Chubby Mannequin – Artist, + Blogger + Model
Photography by: Dawn Kelly
Chubby Mannequin is a Professional Published Artist known as “Tormented Sugar”, her Celebrity portraits and Shoe Illustrations are known internationally. Her work has been seen on Huffpost Arts, Entertainment Weekly Popwatch, Yahoo News, featured in Magazines such as Volup2 the Rebelle Issue, Skorch Magazine Mega Summer Issue and Xovain etc. Emily is a body positive plus blogger and plus model.
Congratulations on all of your success as a Plus Size Model. How did you get started modelling? My first modeling experience was my own pregnancy photo shoot shot by my husband. The portrait stylized image was used for my “ Unite Against Rape” Meme, which was included with a list of Celebrities in an article about the movement. I went on to Model for a local photographer representing Plus women in a Boudoir photo shoot. I have modeled for a cause, Wear Your Voice Mag’s Body Positivity campaign “Drop The Towel”. I have a private shoot coming up with Celebrity Photographer Vijat Mohindra.
Photography by: Paul Whitaker
What has been your favourite experience thus far – the one you are most proud of? I am most proud of “ Drop The Towel” Campaign. This campaign was a self-loving summer campaign a movement for all body shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. Taking a stand against body shaming by #dropthetowel. I was so proud to be in Half Moon Bay California with my Photographer husband and our 2 little girls nearby watching their mother model in her Bikini!
Just like any craft there is a learning curve – how did you learn how to model – both print and runway if applicable? Youtube, watch everything you can. I just went with the flow, had fun and checked my nerves at the door. I made sure to also google images of other plus women modeling to remind myself I’m worthy and deserve to be there. A fun way to get yourself out there is to submit photos and quotes about things that mean something to you and being a plus size woman. I have been featured in Bustle twice in the last few months going that route.
Photography by: Abby Faith
Did you have mentors or role models who helped and inspired you along the way? One of my mentors would be Felicity Hayward Curve model from the UK. We got to hang out in Santa Monica one weekend, my baby was supposed to model with her for a French Fashion mag. It ended up getting cancelled but we still got to hang. She talked about her experiences and was so fun and amazing it was inspiring. She was on a speaker panel at the Shangri La for Brit Week in LA the previous day. She said don’t give up on your dreams, just keep putting yourself out there.
The Plus Size Industry has changed and continues to evolve – how do you think as a model you are able to help make an impact in how the world sees plus size women? I am not only representing Plus size women, I have 2 girls so I represent Moms as well. I am an Artist and I follow my passion for the Arts. I hope to show other women and mothers your life, creative self and SELF LOVE do not end when motherhood begins.
Photography by: Dawn Kelly
You exude confidence with every step you take, were you always this confident? Tell us a little bit about the journey to confidence. I am constantly working on my confidence. I have NEVER had complete 100% confidence in myself at any size. I found following other plus ladies with the same or similar struggles helps tremendously. Find your Niche and follow girls/guys you relate to. For me creation and creating things like Art has been my ultimate source of self-confidence. I struggle with confidence as a mother, as an Artist, as a wife and as a plus blogger/model. My favorite thing I do is find a favorite pic of myself even if it’s older and Keep that in my “favorites” and when I’m feeling down I look at that pic that reminds me I’m beautiful. Confidence is a strange friend, who visits from time to time and when you do meet up it’s like nothing and no time has passed.
For our readers who are interested in starting a plus model career, what would you suggest are some top tips to get started? Start out by working with legitimate local photographers, be safe and careful as a TOP priority. Do not ever do anything you’re not comfortable with. Do not spend tons of money on modeling. Reach out, ask questions and ignore the Haters and rejections. Make connections, make friends and never feel like you are above others. Everyone has a story. We are all in the same struggle for ultimate self-love and acceptance by society. HOT TIP: Volunteer to help Published photographers on set to see the “behind the scenes” and learn the process.
As a model you’ve had the opportunity to wear a variety of different styles, but what would we catch you in on an ‘off duty’ day? What would you call your fashion sense and how has this evolved through your modelling career? I’m a ripped Jeans/ graphic T shirt girl all day! I’m very 90s/ early 00’s Alternative at heart. My Fashion sense when I’m going out is “Artsy”. I have gotten braver and sexier in my style with some of the dresses that have been sent to me! I am an Artist and I love black and I love Pops of color, as well as fabric that looks like a painting. I actually designed some clothes for SHOP VIDA using my own personal Abstract Art. My dream is to have my Art on Plus size dresses, runways and working closely with my favorite couture labels.
Photography by: Dawn Kelly
What are you some of your favourite places to shop your style? I love Fashion 2 Figure for dresses, they are based out of New York and you can check them out online. I love trying clothes on in person. Locally I’m all about Forever21 and Rue21. (I’m a 30- something but feel 21 inside). I recently went to Los Angeles and checked out the Plus Bus LA! OMG IN LOVE! It’s so cute they have so many variety choices of Plus clothing!!! Also down the block on the Main street is a Cool Vintage Thrift store Called “L.A. Road” that also carries some plus sizes.
What does life look for you outside of the modelling world? I am a mother of 2 girls a Preschooler and Jr high 8th grader. I am a USTAF wifey! My husband is a High School Cross Country Coach, as well as a Track and Field official. We go to lots of games from Sacramento to Berkeley, Stanford etc. I work on my new Plus blog weekly usually when time permits. I am continuously working on deadlines and Art projects, and using my digital Art in new and fun ways.
Thank you for taking time to chat with us today! What is one message you would like to leave with our readers today? Find out what your passion is and go for it!! Your passion could be making crafts, reviewing books, testing pinterest recipes, collecting vintage band t-shirts, makeup challenges …whatever your Passion do it now! Rock the crop, take the pictures, buy the dress, color the hair, get the lipstick …Be bold because you are the youngest right now in this moment in life, than you will ever be again! xo Emily #chubbymannequin
Social Media
Art Portfolio: www.xosugar.com
Blog: www.chubbymannequin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chubbymannequin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlusBloggerEmi
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chubbymannequin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXpV8WWcZwSvOPsQENxIKUA
Snapchat: @chubbymannequin
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chubbymannequin/