Mt. Vernon-native, Mike Press stands 6’1 is unsigned, dreams of modeling for Tommy Hilfiger and a big fan of Will Smith.
Name: Mike Press
Agency, if any: Unsigned.
Age: 32
Height: 6’1
Instagram: @immikepress
Where were you born? Mt. Vernon, NY
Ethnicity: African-American
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Favorite things: Skittles, Street Corn, Ginger Ale, and Mcdonald’s.
What music are you listening to at the moment? Honestly, my music library is so vast right now but what I’m listening to usually: Maxwell, Johnny Gill, Bobby Brown, Stevie Wonder; music that is very calm, smooth, and chill.
Favorite movie, tv show: Hands down Coming to America and favorite show Fresh Prince of Bel Air (I can recite every episode).
Favorite designer, fragrance or grooming/beauty product: I battled with my skin for a while. Mainly dark spots and scarring from shaving. So my NEED when it comes to keeping my skin tight are Hydrafacials and using products from Sunday Riley. Fragrances are so vital to me. I prefer Parfums instead of Toilettes. Brands such as Creed and Le Labo are my go-to usually. I don’t have a favorite designer because I like so many and don’t buy from just one brand, but I’ve always loved classic Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss.
What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling? If I weren’t modeling, I would be doing something that is fulfilling me. Before I modeled, I was working in Public Relations with the NFL, but even then that wasn’t satisfying me. So fulfillment and purpose are what I’m searching for.
What’s something uncool that you love anyway? I can make money disappear very fast LOL, but I had to learn to embrace my quirky side and pointy ears. As a kid, I was always called dumbo or flicked at the ears. Now I love my ears; I had an agent ask me once if I’d ever pin them back. NAH SON!!
What’s the best thing about your hometown/country? The best thing about Mt. Vernon to me is BOBO Wings aka Sugar Wings!!! Bobo Wings are Chinese chicken wings that are made with sugar somehow! I can’t eat regular chicken wings now because of it LOL!
Place you would love to visit: Japan. I’ve always been in love with martial arts and the discipline that comes with it. Japanese culture amazes with the peace and tranquility that embodies their culture.
Which brand would you like to model? Tommy Hilfiger is the brand I’ve always seen myself in.
Favorite modeling experience so far? Shooting for RayBan with Steven Klein.
Favorite season? I love the fall because it’s the right temperature to layer without having to freeze or be too hot! I love earth-toned colors like tan, burgundy, olive, and blues.
Favorite junk food? (Cracks knuckles): Doritos Cool Ranch, Sour Pour Straws, Sour Patch Kids Watermelon, White Cheddar popcorn, Strawberry Milkshakes, Mcflurry from Mcdonald’s, Neopolitan Ice Cream, Skittles, and Twizzlers.
Where do you feel the most stuck in your modeling career? Patience is my biggest vice. Trusting processes not just as a model but in anything. Your time is your time, and we all have it. When we spend so much time watching others, we forget about ourselves and what we have already accomplished. Trusting your vision and plan is vital.
Currently, you’re obsessed with or about? Motivational empowerment. Clarity. Self-worth. Steve Harvey’s book ‘Jump.’ Evan Carmichael YouTube videos. Theatre.
3 Words that best describe you as a person? Entertainer. Motivational. Compassionate.
Favorite entertainer or public personality? Will Smith: Since I was a kid, I’ve always been referred to Will in so many ways. Now as I am older, I see how he uses the power of love and community to build a more significant community that I believe is bigger than when he had blockbuster hits. He is still the same funny guy we all know but now has more power in his words of motivation and clarity.
Your favorite quote? “The only opinion that matters is the one of yourself, when you are completely alone, and can only hear your thoughts.” – Steve Harvey and “Do you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe?” – Eric Thomas
Any shoutouts? I thank everyone that has been a part of my journey. Every agent that has helped that me people and the people that said no.
Thank you: Mike Stallings, Quincy Scott, Greg Vaughn, Tarrice Love, Justin Macmanus, Shannon Wallace, the riders at SoulCycle, and those that can lift me up when I’m feeling I’m at my lowest.
Featured photo by Tarrice Love.
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