Penny For Your Thoughts With … TOMIKO FRASER
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS WITH … TOMIKO FRASER
Supermodel and face of Maybelline NY Tomiko Fraser is co-founder of the “Move2Grooves,” a dance-based fitness class with a live DJ in a club-like atmosphere.
In 5 words or less, what do you think about…
George Bush?
George Bush is confusing.
Bill Clinton?
Bill Clinton is not black.
Malcolm X?
Malcolm X did all he could.
Oprah?
Oprah is unstoppable.
What is your airplane ritual? IPod? Sleep? Sweat Pants? Alcohol? Spill the beans.
My airplane ritual is:
- Try to upgrade to Business or First class. If that’s not happening, I dash over to some airport fast food spot so I don’t starve on the plane.
- I usually watch a few movies and catch up on my 25 magazines.
- Then I knock out for the rest of the ride.
What is your favorite tune to sing in the shower?
Anything by Anita Baker, Goapele or Jill Scott.
What do you think about unidentified flying objects and people who see them?
I am secure enough to say that I believe there is life on other planets. I just don’t understand why they must always show up in New Mexico.
What is your favorite American city?
My favorite American city is New York City. As a native New Yorker, I had to say that. I still tell folks that I LIVE in Los Angeles, but am FROM New York. Let’s be clear on that.
What do you think about the war in Iraq?
I feel badly for the troops and their families. I am concerned about the long-term effects it will have on the soldier’s lives. It’s time for this war to end.
Tell us about your tattoos.
I have 2 tattoos. One is the astrological sign for Taurus and that’s on my stomach. The other is my name in Japanese characters and it’s on my right ankle. Tomiko means “beautiful, rich girl” in Japanese. Seriously. I’m not making that up.
What do you think about interracial relationships?
Love is love. No matter the color, age, or sexual preference.
Who was your celebrity crush growing up?
John Travolta. Like I said, love is love.
Who is your celebrity crush now?
Wentworth Miller.
What song and artist would people be surprised to know you dig?
Andrea Boccelli - “Time To Say Goodbye”. Gets me every time.
What’s your favorite late-night snack?
I like ice cream late at night, in the middle of the day and sometimes for breakfast. I have no shame.
Who is the biggest influence in your personal life?
My husband, brother, best friends and women in my female empowerment group.
What is your favorite scene in a film?
When someone falls. Cracks me up every time.
What is on your Tivo right now?
The question is what is NOT on my Tivo right now. I am addicted to a number of shows. Some of them are “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Lock Up” (that one is the most addictive).
Obama, Clinton or McCain?
Obama is my pick, but Clinton would serve this country well too. I am just happy to be alive to see both a black man and a woman running for president.
Name one book that you consider a must read.
“Conversations with God,” by Neale Donald Walsch. Definitely changed my life for the better.
What frightens you?
Rollercoasters, bugs, and dying without fulfilling my potential.
What is your favorite article of clothing?
Anything that I can eat in and not worry about feeling constricted. That’s the truth.
Shout out the website for a cause/issue that’s close to your heart.
- The Lupus Foundation of America - www.lupus.org. My sister has a severe case of lupus and I have been working with the LFA for 8 years now. They definitely need support to find a cure for the potentially life threatening disease that mainly affects women of color.
- Tomiko Fraser’s Goddess Gathering - www.tomikosgoddessgathering.com. I created this group as a place for women to come and let their hair down. It is an empowerment and support group made up of the most inspiring women you’ll ever meet. They continue to amazing me with their growth, power, and sense of community.
- Move 2 Grooves - www.myspace.com/move2grooves. I co-created this dance/fitness class called “Dance Ya Ass Off” with an amazing friend and choreographer named Lisette Bustamante. We offer easy-to-learn hip hop dance moves with a live DJ (my brother) and promise that you will have a great time literally dancing your ass off.