Our interview with gorgeous fashion designer, stand-up comedian, actress, and model CJ Franco. CJ has appeared in GQ, Maxim, FHM and Sports Illustrated. CJ is the founder and owner of ath-leisure women’s clothing line Neon Beige. Later this year, she appears in the relationship-drama web series Coded Court. CJ is also a guest writer for FHM.com, giving her comedic brand of dating advice to men across the world.
Neon Beige was created for the girl who didn’t quite make it to the gym. CJ’s philosophy on the brand is to live all aspects of life in neon no matter how beige the world can be. All of Neon Beige’s clothing is made locally in Los Angeles.
She recently appeared at the Comedy Store in Hollywood to try out her latest material. CJ has appeared on sitcoms such as Sketch Juice and No Chance At Love.
You can get the latest on CJ through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, as well as her website CJfranco.us. You can find out more about clothing line Neon Beige on ShopNeonBeige.com.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative enthusiastic silly.
Name one your strengths?
Patience.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My dogs milo and Mango, everything I do is driving towards getting them a house with a yard and a reliable fence
How and when did you start into modeling?
Growing up my dad modeled and I was obsessed, when I was 18 I moved to la and was approached in the street on a few occasions being offered modeling work, I laughed and declined. When I told my dad people were asking me to model he told me I wasn’t a model I was smart like my mom. Well I showed him (haha)
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
Traveling to the Bahamas with Maxim France was a big one, but I actually just got back from South Africa where I was booked to shoot the generosity water campaign- for every bottled water sold they provide water for 2 people for a month. Pretty rad cause and amazing experience, I even did a photoshoot with a cheetah (terrifying)
What is your workout routine these days?
Kickboxing I’m actually about to go to a kickboxing 8 week summer body class this summer body is coming soon!
Your favorite cheat food?
Potatoes, sautéed corn, desert always desert. I eat everything but just a little bit of everything – it’s all about moderation.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Bad breath, any reference to an ex, not wanting to see every photo I’ve ever taken of my dogs.
What is the stupidest thing you’ve ever done?
On my way to my best friends wedding I intentionally farted and accidental shat myself and ruined my dress. Cried all the way home changed and risked my reputation to be in attendance of her special day.
What magazines have you been in over the course of your career?
Maxim, Fhm, Sports Illustrated, GQ, Gladys, step up, Ocean Drive, Alwayz therro, Spanish influential.
And which magazine or project is still on your bucket list?
Nylon, Esquire and obviously Vogue.
What is your workout routine these days?
Kickboxing and walking the dogs.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
With like 5 more dogs.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without.
My style varies from fancy Wifey to homeless chic, I love playing dress up and feeling girly but I always don’t want to be robbed so that’s my look.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Anyone with freckles
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
Roxy Horner is such a babe she’s sexy and fashion at the same time and I admire that, probably the hardest working model I know.
Now tell us about your ath-leisure brand Neon Beige?
I wanted to make a fitness line for women to not work out in something sexy (but you can work out if that’s your thing no pressure)
Where do you get the inspiration from to create your own brand?
Vintage store gowns unusual design elements and flattering cuts
What part of having your own brand do you find the most challenging?
Managing the manufacturing, learning to market and endlessly following up.
How often are you bringing new designs into your collection?
All the time! I have so many pieces I have to wait to release
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
Blush chapstick and clear mascara.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
Getting edits is so satisfying.
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Keep your clothes on!
What do you like to watch on tv?
Love on Netflix anything Judd Appatow does is fire.
Favorite song? Why?
Stir fry by migos because it’s about food and I like food.
Do you support any charity?
Generosity water.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My keys. Always forgetting my keys lol.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Brunch, champagne, pool.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is ruining our lives (follow me)
Where we can follow you?
Travel destination: Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Maldives
Celebrity Crush: Seth Macfarlane
Restaurant: Italian
Actor/Actress: Daniel Craig
Quote: We have to choose between what is right, and what is easy. J. K. Rowling
Book: To kill a mocking bird
Movie: Toss up between Skyfall and Casino Royale.
Sports Team: Not too into sports.
Drink: Generosity Water
Photo Credits:
Photos by Roxy Rodriguez / Shandrew PR
Clothing Photo: Courtesy Neon Beige
