Name: Vanoy Burnough

Hometown: Des Moines & Dallas

Occupation/Company Name? Actress/Filmmaker, The Sienna Belle Hobbies? Ice Skating, Reading Great Novels, and Day Spa Restorts.

ymib: How would you describe a purpose filled life?

Vanoy: A life that follows God's Divine Plan. I believe fulfillment embodies the following: a Spirited Positive Soul, Intellectual Enrichment, and Emotional Security. When people feel good about themselves internally, it shows externally. Positive people continue to seek knowledge for continuous growth. When you know who you are and what you stand for, nobody can ever attack you emotionally or make you feel inferior. This leads to being able to fulfill your life's purpose.

ymib: What has been the most important life lesson that you have learned thus far?

Vanoy: Demand Respect. Let it be known that you don't tolerate being mistreated, and you don't care what people think about you. You can't make people like you, love you, or even do right by you. Nobody owes us anything in life; not even your relatives let alone everyday people. Regardless of what life brings, respect yourself and others will have no other choice. Cut off immature, negative people they pollute your spirit.You have to stand up and make your own way in this world.

ymib: What things do you do, or use to keep your body, mind, and soul beautiful and balanced, any favorite beauty/health products, tips, recipes, or regimens?

Vanoy: l am a self-proclaimed beauty junkie. I eat foods that are great for a long lasting glow. Avocados are my favorite for salads, bagels, and crackers they keep my skin hydrated. Carrot and blueberry juice work wonders for the skin, for me they run a close second to pure water. Brazil Nuts and almonds are great for hair and nails, and salmon is a must for those wishing to age gracefully. Ancient Queens and royalty worldwide used the earth's organic foods for beauty regimes and treatments. If it was good enough for them, it's perfect for me.

Dr. Paul Wallace of Beverly Hills is my dermatologist. His facials work miracles and skincare line is perfect for ethnic skintones.

Cocoachic.com - "cocoalicious lip sugar" perfect transparent gloss.

La Prairie - Silver Rain perfume smells great year-round

Bliss - great foot and body scrubs

Carol's Daughter - healthy hair butter, the ylang-ylang promotes hair growth and it smells good.

1. Never fall asleep with cosmetics on. If you're too tired to wash your face, then use a disposable face cloth like, Ponds or Oil of Olay. In the long run you will be glad you did.

2. Also steaming your body weekly helps to clear out toxins along with drinking water.

ymib: How does the world look through your eyes?

Vanoy: The world is God's creation of beauty. I'm a country girl by default. Growing up around farms and gardens that produced fresh foods was my childhood. My first job was working on a corn farm. Driving through the country takes me back to basics. I see God's trees, flowers, prairies, animals, birds, and enjoy fresh air. I prefer wearing my hair natural, and eating healthy. Real country girls don't need to overuse cosmetics, we believe natural is beautiful.

ymib: Most memorable moment in your life thus far?

Vanoy: Last year when my late mother (J. Nikki Franklin-Burnough) passed away. We weren't closely bonded like some mother-daughters, however I knew she loved me in her own way. She told me these pearls of wisdom that have shaped my young adult life forever....

1. Never give up on your dreams, never

2. Don't go back to people who treat you bad

3. Save your money and invest wisely, you don't know what life may bring down the road.

ymib: What are two things a woman should never take for granted?

RESPECTwomen historically have been oppressed. Yet we give life, without us there are no future generations. Young girls must be taught that "they are somebody" and to not be intimidated. She must take her own lead and make her own way, she doesn't have to hate men either to do that. Women of African descent especially, must be strong-willed and independently speak up for herself in this world. Sojouneer Truth said "Ain't I woman" and explained she did the work of many men. DST Sorority marched during the Women's Sufferage Movement when many were afraid to even attempt. Rosa Parks sat where she wanted to on the bus. Aretha Franklin wrote a song about it. Sister Souljah wrote a book about it (No Disrespect). Those women demanded to be respected. It's not just a man's world. Women shouldn't date nor marry men who cannot understand that simple fact.

Speak UpMany women have to really work on "independently speaking up" for themselves. If somebody else has to defend you that makes you weak-willed. And you lose respect from others because you sent someone to speak for you. If you have an issue that needs to be addressed, then you need to be a "real woman" and handle it yourself. Otherwise, quit complaining about it to people. Speak Up! Nobody likes a "cry baby" it's really unattractive and irritating, especially amongst powerful men and women. And remember it's not what you say, it's how you say. Most problems in life aren't always intentional but if you approach someone with attitude you're problem gets even bigger, this also applies to the representative you sent as well.

ymib: What is your personal mission in life?

Vanoy: To be the change I want to see in this world. I am not a perfect person, but nobody will ever be so I'm not alone. But while I'm here on God's earth, I'd like to do my humanly best to set a good example for young girls in the African-American community.

ymib: Who is your favorite female role model, past or present, and why?

Vanoy: Vanessa Williams! In 1984, she was crowned Miss America, the first for the our community. And despite all the media mayhem during her career, she has soared above the chaos. She got out here and showed the world what she was made of and that nobody can hold her down. I will always cheer for Vanessa, she is a Lady Heroine to me. She and I have similiar qualities, we aim to be conquerers!

ymib: Favorite affirmation/inspirational quote?

Vanoy: Do Unto Others As You'd Have Done Unto You.

Vanoy: The Romance Languages: Spanish, French, Italian.

Vanoy's been featured in Chuck E. Cheese commercials, beauty magazines, theater and film productions. She's been on-air talent for KCCI TV 8, a CBS affliate newstation, for syndicated show "Video Max". In addition, Vanoy's freelance television production experience includes: Inside Edition, MTV, MTV2, Oxygen Network, Starz Animation. She currently studies in Los Angeles with a renowned Hollywood acting coach.

Visit Vanoy on myspace at: www.myspace.com/vanoybu, and lookout for Vanoy in her Upcoming Film: Movin In, a comedy starring: Estelle Harris (Seinfeld); Christy C. Romano (Kim Possible) and Stephen Furst (Animal House). Vanoy portrays role of Chantelle, the lovesick girlfriend of an athlete in this hilarious comedy. Film may be released by 2008. www.myspace.com/movinin