Tomiko Fraser facts for kids

Tomiko Fraser Hines (born May 2, 1968) is an American fashion model and actress. She is famous for her work on runways, in magazines, and in commercials.

Tomiko is best known for being the first African-American model to represent Maybelline makeup. She was the face of the brand from 2001 to 2007. She also acted in the 2001 movie Head over Heels. Tomiko is also a strong supporter of lupus erythematosus awareness.

Early Life

Tomiko Fraser was born and grew up in the Bronx, New York. She went to Cardinal Spellman High School. Tomiko loved learning and wanted to become a school teacher.

She comes from a big family. Tomiko is one of seven children. She has three siblings from her mother's side and four from her father's side. Her brother, Terrell Fraser, is a DJ. Her sister, Shneequa, sadly passed away from a disease called Lupus. This experience later inspired Tomiko to help others.

Career

Modeling Career

Tomiko started modeling a bit later than most models. She was 25 years old when a modeling scout discovered her. At the time, she was working as a waitress in a restaurant called Lola in the Flatiron District.

Her first modeling job was for Seventeen Magazine. She later signed with Ford Models. Tomiko even walked the runway for Chanel in Paris. She has appeared in many ads and print campaigns. These include Essence (magazine), Target, Gain, and Honey Nut Cheerios. She also modeled for fashion brands like Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, and J.Crew.

Tomiko Fraser is most famous for being the face of Maybelline cosmetics. She made history as the first African-American model to represent this big brand. She has also worked with top designers like Chloe, Vera Wang, and John Galliano. Famous photographer Mario Testino has taken her picture for US Vogue magazine. She was also on the cover of Flare in 1999.

In 2012, while she was expecting, she modeled for Old Navy. She spent most of her career with Ford Models. Today, she is represented by Cathy Quinn Models in New York.

Acting Career

After many years of modeling, Tomiko started focusing on acting. She is represented by Innovative Artists. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

Tomiko's first acting role was in the movie Head over Heels in 2001. In the movie, she played a fashion model. Since then, she has appeared on TV shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Soul Food, and The Game. She was also in the movie Monster-in-Law. In 2011, Tomiko became a judge on the show Model Latina: Las Vegas.

Personal Life

On July 3, 2006, Tomiko Fraser married Christopher Hines. After some challenges, the couple welcomed twin boys. In January 2013, Tomiko gave birth to Kaden James Hines and Bryce Harrison Hines.

Philanthropy

Tomiko Fraser is also well-known as an activist for Lupus awareness. This cause is very important to her. Her sister, Shneequa, suffered from Lupus. Tomiko is a member of the National Board of Directors for the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA). She works to help people understand and fight this disease.