Edward C:  Hello Edward, welcome to Connex247 family!! Nice to have you with us!

Edward:  Thanks for having me; I'm happy to share a little bit about myself.  Well, here goes! I was born at San Francisco Children's Hospital in California. My mother is Portuguese and French, from Rhode Island.  Dad is Mexican from Chiapas, Mexico. My parents raised me in San Bruno which is just a few miles from downtown S.F. It was a special place to grow up.

San Francisco's Bay Area is made up of hills and mountains. My home overlooked a canyon that led to the ocean. The views and sunsets were incredible, when you could actually see them- it was foggy 75 percent of the time!

I left San Francisco in the winter of 1996 to move to New York City.  When I was a teen, my mother traveled a lot for business. Whenever she went to the East Coast, I would go with her to spend time in N.Y.  The energy on the street drove me crazy! I had to live there- so as soon as I was 18 I ran like crazy to the Big Apple.

Being an Aquarius, my interests change from day to day. However, I never lose sight what makes me feel good. Keeping myself honest, physically fit and focused on the bigger and the better drives me forward. I went to Christian schools so my connection with God keeps me mentally healthy as well.

Edward C:  Do you  think you have already achieved your main purposes in the modeling market? Answering this question is easy- NO. I am just beginning.

Edward:  I never strove to be a model- it's something I got pulled into when I was in New York, minding my own business. I've gotten to work with some of the greatest design houses, photographers, producers and walk in the bryant park shows. However, as I age and enter a new age range (25-35), the list of clientele has dramatically changed. My career has literally started over.

When I was a kid, like any other kid, I wanted nothing more than fame and fortune. Funny, to this day, people often time tell me that I am such a kid. Some things never change. I thrive through success.  My favorite thing in the whole wide world is to be saluted for doing something right- especially if it inspires or makes someone feel good about themself.

In the 9 years I have been modeling, I've had the opportunity to work with international fashion and entertainment icons such as designers Giorgio Armani, Custo Barcelona; actors Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway; artists Jennifer Lopez, Lena, Marc Anthony; Victoria Secret super models Giselle Bundchen, Bridget Hall, and Inez Rivera... to name a few. From each one of these leaders I learn something. A new way to apply myself and push on to the next level of my career.

Edward C:  Tell us about some of your current/future projects

Edward:  Currently I am working on my Mass Communications/Broadcast Journalism Associates Degree in Miami, Florida. I chose Miami to study because there is a strong modeling and acting market here. The clientele is mainly hispanic which is excellent for me to expand internationally and perfect my Spanish language. In the Summer of 2008, I plan to return to New York City and work on my Bachelors Degree at NYU or Colombia University. I can't wait!

Edward C:  What is fashion for you? Do you think it..s a glamourous world? Tell us about your first test shooting. How did you get discovered?

Edward:  I've always had a respect for fashion. When I was a teen the modern rock/ punk rock/ skater style was what inspired me.  For the first few years of my career, I would throw on anything just as long as it made sense.

I've always chosen pieces of clothing that reminds me of what I have back home- regardless of season.  If it works, it works.  To me it's not about wearing a current head to toe outfit(although I have a lot of respect for those that can keep that up!)= its about wearing what looks right, while maintaining the knowledge of what is current, what works and what doesn't.

My first test was with Nicolas Wagner (nicolaswagner.com). He found me on the streets of Soho in N.Y.C. I had been approached before by others that I didn't trust so much- but he didn't seem to have any motive other than taking good photos. He had ideas and was willing to work with me even though I had never modeled before. Nicolas' trustworthiness and drive for success is what has made him one of the most sought after young photographers in New York. He is truly an inspiration to me.

Edward C:  In a society we live IMAGE worth more than a THOUSAND WORDS?

Edward:  Maybe a trillion! Nah!!! MORE! Every person that has a voice has an opinion. I'd reserve space for each regardless of race, creed, and language spoken.

Edward C:  I am sure you might have some funny/unusual backstages moments. Share some of them with us.

Edward:  While was working with Jennifer Lopez I was working with Juliano, a brazilian model from New York. The catering started to come out for lunch. There was lobster, rack of lamb, dishes of anything you can think of and a dessert table for fit for kings. Now, Juliano and I had been working for years. Never had we seen such extensive catering.

We were standing there half naked laughing out of shock! We kept saying to each other "must be nice to be J-LO" and out of no where, someone came behind us close and said in our ears- "She doesn't like to be called J-LO- only call her Jennifer!" Juliano and I almost fell on the floor laughing even harder!!! We couldn't believe Jennifer actually had someone to correct others when they got her name wrong!!! I guess that's what you call success!?

Edward C:  Are you a fashion guy? What do you like to wear when you are not working as a model?

Edward:  I'm cool with fashion. It catches my eye from time to time. When I'm not working as a model, I tend to dress in urban gear. I collect Nike old school basketball shoes and got a thing for L.A. Denim right now- it's the only jean that will fit around my legs and big ass!

Edward C:  Quick questions for quick answers

Edward:
Eating: Fish or meat?
  Fish  for lunch, Steak for dinner!
Vacation: Beach or the mountains?
  Beach
Fashion campaign: clothed or underwear?
  Clothing
Movies: Action film or romantic ones?
  Horror
Dating: Ask or get asked?
  Ask away!
Place to make love: at home, in the middle of a crowd, in a party or on a paradisiac island?
  In the back of the SUV!
Sports: Group or individual ones?
  Tennis
Music: Rock, classical, R&B, Hip HOP...?
  Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Rock
Way of travel: by train, plane, ship or bike?
  Plane
Best season: spring, summer, autumm or winter
  Summer
An unforgettable moment:
  My first...

Edward C:  What do you like to do in your free time?

Edward:  I'm crazy about home. I love being home. I have a Staffordshire Terrier dog, named Joi' - She's so much fun. The most important to me is my family, career, education, and home. To me, they all work hand in hand. Within ten years, there should be no need for my parents to work anymore.

They'll be driving the cars I bought them and be able to relax. Every place in the world I've had the opportunity to work in, I have identified with and thought to myself how compatible each is. However, my heart lies in two places. New York City and San Francisco. Those are my home towns.

Edward C:  Edward, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. A final message to Connex 247 readers around the world.

Edward:  If you made it this far into my profile- I send out a giant "THANK YOU!"  If you have a wish, dream, goal, or whatever- keep it close to you and do something everyday to reward it. I promise you, from the bottom of my heart, that you will succeed.

Full name: Edward Enrique Cruz Paz
website: http://edwardcruz.com