SouthFlorida.com | Teen Link South Florida

Courtney Davies, a 2005 graduate of American Heritage, made it into Top 14 for the next season of America's Next Top Model, which premieres Wednesday, Sept. 9. Davies, a Plantation resident, e-mailed with Teenlink about her career in preparation for her CW debut:

Have you always wanted to model?
Modeling has always been something I have wanted to do even though I started when I was 18 years old. I grew up always involved in some part of the entertainment business. ... Throughout middle school and high school, I was involved with the musical theatre and the dance program. Then when I was a senior, it turned into TV and Film, and I landed my first national commercial for Old Navy.

How was your high school experience?
Amazing. I went to American Heritage School. I had a ton of fun [and] was always involved in SGA, Thespians and, of course, sports. I actually miss it! I went to the same private school from 6th grade through 12th grade. The best part of going to that school was that I am still friends with the same people that I have known since I was 12. We go way back.

What was your fav place to hang out while you were in high school?
Well, I was an extremely busy teenager when I was in high school, whether it was play practice, dance practice, gymnastics practice, cheerleading practice or all of the above. So typically my hangout would be the theatre or the gym. But besides my extracurricular activities, I would have to say friends' houses were big in high school.

What was your high school GPA?
A 3.5.

How did you decide to audition for America's Next Top Model?
I decided the day of the audition to give it a try. Actually the night before the audition, one of my co-workers told me she heard on the radio that America's Next Top Model was auditioning at the Eden Roc Hotel on Miami Beach and it was for 5'7" and under. So my girlfriend Sarah came to visit me that weekend, and she basically dropped me off and forced me to audition. And I'm so glad she did because I actually made it into the house. So I owe her big time.

What was the audition process like for you?
My audition process was really easy and quick. I didn't have to wait long and you do your runway walk in a bathing suit, you do a short interview, just so they can get to know your personality. They look you up and down and call your number if they want to see you again for a call-back. The next day was a long one but worth it. You do more interviews, a casting photo and runway walks.

When you aren't working, how do you like to spend your spare time?
I work a lot because I recently opened my own cheerleading gym in South Florida called Triple Threat All-Stars. When not there, you can find me with my girlfriends going out on South Beach, boating, beaching it, shopping -- the usual South Florida life. It's like my life is a vacation down here.

How would you describe your own style?
My own style is "Spunky," as I definitely tend to stand out. I'll take things to the extreme and have fun with fashion. I am not scared of being different.

Have you ever felt insecure about your image? How did you work past that insecurity?
I wouldn't consider myself insecure -- I love the way I look! My face is my favorite thing about me, then my body. I'm confident in a good way and feel so humbled and blessed by my good fortune. I am proportioned to my body size, height and weight. I'm fit and fabulous.

Do you have any fashion icons?
Can we talk about Sarah Jessica Parker? I'm in love with Sex and the City and all their clothes.

How do you keep calm during all of the craziness of the show?
Keep calm? No way! I love the craziness! This is so exciting, and what I have always wanted. It's exciting to do all the press and interviews and to see my face and name everywhere. I just feel like this is what I was made to do.

Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
Don't take "no" for an answer! I never have once cared if someone has told me I am too short, because I can land jobs. So don't let negativity bother you or bring you down. Work with people you trust and who want the best for you. If you bring your beauty, personality and talent with you, they won't even pay attention to your height.

Who's your favorite model? Designer?
My favorite model is Marissa Miller. She is just so beautiful and sporty and tomboyish, like me! If I could follow in her footsteps and work with Victoria Secret and Sports Illustrated, all my dreams would come true. My favorite designer would have to be Marc Jacobs, because he takes risks and has crazy designs that push the envelope sometime. Plus his runway shows look like so much fun.

How does it feel living with all of the other contestants? Does everyone get along?
I wasn't scared of living with the other girls in the house because I make friends really easily and enjoy being around people. So I was just excited to meet everyone and make new friends. I'm sure we will all have our moments of getting on each other's nerves, but for the most part we should be OK, as it's a great group of girls.

Is it annoying that there are like 500 photos of Tyra hanging in the house? What's Tyra like in real life?
It's intimidating looking at Tyra! Who can compare or compete with her? She is fun-loving and vivacious and like a giant, life-size Barbie.

Do your friends/family support your modeling career?
Everyone supports me in my modeling career. My family and friends have always said I would make it.

What is your Height/weight?
I am 5'5" and I'm 105 pounds.

Do you think you'll cry if you get cut?
No, I don't think I would cry in the moment when it's all happening, but after, when it hits me, I might ... just because I would be so disappointed that I didn't do as well as I hoped. But to make it into the house in the first place is really good. I'm really hard on myself and competitive, so we will see how I react!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Are you hoping to stay in the business?
In 10 years I want to still be in the entertainment business. I want to ride the modeling wave as long as I can, but hopefully I can tap into my other talents: TV shows, movies, maybe a CD?

What's your No. 1 trick for looking your best all the time?
My No. 1 trick is that it's best to be prepared. I always carry my lip gloss, my mascara and my bronzer. But I also take really good care of my face. ... -- hydrating it, moisturizing, day and night. It's very important to keep your skin looking healthy. Especially since I live in South Florida, and I'm in the sun all the time. SPF --I live by it.