that creating her own helped to carve a comfortable niche in her life.
"Everybody has a Fetish*, [and] we just want to bring ours to the runway," said Pittman.
The group operates under a mission statement that seeks to inspire all individuals to strive to do everything to the best of their ability by giving back to the community, as well as to encourage inner and outer beauty and self-esteem. The group also has a diversity statement to encourage anyone with a "passion for fashion" and individuality to try out and become a Fetish* model. Although tryouts have already been held, the group is still in their growing stages and will continue this trend in the future.
"Fetish Ink* is doing big things, [and] I'm definitely going to try out next time they have them!" said Tamaya Henderson, a South Central High School student.
Fetish Ink* is open to the entire Greenville community and accepts children as young as six years old.
"We want kids to feel they can be a part of something; we have strict policies in place so that the older models will know how to interact with the younger kids once we have some join," Pittman said.
Fetish* also includes a group of dancers who will also perform with the group at shows and other events
"Fetish* isn't just modeling, its entertainment," Pittman said.
Fetish Ink* will also be holding annual parties at the Phoenix here in Greenville to raise awareness about the group as well as to gain support from the community. Some say having a fetish is a bad thing, but it's apparent that the models of Fetish* are making a positive statement.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.
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