Curvz Magazine Issue 8 Curvz Magazine Issue 8 | Page 20

Curvz Mag: How long have you been modeling?
Sheila: 5 years.
Curvz Mag: What inspired you to become a model and how did you
get your start?
Sheila: Five years ago I entered a plus-size modeling competition with
the encouragement of a friend. She'd told me that I was photogenic, as
she loved all my recent selfies. I'd never dared to dream that I could be
a model because, like many people with low self-esteem and
insecurities, I thought I was too fat and ugly to be anybody admired for
their beauty and presence. Five years later, I knew I made the right
choice to change my negative body image and work on my self-
confidence. I took my friends advice and I entered the competition. I
set-up a photoshoot with a local photographer she'd recommended
and it was a very special first for me. It was the first time I got to be in
the spotlight with cheerleaders along the way, and that was a great
feeling. I didn't win that competition, but I gained something so much
more precious and that was a fresh start, a new outlook on life and the
first to step to many great opportunities.
Curvz Mag: What do you enjoy most about modeling?
Sheila: I love the creative aspect of coming up with a theme and
making that come to my life. I am always full of ideas for photoshoots
and it's thrilling for me to find the right location, put the whole look
together from apparel, accessories, hair, and make-up. I see it as a
way for me to transform into a character or alter ego. Beyoncé has
Sasha Fierce and I have Shayla. That's my alter ego. Shayla is
unstoppable, incomparable, and puro fuego (pure fire).
Curvz Mag: Who are some of your favorite photographers that you
had worked with?
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