It’s sometime outrageous how much the hate can brood on this section at HipHopDX.com. But with that being a strong part of life [and it could be said a part of Black experience] – it doesn’t seem to phase the 26-year-old St. Louis beauty by the name of Lena Artis. The holder of a Bachelors of Social Communications from the University of Memphis

The Midwest vixen has worked hard to carve out a niche for herself in the world of academia and only looks at urban modeling as a small blip on her radar. Truly, this very smart woman is blessed for bigger things. The former stylist is looking towards the future, as it has a name – “California.” The place of screen writers and Hollywood actresses is the next home-to-be for Ms. Artis. As she sits down with Beauty & Brains, she talks about getting rid of negativity, how thick the hate is in St. Louis and how her and Plies have a little bit in common.

B&B: On your MySpace page, you say that it’s wonderful feeling when you let go of all the negative, unpromising individuals and relationships. What brought you to that realization in your life?
LA: The reason why I had that heading and that blog was because you know how certain people in your life or how you’re going backwards in your life. My goal has always been to be an actor. In reality, when I was in school, it was either that or be broke and try and make it in Los Angeles. I was trying to do what I can do. Most people are in your life to help you out with your goals, but there are always those negative forces. I was always blind about them. But I learned if I let go of these negative forces that I could make it and accomplish my dreams. I just thought that my blessing would come when I let go of certain friends and relationships. I lost my focus when I was in that circle. Someone had to tell me that I had to let go in order to be blessed. I’ve had these individuals around for a while. They were not haters, but it’s just about letting go of certain people.

B&B: So, how can you tell when someone is leading you down the wrong path?
LA: For instance… in St. Louis, it’s not a reality to be an actor. I always had those friends who said that I’m not in Los Angeles and I couldn’t make it if I weren’t there. Even for a female who wants to do modeling, you don’t have to be a certain size or weight to be a model. But you don’t have to be a video model… there are other ways to get paid. But people don’t know that if they don’t tell you that. I realized that I was being led down the wrong path when I kept hitting the same wall. Continued on page 2 »