Anyone who has seen Erin McKinnon's portfolio on One Model Place (OMP Model #304174) knows that she was a hottie way before Maxim Magazine crowned her the "Hometown Hottie" winner in the popular publication's recent competition.

Erin has been modeling for only two years, but they have been a busy two years. She recalls,

"I tried to pursue modeling when I was younger, but was more devoted to ballet at the time."

Once she grew up and started living on her own, the native found that she could book modeling jobs and still have plenty of time for school as well. "It is a job that always changes and keeps me on my feet."

Considering her short time in the field, Erin's success rate has been exponential. But that doesn't mean she had it easy starting out as a model.

"In the beginning, I didn't really do anything. I was heavier than I am now, and wasn't getting booked for much. Then in November of 2006, I won the title of Miss Ormond Beach USA and was going on to compete at Miss Florida. I wanted to compete for Miss USA one day and knew I needed to be in the best shape of my life. I hired a fantastic personal trainer in town and totally transformed my body. After the pageant, I become more confident in myself and suddenly found that I was booking more jobs."

The Florida resident describes herself as a "serious" model.

"I take every job very seriously, especially since I quit working an hourly job a few months ago. I now make my livelihood modeling and, just like any job, you have to put your heart into it. You also have to realize that the modeling world is very small and everything you do -- good or bad -- someone will hear about it."

Erin was at a casting when she heard about One Model Place.

"I immediately set up a profile and started getting massive amounts of emails for bookings and shoots. OMP is one of my favorite networking tools. The site has given me an outlet to share my portfolio with other people in the industry."

The brunette beauty did not do very well in her first attempt at becoming Maxim's Hometown Hottie.

"I actually entered the competition last year and did not go any further than the first round. My goal this year was to make it into the top 100 girls. I really just entered for fun, not thinking that it would actually go anywhere. I don't put myself in the same category as many of the models I see on their website or in the magazine."

This year, her path to becoming a semifinalist was much easier.

"I was getting ready for the Miss Florida USA pageant, so I didn't publicize Maxim at all. I actually tried to drop out of the competition when I was in the top 100 because it was stirring up a lot of commotion with the 'Pageant People.' Luckily for me, Icehouse was sponsoring the contest and because of that sponsorship I wasn't able to drop out.† Not to mention the fact that everything had already gone to print."

Erin readily admits that no one was more surprised than her when she won the competition.

"I flew up to NYC to do some press for the finalists. I just thought I was the only girl that was able to go to NYC at the time. I walked in for my interview and everyone screamed, 'Congratulations!' I was floored and thought the whole thing was a big joke. I kept thinking that this should be happening to someone else."

Icehouse and Maxim threw a party for all of the finalists in South Beach.

"That was the first time I had ever been out in South Beach, and it was amazing. I also met a lot of people at the event – I don't think I can ever attend a party without networking. There are some pictures on the Maxim photo blog that basically describe it all. The cool part of the night is when they introduced us at the club. I think that was the first time it really hit me that I had won."

Erin shares some very helpful hints for future aspiring Hometown Hotties.

"Be natural. There were so many girls that shot videos of themselves stripping down to lingerie because they thought that was what was necessary. I wore long pants and a tied up t-shirt and worked out at the gym in my video. I truly was myself throughout the entire competition, and I am really proud of myself for that. If you are true to who you are, no matter what the result, you won't be disappointed in the end."

She also has some advice for models who are just starting out.

"Have fun, but at the same time take in every moment because you never know when it is going to end. Don't compromise your integrity. Before you do anything, set your boundaries and stick to them. Make sure you find someone you can trust in the industry to give you advice and criticism."

To see more of Erin's work, visit her personal website at www.Erin-McKinnon.com