Delma Woods – Plus Size Model and CEO of Del Woods Modeling Agency LLC
As a young girl, plus-size model Delma Woods modeled with her late mother in fashion shows in Charleston, SC, and Myrtle Beach, SC. Watching her mother always be the epitome of grace and beauty, Delma felt that fashion was in her blood. She started modeling again in 2014 at a poetry show in Charleston SC for Author Phree, and thus began her modeling career. She began putting together photo shoots with her own money, clothes, and accessories; and started getting serious on social media. Around this time she saw a flyer for a Curvy Idol contest, which she entered using her own pictures; she didn’t win, but she didn’t let that stop her.
In the fall of 2014 she attended the Fuller Woman Expo in Detroit. There she met plus models, bloggers, and Plus Pageant Queens. December 2014 she joined the Miss Plus America Pageant system and became Ms. Charleston Plus America 2015. While she was in her reign she was asked to come to Florida for the 2015 Curve Nation Expo as a Queen. This experience opened major doors for Delma in modeling.
Fearfully Wonderfully Made Boutique asked Delma to model for them at a Trunk Show in Sumter, SC. From there she began modeling for them regularly. She modeled in the Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show for Fearfully Wonderfully Made Boutique, and was featured on their website. In January 2016, Burton Model Connections made her Model of the Month. She had a photo shoot and model class with Candice the Model from Charlotte, NC. She modeled in the End of the Fall Fashion Show in Augusta, GA for Curvitude Boutique & Fearfully Wonderfully Made Boutique. In February 2016 she was called by Author Phree, who asked her to model for Classy Queen Handbag Boutique; she is a featured model on their website now. She is a face model for MUA Kira Middleton and has done photo shoots to showcase her work; also Bella M Beauty by LaTasha. Her recent accomplishments are Cover Model for March 2016 Issue of 2xposu Magazine, and May 2016 Super Role Model Edition of Curvy Connect Magazine, as well as being one of the featured models in Curvy Connect Magazines final issue November 2016. She is Brand Ambassador for Ask Erica M based in Florida, The Bombshell Boutique based in Florida, and has been featured on four Boutiques websites.
In January 2017 Delma decided to step out on faith and bring something to Charleston, 
SC that was needed; Del Woods Modeling Agency LLC. She is making sure her students get the proper training that she did not receive in the beginning of her career, and first pick for model calls all over the east coast. Del Woods Modeling Agency LLC hosted the 1st Annual Charleston Fashion Experience in August and it was a huge success.
Photographer: Jose Pagan
Makeup Artist: Kira Middleton
Questions:
Congratulations on all of your success as a Plus Size Model. How did you get started modeling?
My late mother Dr. Delma Woods was a model. She would dress me up a lot as a young girl and put me in fashion shows. I remember being 13 and modeling women’s clothing.
What has been your favourite experience thus far – the one you are most proud of? Going to The Curvy Con 2017 while being able to meet and have in depth conversations with models I have watched for years. Also networking with women in the fashion industry.
Just like any craft there is a learning curve – how did you learn how to model – both print and runway if applicable?
I will never stop learning when it comes to both. Especially since I did not receive the proper training in the beginning of my career.
Did you have mentors or role models who helped and inspired you along the way? My mentors don’t even know how much they have helped me in my career; my mom was my first ever mentor, and my local photographer Jason Cordes, owner of Jason Cordes Photography. Mentors would be Liris Crosse, Tyra Banks, Precious Lee, and Emme, in no particular order.
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 helping now by running an agency that caters to all ethnicities, all heights, and sizes up to 3X. Making my mark in the industry coming from an area where we are known more for traveling and cuisine and fashion takes a back seat in my eyes. It surprises me when women I grew up with message me saying they love what I am doing for the plus women. By remaining humble and continuing to embrace my curves I believe people will notice and follow suit.
You exude confidence with every step you take; were you always this confident? Tell us a little bit about the journey to confidence.
Not until the age of 28! When I was a young girl I was the biggest person in my family and my weight came up very frequently sometimes in a very harsh way. As I got older and gained weight I began to accept myself for who I am. I still have moments where I change my clothes because I may feel uncomfortable. But the closer I get to 40 I don’t care anymore; like me or leave me.
For our readers who are interested in starting a plus model career, what would you suggest are some top tips to get started?
Do your research.
Take some classes to polish your craft.
Don’t be afraid to travel.
If you’re in this to get rich you’re in the wrong profession.
Network.
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?
My go-to looks are often comfortable, but cute. I do live down south so I wear sandals as long as the weather is nice, giving my feet a break from the heels. My fashion sense is always evolving with the trends. Lately I have been mixing old with new and it’s been getting raves, plus it saves me money on buying a lot of garments. I am a southern woman so anything I do whether it’s lingerie or a gown is always classy, but with a little edge.
What are you some of your favourite places to shop your style?
My first go-to is Curve Culture Boutique, Lane Bryant, Torrid, Ashley Stewart, and I am loving Roaman’s.
I am a huge fan of also shopping local at boutiques in Charleston, SC like Soul 2 Sole Boutique.
What does life look for you outside of the modelling world?
I am a mother first of two teens, and I really enjoy traveling and trying new things.
Thank you for taking time to chat with us today! What is one message you would like to leave with our readers today?
BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL.
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delwoods1plusmodel/#
Instagram: @solus_dwoods