Make no mistake, Niko DeRoin is a confident and beautiful young Otoe Missouria and Choctaw lady who balances her professional and personal life.

She has two professional careers: she's a certified pharmacy technician and a professional model.

Both careers are fulfilling, yet, when she talks her modeling career, she becomes animated as she gave REZ BIZ Magazine a glimpse into the world of professional modeling for our readers and--possibly future models.

The world of Native American modeling is a growing industry

and has been influenced by such shows as America's Next Top Model and Project Runway, she said.

"It's booming now more so than, say 10 years ago."

Yet, before you race off to get a portfolio done (a professional portfolio can cost thousands) beware, the modeling industry can be cutthroat.   It is both rewarding and challenging.

"I think having a strong sense of who you are and where you come from is a must," said DeRoin.

However, DeRoin says it's a far cry from the glitz and glamour that most people think of.

Models are sometimes asked to comprise their character and integrity--and there are some models that will do and say anything to get that "next spot in the limelight."

For example, take the time a make-up artist cut her eyebrow with a razor and "fortunately, (the hair) grew back."

One time, she was asked to cut her knee-length hair and to model nude (she won't).

"Expect brutal criticism about your looks," she added.   "I've had a photographer tell me I wasn't quite "native looking enough and very plain" in his opinion."

That same photographer made about $200 for each of her photographs (he took) by selling them to another company.   She didn't see any of the money.

"It can be a brutal industry if you don't keep your head about you," said DeRoin.

Then, there is the belief that models are rich.

"I'm not rich by any means and it's a misconception for the general public to think we can afford big name brands and walk around in Gucci heels. I WISH!   I still shop at Wal Mart."

She was even once criticized for being 'too social' at a booth where she was signing calendars.

"I've never heard of such a thing and just had to laugh it off."

There are times when promises are made that she will get paid the same day or perks such traveling costs will be provided and it doesn't pan out.

Once, she didn't get paid until 3 months later and that was after she had used her own money to travel far away.

"When you get an assignment, make sure you have an attorney look at the contract before you sign it. Don't comprise yourself and if you don't agree with or feel comfortable with the situation, speak out--loud and clear."

The pay is good, but she offers some financial advice . . .

"Money is definitely a motivator but when you let it rule your business and you can only relate to money instead of actual people then you have a problem. There are definitely people who are in the business and shouldn't be mainly for the sake that they exploit who they work with in a blatant manner."

Yet, succeeding financially in the modeling world is tough.

They pay per hour ranges depending on the people and organizations a model works with.

"Models charge $50 an hour and some gigs pay $500-$600 for an all day shoot or to sit at a booth and sign autographs and take pictures," she explained. "You can pretty much set your own limits and your own hours."

There are other perks too.   Having your image on covers of magazines, wearing beautiful clothes, traveling around the globe, getting pampered and having money to pay your bills is definitely alluring.

But, DeRoin insists, it's hard work.

There will be times when you are standing, walking or posing in harsh conditions

for a long time.

Factor in the time it takes to get hair and make-up done, then selecting your outfit and getting lights just so--all combined--can take hours.

"We're all ready to go and then your back stage changing into this outfit and that outfit, and you're careful to not bump into the person next to you, and then get out there to the cat walk as quickly as you can - hoping your zipped up all the way and nothings hanging out! And then 15 minutes later - it's over."

With all that rushing around and working long hours, it's important - no vital - to be physically and emotionally fit. DeRoin stays fit by powwow dancing.

"I'm almost positive my buckskin dress weighs more than I do. (She laughs) I'm pocket size, a whole 105 lbs on a good day."

Eating healthy and having a terrific sense of humor has carried DeRoin a long way

She admits to liking ribs and "of course, I wouldn't be from Oklahoma if I didn't like biscuits and gravy!"

And while the modeling world is enticing, the reality of it, is very few Native American models earn "the big bucks."

Fashion shows and - surprisingly - car shows pay top dollar, she said.

DeRoin also believes beauty comes from within and it's all about your attitude.

And even if you have a full-figure, you can still model.

"There are some gorgeous Plus-size models out there, so don't be afraid your not skinny enough or tall enough. There are all kinds of modeling out there besides fashion.

The modeling industry comprises of several areas that include: athletic wear, lingerie modeling, parts modeling (where you just model your feet for shoes and nothing else or your hand for rings and watches).

So, what modeling job would really give her a career boost?

"Something where I was a permanent spokesperson or fixture for a product or company so that when people saw me they would identify me with the product."

Between work and traveling, DeRoin is busy with one photo shoot a month and a 'meet and greet' here and there every 2-3 months.

While her life is hectic, she makes sure her traditional teachings and beliefs remains a part her daily life.

DeRoin explains the importance of her traditional ways since it helps explain her sense of humility and is a big part in how she got 'discovered.'

DeRoin came out as a Southern traditional dancer (she also dances jingle and fancy dances) as she is of the Otoe and Choctaw tribes respectively.

Her ancestors are from Nebraska and while she lives in Arizona, she was born and raised in the Bay Area (California) by way of Oklahoma.

Interestingly enough, her mother didn't learn to speak English until she was six years old.

Her grandparents moved to Cali-fornia during the Relocation era from Oklahoma and are credited for providing a strong traditional foundation which she builds upon through powwows.

"Along the powwow trail and through traveling, I've come across some really beautiful people that have touched my life in profound ways and have taught me many things and have truly humbled me. I love my traditional ways and its more than just powwows. It's a way of life and a feeling of knowing that you're always taken care of no matter where you go when you believe in your traditional ways."

Now, this is where the modeling came into the picture - It "happened by accident."

When she was sixteen years old, she went to a powwow in Oregon, had her photograph taken, was selected for a calendar project and that was the beginning of her professional modeling career.

She eventually graced to the cover of Native Peoples Magazine, a worldwide publication based out of Phoenix, in 2004.

While some would have basked in being recognized, DeRoin took the opportunity to "be a role model and bring Native issues to the light and really be involved with my community."

This is no diva that throws tantrums and storms around making demands at photo shoots.

"I got a lot of young teenage girls that look up to me and ask me questions. Teenage years are the most awkward anyway. The worst thing you can do is try to crush the dream of another person. For what? What does that accomplish? Native people need all the encouragement they can get."

She believes Native peoples have been damaged enough and "we need to break the cycle of negativity. Especially females who struggle with low self esteem."

So, REZ BIZ asked her about this "being nice to people business as a professional model."

"There's no excuse to treat someone you don't even know like you're better than they are right off the bat," she said.

People observe you when you aren't aware of it, she says, and making a friendly sincere first-impression is important.

And if you see DeRoin at a gathering or event, she invites you to stop by and say 'hello'.

"I want meet you and hear about the things you've accomplished!"

You can't argue something is working for DeRoin and that evident spunk and love of meeting people has served her well.

Additional Photos of Niko DeRoin