When it comes to the Lone Star State, there is a simple saying, Don’t mess with Texas.
Outspoken, unapologetically independent, passionate and as American as a state can ever be, there is just something about Texas that truly makes it stand out above others. Known for its vast oil supplies, love of God and football, the largest state in the lower 48 also boasts perhaps THE hottest women on Earth.
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while all women come in all shapes and sizes, there is just a raw sexiness and rugged charm of a Texas woman.
Blessed with beauty pageant-worthy looks, a mesmerizing twang, a knowledge of football that can rival any man, and a I-can-kick-your-behind independent type of mentality, to say that a Texas woman being one of a kind is a bit of an understatement.
Thanks to these traits, Texas has produced a who’s who of models, singers and actresses ranging from Dakota Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Miranda Lambert, Piper Perabo, UFC fighter Gina Carano, Jennifer Garner, Ciara, Amber Heard and Sarah Shahi JUST to name a few. Not to say that College Station-area up-and-coming model Lauren Cannon is set to join such a list of notable Texas babes, but thanks to a gorgeous set of curves and go-get’em type of attitude needed for the world of modeling, the die-hard fan of her beloved Texas A&M Aggies, Lauren has the right look and sweetheart personality to make a name for herself.
Below is a Q and A with Ms. Cannon as we discuss modeling, life in Texas and some football of course!
Gig’em!
Name: Lauren Elizabeth Cannon
Age: 26
Height: 5’3”
Birthplace: Bryan, Texas
Measurements: 32b-24-36
R.C. What brands have you modeled for?
L.C. “Currently I have not had the wonderful opportunity of working with a specific brand; however, I am in communication with local designers and will have opportunities coming up in the near future that will allow me to work with these talented individuals!”
R.C. Which one do you enjoy modeling for the most?
L.C. “Since I have yet to work with any brands I can’t properly answer this question. I do have goals of working from brands such as Ariat, Wrangler and various western wear brands to brands like Fossil, Victoria Secret and beyond! In my opinion, you have to dream big; a person’s only limitations are the ones they place on themselves.”
R.C. Where has been your favorite place to shoot?
L.C. “So far I have shot in and around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and each location has provided its own excitement. It really depended on the style and wardrobe of the shoot.
I thoroughly enjoyed shooting at the Botanical Gardens in Dallas, and my swimwear shoots have been a lot of fun as well! I’m fortunate enough to have an AMAZING photographer, and makeup artist.
My photographer, Jeff Benham goes above and beyond with each and every shoot and is willing to get down in the water with the model to capture that one-of-a kind shot or climb steep hills to ensure that he gets that breathtaking view behind whatever model is in front of his lens.
He is willing to work as hard as his models do and that is very hard to find. Miss Nifa A. Bell is an extremely talented makeup & hair artist and always makes the models feel comfortable and powerful. She is a great cheerleader and considers all of the models she works with family.
She will also go out on location and help keep a sexy and powerful vibe going.
So, I’ve been really blessed to have started out with them and privileged to have grown so close to them in the last 7 months. Greg Richardson made his appearance and found us in July and has been working hard to get models, photographers, makeup artists and designers alike publicity and has gone above and beyond to give us all that push to the next level.
He asked me in August if I would be willing to help him with the networking aspect of the agency and I absolutely accepted.
I have been the Executive Director for Palms Promotions Agency since September and have had the opportunity to interact with some incredibly talented people and I look forward to what that will result in for everyone.”
R.C. What is the most exciting aspect of modeling?
L.C. “I love the fact that modeling truly has no limit!
You are able to do SO many different things in this industry; things that I don’t think most people even consider! I know before I got involved in this industry I had absolutely NO clue about what all went into shoots and the time it takes for each working member to learn, perfect and improve their craft!
Concept work, themed shoots, fashion, glamour, swimwear, and all of the possibilities and options each of those few categories offer is so exciting to me and I am greatly anticipating having the opportunity to experience each of those diverse and imaginative shoots.”
R.C. With fall now here, what fashion and style tips and trends do you have for looking good when the temperature drops?
L.C. “There are so many fall looks that I love! My personal favorites are the oversized sweater with skinny jeans and tall leather riding boots and I also am privy to plaid flannel shirts paired with a toboggan, jeans and my Justin cowboy boots.
