She has graced the covers of celebrity magazines, walked on the runway of many fashion shows, and acted in a couple of movies in the United States. But Melinda Yum-yum Bells wants a taste of Nollywood. She tells ORUKPE NELSON in this interview why she is in love with Nigeria and will do anything to act in the make-believe industry.

You are described in many ways: photographer, college psychology student, actress, model, radio-show host, how will you describe Malinda “Yumyum” Bell?

I am professional, humble, and take great pride in my work. Also, I love to laugh and have fun. It brings me great joy to connect with people in being their inspiration and helping me learn more about where they come from and what they do.

How did that story of your nickname “Yumyum” come into being?

I’m aware of the obvious, that when people hear it, they may think it’s derived from something sexual but it’s a childhood nickname that just stuck. It’s a fun, cheerful, and happy nickname that I embody. I want people to smile when they hear it. I want people to say, “I LOVE YUMYUM, THAT’S MY GIRL!”

Take us back to your growing up years, did your family in any way influence the choices you have made in all your careers?

My father was heavily into photography and very artistic. My mother always wanted to be different in her fashion choices; therefore, she always went to a seamstress to have her clothes made. She also pushed education, knowing your history, and learning about different cultures. My parents’ influences have shaped my career as a photographer, I tend not to follow what the crowd does but my thirst for knowledge, and a desire to travel more and study various cultures.

What inspired you and who introduced you to the art of modeling?

I never thought about modeling until a friend called me up one day and persuaded me to go to a casting for a fashion show. Up until then, I would say I’ve been inspired by watching old Hollywood and Blaxploitation movies and reading about the great actresses of our time.

As a kid, who were those celebrities that you would say you always wanted to be like?

My super favorites are Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Carol Brunett, Grace Jones, Pam Grier, Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, and Nia Long.

Looking back at the industry, there was not so much room for black models in the 70s, 80s, what will you say opened the door to black models nationally and internationally?

Era, culture, open vision, and timing give models of colour opportunity. There also has to be a strong belief system in knowing that the popular aesthetic of beauty does not pertain to one group of people. On another level, there are trailblazers who create their own businesses to kick down the door instead of waiting for someone else to open it for them.

Between modeling, acting and your other endeavors, which came first and how were you able to balance your studies with your career?

Acting came first for me and I studied theater at an early age. Modeling came about two years ago. I balance my studies by setting aside time to go to the library or if at home, I turn off my phone so I can focus on reading and writing essays.

As a model, can you recall your first day on the runway?

It was a local fashion show in Brooklyn, New York in an outdoor flea market setting. There were tiny pebbles and huge cracks on the ground and the walkway was very small. I was nervous because I was walking in heels. I remember admiring how the seasoned models walked with no fear and wanting to be in that same mental space of being confident and having no fear.

What challenges did you face when you started out and how were you able to beat the peer pressure to remain focused in your pursuits?

There are still many challenges I face. I don’t think that will ever stop in life. Some challenges include always looking your optimum best on minimum budget, remaining optimistic, keeping a pulse on what the industry is doing, and to keep pushing no matter how many people tell you no. Maintaining focus requires a faith and determination towards the goal you want to achieve.

You have graced the cover of so many magazines and what gives you confidence to keep your head up in the modeling industry despite the fact that there was a time plus- sized models were not really sought after like models with a lower BMI?

I was always taught to keep my head up no matter the situation. My ultimate goal is to challenge what society deems as acceptable or beautiful. I would like to validate and inspire not only full figure women, but for all women. Really-everyone. I want to make images that are fun, sensual, political, and glamorous. Pictures that are forever remembered and revered in memory are important for my legacy.

You have done some projects like Snap Journalz, Memoria, which are documentaries, tell me why you are into documentaries and what stories do you want to tell?

The stories that I want to tell are endless. I would like to deal with real life situations that people go through everyday in relationships. In documentaries, I would like to deal with people’s perception of how beauty is defined.

In your acting career, what major role have you played in a movie?

I have played the sexy girlfriend, psychiatrist, daughter, gang leader, and office worker.

Are you conversant with Nollywood movies from Nigeria?

I am familiar with many that are in United States. They are very popular among my friends. The story lines and acting are awesome, and as you know, they can become quite addictive.

Tell me about your connection with Nigeria and what you think about the country and her people?

I have many friends who are from Nigeria and they tell me Nigeria is a beautiful country I would love to travel. I’ve been encouraged to go there by so many people I feel that it is in my destiny to visit. The people I have met have been designers, dance teachers, artists, business professionals, and students. I find Nigerian people to be intelligent, friendly, unselfish, and welcoming in teaching others about their country. I am excited about visiting soon.

You want to feature in Nollywood movies, why do you want Nollywood when you have a much bigger platform in Hollywood?

What a great question! I do not want to limit myself to one platform. In building an international platform for myself, it is imperative that I do not think locally but to be in the realm of connecting with all people of the world.

You are planning a show in Nigeria this year, tell me about it?

Bringing the Kurvy Plus full figure model movement to Nigeria is on the way. This would include fashion shows, television appearances and interviews, and photo shoots. Connecting with the talented up and coming designers and beautiful full figure models of Nigeria is exciting because this will bring awareness that the full figure woman is becoming more recognized and regarded.

Do you like Nigerian men and if yes, what do you love most about them?

What I like most about African men is that their posture is kingly. They tend to be driven towards upward mobility in their careers; and as family men, they are providers. On the fashion side, I love the fact that they are not afraid to wear bright colours and prints. I find that the colours look magnificent against their dark skin.

Will you marry a Nigerian man if he fits the attributes of your Mr. Right?

Yes, I think any woman would marry if her prince charming comes along. In my opinion, race should not be a bearing factor in determining your love for someone.

What drives your fashion sense and do you like Nigerian designs?

My fashion sense is driven by love. If I do not love something, I do not purchase the item. I love animal prints, bright colors (pinks, yellows, greens, blues), textures, and geometric patterns. Since I’m a fun person, I like clothes, shoes and accessories that stand out. I love Nigerian designs because it is culture and fashion mixed together which altogether represents a stronger character of art, inventiveness and perception.

Which Nigerian designers do you admire most?

I enjoy the clean cut and colourful silhouettes of Duro Olowu and Ernest Mahomane. I am also enamored by the energetic femininity of MilQ & Honey designs. I tend to be attracted to boldness, beautiful shapes that accentuate curves, wild colors and prints.

What advice will you give to young people aspiring to be successful in life?

First, studying your history and culture in terms of self-definition and pride. Second, pursue an academic education and being able to communicate effectively with people on all levels; from a homeless person to an executive. If there is a particular field that interests you, go to school for it. Third, a foundation of spirituality is also an essential key in growth. Fourth, allowing yourself to make mistakes and having the wisdom to learn from them so your mistakes are not repeated is also important. Fifth, having a strong support system of family, friends, and a mentor helps when you are having a rough time and need a shoulder to lean on. And last but not least, knowing what makes you different and not following what everyone else does. You want to be happy with yourself at the end of the day.