Words and Images by DeWayne Rogers
Styled by Olori Swank
Makeup by Jessica Smalls
Hair by Kee Kee Taylor
What you see is what you get. At least, that was the overwhelming sentiment in the aftermath of rolling out’s exclusive photo shoot and interview with Angela Simmons. Poised beyond her years, Simmons walked into our Manhattan photo studio, and immediately made herself at home, both literally and emotionally, with the staff.
She kicked off her shoes, popped open her laptop, vibed to our Pandora playlist, and cracked jokes like we had all been friends for years.
It wasn’t the type of shoot that we were necessarily expecting, but again; what you see is what you get with her.
For years, what we’ve “gotten” from Simmons is a young woman who was comfortable in her skin … whether that meant stripping down and posing for a PETA ad, sharing her personal moments with social media, or more recently, holding court as a host on BET’s “106 & Park.”
No matter the scenario, Simmons always appeared to be at ease, and ultimately satisfied with the woman that she’s growing into. Now 25, Simmons is embarking on her own journey of self-discovery, and she’s intent on making an indelible mark on the world as an entrepreneur, as a designer, and also as a philanthropist.
And, if the impression that she left on us — after only six hours — is any indication of her ability to make a positive impact on the world, then Simmons is well on her way to achieving that end goal.
Here are some moments from that time together, where Simmons opened up and officially introduced us to Angela.
