Words: Richard "Chad" Antonio
Photos: Julius Mayo, Jr.

So we thought we throw it back, and bring up some things from the past. It has always been a highly visited section of our previous websites. However, this time around, it should be a lot more interesting! Thus we decided to revive, the Jade Girls! Everyone has their own favorite import model, so do we, and we would like to share some of our picks.

Just in time for the Summer, we were able to get together with a good friend of ours to do this import model feature. We met Destiny Tran over 2 years ago, and she has been busy making a name for herself in and out of the import car scene, all while being a full time student. Be sure to come back each week in the month of June for a different gallery of pictures. Including the last set of pictures in which Destiny washed the only drift car in Jade Motorsports, Julius’ Nissan 240SX [S13].

JADE: Take a moment and introduce yourself.
DT: Hi I'm Destiny, and of course that's not my real name. I'm Vietnamese and Chinese, and I don't know of any traditional parents who would pick that name for their daughter... but hey it works for me.

JADE: Tell me how did you get into modeling?
DT: I use to do other modeling jobs since I was a child, but with the import scene it all started the year I turned 18. I was introduced to it all by a good friend of mine. Since that time, I have been blessed with making the right contacts. I am looking forward to venture out and working with other people and companies.

JADE: What is your opinion on this whole modeling thing?
DT: To me modeling is a fun way to meet different people and to be able to travel to different places. However, school is my main priority, I am a pre-pharmacy student currently pursuing an AA in biology. So, modeling has always been a hobby.

JADE: Pharmacy, that’s rough. Good to hear you that you have a head on your shoulders. What other work have you done?
DT: I have been to several Hot Import Nights shows working with Hot Glow and Shining Monkey. You can find a feature of me in a back issue of S3 Magazine. Away from the cars, I have done print and trade show promotion for Aztek Tanning. In 2006, I did a lot of promotional work for the Ms. Vietnam Florida Pageant Association 2006.

JADE: We heard that you won the 2006 pageant, congratulations! How was that experience?
DT: Thank you, winning the title of Ms. Vietnam Florida has been one of the proudest moments in my life.

JADE: Aside from all the work, what you do with your friends for fun?
DT: For my friends and I, ideal fun isn't just partying and clubbing til the break of dawn. We like shopping as most other girls, eating good food, and even just having a blockbuster night together.

JADE: With just your girlfriends? By chance, any guys involved?
DT: It all depends on if the guy is qualified. No one particular at the moment, but an easy going down to earth guy and not your chauvinistic type would do just fine.

JADE: Hmmm, so no guys around for now, is that just because you don’t have any time for them?
DT: If you really love and care for someone, then there's no such thing as not having time for someone.... make time!

JADE: Make time, that’s good to keep in mind. Have you ever gone out of your way to pick up a guy?
DT: Of course I have, I'm an aggressor, I don't waste time sitting around.

JADE: The last party we were at, you were getting down on the dance floor. Do you believe in the theory that good dancers are good in bed?
DT: Yes, because if you have the right moves on the dance floor, why wouldn't you have the right moves in bed? *wink*

JADE: It’s nice to know what gets you moving inside, but how do you get around… I mean what do you drive?
DT: My precious Audi A4 and my weekend beater Lexus GS300. No, I'm not a baller, I've earned and worked for everything I have.

JADE: Now, if you hade one wish?
DT: I'll be able to travel anywhere I wanted to at anytime with my loved ones. Definitely back to Vietnam, but I haven't even been to California, so that would be my first stop before I think of anywhere international.

JADE: You’ve never been to California? You're missing out on the great food... when do you plan on going there next?
DT: Hopefully by the end of this summer, I have a lot of family and friends there and I want to look at some prospective schools. But of course, enjoy my time shopping and eating the good food you speak about!

JADE: What are your plans for the future besides modeling?
DT: I want to earn my doctorate in pharmacy, and hopefully move to the West Coast to continue on with my career.

JADE: Any advice for upcoming girls?
DT: Don't get pressured into doing things that you don't want to do, stay true to yourself and your morals. Most important, achieve the goals you set for yourself in the first place.

JADE: Last words?
DT: I want to thank the Jade Crew, particularly Russ and Chad. Thanks for hooking me up with this feature and for all the fun poker nights, the crazy pictures, and showing me nightlife. I thank Julius for being such an awesome and supportive friend. To my family, my sisters Loann & Lenore, my friends Rosa, Q, & Lisa – for supporting me throughout the years.