Shemme is a model/actress with a very promising career ahead of herself. She’s worked in television and modeled for companies such as Sony. One of the aspects that makes her journey unique is her work as a model in both the U.S. and Japan! Japan, being the homogenous country that it is, one can imagine the image of the foreigner is still one of rarity and even rarer of those that have more melanin. However, times are changing and the success of Shemme is one of these examples. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her to recount her experience of living and working in Japan as well as her plans now that she is back in the states.
Where and when did you get your start in modeling?
I started modeling in high school for local fashion designers and fashion shows throughout Florida. Although, some might say it really started with a photo of my sister and me on the cover of a Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul book when I was seven.
How does modeling work in Japan versus the U.S.?
In a lot of ways, I found modeling in Japan to be much more organized than modeling in the US, despite obvious factors like the language barrier. Once you land a gig as a freelance model in Japan, everything is mostly arranged including travel fare, lodging, and food. I also earned much more modeling and acting in Japan. Of course, as a black woman, there is a lot less of a demand than in the US. This also means that makeup artists and hairstylists on set aren’t always as familiar with our skin types and hair textures. Otherwise, modeling over there and here is more or less the same. I do feel as though freelance modeling isn’t taken as seriously in the states, however, and you’re also asked to cover your own accommodations if you’re traveling. The atmosphere of being on a set in both countries differs drastically. In Japan, I was only ever accompanied by my agent once and even then she barely spoke English. Unless I was working with another model or actor that spoke English I was often the only American or English speaker in a studio and understanding the photographer or director could sometimes get tricky. Needless to say, it’s much easier for me to understand the directions for a shoot here but at the end of the day, the feeling of satisfaction and a job well done is universally enjoyed by everyone.
Being that Japan is a homogenous culture, what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being an African-American model in this environment?
In a homogenous culture where you stand out, regardless of your profession, I think the experience could be difficult to get through. As a black model in this type of environment, the role carries a lot of disadvantages, some you might expect, like instances of typecasting or colorism. Being told you look JUST like Nicki Minaj or Beyonce every other time you go to a casting call is not exactly flattering when you know you look like neither of them. Other times, it’s being stereotyped negatively or feeling extremely left out because they don’t know how to approach you about your curves during fittings. Overall, modeling in this type of environment has forced me to choose myself during moments of doubt because I didn’t think I had any other options. I realized that I came back to a city embracing what makes me unique because of my modeling work in Japan.
To follow off the last question, in recent years there was a Hafu (half black, half Japanese) that became Miss Japan, which is a great sign that more diversity is being accepted. In your experience of living there, did you notice this change happening as well? What are some things that might be done to further the diversity as it pertains to the modeling/beauty industry?
Yes! I noticed very small signs of acceptance and they would make me smile every time. Sometimes, it was in Japanese subcultures exploring parts of black culture, such as music, while giving credit where it is due. I will always support that. Other times, I would see a black model on a large billboard up in Omotesando Hills. This would especially make my day. I truly love that some parts of Japan, much like the rest of the world are genuinely concerned with more open-minded acceptance. I only wish that not only Japan but the world would do more to abandon the attitudes of colorism, particularly in the fashion and beauty industry. There are so many gorgeous shades of skin in the world, but the message has been the complete opposite for so long with darkening lighter skin models or lightening darker skin models. Why not hire a model for the complexion she or he has? I remember working for Sony once and was essentially told that the reason they wanted to work with me was because of my rich skin color only to find that the director repetitively requested for darker make up to be added to my face because it wasn’t ‘dark enough’ on camera. We should strive to make the number one standard of beauty happiness in health.
What are some of your goals with your career as a model?
I hope to someday make it to NYFW (New York Fashion Week), as it always looks like so much fun! Overall, I would want to use a larger platform to spread the message of self-love to everyone.
In addition to your modeling career, you taught English in Japan, and you specialize in linguistics! Now I’m a little paranoid about how many grammatical errors I’ve probably made already (I laugh), but tell us about your background in this field and what opportunities have come from it or may come from it in the future. How’s your Japanese?
Haha! I did study linguistics and have been teaching courses pertaining to different aspects of language, like the phonetics of American English. Studying in this field has allowed me to also pursue a degree in studying communicative disorders and speech-language pathology. Until I can practice as a therapist, I enjoy opportunities that come my way, such as working with geriatric communities for second language acquisition. I know very little Japanese! I wish I studied a little more before moving there because I found the grammar hard to retain. At any rate, it was fun to learn.
I also understand you love to cook! What are some of your favorite dishes to cook?
I love cooking any dishes with seafood or vegetables! My favorites would have to be a simple sauteed fish and roasted vegetables like whole carrots and radishes. For me, simplicity is key.
Overall how did you enjoy your time living in Japan? Are you planning on staying in the states now that you’re back or is another adventure on the horizon?
I think it’s safe to say my time in Japan was a humbling learning experience. I met a lot of good people there, had many good moments, and made amazing memories but I don’t think it was for me in the long run. I discovered myself while there in many ways I feel I wouldn’t have been able to back in Miami. And although I’m very happy to be back home, I am always open to an adventure of moving to another country.
Currently, you’re vying to be on the cover of MAXIM, which is amazing and we wish you all the best. Could you share with us what a tremendous opportunity this is, and your plans should you win?
Thank you! I think it is a great opportunity and would be ecstatic if I won. If I win, I would donate a portion of my winnings to more than one foundation and charity. I would love to continue to inspire people to foster self-love and promote body positivity in a healthy, honest, and happy way.
Photography by Azio Sky
To help support Shemme in her endeavor to become the next cover girl for Maxim please go to this link and be sure to vote before the deadline on Thursday, June 4th at 11 PM EDT. We’d like to wish Shemme all the best in her modeling endeavors as well with all the great things she is aspiring to do!
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