EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - PRINT MODEL - GOLDIE

GOLDIE

1. Who is Goldie?
Golden “Goldie” Knight, was actually born Cecily R. Groves, the youngest of 9 to James T. and Willie Ruth Groves in Chicago’s Cabrini Green projects. I am the owner/CEO of HUSH Enterprises, a marketing and consulting firm based in New York. I oversee the management of the HUSH Models, conceptualize marketing ventures for our clients and sponsors, and am co-editor of HUSTLE BUNNY Magazine launching in January 2009. Personally, I’m just an ordinary person. I’m a career Paralegal for a noted international law firm in Midtown Manhattan. I wear prescriptions glasses, I eat in bed (no pun intended LOL), I love going to Walmart, I still color in coloring books, I dance around the house naked, I can cook ANYTHING Italian, Mexican or that contains chicken or seafood and I sucked my thumb until I was 20 years old. I know and can use properly, more than 1 million words, and I’m the mother of four, that’s right, 4 beautiful children (3 natural, 1 adopted). I’m a sexual person, it is evident in everything I do. The mystery, the seduction, the intimacy and attention to detail, those are my core character traits, but it’s not all I am, I’m not just a walking mass of FREAKdom. I’m also very intelligent, and kind. I speak to people on the street and smile at children all the time. I think the greatest misconception about me is that I’m “CEO” all the time. At home, I’m the lowest person on the totem pole. My kids just know me as “Mom”, to my friends and family, I’m just “G.” or “Ceci”.

2. How did you come up with the name Goldie?

It was bestowed upon me by my dear “brother from another mother”, the late Rasheed Thurmond, a Brooklyn born comedian who passed in November last year. The first night I attended a weekly comedy event he hosted in a Manhattan nightclub, Rasheed called me out for arriving late. He said “Now that GOLDIE is in the house, I guess we can start the show.” I’ve been known as Goldie since. Golden Knight evolved alongside HUSH and it became my professional alias.

3. Would you say Goldie is your alter ego?

Actually, I would say that Cecily is my alter ego. Goldie is fearless, tenacious, motivated, sexy, uninhibited and a “go-getter”. Cecily is Rumpelstiltskin, the intellectual dwarf that spins hay into GOLD to meet the demands of my crazy life. I have a calico cat whom I’ve named Goldie as well, she’s my true alter ego. Goldie is my hero, she can lift her leg over her head and lick her own va-jayjay! I wanna be her when I grow up! She lounges around all day just being fabulous. She bathes in the middle of the living room floor, and eats everything she wants. I love her life! LOL This fall I’m adopting an African ball python and plan to name her Goldie as well. I can’t wait for those photo shoots!

4. How did you get into modeling?

Modeling has always just been in me! My mother used to take me to a little shop in Chicago called Finkelstein’s and buy the most beautiful dresses. I always wore matching socks and barrettes. I loved going out and having everyone make a fuss over me. I used to make up my own commercials and even wrote a tv series when I was 8 years old! I would write the scripts and make my brothers be my camera crew. I started modeling in fashion shows at 11. My sister was a seamstress, and would use me in her self-produced fashion shows. I joined the Modeling Club in elementary and high school and started a para-professional career from there. I’ve participated in runway shows across the country, have done print work for several fashion houses and designers, and hosted a video show and concert series.

5. What was it about the industry that attracted you?

The entertainment industry as a whole has always intrigued me. Meeting people and the idea of being creative on any platform turns me on. I am naturally a supportive person and my calling is encouraging others to reach their goals. The entertainment and fashion industries supply endless opportunities for cultivating new dreams. There is no end to the “path of success”, it’s forever growing, forever changing, I love the evolution of that.


6. How would you describe your modeling style?

I would have to say “eclectic”. It means “not following any one system, but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems”. My first priority is always the product I’m presenting. I take whatever it inspires in me and translate that into a picture, a walk, a pose, whatever. I try to promote whatever would pique MY interest in the product and then set my goal as conveying that to the consumer. In print, I try to create a story behind my shots, they all “say” something about me and the fun part is hearing everyone else’s interpretation.

7. Is there a particular designer that you would like to work with?

I love up and coming designers. Their creations are so unique, so fresh, so edgy. I would love to work with wedding designer Renella de Fina. I also love House of Dereon’s couture line.

8. Who are your influences?

I’m inspired by anyone who sets, seeks, and accomplishes their dreams. Oprah Winfrey and Russell Simmons are two of my favorite visionaries. They both come from humble beginnings, and have built empires by believing in themselves and others. They didn’t adapt to the world, they made their own places in it. That’s what drives me. I want to be true to who I am, and make my mark on society accordingly. My children are my greatest inspiration. Showing them that I can do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I work towards encourages them to do the same with their own goals. That is my greatest accomplishment.

9. Is dating hard when you have such a demanding lifestyle?

Oh Boy is it ever. Most Friday nights I spend at home watching “Finding Nemo” with my 2 year old. I meet people all the time and everyone assumes I’m involved with someone, so they don’t ask me out. On the other end of the spectrum, I have to cancel alot because of my business obligations, so dating someone that has as much going on as I do in their own life is crucial. I’m a real romantic, so being so ambitious is lonely. Rarely does anyone take the time to see how complex I am.
10. What type of guys are you attracted to?

I’ve had a crush on Jay-Z forever. If I had to describe a “type”, it would most closely resemble him. But, I’m not Hollywood, I like “regular” guys, that drop by on Wednesdays with a case of Corona and a fifth of Hennessey to play dominoes. Guys that love to see me in stilettos but surprise me with the latest Uptowns or shell toe Adidas in my size. He has to be sure of himself, but not conceited. Creative, romantic, and sensitive but a “thug”. He’s gotta be stronger than me. At the end of the day, I want to know that I answer to someone that loves and respects me, but expects me to be his “old lady”- cook, keep the house clean, massages, pick his shirts up from the cleaners. He has to want Goldie, but LOVE Cecily. And he’s got to be a FREAK. I’m extremely comfortable with my complex sexuality, it is a very important part of me and how I express myself. A man has to be open-minded, adventurous, and flexible...physically and emotionally, in order to catch my attention. That’s the man that gets it all, every Golden drop of me.

11. Tell me about your magazine, how did the concept come about?

HUSTLE BUNNY is the voice and face of the contemporary, urban lifestyle. It represents everyone out there who pursues their dreams tenaciously. We plan to offer something for everyone, from fashion and entertainment, to politics and spirituality. HUSTLE BUNNY represents the idea of being well-rounded in all aspects of your life. We will feature up and coming models, photographers, writers, designers, everyone! We hope to be the new “must-have” magazine, the “how-to” guide to a better you!

12. It seems as though you're quite the business woman, what made you decide to launch your own company?

I wanted to create a company that encouraged the idea of working together to accomplish individual goals. The development of HUSH was a necessity. By creating a platform by which all of our members could maintain their personal endeavors and we work jointly to market our products, talents and services, we’ve created a community of success. I lay the foundation and each new member adds their flavor to complete the venture. I’ve supported other entrepreneurs who are now impressively wealthy and successful. It was just time for me to practice in my own life what I’ve pushed so many others toward.

13. Is there any advice that you would like to share with young women that are looking to become models or entrepreneur?

Never give up on YOU, if you don’t believe in you, how can anyone else do so?. The surest route to success is JUST BEING YOURSELF. Compromise has its place, but your goal should not be to mimic greatness, but set a new standard for it in yourself.

14. Any other projects we should be looking out for?

HUSH has a ton of projects planned for the remainder of 2008, including hosting of a series of independent film screenings. In 2009 – an 8 city fashion tour, the Fashion/Hip Hop Forum in Atlanta, the Secret Society Calendar, and our non-profit organization “How You Sample Heaven” is launching next Spring. Also, I’m writing a book, a more intimate look at my life from a personal perspective. I want the world to know that I’m just a regular person.

;)