Exclusive: Jermaine Dupri's Daughter Shaniah Makes Her NYFW Debut

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 09: Shaniah Mauldin attends the Fashion Hong Kong front row during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Industria Studios on February 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Fashion Hong Kong )

Shaniah Cymone Talks Fashion, Modeling & Growing Up Hip-Hop

She’s famous for being the scion of Atlanta hip-hop royalty, but Shaniah Cymone is stepping out of her father Jermaine Dupri’s shadow and into the spotlight – literally. The pretty teen made her New York Fashion Week debut on Thursday, modeling designs in the Gregorio Sanchez/Bahmardi show and the Rome & Juliet Couture/David Topaz/Andre Emery show. She also sat made the front row at a few fashion presentations.

“I’m walking in two shows,” Shaniah, 19, told us.”It’s my first time attending New York Fashion Week. “So, I’m super excited!”

We sat down with the “Growing Up Hip-Hop” starlet, model and biochemistry student to talk about her foray into fashion – and what her dad thinks of her new money moves:

BOSSIP: Why did you decide to go into modeling?

Shaniah: “Actually, I used to model when I was younger…And now I’m actually on my way to starting a children’s clothing line, and my dad wants me to get more involved with the fashion industry as a whole, so I could have more ties and connections in the industry. That’s what made me want to start modeling again.”

BOSSIP: What does your father think about your modeling career?

Shaniah: “As far as my modeling career goes, my dad’s not a vocal person, let me put it that way. So, I don’t really know, but I know my dad, he wants me to use every platform that I have to be successful. He’s definitely that type of person, and wants me to utilize my opportunities. So, this is one that arose, and he want’s me to tackle it.”