In the game of life, a name means more than just that. It is a representation of who you are and what your potential could be. Consider it the difference between being a Fortune 500 company looking at an applicant with the name Shaquifa versus a college graduate from Howard University with the name William. What are the odds which person will get the gig? Qualifying measures aside – Ms. Knajula Edwards is a step ahead of the rest; her name uniquely means ‘beautiful eyes’ or ‘eyes that glisten’ in Arabic. And she’s allowed that dominant feature to push her from just a small town girl from Carthage, Texas to Ms. East Texas – a title that has been backed up by a merit of credentials.

The 5’6” model has done everything from competed in major swimsuit competitions [Black Men’s Magazine] to an appearance in a Fox blockbuster with Prison Break. The University of Texas in Arlington student wishes to further her education as a plan-B just in case those Hollywood dreams get shuffled in the mix. With everything “bigger” in Texas, Ms. Edwards hopes to be the next biggest thing to come out of the Lone Star State. She sits down with Beauty & Brains as she talks about how she got into the business, how a fine man can make her speechless and dishes about her future plans.

B&B: Why be involved in a business that doesn’t seem to have that much upward mobility?
KE: As far as modeling, I can understand that it has a limited growth potential, but I want to be an actress as well. I want it for the networking and exposure, so I can get a stepping stone into a wider prospective. If I could’ve been in any movie, I would have to have been in Bad Boys II. That’s my absolute favorite movie. I loved the intensity that was in it. I am a suspense type of girl, so Bad Boys II had enough action and suspense in it for me to watch and enjoy it…

B&B: …and?
KE: [Laughs] …and… it had that sexy ass Will Smith in it, too!

B&B: So, since you feel that way – what inspired you to get into it?
KE: To be honest, I kind of stumbled upon the industry. I am originally from a Carthage, Texas – which is a small town. Four years ago, I moved to Dallas and I never thought to be a model. But when I got there I got approached about becoming a model and after awhile I thought it could be something that I could do. So, I went to a local casting call and I networked with the other girls and it was a blessing. As far as acting, I got a chance to be in Prison Break for their second season. I’m good at what I can do. But it hasn’t been a lifelong dream. Continued on page 2 »