What was your childhood like growing up?

I was born overseas in Korea and we went back and forth a lot until I was 6.  I’m an army brat so I’ve lived overseas in Korea, Fort Sill Oklahoma, Fort Knox North Carolina, Fort Lee Virginia, Kentucky, Puerto Rico and all over the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Were you raised traditionally Korean?

Yes and no.  Since we were obviously growing up in America, I think it made it a bit harder to instill traditional Korean culture in us.  My mom definitely did a good job though.  We ate more Korean food than American, we always celebrated birthdays and New Year’s the Korean way, she taught us special traditions during holidays and events and how to speak to your elders.  I also grew up in a traditional Korean church.  It was different for me being a girl…my mom taught me how to cook Korean food, clean, household stuff, respect for your elders and compassion.

Spill the beans…is Ursula your real name and if so…how did you get the name and what does it mean?

It’s funny, you know, being in the entertainment industry and having a unique name people automatically assume it’s a stage name.  Ursula Mayes is my real name!   My father believed names are important and that his children should have strong names with meaning.  Ursula is also a German name which means ‘little female bear’ but I was actually named after the Greek  version, ‘Goddess of Love.’ Ursa Minor (the little bear) and Ursa Major (the big bear) are two popular constellations in the sky also knows as the Small and Big Dipper.  I was also named after the famous European movie star Ursula Andress – the original (and first) bombshell in the first James Bond film ‘Dr.No.’ Look her up.  She is AMAZING.  A beautiful and talented woman with natural womanly curves.  My older brother Demetrius was named after Greek ‘Goddess of War.’ On the other side, my younger brother Abraham, Hebrew for father of multitude, was named by my mother.  My mother converted from Buddhism to Christianity after moving to the west from Korea.  She obviously gave Abraham a strong biblical name.  It’s interesting how all of us represent exactly what our names mean.

We hear you’re an amazing cook…tell us more!

Okay seriously, I LOVE to cook.  If I weren’t modeling and acting I would probably be a chef.   I also worked in restaurants for 8 years.  My first job was a server, but I’ve done everything from being a floor manager of a 5 star restaurant to cocktail waitress.  Since my mom taught me how to cook Korean food at such an early age, I was cooking full on meals at 12.  I don’t buy anything in jars or anything processed, I make everything from scratch.  My favorite cuisines to cook are French, Korean of course, Italian, all-American and Hawaiian fusion.  Every year, I cook up the entire Thanksgiving feast on my own.  From the turkey to yam casserole to gooey pumpkin cheesecake…I start preparing 3 days ahead and it’s one of my favorite times of the year.  My favorite chef and inspiration, is Dione Lucas.

What are some of your hobbies & interests?

General Likes: Paris or anything Parisian, vintage fashion, artworks & furniture, cooking & culinary arts, music, art, photography, fashion design, computers, video games, aviation, travel – countries, big cities, as well as the south where half my family resides, architecture, interior design, broadway & theatre, cultures & religion, pinup, pop culture, laughter: people who make me laugh & making others laugh, watching movies, reading, working out, children, animals, charity & going green, girly stuff – make-up, dresses, bright colors, shoes, accessories, victorian brooches & cameos, purses, guy stuff – guy clothes, gadgets, cars, army surplus, fishing, masculine sports like boxing, football, UFC, anything black, motorcycles, car racing & drifting, anything Korea, German or Native-American…the list goes on

How would you describe your personality?

I’m easy going, free-spirited, artistic and spontaneous.  I’m extremely loyal to my family and those close to me.  I can  be stubborn at times and I have a strong sense of who I am. I’ve always been a humanitarian and compassionate towards people and animals since I was little…I always want to help.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is eclectic – I like mixing old with new as well as masculine & feminine.  This includes my taste in clothes, furniture, everything.  People always tell me I have a unique look…that I could be mixed with anything.  I think my fashion sense reflects that too.  On any given day I can be girly, rocked out, business, sporty, whatever.  I feel sexiest when I’m wearing one of 3 types of outfits: 1. rad jeans, rocker t-shirt, leather jacket and some sort of sexy black heels or boots (tomboy meets sexy girl).  2. A girly, flirty, feminine sundress (a la Betsey Johnson). 3. A vintage or Parisian look – ruffled blouse w/brooch or cameo, form fitting A-line skirt, textured tights, vintage shoes, pearls and/or vintage hat, pin curls (a la Coco Chanel circa 1940′s). Then there are days I like to be completely minimal and natural, just jeans, no make-up and a tank top.  My favorite fashion eras are the 1920’s-1950’s.

What places would you like to visit?

Paris, Greece, Italy and Dubai

How did you get your start in the modeling industry?

I was supposed to be behind the camera, not in front.  I was interning at my aunt’s studio studying photography and she took some pictures of me one day.  She ended up winning 1st place in numerous prestigious photography awards.  She encouraged me to pursue modeling…along with my dear friend and amazing photographer, Long Nguyen from Washington, D.C., while I was assisting with hair and make-up.  From there, a Virginia agency signed me.  I entered a Maxim photo contest and won 3rd place and a spread in the magazine…the rest is history.

What was your favorite modeling job?

My first real modeling job following Maxim…I was flown to Hawaii as the featured Maxim model guest for a Hot Import Nights show.  It was so exciting for me I had never experienced anything like it…such a high impact, high-energy event!  I was hooked!

How did you become Suitcase #5 on Deal or No Deal?

Upon Maxim and signing a multi-year deal for a global events company as “International Spokesmodel”, I moved to California.  The first agency I went to see signed me on the spot.  That very same day they asked me to go in for an audition with a new game show coming out on NBC, “Deal or No Deal.” I had no idea what to expect so with barely any make-up, in casual jeans and a tank top fresh from meeting with the agency, I went in for the audition feeling completely unprepared.  When I went in to see the casting director he said “Deal.” Huh?  That meant I got the job. :lol:

What’s your favorite memory on DOND?

When we all dressed up like slave Princess Lea from Star Wars!  That was SO cool… the set was themed out like Star Wars – music and all.  We even had R2D2 and Chewbacca.  Of course, the show got clearance from George Lucas to do the theme.

How did working in your birthplace of Seoul, Korea happen?

I got an email on my website from a management group in Seoul.  They were interested in using me for various assignments learning about me through Deal or No Deal.  I asked my U.S. Manager to inquire about a charitable cause helping mixed children and orphans in Korea, hearing about some saddening news from my mother.  That’s when I learned about the Pearl S. Buck Foundation.  Both management parties organized a major press conference at the Ritz Carlton in Seoul about my plans to help the children of the PSB Foundation.  I later paid a visit to the foundation and it’s children.  From the press conference, companies started to call about using me in CF’s (commercial films) and I became the face of EI Solutions Skincare & Cosmetics as well as Hoban Construction.  I donate a portion of my Korean work proceeds to the PSB Foundation.

Any advice to aspiring models?

It’s so simple but so true…be you and be original.  Also, leave your egos at the door.  You’ll get repeat bookings when people see you’re down-to-earth, respectful and hard working.  And remember: even though it’s modeling, it’s really NOT all about looks.  A negative character makes for a negative appearance.

MY WORDS

“I consider myself an artist – I paint, draw, practice photography, do my own hair and makeup.  So as a model I try to create my own style of poses.”

“You’re only where you are because you want to be.”

“Some of life’s greatest moments happen in the most unexpected, unplanned of times.”