Dana Hamm

In terms of degree, Dana Hamm’s level of sex appeal is virtually unparalleled. With supermodel status to the umpteenth degree, she’s frequently hailed as “The Sexiest Woman Alive,” and she’s more than earned the title. The North Carolina native has been setting the modelling scene ablaze with her uncontrollable sultriness for years, and luckily for us, her reign is far from over.

Dana’s story starts in small-town North Carolina, where she grew up on 20 acres surrounded by animals, playing volleyball, softball and tennis, and sneaking off to fish and ride horses when she could. Her big break came from the unlikeliest of places: fresh out of high school, she was spotted at a WWE event by someone in the fitness industry. Before long this Southern belle was a fixture in the fitness magazines, at one point billed as the most photographed fitness model of all time, and she crossed over into the men’s glossies with features in FHM, Maxim and Stuff.

Beauty with a business brain, Dana didn’t stop at posing. Alongside photographer Scott Schisler she built Iconic Beauty Images, a destination photography company that whisked clients to the likes of Lake Tahoe, the Caribbean, Thailand and Italy for luxury shoots, giving everyday people the full supermodel treatment. When she spoke to LFM, she described it as far more than a full-time job, and one she loved. Add in a soft spot for animals and those striking light blue-green eyes, her most complimented feature by her own account, and it’s easy to see why a closer look can’t hurt.

Below, Dana Hamm opens up about a surprisingly shy streak, the best advice she’s picked up, her Southern kitchen skills and the high school scraps she refused to back down from. Then settle in for your personal dose of Dana.