In my bio section I wanted to give my supporters some insight into my background. I was born and raised in Jamaica until the age of five. I then moved to Gainsville Georgia. While attending school, I was the only black girl in class, and everyone thought that I was weird because I had an accent. For some reason people think that they have to speak to you like you're dumb if you have an accent. Unfortunately I was put back a grade into pre-first because I was shy and so called "not developed." I feel that my shyness came from kids making fun of my accent, and the perception of not being developed is ironic, as in Jamaica you start school at the age of 2… go figure ha ha : )

Anyway, a year later I moved with my mom and step dad to Florida. He adopted me to give me his last name, which is Italian. I am mixed with 6 nationalities: Black, Indian, White, French (my former last name was French, originating from my family in France), German & Scottish.

While growing up in Florida I flew through grade school with ease, as I was wanted for magnet programs. Throughout high school I hardly had any friends. I was the quiet type, and was prone to getting picked on. There were girls who always had beef with me, but I was into the books too much to really let it affect me. I then proceeded to graduate within 3 years.

Prior to my graduation my parents divorced. Sadly my dad died last year from liver failure. I loved him very much. I got a chance when I turned 18 to meet my biological father and my half sisters that live in Canada. We still keep in touch. He had been searching for me, but at that time leaving Jamaica was the best thing for my mom & myself.

At the age of 18, I also met my manager LaShawnna. She has been a God send, and I feel that she not only rescued me from going in the wrong direction, but many other girls as well. At the age of 17, i'd shot with a photographer that took very suggestive non-nude pictures of me. At that time I was very naive and uneducated about the business. After I saw the pictures I told the photographer not to use certain photographs, but all of them were still used on his site. I'd realized that i'd made a big mistake, and the photos gave me a lot of negative publicity. Although they still float around, I am glad that LaShawnna helped to guide me in the right direction to reflect my image accurately. I believe in God very strongly, and I believe through her, He has knocked down doors for her & her company, which has helped me.

I also feel very fortunate to be able to attend college and also model at the same time. Both are very fun for me. My major is fine arts, concentrating in painting. I also like acting, it's how I know that i'm a true Jamaican, because I have many different jobs lol. : )
from www.nicole-ricca.net