What a mentor can mean: “What kind of turned it around for me were the mentors I had at Highland Park High school. My basketball coach was like the father I didn’t have.” Tanya is talking about Darrell Pursiful, and his wife, Lola. “I often thank him for taking a special interest in me, and … all the teammates. … He tells you the good things you’re doing when your life isn’t that good.”
Local and meaningful recognition: Before she hit the TV screen, Tanya was recognized by friends in Highland Park. “Of all my accomplishments, being inducted into the Highland Park High Alumni Hall of Fame was one of my most memorable accomplishments.”
Focused and fearless: “I set goals. And I’m just very organized. … I just believe that there are certain things that need to be done. … On one of the shows, they teased me about being a perfectionist. … I think it’s more striving for excellence … just doing well in what I do.”
Makeup matters: “I don’t feel I always have to have makeup on. … People relate to your flaws. …When you show you’re not together all the time, then they’re more likely to latch on to you. … There are some women at 5 a.m. who come to the gym all made up, and I’m thinking, ‘Take it off, lady.’ “
Do her kids care that “you got the look”? “Heck no; I’m just mom and chauffeur and cook and maid.”
Tags: fashion designing, Fashion models, middle age models, modeling
