Sneak peek of Leticia in
character as a "Geek"

OMP favorite Leticia (Model #203215) is definitely on a roll! Not only was she chosen as one of Maxim's Hometown Hotties Top 10, but she was also featured on the cover of the September issue of Playboy's "Sexy Girls Next Door."


She most recently appeared on the hit CW television show "Beauty and the Geek," which just wrapped its latest season (find all the details at www.cwtv.com/shows/beauty-and-the-geek).

Here is an exclusive behind-the-scenes report from the blond model recently featured in the Winter edition of the SNAP! online magazine.

"The show 'Beauty and the Geek' ran on the CW. I'm a little nervous but overall I was excited for my fellow OMP members to take a look into my life and follow the journey of me and 17 other amazing people as we went through a pretty challenging experience."

According to Leticia, this season the nine new beauties arrived via Air Beauty and nine new geeks arrived via the Geek Mobile. Everyone is surprised to learn they will compete as teams of beauties vs. teams of geeks. Upon moving into the mansion and getting used to their new surroundings, the beauties were required to shed their make-up and high heels and are given a complete make-under. Once prosthetic noses and oversize sweaters are added, the girls must put their social skills to the test by trying to secure phone numbers from unsuspecting guys at a bar. The geeks find themselves in the brand new quiz room where one geek is sent home.

Although the Kentucky native says she had a pretty normal experience growing up, Leticia reveals she does have a dark secret from her past - literally.

"I grew up in a small town right next the largest cave in the world. My entire family is made up of spelunkers (cave explorers). I loved my childhood cause it encouraged who I am today... an adventure-loving girl of danger!"

Unlike her childhood, her path to getting started as a model was a bit more conventional. "Everyone kept telling me I should model, so I finally called an agency and did the whole modeling school thing. I booked a few jobs and then started being my own agent."

Having modeled for 15 years now, the Orlando, FL resident took a four-year break a few years ago to work a normal job. But, she says, "I knew I wouldn't last long before I missed the industry." Since her hiatus, she has been a regular on the "Lex and Terry Radio Show," shot for the "Dreamgirl" catalog ("my first real paying job when I got back into modeling"), and was cast in a Maxim/Tag Body Spray ad ("the reason why I decide to get back into modeling").

After she garnered enough online votes to be named a Top Ten finalist in the Hometown Hotties competition, she was certain that her decision to model again definitely paid off.

"It has been a great ride for sure. I don't like competitions but I hate to lose more. I have sent out a million newsletters and bulletins reminding people to vote. The girls are all sweet and pretty so it's great to be involved with such wonderful people. We did my photo shoot in New Orleans over a week's time and it was a lot of fun... filled with sleepless nights and busy days of shooting, filming and interviewing."

Leticia has some advice for other models who want to be a Hometown Hottie contender.

"Network! Build your email list up, your MySpace friends list... whatever you have to do to get as many people to vote for you. The Hotties contest is a popularity contest. Beauty helps but you have to get the votes and the best way to do that is to be a pro at marketing yourself."

Shooting for Playboy's "Sexy Girls Next Door" was another awesome adventure for Leticia.

"I have wanted to pose for Playboy for a very long time, that's why I was shocked when they called a photographer I shot with after seeing my photos on his site. They got my information from him and called me! So we set up the shoot,  not knowing it would get cover. About two weeks later, I received an email telling me I got the cover! I was so excited, I didn't know what to do. I think I'm still in shock!"

She discovered that "everything is different" during a Playboy shoot as opposed to other photo shoots. 

"Everything in the shot has to be perfect, which means you're in for a very long day. The positions you get in and have to hold for hours are not easy. I was definitely sore the next day. But it is all worth it when you see the photos!"

The model has some suggestions for other girls who want to work with Playboy.

"Just take care of yourself and body. Personality also goes a long way. Playboy is not only a magazine -- they host many parties, events, etc... They want someone that can represent the name with not only looks but a good attitude as well."

One Model Place has helped Leticia's career in many ways.

"OMP has helped so much... everyone is on here! It has been a great way to stay connected and to find out about jobs. My inbox is full every day of castings and notices from photographers wanting to shoot thanks to OMP. I don't know what I'd do without it."

She has additional advice for models just starting out in the business.

"Just be smart. There are a lot of people out there that are just waiting to take advantage of inexperienced models.  A smart model will go a lot further than one with just looks. You are a salesman...your selling yourself. Be smart about the biz and know everything you can about it. Never burn a bridge and always be kind... believe me, it will get you far. And never get down... this industry is full of rejection. Just remember to keep pushing forward.  We are all beautiful -- just make sure you let the world know it!"

In addition to her OMP profile, check out Leticia at www.leticiacline.com or www.myspace.com/leticiacline