Since I live in Texas, our weather can fluctuate pretty dramatically in a single day.
I am anxious to see how this winter goes for me, fashionably speaking of course, and see what influences and trends I will start to recognize and even try out; before I was in this industry, I didn’t really pay attention to all of those kinds of things, but now I have to keep up with what look is trending and try new fashions. It’s pretty intriguing!”
R.C. Within the industry, who is your inspiration?
L.C. “Oh my! That is a very difficult question to answer. I think that every model I have ever seen in a magazine, commercial, or met in person (regardless of their tenure in the industry) has something that I can learn from them. I mean, that’s what this industry and life in general is all about right?
Always making it a point to find something in someone that you can learn from to help improve yourself?
So I’ve learned something and been inspired on some level by every model I’ve come into contact with, whether it is in person or through viewing print. For the sake of avoiding sounding too cliché, if I had to pick two models who have always captivated and inspired me I would have to choose Cindy Crawford and Tyra Banks.
Those women each bring their own spin and approach to modeling and it’s so refreshing and exciting to view their work!”
R.C. What is your secret to staying in shape?
L.C. “Right now I just do a little light running, lift weights a couple times a week and do squats daily. I eat several small “meals” or snacks throughout the day. I don’t have a gym membership anywhere simply because I can always find things around the house to use for weights and to help with my workouts.”
R.C. Outside of modeling, what are your hobbies?
L.C. “I really enjoy singing. I started performing for an audience with a band when I was only three years old and always dreamed of being a famous singer.
As I’ve gotten older and the inescapable reality of adulthood started sinking in, I haven’t had the time to pursue my singing career as adamantly as I would like, but I do still go out and sing karaoke with friends when I can. I also really enjoy coloring (it’s ok, you can laugh) and writing.
Both of these are wonderful stress outlets for me. It gives me a few moments to slow down and decompress.”
R.C. Sports question: Who are your favorite teams and clubs?
L.C. “Well I’m a HUGE football fan and have been my entire life; I get that from my momma. I love the Aggies, and the Cowboys and have my whole life; I’ll cheer on just about any Texas football team (except for the Longhorns). I also like to watch basketball but cannot begin to tell you who my favorite team is. I get into it while I’m watching, but honestly I only watch it because football isn’t on.”
R.C. What are your favorite cities to travel to?
L.C. “I’m fortunate because I live in Texas and there is always a cool new place to check out! I’ve traveled a lot of Texas in my life and I have to say, I much prefer the small towns that are tucked away or the hidden gems of Texas that you have to SEE to appreciate versus traveling to the big cities.
However, I’ve been to all of the major cities in Texas and each one is so vastly different from the others that I couldn’t pick a favorite. Austin is very artsy and eclectic. The energy and laid back vibe is one that is very specific to Austin and you can’t find it anywhere else.
Dallas has always been very uptown to me for some reason. I’ve been up there a lot for shoots and things like that, so I’m still learning what Dallas is all about, but it just seems more like an uptown, party city. San Antonio is very rich in history and culture and has some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had the pleasure to taste. I lived in Houston for a little over 2 years and found it to be just very busy and business-like.
It also has its party side but it’s got its own charm in a way, I suppose; however, I wouldn’t ever care to live there again. I’m a small town kind of girl myself. So I think if I had to pick a favorite, I would go with Austin because of the art, and vibrant energy that is permanently embedded in the city itself; and also because one of my sisters lives there and it’s always nice to see her!”
R.C. What advice would you give to women aspiring to get into modeling?
L.C. “I would tell those women to set goals for themselves, decide what type of modeling they want to do as well as the type of modeling they won’t do and stand beside that decision. There are so many wonderful opportunities available in this industry and as long as you’re hard-working, goal oriented, driven and humble, you will be successful. You are the only person who has the power to limit what you achieve.
You are beautiful, you are unique and you are powerful! Don’t ever let anyone try and take those things away from you!
Special thanks to Lauren Cannon for her time during the Q and A interview and to Jeff Benham for his collaboration in allowing the use of images used. Images are the property of their prospective owner and used with permission.
Follow Lauren on Twitter at @LaurenCTXModel, on Instagram at @l_cannon90 and on Facebook at @LaurenCannonTXModel