STYLE LIST: TEN QUESTIONS WITH "SHE'S GOT THE LOOK" WINNER CINDY COHEN

UBC is proud to welcome the winner of TV Land's SHE'S GOT THE LOOK, the next great supermodel, Cindy Cohen. This 40 year old stunner is also a certified life coach and writer of THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS IN 30 DAYS OR LESS. Look for her feature in the September Issue of SELF magazine. Now, here are her fun and fabulous answers to THE TEN.

UBC: CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING THE WINNER OF THE 2009 “SHE’S GOT THE LOOK” REALITY CONTEST. YOU WERE THE CONTESTANT WITH THE LEAST EXPERIENCE BUT YOU'VE DREAMED OF BEING A FASHION MODEL SINCE YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL. HOW DID THAT DREAM DEVELOP AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?

CC: I think it first started with an interest in fashion. I loved to get dressed up as a teenager. I was always so tall and thin that people started to tell me that I should model. I started reading the fashion magazines, and from there, I was hooked!

UBC: YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED A LIFE GOAL IN SPITE OF MANY CHALLENGES, INCLUDING BECOMING A MOTHER AT A VERY YOUNG AGE AND AT ONE TIME BEING HOMELESS. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE OBSTACLES AND REMAIN FOCUSED?

CC:Having a child, you recognize that you have another person you are responsible for. Not only to take care of, but to set an example for. It motivated me to keep going and not let things keep me down. The fact that I have been through many obstacles and eventually accomplished my life goal, makes me feel that I taught my son one of the biggest lessons. “No matter where you come from or what you go through, if you keep your dream alive within you, it can come true." My favorite saying to him is “anything’s possible,” which I think he now believes.

UBC: THE MODELS THAT WERE PART OF THE COMPETITION HAD VARIOUS BACKGROUNDS AND RANGED FROM THEIR MID-30’S TO THEIR 70’S. HOW DID SPENDING TIME WITH THESE LADIES HELP TO MOTIVATE YOU DURING THE COMPETITION?

CC: We realized that we had a lot in common, but we also had a lot to learn from each other because of our differences. Most of us were helpful and supportive of each other. We shared clothes, helped with each other’s makeup, etc. I think we inspired each other, which helped in being motivated.

UBC: HOW DID IT FEEL THE FIRST TIME YOU MET THE LEGENDARY SUPERMODEL, BEVERLY JOHNSON?

CC: Because of Beverly being an icon in the industry, I was a little nervous. But during the open call when I stood in front of the judges, I felt very comfortable. She’s more approachable than you would think being a model of that magnitude.

UBC: YOU ARE A CERTIFIED LIFE COACH AND YOU HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK CALLED “THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS IN 30 DAYS OR LESS.” DID YOUR LIFE COACH TRAINING HELP YOU DURING THE COMPETITION? IF SO, HOW?

CC: It definitely helped. I know that fear, nervousness, insecurity and all of the other things people may feel in a competition would be a detriment. I kept a positive, healthy attitude throughout which took me to the end.

UBC: HOW HAS WINNING THE COMPETITION CHANGED YOUR LIFE THE MOST?

CC: Winning the competition has helped me realize an unfulfilled dream I had since I was a child. I’ve been so busy, but it’s enjoyable when it’s something you have a passion for.

UBC: YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN INSIDE AND OUT. WHAT ARE THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT BEAUTY ROUTINES THAT YOU CAN SUGGEST FOR WOMEN OVER 30?

CC: 1. Leave time for yourself. Do something that nurtures your inner spirit.

2. Do some form of physical exercise. It helps release stress, which takes a toll on our looks.

3. Always use sunscreen! I never knew it was important for women of color, but it definitely is.

UBC: AS THE WINNER OF “SHE’S GOT THE LOOK,” YOU RECEIVED A FASHION SPREAD IN SELF MAGAZINE'S SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR FAB PHYSIC? WHAT IS YOUR WORKOUT REGIMEN?

CC: I love to eat, which means I have to work out. I do Pilates twice a week which strengthens your core, and elongates muscles. I also do circuit training with weights and resistance bands once or twice a week. To keep the weight off, I do 30 minutes of cardio, at least 3 times a week. If I can’t find the time, I am more selective of what I eat that day and don’t overdo it on the calories.

UBC: AS YOU ARE TRAVELING THE WORLD AS A WILHELMINA MODEL, WHAT IS YOUR AIR TRAVEL RITUAL? MUST BRING A BLANKET? IPOD? ETC?

CC: I always have a blanket, a pillow, tons of magazines and socks. My feet get so cold on airplanes. I have to be comfortable.

UBC: THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO URBAN STYLE PROFESSIONALS AT ALL LEVELS, AND THE PEOPLE THEY INSPIRE. WE SERVE EVERYONE WHO WORKS TO MAKE US BEAUTIFUL - FROM THE BARBER IN DETROIT, TO THE MAKE-UP ARTIST IN SAN FRANCISCO, TO THE ASPIRING WARDROBE STYLIST IN ATLANTA. CAN YOU GIVE OUR MEMBERS SOME WORDS OF INSPIRATION TO HELP THEM ATTAIN THEIR DREAMS?

CC: Have a passion for your dream. When we do something for happiness rather than the material aspects, it comes to us easier. You must believe in it and never give up, no matter what obstacles may get in your way. Your obstacles build strength and character, which will prepare you for your dream when it is finally realized!