Winter 2005; Interview by Chuck Holliday

Our first ever installment of “The Wifey Watch” brings us back home to the east coast, where finding women who can have the credit card for a day has gotten harder than getting into a New York City nightclub without a female companion. But it was easy to spot supermodel Tasha Ford, who has already graced the pages of urban publication powerhouse Black Men’s Magazine, in addition to mainstream player FHM. With TV Media also under her belt (and we’re not talking an extra role, we’re talking entertainment reporter), as well as numerous ad campaigns, anyone else accomplishing this much would just sit back and enjoy. Not T-Ford: branching out with their own multi-media business venture truly makes her a legit “power player” in the fashion and entertainment scene.

First and foremost, please tell us your nationality for those who are under a rock.
Well, my biological dad is Puerto Rican and my mom is Black. I’m Panamanian raised though. My father who raised me is from Panama. When he came from Panama his papers had his last name spelled wrong. My dad thought that Ford sound more American, so he kept the last name…there you have it, Tasha Ford.

That’s quite a mix, a good one at that. So what’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
It was fun and humiliating at the same time, I was a baguette girl for a local department store. I had to dress in a large size bag with white fishnet stockings, Mary Jane black shoes and wore a large bow in my hair. It paid well. Thank God we encountered a snow storm in the area and not too many people saw me.

Wow! It sounds interesting, but it also shows how much passion you have to succeed in what you do. Being a model has its advantages, but being a model featured in publications has even better advantages. How has being featured in the likes of FHM and Black Men’s Magazine given you an advantage to your already booming popularity?
It really sets the standard. When you step out like that for the first time, you have to continue to book comparable or better gigs. I love it. People come up to me and say, “I’ve seen you before.” I’ve just smile and keep it moving.

I know those camera phones are snapping everytime you walk by. Now being a popular model also has its disadvantages as well. Do you get any free time to do anything constructive besides modeling?
These days, no. I get so many calls to do so many different things. Modeling doesn’t just consist of taking pictures. You make appearances at different places to keep your face known and keep your name out there, then there are the really fun events that I recently been asked to do, like talking to kids that admire you, using your time to make a positive difference in someone’s life with just a few encouraging words. I love my siblings, so I spend most of my free time with them.

That’s a good thing though, and good things always happen to good people. So lets skip to social talk – are you the dominator when it comes to being in a relationship? I know dudes (and even women who admire) all over are intimidated.
Well, in the past, I wanted to have control. Now, I don’t want to have too much on my plate, and trying to control something (relation) with someone is wasted energy. I haven’t had the best judgment in character when it comes to dating me, so I’ve put that on the backburner.

Awwwww. I’m sure there’s somebody decent among that long line. What song best describes your personality in a nutshell?
Cater to you by Destiny’s Child

Hmmmm. Has anyone ever resisted your charms?
Most of the men I date want to act like they are in control of their feelings when it comes to me. This behavior typically ruins the relationship. However, I have an admirer who love to spoil me can’t resist my charm….He reminds me of my Stepfather, my mothers second husband, he spoiled me to death and told me never to except less, so I’m getting back to that. Love it! He’s definitely got my attention.

I bet he does! When it comes to dealing with these fans, where do you draw the line on being an admirer and somebody in the stalking mood?
I’m not easy to stalk. If I feel the bad spirit of a stalker, I shut it down with the quickness. Besides, I have to many folks with me anyway (predominately men) to get that type of attention.

Sounds good. So back to your career: you’ve done pageants, The Wall Street Journal (Money Works), and a wide variety of big league things. Are you entertaining any thoughts of starting your own business anytime soon? I have about 4 staffers here at NYConfidential who would gladly work as your janitor or lunch runner if so.
You are too funny. I do have a company www.option1worldwide.com. It’s an events marketing and promotions company, it’s my passion other than modeling. You can actually view one of my events. Speaking of which, I need to update that site with my latest events.

Now that’s what I’m talking about – looks like a good business move right there. What meal you think is the best way to win a man’s heart (of course this is something you’re cooking I’m assuming)?
I can cook a mean NY strip and onions dinner with red potatoes. I also have a mean curry pasta, shrimp and mixed vegetable dish that is sure to please.

I think you have just won every cool point in the book right now with that one. Being that photographers like me are supposed to not be charming, can you give me a key piece of advice so that I can win the girl of my dreams?
Be yourself and willing to compromise sometimes. Communication, communication is the key. Also, chocolate strawberries and lingerie surprises help too. Most women like those toesies kissed too.

I have all of the confidence in the world right now after that. So what’s next for Tasha Ford? You have alot of big things going on right now.
Right now I’m working on my acting skills so look out world. Also, the Avlon hair ads I shot some time ago should go to print real soon. I’ll be featured in Black Hair, Hype Hair, Essence, Ebony and Vibe. You can also check my site from time from time to time and see what it going on in my world. Oh, and I’m working on a members only section as well.