Meet Tiffany. Our Monday Model!
Tiffany Smith is a full-figured North Carolina-based fashionista dedicated to empowering women of all sizes to live their best lives.
Congratulations on all of your success as a Plus Size Model. How did you get started modeling?
I am very new to modeling. I officially started in the summer of 2017 when I walked in my first show “Anomaly on the Runway.” I have blogged for three years and taking visuals for my blog led me to be very comfortable in front of a camera. I’m excited to have auditioned for some of the biggest Plus Size productions here on the East Coast and eager to learn if I made the casting as an official model!
Just like any craft, there is a learning curve – how did you learn how to model – both print and runway if applicable?
With print modeling, I practice my poses in a mirror. I will literally close my eyes, pose, then re-open to see if what I envisioned matches the form in the mirror. This really helped me gain practice on how my body moves and how to work my angles. For runway practice, I strut in my heels in my living room. I have been lucky to have amazing plus models around me who have offered invaluable tips. Them genuinely sharing their expertise and giving good critique has molded me. I will be forever grateful to those who take the time to mentor me. Every tip helps!
Did you have mentors or role models who helped and inspired you along the way?
There weren’t a lot of women of who looked like me, growing up in the 90’s and early 00’s. I appreciate those models and influencers of their time that helped break down the social norms. Queen Latifah, Lisa Scott, Sharon Quinn, and Mia Davis were some of the plus-size women of color who looked like me in movies and magazines, without them Plus Modeling and fashion would not be the same. Right now I’m a huge fan of Models in my personal community have truly helped my growth. There have been plenty, but Nikki Jacobs, Mallory Richardson, Tawanda Monique, and Tiffany Hampton really stand out with the advice.
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?
Absolutely! Visibility matters and what we declare beautiful, matters. Silently, when there aren’t representations of certain people it becomes “ugly” and up for ridicule. I believe the real bodies out in the world need to know there are others that look like them. Changing the conversation so that “fat” no longer is a bad or derogatory word that means “ugly, lazy, mean, self-loathing”-or any other horrible serotype attached. With more plus-size models leading the way on normalizing these conversations and making all women feel included, I believe that society will soon follow.
You exude confidence with every step you take, were you always this confident? Tell us a little bit about the journey to confidence.
Creating Beautiffulyme Blog has truly helped me find my confidence. Discovering the amazing influencers on Instagram and finding my own style helped me feel good. That confidence in my wardrobe translated in the rest of my life. I started making strides I typically wouldn’t try, and before long my confidence slowly transformed my everyday life. Self-love is at an all-time high, and discovering new talents and abilities within myself, has made this journey worth it.
For our readers who are interested in starting a plus model career, what would you suggest are some top tips to get started?
Invest in a headshot, Sis! There is no way to market yourself to a potential business arrangement without one. Think about it, would you apply to be a Nascar driver without a driver’s license? Comp cards, model portfolios, and various photographs highlighting your beauty are goals to aim to achieve. However, a basic headshot and body can still garner relationships until you get a professional set up.
What are you some of your favorite places to shop your style?
Boohoo, JustFab; GS Loves Me, Thrift Store, and Target are my “go-to” stores to shop. If I’m not blogging or modeling my style is very “comfortable chic.” Dressing up in basic ready to wear pieces so that I’m stylish yet comfortable to match my hectic schedule is my style. Cute jogging set, jeans, and graphic tees al complete my laid-back style. I rarely wear a full face of makeup, so the natural moisturized face is my everyday routine.
What does life look for you outside of the modeling world?
I’m a wife, mother, student, and full-time administrator outside of blogging and modeling. I wear many hats during my day! I have two beautiful sons; Eric Jr. who’s ten years old and Major who’s five that keep my days filled with laughter and love. My husband, Eric and I started dating when I was just 15 years old and just celebrated our 11th year wedding anniversary! I am attending school online, and I still work a 9-5 position Monday through Friday. I absolutely love the field that I’m in!
Thank you for taking time to chat with us today! What is one message you would like to leave with our readers today?
One message I want to leave with the readers would be that: You are worthy. You are worthy of all the love, life experiences, and good vibes this world has to offer. Your size does not limit your abilities to make the life you want to live. So go out and apply for that job, ask that special someone out, read that book; do all the things that will add value to your life. Life is so short and being hung up about how we look should be a thing of the past. Embrace your curves and never let your size limit living your life unapologetically.