Welcome to Face Time. DFW Style Daily’s exclusive series goes beyond the runways to get to know top Dallas models, one-on-one. Why? Because there’s so much more to making it in one of fashion’s most competitive fields than just a fit figure and a nice smile. Case in point: Alencia Lewis.  

  In recent months, we’ve scooped on-set antics, dished about designers, and learned important lessons along the way. Interviews with Carlotta Lennox, Myles Crosby, Donny Boaz, Atti Worku, David McKay, Pam Skaggs Frank, and many more, prove that Texas models are among the most fascinating and accomplished in the country. Today’s hometown beauty is no exception to the rule. Alencia Lewis is just four years into her modeling career, and already boasts a top tier national client list. Fun and fearless, she dishes below on adventurous assignments, deal breakers, plastic surgery, and why she is her own role model. Read on for the scoop.   Name: Alencia Janae Lewis Hometown: Arlington, Texas Agency: The Campbell Agency Notable Clients: Southwest Airlines, JCPenney, Belk, Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak, Nordstrom  

  DFW Style Daily: At what age did you begin modeling? Were you scouted or did you pursue modeling as a career? Alencia Lewis: “I was scouted at the age of 15. I was working as a freelance model, and I appeared in the Texas Next Top Designer competition. My runway agent, Kate Wagner, was one of the judges. She asked the designers in the competition if I was signed, and they told her no, so she asked me and my mom to come into her agency for a meeting. The very next week, we were signing a contract, and I was officially a Campbell model. I had no idea that I would later want to make a career out of modeling.”   What do you think is the biggest misconception about the modeling industry? “I think that people hear the word ‘model’ and they think of nude or very risky photos. [They think] that is the only way a model can make a career. I have been modeling for four years, and I have only had a few suggestive shoots. As a model, it’s more important to look good in clothing rather than out of it.”   That said, are there any "deal breakers" for you when it comes to job requirements? “No, not very many. I'm very open-minded, and I like to try new things. Of course, I wouldn’t do anything that goes against my Christian faith, or anything that I feel would disrespect my family. So far, I haven't been asked to do anything like that. Everyone that I have worked with has always been very respectful and professional.”  

  What is your dream assignment, or who would be your dream client? “I would love to walk in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. That is a real passion of mine. As far as print work, I would love to have a spread in any edition of Vogue magazine.”   What is the craziest, silliest, or most unusual thing you have ever done on a shoot? “Very recently, I was working with Southwest Airlines. I was dressed as a flight attendant from the 1970's, and we drove around popular areas of Dallas to give away free round trip airline tickets. It was such fun job! In order for people to get the tickets, we would have them do the chicken dance, sing, or do anything we could think of to get them laughing. One woman even cried, because she was looking for a way to visit her daughter. That day, she found a way to make the trip.”   Do you have any hidden talents or interests that might surprise us? “I like sewing. I have only made a few pieces so far, but it is a fun process. I love it when I'm wearing something that I have made, and people want to know where I got it. I can happily say that I created it myself!”  

  Do you have a personal role model? “I am asked this question quite a bit, but honestly, I don’t have a role model. I strive to be the best person that I can be in all aspects of my life: spiritually, emotionally, socially, and in my work. With that, I hope I can inspire other people, especially other girls, to be the best person in this one life that we get to live.”   Would you ever consider plastic surgery? Why or why not? “Yes, I would, but not because someone else told me that I needed to make changes to my body. This is my body, and I want to be comfortable in it. If there was something that I wanted to change, and was is in my power to do so, I would.”   When you’re not working, how might you spend a free afternoon or evening? “If I have had a busy week, then I will just relax at home. I like to cuddle up and watch some movies, or catch up on some reading. I also love girls’ nights. I have some pretty amazing friends, and we are all adventurous, so we’ll usually find something interesting to get into downtown.”   All photos, courtesy of Alencia Lewis.