Photo: Richard Whitley | Wardrobe: KPlushdollz Boutique & Flyybynyte Boutique
What type of modeling do you do? How did you get started as a model? What’s an average work week like for you?
I am a fashion model and I do a lot of boutique branding. I use to be a pageant girl back in high school, and then I relaunched my modeling career in 2016. I do have a 9-5 career as a Department Manager, so a typical week for me includes my kids’ sports activities, managing my department, making nice, home-cooked meals, and branding for the boutiques I work for.
What are some tips you’d like to share with aspiring models?
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- Always do your research! Take time to research your photographer, fashion shows, casting calls, etc. Your time is just as valuable as theirs. If it’s not the look you want, it’s just not for you, and that’s okay!
- Always come prepared. Bring your model bag everywhere and show up ready to work.
- Get used the word “no;” not all designers will like your look or walk. You will face rejection. Learn from it and ask for feedback, and when you get it, take it and improve.
- Have fun! Enjoy the moment and be thankful.
Photo: Richard Whitley | Wardrobe: KPlushdollz Boutique & Flyybynyte Boutique
What are your goals and dreams as a model? What accomplishments are you most proud of?
One goal is to grace the cover of a leading magazine. I pray each day that someone will see my potential and hard work, and we can one day make magic with each other. Another goal that I have is to use this platform to give back to the plus-size community by having a Red Carpet Curve Parade here in Atlanta, GA. Everyone deserves to have a red carpet to walk on at least once in your life. You don’t have to be a celebrity, a socialite, or a model, just come out and have fun!
How have you seen the fashion, retail, or modeling industry change in the past decade – specifically with regards to diversity and inclusivity? What work still needs to be done?
I have seen the modeling industry change within the last decade, but we still have a lot of work to do. A plus-size model may have to work extra hard to get gigs and stand out from the rest. I don’t want society to look at plus-size individuals as sexual objects vs. human beings. Yes, we are taking naked pictures now and posting them online, mainly because we are finally happy in the skin that we are in. That does not make us sexual objects. There’s a thin line between being body positive and sexualizing our assets.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Beauty comes in all colors, shapes and lifestyles.
How has your body image and self-esteem changed over the years?
My body image has totally changed! I now feel FREE to be who I want to be. I am FREE to wear a bikini with my back rolls showing and my thighs rubbing together. I am teaching my kids to be free! I am FREE to be me without even caring about what people about my body.
From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I draw inspiration from my past experiences. I think about people telling me “you can’t do this or wear that,” or even being the “fat” girl on the cheer squad in high school. I draw inspiration from the many emails and DMs I get asking me how to get started in this industry and how wish they can be as confident as I am. I draw inspiration from times where I went on dates and once my date saw my shape, he left. I draw inspiration from all my rejections in life, as they serve to empower me, to keep going, and to be free.
What can readers expect next – do you have anything exciting you would like to share with us?
I have some magazine features coming up, but I am super excited to be a part of the Models of Atlanta show, which will be airing Summer 2019.
Do you have a message you want to leave with our readers?
Don’t stop! One closed door will open up thousands of other opportunities if you have a positive attitude. You will hear “no” throughout life, BUT all it takes is one good YES to take you to the level that you’ve always dreamed of.