Photos by Thomas Anthony and J.Vitalia

How You Know Her: Can be spied throughout some of your favorite auto-import tours (especially in Las Vegas); ITG Magazine feature (December 2008); RIDES Magazine (more than once); #1 Most Wanted NYC Model according to those jerk-offs at Avenue 1 (I guess we’re supposed to type LOL here). But after being named #1 on that now-infamous list (which can be viewed here), the backlash seemed almost like a reflex, even from within the corporate ladders at our own parent company. It’s not like the Bronx native just randomly popped up on our webwaves: she actually was on our 2007 Most Wanted list too.
From calendars overseas to first dates, Avenue 1′s Number One Stunner gets serious about her life, career and perceptions from within the modeling industry.

Avenue 1: So what the hell’s been up with you – what’s been new since last summer?
Xtina: Well where do I start? EVERYTHING is new (laughs). I am shooting a lot more glamour and fashion currently, I still do lingerie and swimsuit of course and I’ve even begun the body painting era. Just having a lot of fun with everything and making sure people know who I am and that they remember my name. I just shot for Shady and G-Unit for both of their singles, Crack a Bottle and Get It In, so there is plenty of new things I’m going to make sure gets out there.

You had an incredible 2008 – lots of publications, radio, an internet reality series that went to production – how has the success changed the way you approach projects today?
2008 was great but 2009 is MINE! I don’t take anything for granted. I’m very down to earth and humble when it comes to my modeling. But don’t get me wrong, its a cut-throat industry and I will fight for mine. I’m still the same goofy Xtina that I was before the success and fame and I wouldn’t change that for anyone. I have A LOT of great stuff coming for you guys in 2009, even though the economy is pretty messed up, there’s still stuff going on and I’m getting it!

So with all of that said, we all know that with success comes the follow-up: do you feel there is pressure on you from behind the scenes because of all of the recent success? I know myself having been in the industry for years, I’ve seen some girls rise and fall harder than AOL’s stock.
I absolutely feel the pressure on me from behind the scenes but I like it. I’ve always been one to procrastinate and now that I’ve made it this far in the industry, I’m not going to stop and I’m going to keep rising to the top

Like Keni Burke would say, haha. Let’s get right into it: the NYC’s Most Wanted List, both 2007 and 2008 – there was some animosity scattered throughout the 2007 list, although very indirect. 2008′s list, however, it seemed like… well people seemed to have opinions about the #1, as if you were some random female off the block who took a couple of a$$ photos and ended up doing this and that. What’s your take on all of this “criticism” although we like to call it hounding.
Honestly, it doesn’t bother me what people think about me, or my status in the industry. I’ve been doing this for 5 years, and I’ve been going at it hard for the past 3 years. I was honored to even be mentioned in 2007, but once I saw that I was #4, I started working at my way to #1. It’s not easy, I’m not some girl settling for nothing to gain exposure, I bust my a$$.

And that’s definitely true. But some people are making it as if you should feel guilty for busting your a$$ to move forth because they don’t put in that same energy.
Everyone has their opinions of course, there’s always going to be, what do you call them? HATERS. and I am flattered to even have those (laughs). They are your biggest fans and they push you even more to achieve what they envy about you. On the other hand, envy plays a big part in every girl that models. Any girl who says that they have never envied another model is lying. I’ve done it, and that’s why I am where I am today because I push and push to get to where I want to be.

True indeed. But what makes some of these girls get so …. envious or testy, especially since you are basically all in the same business? Wouldn’t you think some would be supportive of others who have been doing a lot of successful things since it could allow them to piggyback off of that and parlay that into their own?
I’m really not sure what makes girls get so envious or testy. I wish I knew what was running through their minds. Maybe it’s because they aren’t that confident with themselves because if you are that confident in yourself, you’re not going to talk smack about the next girl, your going to say ‘Hey your great at what you do, can I have some tips or ideas?’. I do it all the time. There is ALWAYS something new to learn, no matter how long you have been doing this.
I would think that everyone in this industry would be supportive of one another, no matter what category your in, especially if that person is being successful, and with the economy the way it is, you have to be. But maybe I can only speak for myself, and a handful of other models I know.

I also noticed when we did featured Shana Marie in our Babewatch section, Marc’s email box (Editor, Babewatch) was LOADED with photos and responses from women all over who felt as if they should have been there instead of her, which was wild to say the least. Moving on, how was doing the import touring? You we’re in Las Vegas an awful lot. Talk about that experience and dealing with import touring.
Las Vegas is my second home. They hold the best trade shows and events, and along with the nightlife you cant beat it! I love traveling, but it does take a toll on your personal life. I am one of the many girls who work a full time job as well as modeling. Luckily, my boss supports me and was one of the people to push me to go at it, so he allows me to take off when I must as long as I get everything I have to do in the office done.

Now a while back, you participated in a video diary series that was focusing on nightlife and such. Could you see yourself in your own reality series, ala Brett Michaels or The Bachelorette?
I would LOVE to have my own reality show. I’ve become one of many reality show junkies. Its funny, I was just asked to try out for Real Chance of Love. I didn’t go, but don’t be surprised if you see me on TV soon! (giggles) I HOPE!

So staying on topic, with the whole winning hearts thing, a man definitely can’t win your heart by taking you to the Olive Garden in Times Square (New York City) — you know, the one that everyone takes their first dates to?
Says who? (laughs)

Well I figured you’d at least start with Cafe Fiorello (1900 Broadway, near W63rd St, NYC), that should be the benchmark for starting off.
I’m not a gold-digger or that high-maintenance that the Olive Garden wouldn’t be an option … Okay okay maybe not on the 1st date, BUT down the line maybe I wouldn’t mind. (laughs) I’ve actually never been there! I love food and being romantical – I don’t even know if that’s a word, but it is now! A nice dinner is the first step to win my heart, I will tell you that.

You obviously have your own outside situation, aka 9 to 5 job that you do: how hard is it to separate the model Xtina Noel from the everyday Christina outside of the business?
It’s actually not hard at all. Like I said earlier, I have a very supportive boss (at my 9 to 5) so as long as I can juggle both and not mess up the other one, I can come and go as I please. Its funny though, I try to keep some things a surprise from my office. I just received a few more copies of my 2009 calendar that is being sold in Poland (250,000 copies were printed – WHOOP WHOOP!), and my boss opened it up. He asked me when I’m giving him the 2 weeks notice because I’m going to Hollywood. I told him he couldn’t get rid of me that easily. (laughs)

Uhh, we need our copy pronto! So 2009′s Most Wanted list is on the way in September and is bound to stir up more controversy. You’re going to hold us down again for a third straight summer on the list, right?
I hope so! I would be honored to be on the list for a third straight year!