When not traveling for work, Shakara Ledard, one of the highest-paid African-American models, can generally be found at one of the three homes she owns in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. With the help of her personal assistant, lawyer, agent, manager, and publicist, she has built not only a successful modeling career but also a growing empire (“Shakara, Inc.", if you will) that encompasses, so far, a blossoming film career and her first CD. The multi-talented, ever-entrepreneurial Shakara has also put her name to a skin-care line, a clothing line and even a resort on one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas. This summer she appeared in the film Raising Helen with Kate Hudson. Her next movie, Behind the Smile, will be the latest release from the Wayans brothers, who offered her a break-out role. We spoke with Shakara in her Miami mansion.

Interview by ALVINA COLLARDEAU

You were born and grew up in the Bahamas. What was that like?

SHAKARA: In retrospect, it was a blessing and a fantastic experience. I went fishing everyday. I was running around butt-naked. I never combed my hair. It was all about acting crazy, thinking that I was a boy until I developed breasts! [laughs] But at the time, I found it boring. I wanted more stimulation! That is why I moved to the U.S. to attend boarding school when I was a teenager.

You started your modeling career early, didn't you?

Yes, at 14. A friend took photos of me in my dormitory and I sent them out to ten agencies in Miami. Nine of them offered me contracts! So I thought, “Well, maybe I have something here!”

How did you get selected for the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue?

It actually happened by chance. Sports Illustrated saw photographs of me in a magazine. They tracked me down and flew me to Mexico. There I was, standing with Heidi Klum, and Daniela Pestova. There were all these amazing models and little me, in the middle, bushy hair and buckteeth. [smiles]

Then you got another big break, Victoria's Secret.

I owe it to one of my favorite photographers — Antoine Verglas. Antoine did the shooting for Sports Illustrated. He picked up the phone and called Victoria's Secret to recommend me. He helped me open doors I couldn't open on my own.

Was it easy to get started, or were there some struggles?

Oh, at first there was a lot of struggling involved! Unfortunately, most model agencies will have a ratio of only one ethnic girl for every hundred blonde and brunette girls. For a black girl in the industry, it's practically impossible to make it — but I kept going and going [laughs]. I was very determined!

Indeed, you soon were booking campaigns for L'Oreal, GAP, Benetton, H&M, and Levi's that helped you establish a name for yourself. What are you looking forward to now?

Well, now that I've done it for quite a long time, I'm seeking something else — and to me that is acting. I just love the challenge of taking a character from a script... written in black and white… and giving her dimension, texture, depth.  

You have only been acting for a year. How has it been so far?

I'm lucky, I've already worked on five different films. I started with a small independent movie called Prey for Rock & Roll with Gina Gershon in the lead. I played Gina Gershon's love interest, her girlfriend. It has already been released. And I have a small part in a big production, a Gary Marshall film called Raising Helen. It was fantastic working with Kate Hudson. She's a phenomenal woman. What a sweetheart!

You also just wrapped up the new Wayans brothers film, where you have the lead female role.

Yes.

What kind of part would you most love to play?

Oh gosh… it would have to be something completely unexpected! I want to be like a drug-addict or someone who is facing a big challenge — a character who is not based on physical appearance, but rather on emotions and talent. My first role was one of my favorites because I played a really trashy lesbian rocker chick!  

What about working in Hollywood, is it color-blind these days?

Since Halle Berry won the Oscar, doors have definitely opened for black actresses. I am so lucky to come at a time when Hollywood is more and more receptive to ethnic actresses. Now they're hungry for the next beautiful and talented black star. They want us.

Justin Timberlake personally picked you to play his love interest in his music video “Like I Love You.” The video turned out to be very sexy. What was it like shooting with him?

I was very surprised that Justin picked me because I thought there wasn't that much chemistry when we met. But we completely hit it off during the shoot. I had so much fun with him! We didn't stop teasing each other and joking with each other the entire shoot. He is such a wonderful person. And he is a VERY sexy man.

Aren't you dabbling in music yourself, on top of modeling and acting?

I've been working on a demo with Tricky [known from the band Massive Attack]. He's a musical genius. He single-handedly took me into the studio to help me develop as a singer. I hope my demo will help me get a record deal! And we'll take it from there…

You live in three different cities and travel constantly for work. How do you keep grounded?

I usually try to escape to my home in Miami to reconnect and get my energy back up. Or I'll disappear for a month and go to the jungle either in the Amazon, Indonesia, or Brazil… all by myself!

What is the “Sanctuary of Love” foundation?

That is the organization for children I am starting with some of my funds. It is for abandoned children, and children who have been abused or are sick. The concept is to build them a safe haven.

How do you hope to help them?

The idea is to create a place, a little piece of heaven for these children to heal… to re-educate them through love. Art will also be an outlet for them to express themselves.

How is it going so far?

My first donation is in the process of being legalized. This foundation is something very dear to me that I am committing myself to for the long-run. It will be a long process, but it is well worth the wait.

©2004 EXCLUSIVE PRESS