The new Bahamas Ministry of Tourism "Behold" ad campaign is causing quite a stir, not only for the beautiful imagery depicted, that only The Bahamas can boast, but people are talking about the cost of the production and where it's being distributed for viewing. One thing is for sure, and that is The Bahamas offers beauty, not only on land and sea, but also with its people. The Bahamas Weekly contacted and interviewed Shakara Ledard, the stunning Bahamian model who is featured along with actor Rick Fox and world-renowned magician, David Copperfield in the "Behold' commercial.
In the ad, Ledard can be seen walking out of the pristine blue waters of the Exuma Cays and stepping onto a perfect and secluded white sandy beach lined with palm trees.
Ledard provided these great behind-the-scenes photographs from her day of shooting.
"It is an unbelievable honor to be one of those chosen to represent The
Bahamas in the Behold campaign. I was so thrilled to get the news," said Ledard who said the opportunity all came about thanks to her mother. "My mother's very good friend
has a daughter that works for the Ministry of tourism and the two of
them were discussing why I have not been used in anything to promote The
Bahamas yet. Phone calls were made, and 4 or 5 months later, here I am.
THANK YOU MOM!"
The model, actress and mother, who now resides in Buenos Aries, Argentina said that she wanted to model since she was a toddler. At the age of 14 she sent photos to 10 agencies
in Miami and 9 of them offered her a contract. "Not bad for a 14 year
old," she added.
Shakara burst onto the fashion scene in the winter of 2000, when she
appeared in the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She went on
to appear in the magazine for three consecutive years and in 2001 she
was the May model in their top selling Swimsuit Calendar. Shakara also appeared in Sports Illustrated’s 2005 Swimsuit Issue. Following
her Sports Illustrated debut, Shakara took the fashion world by storm
modeling for numerous national and international advertising campaigns
including Victoria’s Secret, Loreal, Levi’s, and Liz Claiborne.
Actor and ex-Laker, Rick Fox with Shakara Ledard with a local Bahamian
"My first acting roll was for a film
called Full Clip," said Ledard. "I was pretty awful in it. I am surprised it was not my
last." Ledard was also in films,
After the Sunset, and
The Defender, and played the 'main girl' in Justin Timberlake's music video,
Justified, as well as the role of 'Stacy' in the film,
Behind the Smile with Marlon and Damon Wayans.
Looking forward she says, "My plans for the
near future is to spend as much time with my children and family, and to
really take it easier this year. I have been working non-stop, and
its time for a little family-time."
When we asked her what she was most proud of in being a Bahamian she responded, "One of the things
I am most proud of about being Bahamian are the values that our nation
functions from. In days like now where morals and values hardly exists, I
am proud to come from a place whose people still respect and honor each
other. We need more of that in the world."
