She is an essence of beauty and she is Queen. Ms. Eugena Washington, our new Winter Playmate of 2015 for this year.

I have admired this woman for many years after becoming the third finalist from the long running hit show, Americas Next Top Model. Growing up in Orange County, I struggled with the identity of my own dark beauty. I was torn in between a world of acceptance from whether I was black “enough”, too dark or not black at all showing to have a damn “good tan”. While I was accepted in one world and not the other in contrary to what the difficulties that only a biracial child would face, I sought solace in those that could alter my perception of who and what I truly was and who I am today.

Eugena, like very few, just so happened to be one of those amazing personas that I could identify with while in return identifying with myself. She was the one I watched aimlessly to earn the crown of being the Cover Girl.

Like many shows, at times, people will come and many will disappear only to leave us wondering, where are they now. Well, Eugena has continued to grace us with her beauty and humility for ten years with now being the face of one of thee biggest magazines. Playboy.

This past weekend, I received an invitation by the lovely Antoinette who represents Purple Haze liquor, in order to celebrate the cover of Ms. Eugena Washington and her win of the most important issue of this year. Saving the best for last. After saying farewell to the career that gained her status and presence in the industry of modeling just last year, she had been approached by a friend and photographer of Playboy to make her the face of their December issue.

I guess this gives new meaning to the idea of being a snow bunny huh?

I responded with great excitement and added a few pluses to join the celebration with me. Fellow WantedandDesired blogger Carmen and Laquan , met me at the event which unfortunately, was 30 mins past the time it had mentioned on the initial invite. After grabbing a bite to eat as we respectfully waited upon the door mans request, we later gained entrance once doors opened to all guest. I’ve not been to Le Jardin before since I’ve put the club scene on a huge halt, but the decor and atmosphere was perfect for this type of occasion. Because the event didn’t officially open up to guest attendees, that only left 30 minutes for the open bar. In all fairness, I wasn’t bothered by that too much, so we each got two drinks and double fisted.

Purple Haze had their own secluded area in the club lounge near the Dj and dance floor, but we chose to take our place near the front where a fire pit kept us warm.

why are they always so young?!

We made acquaintance with two young men who too were waiting for the arrivals of our Playmate and watched as other guest arrived. While observing the atmosphere closely,  I started to speculate that something was a tad bit off. Understanding that this was a celebration highlighting Ms. Washington, I failed to see the highlights of her.

Where’s the magazines? Where’s her face posted all throughout the place? In fact, why weren’t women walking around in bunny ears to extend the idea of this being a playboy party? Why was it a collaboration between Playboy and Purple haze, but only Purple Haze seemed to be putting more effort into their work.

As many parties that Playboy has thrown at the mansion from numerous invites I’ve received, I was curious as to why they weren’t initially there in support to celebrate her which happens to be more prominent than a Mid Summer Nights Dream.

That’s when I gained the confirmed understanding that her best friend had thrown her this party

It’s sad to say that even in today’s time, we in the black community are still trying to get recognition in a world that tends to glorify on what’s more prone to being accepted.

“They should portray African American women the way that they are in everyday life and they never do” Eugena ANTM 2006

Now, one thing I will state is that Playboy, while having a preference, does not reject women who necessarily look like me. In fact, Eugena happens to be the twenty-sixth (26), if I’m not mistaken, playmate over the time playboy made its mark in the early 50’s. I guess we can semi say Mr. Hefner, is in love with our cocoa.

Though we’ve come up continuing to strive with the same equality that is subliminally snubbed within our society, this is still considered a big win within our community regardless to moral opinions.

Photo Credit: Ground Force
(L) CEO Kurt Glasgow, Blogger Carmen, Eugena Washington, Me, Artist Laquan (R)

Soon enough, Eugena entered the room and the energy shifted to the most uplifting and humbling experience a fan could only have. She carried grace, humility and confidence with every step that she took. I congratulated and hugged her on her win as we both rubbed our index finger on our hands in gesture to saying we did it, knowing that this was a personal achievement. I was completely taken aback at how incredibly genuine and warmhearted she was as we all walked over to the red carpet to have our photos taken. Not a moment later, model and personality, Shaun Ross, surprised us. I’m done! Two of my favorite faces here at the same time even though I’ve been at the same events with Shaun.

Photo Credit: Ground Force
(L) Artist Laquan, Blogger Carmen, Model Shaun Ross, Model Eugena Washington and Me (R)

While I had initially wanted to blog the event, I thought why not make this about Eugena. So, I asked to do a Q&A and to my surprise again without having to schedule a meeting, she was more than happy to engage!

Amber Social : Hi Eugena! I had mentioned that I wanted to write a blog about you in my Wow Wednesday column this week as being an inspiration to not just only myself, but to many women of our color for contributing in breaking barriers

Eugena: Hey Amber, thank you for reaching out! It was wonderful talking to you and I appreciate you for writing this. Here we go!

