Natalie Jones was born in Nashville, Tennessee and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jones is currently a fashion model. Besides her mom, Tyra Banks is one of her biggest inspirations. In her spare time, Jones is a missionary at her church. She also loves to play the drums. Jones encourages young black people to follow their dreams and to stay true to themselves.
AMPS: At what age did you decide that you wanted to become a model?
Natalie: “In 2005, when I started watching America’s Next Top Model. People would ask me if I was a model when they saw how tall I was. When I said “no” they would tell me that I should get into it. In 2018, I asked a lady named Felicia Ford if I could be in her show. I informed her that I didn’t have any experience. She said “yes”! After that, I started getting connections to model in other shows. I just made my first music video with an artist here in Indy. His name is Dead Silence. The music video dropped on February 9, 2021. Also, I just did the SHE Event here in Indy. It’s a platform to network with entrepreneurs. “
AMPS: What do you do when you’re not modeling?
Natalie: “I have a job and I do church zoom. I’ve been a missionary minister for about five years now, and I’ve been playing the drums since the age of seven.”
AMPS: Did you play any sports in school?
Natalie: “No. I was a cheerleader my sophomore year in high school. By junior year I was co-caption until I graduated in 2016.”
AMPS: Are there any particular teachers that you have had that steered you in the right direction besides your mother?
Natalie: “Yes, her name is Martha Ann Lince. She didn’t mind being a momma bear in school for me and I really do appreciate that. She noticed that my behavior needed guidance. In addition, she gave me talks about how to control my temper and respect myself in a good image. She was my cheerleading coach, but I looked to her as my Godmother. I’m a totally different person today then I was back then. I’m really grateful that I had people that didn’t mind putting me in check or helping me out when I felt helpless. I’m still in contact with her today.”
AMPS: Who are your inspirations besides Tyra Banks?
Natalie: “My mom because I’ve seen her go through a lot of struggles in her life and she never gives up. She was a single parent. There was this one time that we almost lost our house. The lights and water were turned off at the same time, and I had to use the restroom in a bucket in the garage. She made sure that I was well taken care of and she always spoke positive things for me to do. She always told me not to smoke or drink. She told me to always put God first, no matter what my friends’ views on religions are. My mom also told me to always be true to myself. I have a lot of wisdom from my mom and I really love my mom to death.”
AMPS: Are there any particular people or any shows that you have been in that you like working with and the reasons that you like working with them?
Natalie: “Yes. Her name is Regina Warren. I just love the way that she teaches the models how to walk and not be afraid when you’re on the stage. Outside of modeling, she’s very easy to talk to. Also, she doesn’t make me feel like I’m lower than her. She’s just a great role model.”
AMPS: Is there anyone in the industry that you would love to work with?
Natalie: “I would love to work with Links by wind. I’ve seen her in the passion 4 fashion weeks in Parris and she’s just all over. I feel like she would be a great person to work with because she’s very well known. She doesn’t just have shows here In Indianapolis, she’s everywhere. I’m trying to go outside of Indianapolis.”
AMPS: Are there any photographers that you would like to give a shout out to?
Natalie: “Yes, his name is Darvin Bibs. He’s very good and hard working.”
AMPS: What are five things that no one knows about you?
Natalie: “1. I’m a drummer, 2. I sing, 3. I’m a missionary, 4. I’m an only child, and 5. I’m a survivor of child molestation.”
AMPS: Have you been in any programs or in therapy to talk to someone about that?
Natalie: “Yes, I went to counseling.”
AMPS: What does a guy have to do to get your attention?
Natalie: “If he’s comfortable with having a conversation about God with me.”
AMPS: What would turn you off about a guy?
Natalie: “Calling me shorty, baby, and lil momma before getting to know me. Also, not asking for my name before giving me his name.”
AMPS: What’s your favorite type of music, and who is your favorite singer?
Natalie: “I like old school music. I really love Chante Moore.”
AMPS: What’s your favorite food?
Natalie: “Macaroni and cheese.”
AMPS: What do you like to do just to clear your mind?
Natalie: “I like to play with my wigs, take selfies with my phone, and work on my posing.”
AMPS: What advice would you give someone who wants to make a career out of modeling?
Natalie: “The first thing is to make sure this is what they want to do. You want to make sure that you’re in a space where nothing or no one can steer you off your path from molding. Have a vision on how far you want modeling to go. A model is a representation of who you are as a person. Modeling isn’t what society or the fashion industry labels it to be. Height and size isn’t everything when you are a model. Be the best that you can be in molding.”
AMPS: How can someone contact you for booking?
Email: natalie111jones@gmail.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com@sheslayn
Natalie leaves you with this. Luke Chapter 1 verse 45: “And blessed is she who has believed for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said”.
