By Lady Killa
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
As evidenced by her name, Kassie Staples is a unique blend who has drawn inspiration from the things which surround her. Relatively young, Kassie Staples received inspiration from 1960s sex symbol, the late Marilyn Monroe. Much of Kassie Staples’ style is actually inspired by the styles portrayed by Monroe.
Once she decided to become a model, Kassie Staples left Chicago and moved to South Beach, Miami in order to boost her career. In the time since then, Kassie Staples has watched the interest in her career grow and has found herself increasingly busy. While Kassie Staples is finding success as a model, she is transitioning into overall fashion design.
The feature with Kassie Staples is long overdue for various reasons. Finally being able to speak with the beautiful, multitalented, woman was a joy for Hip Hop Vibe. The latest Hottie of the Week truly does not disappoint with her interview.
Read the entire interview below:
Where did the moniker ‘Kassie Staples’ come from? Well, my real name is Kassandra and my last name is Staples. However, I now have the name trademarked for my clothing and shoe line, K.Staples.
How long has modeling been a passion of yours? Since I was a little girl, modeling was a passion of mine. But, when I got a little older, I got discouraged because of these wide hips of mine (laughs). Once I got into the modeling, though, I was able to find success, even with these hips.
Have you been inspired by models, or women in the mainstream in general, who have taken this route previously? Marilyn Monroe has been one of my main inspirations, I love everything about her.
Do you feel the independent hip hop movement helps rising modeling talent, such as yourself? Yes, because it is very hard to get out there early on. I am truly glad the independent hip hop movement exists.
So far, what do you feel has been the biggest break for you? The biggest break in my career has come since I transitioned into fashion design, such as doing clothing and shoes, along with the makeup line. Doing all of that makes me feel good.
Are you originally from South Beach or did you move there? I am originally from Chicago, but I decided to move to South Beach to advance my career.
Has being right there in the action of Miami proven beneficial for you? More than beneficial, this city is how I started. Being here has done wonders for my career.
How did you link up with Oil Spill Ent.? I knew Cognac Gunna, the founder of the company, through a mutual friend. At first, I felt like he was not going to want me as a model. This was not the case, as he has been wonderful and has given me a chance to show the world what I can do. I will always be grateful to the Oil Spill team.
Since you have been with them, how has your career benefited? Oh, where to start? My career has benefited in so many ways. I am a model for Kanishee Hair, I have a reality show, “Model Call,” which filming will soon begin for, I am doing a Cover Girl commercial in August, and also hosting for the NFL. If it was not for Oil Spill giving me this first opportunity, I would not be involved in these different projects.
Are you content with being a hip hop model, or are you focused on using the platform presented to expand? I love being a hip hop model and I am using the platform to expand. Now, I am also helping a lot of other girls get their careers jump-started.
See additional photos of Kassie Staples below:
