By Elise Harwood

Courtnee Mason, model, actress and reigning Miss Black Gastonia NC 2009, has accomplished quite a bit in her short yet promising career. Aside from being named this year’s Miss Black Gastonia, Mason, 24, has also graced the covers of two of Charlotte’s highly esteemed entertainment magazines (Charlotte Style Magazine and Elevate Magazine) along with being named one of Charlotte’s Top 25 Most Stylish People. Mason, who aspires to be the “next Tyra Banks” and holds extremely high aspirations for herself, no doubt has that ‘it’ factor and it is a guarantee we will be seeing much more of her in the future.

Elise: What initially got you interested you in the entertainment industry?
Courtnee: My personality does not allow me to sit behind a desk in a 9 to 5 job. I love to make people laugh because I am so silly.

Who are your inspirations in the fashion industry?
Tyra Banks, Giselle Bunchen, Heidi Klum. I am a model and I strive to be such a positive influence like them while doing what I love to do.

What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Reading, watching movies, playing with my sister’s dog, Laila, and spending time with family and friends. Also, trying to figure out how to accomplish goals of mine on my List of 100 goals for 2009.

What are your plans/goals for the future?
My ultimate modeling goals are to grace the covers of Elle and Sports Illustrated (swimsuit edition) and become a Victoria Secret Angel. In terms of acting, I hope to star in a Tyler Perry Film and sitcom, to work with Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Samuel Jackson and Gabrielle Union, and to be invited on the Oprah Show. And simply to inspire people young and old, no matter what. Reach for the stars; anything that gets in the way of your dreams, use it as a footstool to elevate you even higher.

What would you consider some of your major accomplishments as an actress/model thus far?
Appearing on Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne; a very humbling experience. Also, appearing on two covers of a magazine in the same year (Charlotte Style Magazine and Elevate Magazine).

Have you received any honors/accolades?
Charlotte’s Top 25 Most Stylish People…hopefully more to come.

What is it like being the Miss Black Gastonia NC 2009?
I love the opportunity to speak with young people letting them know that all things are possible. I love helping.

Is there anything else you would like the media to know about you?
I started the Dear Fairy Godmother Charity.

Just for Fun—Random Questions

Favorite food?
J’s Japanese Bistro SUSHI (snowman with shrimp sauce)

Favorite movie?
Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Why did I get Married, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I have two. Africa, so I can see the monkeys or possible hold one (my favorite animal is a monkey) and Fiji to swim with the dolphins.

If you could work with anyone in the entertainment industry, past or present, who would it be?
It would have to be a tie between Denzel Washington and Will Smith.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My Cell Phone

Photography, Styling and Make Up- Xposure Photography|Make-Up Artistry
For appearances and/or media requests, contact Courtnee Mason’s publicist at 704.965.3297 or jameka@jswmediagroup.com