PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE April 2016 Issue | Page 83

Melanie: After my first shoot with Rue107, my confidence soared and I finally believed I could actually BE a model. They kept re-booking me, which encouraged me to search for as many opportunities in the industry as I could. I started looking into castings, began contacting agencies and following as many plus models, photographers and agencies as I could, on social media. Posting photos of my shoots with Rue107 helped get my face out there and let people in the industry know I was a new face to look out for. PMM: As a newly signed model, what are your goals for the coming year? Melanie: It’s still like a dream, to be honest! I want to conquer the world. My short term goals are to work with great brands and establish myself as a new force in this industry. I’m so excited to build relationships, meet new people and learn from the best in the plus industry. My long term goals are to establish my brand as a model who celebrates natural beauty, women’s empowerment/agency and social consciousness. Particularly body positivity -