Models say being beautiful is hard. Then again, most models don't have any real work to compare it to. Shakara Ledard, a Bahamas-born Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, actually does, since she's also an actress, producer, designer and beauty product creator.

In fact, Ledard has been striving toward more than just physical beauty for some time. "I majored in fashion design at an early age," says Ledard, who moved stateside for her education and finished college at 18. With both parents in the apparel industry, Ledard's degree choice may have been in her genes. "It's scary-every day I find more and more that I resemble my dad."

On the outside, thank God, Ledard resembles her "gorgeous mom," and has parlayed her good looks and gray matter into four new projects: ROXS, a "luxury punk" clothing line that debuts next spring; Tropical Bliss, an island-inspired skin care system; a pilot for a cooking/travel show; and a starring role as an ex-stripper opposite Marlon Wayans in the forthcoming Damon Wayans-directed drama, Behind The Smile.

With characteristic diligence, Ledard took method acting to berserk levels, not only enlisting in rigorous, six-days-a-week stripping classes but installing a pole in her house. As a final test of mettle, Ledard went undercover to dance in a real strip club. "I did splits in the air and hung upside down,"she says. "And I can even hold on to a pole with no hands." Elizabeth Berkley, eat your heart out. As for her love life, Ledard is dancing solo. "I've been single for quite a few years now, and I hope that will change soon," she says wistfully.

"I am so eager to date a man and not a little boy." If she can ever stop working, that is.

Mary Choi
Photos: Fredric Reshew