Model Advocate – When North West Philadelphia native Henry Watkins isn’t strutting the runway for Versace or doing martial arts during his free time, this veteran model with Soul Artist Management, is spending time lending his creative skills to a non-profit organization Project Model Tee. The Fashionisto chats with Henry to discuss how models are making their own efforts to influence lives outside of modeling.
Tell us a little bit about Project Model Tee.
It’s a non-profit that gives models the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and in return the money that is raised is donated to various charities. In the past Project Model Tee has worked to raise funds and awareness for NAMi NYC and RAINN.
How did you get involved with the organization?
My friend Edythe Hughes founded the organization reached out to me, I’ve been involved with it ever since.
What has been the most unforgettable/best experiences working with PMT?
My work with PMT led me to get involved with New York Cares, which is probably where my most unforgettable experiences have been. Through New York Cares I led an environmental class for 2nd – 4th graders where I made my own curriculum and taught the students myself. Another unforgettable experience was when I single handedly painted a mural on the side of a school in Brooklyn.
How important do you think is it for models to be involved in outreach projects?
I believe it is important for everyone to be a constructive citizen and benefit society in some way and outreach projects are a great way to get involved. Models as well as other people in the limelight should especially get involved because whether we like it or not, we are role models in one-way or another.
Who do you aspire to be and why?
There’s a great quote by Muhammed Ali that reads, “A man that thinks the same way he did at 40 as he did at 20, has wasted 20 years of his life.” So in an era of constant technological advancements and historical moments it’s hard to pinpoint my aspirations. So a well-played model and a working painter will suffice for now.
Any advice to other aspiring models out there?
Well, it a cold world out there and you’re going to need tough skin in this business. What works for the next person might not work for you. Also, your look is going to be better in some markets opposed to other markets.
Visit Project Model Tee at www.projectmodeltee.org for more information regarding the organization.
