Tell me a little bit about yourself?
My dreams of becoming a plus size model came true in early 2010 when I was signed by B&M Models in Toronto, Ontario. In less than a year I have quickly gained success modeling for plus size clothing retailers such as Lola & Gigi, Voluptuous Clothing, Sears, and Walmart. When I am not modeling, I am the online face for the popular cosmetics company BALMSHELL (www.balmshell.com).
Where are you from originally?
I am a proud Canadian girl! I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba but grew up near Toronto.
Have you always been curvy?
Always! Ever since I was little I was chubbier and taller than all of the other kids, and I took a lot of slack for it. Fortunately that little chubby girl grew up into a confident and curvaceous woman who took what she experienced as a child and turned it into the strength to accomplish something she never thought possible.
When did you decide to become a model?
I have been interested in being a model for the past 10 years. It wasn’t until about two years ago that I got serious about it.
How did you start modeling?
When I decided to take the whole modeling thing seriously, I joined Model Mayhem and looked around for a photographer. I found an amazing girl who took some incredible shots of me. I used those photos to gain myself a few freelance jobs. Those jobs got me a few more great pictures that I took to the modeling agencies. One of the agencies loved me and signed me on the spot. It was a very exciting and happy moment for me.
What is your goal as a plus size model?
Besides the personal satisfaction and the financial benefits that come from modeling, my goals are focused on making a difference for all the little girls out there whoever felt like me. So that one-day they won’t have to live in a world where they are teased because they are not thin.
Who are some of your favorite designers?
Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Anna Scholz, and many others.
What is your take on the plus size movement in the fashion industry?
I absolutely love it! There are so many exciting things going on right now. So many blogs, Twitter pages, Facebook pages, online magazines, models, agencies, designers, retailers, press, and events dedicated to the plus size industry. I believe this large movement has brought our collective thoughts around the world together and is building a force that cannot be reckoned with. This movement is bigger and stronger than those before and I believe it is the start to great changes in the fashion industry.
Who are some of your style icons?
Anna Nicole Smith and Marilyn Monroe. They were both so girly, curvy, and beautiful. They loved to dress up and neither was afraid to show off their curves.
Where do you draw inspiration?
Online. I love to read all sorts of plus size blogs; there are so many great bloggers online that have amazing style. I also check out the websites of different plus size retailers and see what is new and trendy.
What is your favorite fashion trend right now?
I have a fixation for dresses, and right now there are so many cute dresses coming out for summer in amazing fabrics, bright fun colours like hot pink, and adorned with ribbons, lace, and ruffles. I am so excited to see so many great dresses available in plus sizes right now.
If you could work with any designer, who would it be?
Betsey Johnson, I would love to help her create a full plus size line (besides her lingerie which she currently offers in plus sizes), and I would love to model for her too. And hey, having the same last name could help! :)
It would also be an honour to model for Anna Scholz, she has fantastic designs for plus size women. And I would love to model for companies such as Addition Elle, City Chic, Torrid, Pinup Girl Clothing, Lane Bryant and many others, there are so many great plus size designers and companies out there to work with.
If you could give advice to other aspiring plus size models, what would it be?
Just try! You will never know until you try. I used to joke around about becoming a plus size model one day… but now I really am! And it is only because I decided to stop joking and give it a serious try.
Do you have a lot of support in your endeavors to be a plus size model?
So much support! My friends are my biggest fans; they are always so excited when they see a new picture of me in a magazine, flyer, or catalogue. I am so lucky to know such wonderful and supportive people.
What are your hopes in the future for your career as a model?
Being from Canada, I would LOVE to model for Addition-Elle, one of Canada’s largest plus size retailers. It has been a dream of mine for many years. I would also love to break into the US, and international markets.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome being a model?
The biggest challenge has been battling my inner critic. I can easily discourage myself, but I always have to remember that my agency signed me , and the client hired me for a reason; they see something special in me that they like. And that is what matters most.
What is the greatest reward?Knowing that I have accomplished something that I never though I would do. It is like a fairy tale sometimes! :)
0 Comments:
Post a Comment