PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE November 2015 Indie Designer Issue | Page 81
What do you think was your big break in your modeling career?
My big break happened when I met the Creative Director of Ashley Stewart at Full Figured Fashion
Week 2012. She gave me a chance. I wasn’t signed with an agency and I had only been modeling
for 6 months, so the opportunity I was given was life changing and beyond amazing. I was seen in
stores all over the country and that moment was surreal.
Being a model is very demanding on your body and psyche. How do you maintain a
healthy grasp on it all?
As a model, I am faced with many demands on my mind and body. Demands from my agency, from
my fan base, from the brands I work with, and the demands I place on myself. The stress of all the
demands can make you feel insecure. However, I use my role as a plus model, to not only inspire
others, but use as a constant reminder to myself that with confidence and self acceptance, anything
is possible.
PLUS Model Magazine’s Black Issue created a lot of conversations about the lack of
diversity in the fashion industry. How do you feel about this issue?
Diversity in the fashion industry is vague. Every woman wants to see a version of themselves in
magazines, television, websites and stores. Not only does it make sense strategically for the brand
but it also makes sense for the consumer. Currently the models that are being cast for those outlets
mentioned are usually Caucasian. Hispanic or ambiguous models of darker skin tones are not often
chosen. I don’t want to speculate as to why darker models aren’t chosen. However, I would like to
be a part of what that change would look like in the industry.