by Gina Scarpa

 

This season on America's Next Top Model, Tyra bestowed superpowers upon each of the girls that represented how she saw them in the fashion world. Eboni was given "30 Never" and asked to look and dress young each week, which seemed to really bother her, given that she felt she had to grow up fast. Still, her performance throughout the competition brought her all the way to final five, and she was eliminated last week in Hong Kong. We caught up with Eboni today in an exclusive interview to talk more about the 30 Never label, her relationship with the other girls, and how she felt about her photos.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your modeling experience prior to doing America's Next Top Model and what made you want to do the show?

A. Eboni: Prior to doing the show, I was already signed with two agencies, one in Seattle and another in Miami. I wanted to do the show just because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There was an audition in a local mall here in Seattle. There were hundreds of girls, lots who were not exactly models. Eventually, I made it and at this point, why say no?

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You really seemed to take issue with Tyra labeling you "30 Never". Looking back on it, do you feel like you took it too seriously?
A. Eboni: I mean, I didn't see myself being as happy as I could have been. I think that I was dealing with conflicts internally and it kind of shows in my pictures. I look confused like, "Am I being 30 Never now? Am I being 30 Never NOW?" I had to wear ponytails constantly and in real life, I'd be laughed right out of the casting.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When it got down to you and Laura, it became especially clear that she didn't like you. She called you vain and some of the other girls agreed. What did you think of their assessment of you?
A. Eboni: I thought it was kind of funny. On the show, you can see that I don't really say anything. The worst thing I've said is a joke that she took very personally. Honestly, I just thought it was really funny. I'm not really a vain person but at the same time, it is a modeling competition. Even if you're not the best model in the room, you have to have a certain level of confidence. I was just keeping my guard up as far as not letting people assume that I wasn't as strong.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: One person you were especially close with was Alisha, who had nothing but positive things to say about you when we talked to her. What does her friendship mean to you?
A. Eboni: Having her friendship was like, huge to me. The fact that we got eliminated together was kind of a curse and a blessing. Nobody ever wants to get eliminated but at the same time, had I remained in the competition, it would've affected my performance. I think we both went out well and with grace. If I ever go to London, there's a door open for me and she's always said I can stay with her.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: With Alisha deciding to quit after the Macau Tower photo shoot last week, do you feel you should have been sent home as well?
A. Eboni: I mean, I wouldn't have wanted to stay because that means I would've been staying by default. That's not something I would want, do you know what I mean? I want the judges to choose my photo and I want to be there because they truly wanted me to be there. When Tyra decided to send both of us home, I understood.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you feel like the photo with the maple leaves and syrup, where you were called first at panel, was your best?
A. Eboni: Yeah, I mean... I felt like I performed well on a lot of the photo shoots and I don't know if the photos that were chosen were necessarily the best. A lot of us had modeling experience outside of the competition and I've done a lot of shoots. I mean, I don't know. At this point, it is what it is. I'm appreciative that I got best photo and did well in the Toronto shoot as well.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the biggest lesson you took away from the show that you're applying to your modeling career?
A. Eboni: I think the biggest lesson just came out of interacting with different people. There are times when people don't get along and just remaining professional throughout all of that. And knowing who you are as a person is really important.

 

America's Next Top Model airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on the CW.

 

(Image courtesy of the CW)

 

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