“I’m no better than anyone else - I’m just tall. I work to keep up with the industry, but honestly, it’s just genetics.” – JoJo Teese

  Welcome to Face Time. DFW Style Daily’s exclusive series goes beyond the runways and picture-perfect shoots to get to know top Dallas models on a personal level. Why? Because there’s a hell of a lot more to making it in one of fashion’s most competitive fields than just striking a pose. Today we’ll meet a rising Dallas star who already boasts a number of high-profile clients. A self-proclaimed “country girl at heart,” JoJo Teese stays true to her hometown roots by riding in the rodeo (really). She’s also already learned a thing or two about deal breakers and modeling misconceptions. Read on for the scoop and click here for more Face Time interviews!   Name: Joanna “JoJo” Teese Hometown: Plano, Texas Agency: Wallflower Management Notable Clients: Apricot Lane Dallas, JCPenney, Neiman Marcus Last Call  

  DFW Style Daily: At what age did you begin modeling?  Were you discovered or did you pursue modeling as a career? Joanna Teese: “When I was 15 and working at Storybook Ranch in McKinney, I met a photographer named James Higgins. I was shooting with him for a little over a year when he told me I should look into submitting my photo to a few agencies. Wallflower was the agency that I really clicked with. I like that they are a boutique-style agency, and I felt like they really cared about my success.”   What is the most challenging aspect of your job? “I’ve only been driving for a year. Both my parents work, and I have to navigate through crazy Dallas traffic to get to different shoots. You never want to be late, so sometimes I wish all the other drivers would get out of my way.”  

  Are there any "deal breakers" for you when it comes to job requirements? “My ‘deal breaker’ would be nudity. I think that there are ways to present fashion without having to show nudity. Besides, my parents would kill me!”   In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about models or the modeling industry? “One thing that happens a lot is that, when someone finds out that I model, they think I’m going to be different, to act like I’m better than they are. I’m no better than anyone else - I’m just tall. I work to keep up with the industry, but honestly, it’s just genetics.”  

  If you could head out on a dream assignment for any client, anywhere in the world, where would you go? Who would your dream client be? “It wouldn’t be where I would go, but what I do. I would like to experience more runway work.”   Do you have a personal role model? What have you learned from her example? “Jan Strimple. I have had the privilege of experiencing her coaching for runway modeling, and she is an awesome teacher. She keeps up with all the changes this industry goes through, and translates that knowledge into her amazing fashion show productions. “I also look up to Coco Rocha. I love her expressions, and how natural she is in front of the camera.”   How would you describe your personal style? Do you have any favorite Dallas-area shopping spots? “I’m a real country girl at heart, so most of the time I’m in blue jeans and boots! I like to shop at Apricot Lane, Altar’d State, and H&M.”  

  What did you have for dinner last night? “I like to cook, and will often make dinner for my family, but last night I made myself a sandwich.”   If you had a free afternoon or evening in Dallas, how would you spend it? “I would spend it riding my horse, either on a peaceful trail or at a barrel race or rodeo. I’ve competed in the Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo before, and that was one of the best nights of my life. I love the connection between my horse Rok and myself, with the crowd watching, expecting us to do our best.”   All photos courtesy of Wallflower Management.