Amber Social: I wanted to know how Playboy approached you as being the cover of their last issue which I feel is a prominent way of ending the new year with the finale of your beauty.

Eugena: I’ve been friends with the photographer Josh Ryan, who shot my pictorial, for a while. Literally, I was sitting on my floor drawing and he text me saying he shoots for Playboy and would I like to come in for a test shoot for Playmate. I said, of course, sure why not?! Thankfully Mr. Hefner selected me to be a playmate and by that time you’re not sure which month you will be… Later on I was told I was to be Miss December which is the biggest issue of the year, and week before the issue came out I was at the Playboy offices where they surprised me with the cover! It’s still a surreal experience. I had NO idea, and I can’t stop looking at the magazine. I’d say it’s some of my best work to date.

Amber Social: What was your reaction; was it immediate excitement,  nervousness or fear?

Eugena: I’ve been a model for 10 years now, so shooting nude isn’t a foreign concept at all and I know what I’m doing.  I was completely excited because I knew the issue was gonna be really good so I couldn’t wait for everyone to see it

Amber Social: How has this furthered your success as a model and other endeavors of your careers?

Eugena: Well to be honest, I quit modeling in 2014 to focus on creating my hair care line that launches early spring. Playboy came a long as a bonus which inadvertently launched me back into modeling again which isn’t a bad thing, but from now on I’m more selective about the jobs I take. Right now, I’m enjoying being Miss December and riding the bunny wave.

Amber Social: Is Playboy planning or have they already thrown you a party?

Eugena: That actually WAS my official party that you went to

Amber Social: What statement are you making. Do you feel that you also pave the way for women of color?

Eugena: What I love about my spread so much is that it’s a gorgeous editorial. You can’t look at it and just think titts and ass and that’s the way a lot of women of color portray themselves today. Just an ass. It’s hurtful because the insecurity in our community is so blatant. “Like me because I have a big ass. See look! It’s big! Like me please” We are calling out to people to disrespect us, belittle us, degrade us, and not take us seriously because we essentially are asking for it.

Eugena: Yes, I posed nude because it is an aspect of my career. But I want women of color to recognize that you can have ethics, values, goals, be an inspiration and most importantly have self worth and it doesn’t take away from the beautiful person you are. It only adds value and changes the way people view you as a person. Not an object. But it starts by knowing yourself. A lot of women in our community are lost and are looking for acceptance everywhere else except within themselves.

Eugena: I don’t know if I’ve paved that way honestly. I know that I’m a black woman who isn’t afraid to present myself in a way that allows me to be on the cover of a magazine that doesn’t necessarily select women who look like me. I don’t think it’s their fault. It’s ours. Once we change the way society thinks about us, there will be more opportunity. But that takes courage which, sadly, not a lot of us have.

Amber Social: What has kept you humble and grounded being in this tough industry as a beautiful woman of color; and what are your goals for the new year?

Eugena: I told myself when I was young going into this industry that I was not going to compromise any parts of my core values to get ahead. I’ve always had a strong sense of self worth and I guard that fiercely. I do NOT have people around me who I can’t trust, or fake friendships. I do NOT let men around me who don’t recognize my awesomeness as a human being. With the way I look, I could be doing SOOO many crazy things in these streets and some would say, I’m dumb for not taking advantage of my “gifts”; but the goal is not money, it’s happiness. Money will come because I’m brilliant and I wish more woman of color would take that same stance.

Eugena: It’s tough being black in America and all black people know that. A friend of mine was just murdered by police in Palmdale, my hometown, on Sunday. It’s tough. We get no chances and that’s something we learn early on in life. So, I navigate the industry as I navigate life: Keep pushing and don’t stop. Avoid those who hate you and embrace those who love you. Simple. My first goal for the new year is to successfully launch my hair care line called DTMH by Eugena. It stands for “Don’t Touch My Hair” it’s gonna be good 🙂

Amber Social: lol that’s an awesome slogan, and I’m happy you found another path in your career. How can your fans and my readers find out more about your hair line?

Eugena: It’s called DTMH by Eugena. Our website I s DTMHproducts.com, but is still under construction since we launch early spring

Amber Social: Great, then we’ll have to just sit tight and wait for your launch.

Thank you so much again Eugena! You once again have inspired me.

To continue following the success of Ms. Eugena Washington and what else she has instore for us, follow her at @EugenaWashington @EugenaW and make sure you check out the behind the scenes from her playboy shoot at Playmate Eugena Washington . Also big thank you to Ms. Antoinette and the Purple Haze team for the personal invite and all the work you put into making this event a success!

Happy Holidays!

Xox