Getting Down & Dirty Wih Adrienne Janic
TDink Magazine
Adrienne Janic is best known as the host of TLCís Overhauliní. You can find her fixing cars and looking beautiful at the same time. Adrienne is originally from Whittier, Ca and is of Mexican and Yugoslavian descent. Letís see what she had to say:
How did you get your start with modeling?
I got started in modeling kind of by accident! I was originally going to join the Air Force right out of high school. I already had been in contact with the recruiter and had several conversations about a career in the military. Then one day I was at the supermarket with my mom and a photographer approached me and asked if I would be interested in competing in a local modeling contest.
I was skeptical at first ( I never really thought I could model). I ended up doing the contest and got 3rd place! I did several local contests and I was then told I should go to the open modeling calls to sign with an agency. I did, and got signed by FORD Models Inc. And the rest is history !! Oh ! When the Air Force recruiter called and asked when I was going to come in and ěmake things officialî, I told him I changed my mind and was going to model instead! I wish I wouldíve seen the look on his face !!
Can you tell us about some of your favorite shoots?
Wow, Iíve had so many!! One that stands out was a shoot in South Africa. We were on location at the beach. It is SO beautiful there. The beaches are so pristine and the shells scattered all over the beach are shells that you would buy here in a store! I couldnít believe I was getting paid to wear amazing clothes and hang out at the beach ALL day !
How does it feel to be the new face of Suzuki?
I feel honored ! Suzuki is such a huge global brand that is very respected. I think being in the automotive world definitely helped. I have such an appreciation for cars that I feel my new relationship with Suzuki is a perfect fit !!
Who are some other designers that you have modeled for?
The first runway show I ever booked was for Calvin Klein. That was such a great experience. Calvin Klein was very nice. At the end of the show, he gave all the models gifts! Iíve also modeled for Richard Tyler.
Also very nice, and down to earth. And an amazing designer. His designs are timeless. I remember one year for Christmas, he sent all his ěregularsî ( as I used to call us) a whole Richard Tyler outfit !! I still have mine to this day.
Do you like doing runway?
Runway is fun, but I do not do it anymore. I did come out of ěretirementî for a very good designer friend of mine, Alan Del Rosario. He is an amazing up and coming designer!! Iíll walk the runway for him ANYTIME!!!
How did this whole hosting thing come about? Have you always had a love for cars? What kind of car do you currently drive?
The whole hosting thing kind of happened by accidentÖkind of like modeling!! Once I decided not to do the ěEurope thingî as far as modeling goes, I decided to come home and do some TV work. I had done several commercials and some guest spots on TV shows.
I was booked to do Overhauliní as an actress for the hidden camera pranks. Well, one episode became five, then I was asked to be the female co-host. I was honest and told the network that I knew NOTHING about cars.
They said it was OK. I figured, what the heck, Iíll learn on the job and hopefully the female viewers at home can learn with me. I definitely "caught the bug" on that show. Iím obsessed with cars now!!
My daily driver is a 2003 CLK Mercedes. I also have a customized 2006 Cadilac XLR, and currently Iím designing and building my own muscle car ń a 1968 Firebird.
Tell us about the car that you are currently building.
The car Iím building is a 1968 Firebird. As soon as I saw the Firebird, I knew that was the car for me. The whole process is being filmed for a show on the Speed Channel called ëHot Rod TVí.
Iíve collaborated with a company that specializes in muscle cars called YEAR ONE. They are right outside Atlanta. Iíve been making a lot of trips out there. Itís been such a great experience and I have been learning SO much more by building my own car! I canít wait to show her off !! YES ! Itís a SHE !!
What are some of your current projects? Can you tell us about them?
Right now, itís my 68 Firebird. Iím very involved with he design AND the build. Itís very time consuming. Itís not just picking out paint color and what floor mats I want. Iíve designed the wheels, re-designed the whole interior, the engine, suspension, brakes, basically the whole car inside AND out ! Itís A LOT of work !!
Who are your role models?
I donít really have anybody specific, but I do look up to people who work extremely hard and have good work ethics. I always like to say that a reward is even sweeter when youíve worked hard for it and earned it !
What would be the ultimate dream acting role?
My ultimate dream acting role would have to be a period piece with Cate Blanchett. Sheís an amazing talent. It would be an honor to work with her.
Where are you from?
I am from Whittier , CA. It is about 30 min east of Los Angeles.
Can you tell us about your childhood?
My childhood was normal. I come from your average working class family. My parents raised my brother and I to be hard workers and that nothing is for free. My dad to this day still says, ě A penny saved is a penny earnedî. I definitely get my work ethics from my parents.
What is your ethnic background?
My mom is from Mexico, and my dad is from Serbia ( formally Yugoslavia). They both immigrated to the U.S and worked hard to live the American dream. I really admire them for that. They came to this country not knowing any English and had very little money.
With hard work and determination, they really made something of themselves.
What do you like to do for fun? Where do you hang outórestaurants, clubs etc?
Iím a pretty low key person. I enjoy going out to dinner with friends. Iím up for anything! As long as the food is tasty, Iím there !!! Iím not into the club scene. Itís very rare that Iíll go out to a club. Sometimes , Iíd rather be home in my PJís and watch a movie!!
Who are some of your favorite designers?
I love Alan Del Rosario. I know, heís a very good friend of mine, but he really knows how to design clothes for a womanís body. His designs flatter any figure ! I also love Gucci and Christian Dior. I love high fashion with edge!!
Describe your sense of style:
My style for the most part is very casual and laid back. When Iím running around doing errands, itís jeans, a tank top and flip flops. It really depends on my mood and what kind of event Iím going to. Iíve worn really classy dresses, have been rock and roll, and have been really funky. Iím all over the place! But I think thatís a lot more fun and people never know what to expect !!
What are some of your favorite tv shows, movies?
Favorite TV shows?? Greyís Anatomy, House, Americaís Next Top Model, and American Idol. Movies, I love a good comedy and also horror flicks from the 1970ís. Those are the scariest !!
Would you like to say anything to your fans?
Yes ! Thank you SOOOOO much for your support ! I truly believe that at the end of the day that itís the audience who decides if a show/movie is a hit or not. So I thank everyone who supported Overhauliní and tuned in every week and let me into their homes to entertain them for an hour !!
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