Brooke Kelly
Managing Editor
Model and television personality Toccara Jones was a smash hit at the recent Jackson State University Homecoming Fashion Show.
While letting you know that she likes having a good time when hosting college fashion shows, the former America’s Next Top Model contestant said she hopes to inspire students in the process. As part of day two of Homecoming Week 2011, Monday, Jones hosted the Insatiable Modeling Squad’s Fall Fashion Review featuring local clothing and shoe lines by designers Sonja B., Turdle Club, Ashley Hart, MBG, Bishi Chrissi, Meeya, and Anthony Holland.
On stage, Jones danced for the audience, joked with DJ T. Lewis, and even invited a student to come on stage and dance with her.
Compared to other college fashion shows, Jones described Jackson States’ how as pretty amazing.
“I’m truly having a good time,” said Jones while on stage. “I am really excited to be here at Jackson State doing the fashion show. I love fashion. I love hosting fashion shows.”
While at Sinclair Community College, Jones says she was the head of the African-American culture club and they put on fashion shows that she always produced from beginning to end.
“It really excites me to come back to colleges and see the college students put on fashion shows because I remember being there, and it’s so good to have fun and let people know that the dream is real,” said Jones.
“I represent a dream, and me being here lets students know, lets them feel, that it’s attainable, like ‘hey I can do it,’” she continued.
Since being on the third season of UPN’s America’s Next Top Model that first aired in 2004, Jones has signed with Wilhelmina Models, been featured in different magazines, hosted shows on BET, and done reality television.
“Right now I am on the cover of Plus Model Magazine, the October issue, and I am so excited about that,” said Jones who is the ambassador of the lingerie line for Australian plus size fashion retailer, City Chic.
“The lingerie pictures are fabulous. I am working it over in my panties and bras,” said Jones.
Jones is also still promoting her workout DVD she released in 2009 called “Tocarra’s Fabulous Workout.”
“It’s for real sized women, and I am really passionate about that, to keep women healthy and just being fit and fabulous.”
Being able to be herself is the best part of her career right now said Jones.
“I really enjoy that I get to be Toccara. What people see is what they get….I am just really blessed that I get to do what I love,” said Jones.
As for advice for students trying to make it in the entertainment and modeling industries, Jones said, “You’ve got to have tough skin because I heard a lot of no’s before I heard a yes.”
“You have to be willing to chase your dream. Don’t walk after them. Don’t do a little trot….You’ve got to break a sweat.”
