Few people start at the top, and Baltimore native Liris Crosse is no exception. She certainly came from humble beginnings. When starting out, her statuesque form, cat-like eyes, full lips and caramel complexion got Liris in the door of most model agencies, but her derriere landed her on the shelf. Liris received rejection after rejection due to her voluptuous shape. And even though she chose an east cost giant, Wilhelmina Models, as her mother agency, casting reps were still requesting that she first lose weight and then come back in six months. The industry did not know how to market her powerful curves.

 

Instead of giving into their demands or giving up on what she believed was her calling, Liris took matters into her own hands and created the vision for them. She became her own agent and utilized the urban market to achieve her dreams. Liris began to spread like wildfire. Essence, Honey, XXL, The Source and Black Elegance magazines were the first to believe in her vision. Men, women and young girls of all walks of life started to buzz about the impact Liris had in the mainstream magazines since she was the only model who represented reality!

 

With these successes, Glamour, Seventeen, YM and Girl soon caught on to her refreshing image and began requesting Liris for editorial and commercial layouts. With all the sudden attention, Liris knew to ride the wave, generating enough energy to land the much sought after Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Pelle Pelle, Karl Kani and Davouchi campaigns.

 

Before all this, the hip-hop community was the first to embrace her fierceness, and Liris crossed over into the world of music videos. She booked top videos such as 98 Degrees, Jennifer Lopez, Luscious Jackson, JayZ, Beenie Man, Puff Daddy, Lil Zane and The Big Pun Memorial Video.

 

Once again, interest grew and Liris' exposure increased with commercials like Sony Mini Disc, Charles Schwab, Amtrak and guest appearances on MTV Jams with host Tyrese and BET's 106&Park. Impressed by Liris' appeal and stage presence in videos, MTV asked her back to do an up-close and personal interview for Dude.

 

The experience and exposure gained from music videos and commercials primed Liris for the silver screen. Although modeling is her first love, when asked what she enjoys most in the entertainment industry, movies win hands down. If you had a chance to see "The Best Man," Malcolm Lee's number one box office hit starring Taye Diggs and Nia Long, you definitely agree that this young starlet has much to offer the silver screen. Even more proof of her on screen presence is Liris' role in the John Singleton film, "Baby Boy," in which she has a steamy scene with Tyrese.

 

Until her next big role, she continues to stay busy with cover stories and beauty layouts for Essence, Black Men, Complex and King, just to name a few. Liris currently launched a 2006 celebrity swimsuit calendar in stores now as well as available on her website. She showcased her writing skills in a question&answer column called "Dear Liris" in XXL's new Eye Candy Magazine this December. Liris also contributed the female voices for the videogame "187: Ride or Die" alongside Larenz Tate & Guerilla Black. She had the lead role in a film called "Eye Jammy" which should be hitting the film festivals this winter as well as an appearance in the upcoming Spike Lee film called "The Inside Man." Check out her newly launched website at www.LirisCrosse.com,see her in King &Black Men magazine winter issues and video appearances in Nore's "I'ma G" & Remy Ma's "Conceded."

 

With Liris' career well on its way, she hopes that her story will provide the motivation needed to fuel other young girls hopes and dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Her motto, "If you can think it, you can do it," is more than just a motto. Liris has proven that she can make her own dreams come true. As her career continues to move forward, whether model or actress, Liris Crosse is definitely hot and the one to watch!