Since I started my blog, I have been
asked many questions. The question that I have been asked the most is, “How do
I become a model?” Well, since I did not have the answer, I reached out to
three inspirational models. As I learned more and more about them, I became encouraged
and motivated to step up my game. I am privileged to have met these Diva’s and
now I can introduce them to you.
Jessel Ramos
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| Picture by Jay Matthew's Photography |
I was born in West Chester Pennsylvania moved to Puerto Rico
when I was 3 years old. I recently moved back to the United States about 4 years ago. As
a child, I was always into performing arts. I started dancing when I was in elementary
school and I started singing by the time I was in high school. I went to two different
schools. I went to a regular high school during the week and on the weekends; I
would go to Performing
Art School.
I also study industrial sewing, which I loved so much. I had the chance to make
my own prom dress (I still remember it like it was yesterday)
I always loved fashion; Vogue was my
bible. Every month I had to have it. I would watch fashion TV all day when I
was in Puerto Rico. I knew they wanted a very
specific body type for models; I thought to myself I would never have a chance.
One day I went to Lane Bryant, I saw that they were looking for aspiring models
for a show in Las Vegas.
I decided to audition. When I auditioned for the show I realize that there was
a whole world of plus size models trying to make a difference; and I knew I
wanted to be a part of that.
For a fashion photo shoots or runway shows,
I always want to make sure I have my model bag ready to go. I make sure I have
proper makeup, especially foundation, because not all makeup artists have all
skin tones. It is important that to have the right undergarment mainly black
and nude shapers and a strapless bra. I carry a variety of shoes just incase
they do not have my size. The most important colors are black and nude shoes. As
a model, you always want to make sure you have at least one set of black or
white tank tops, dark skinny jeans, and/or leggings. I always bring my accessories
just in case is needed.
I have worked in the pass with
extraordinary designers. I like that each one of them are very different from
each other. Some of them are very classy, sophisticated artists while others
are sexy and revealing. Love it! Some of my favorites are BluDahlia Designs,
Tru Diva, Rue 114, IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel and Monif C.
At the Curvy Closet Fashion Show case
there was some many beautiful and talented designers. I wish I had the chance
to walk for each one of them. Atleast I had the chance to walk for, Sean
Anthony Designs By: Lori Ruffin, Eddy & Bri By: Eddwina Gregg, Tru Diva By:
Veronica Lipscomb and last but not least Rue 114 by the incredible Serwan
Asante.
I would advise anyone interested in
modeling to be very persistent. The plus size fashion industry is getting
notice worldwide. We have broken the standards of what a models image should be.
For 2013, I would hope to see plus size trends
to be more on the edge; a bit less conservative. I would want to make the point
that we can be professional, sophisticated, and sexy.
I would like to express the reason why I
love to be a plus size model… I would love to inspire all the young girls these
days and give them a positive message. To enjoy and be successful in the
fashion world or performing arts industry you do not always have to be a
specific size, height or have a certain look. As long as you have the talent,
confident and you are persistent, you will simply succeed in every aspect of
life.
Vanessa Mays Hinds
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| Photography by Julissa Diaz
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My
name is Vanessa Mays Hinds. I was born in Newark,
NJ and have lived there for most
of my life. I am a wife, mother, preschool teacher, and plus size model. I love
teaching! I have been teaching for about 13 years. When I am not running behind
my 3 and 4 year olds, I enjoy reading, shopping, cooking, spending time with my
family and of course, modeling.
I decided to get into plus
size modeling about six months ago. It always had been a secret dream of mine
to be a model, but I always had doubts. Maybe I was too big to model, not tall
enough, not pretty enough....the confidence just wasn't there. My dream was put
on the back burner for a long time. Then, one day, my husband proposed and I
decided that I wanted to be 50lbs. lighter for my big day. Through diet and
exercise I made it happen! I'd lost 60lbs in ten months! Boy, was I proud and
Wow, did I feel good about myself. For the first time in my adult life I felt
beautiful inside AND out. I liked what I saw when I looked in the mirror. Needless
to say, that was the extra boost of confidence I needed to finally decide I can
do this....I can try to be a plus size model.
Well, I ended up being
featured in plusmodel411.com as a part of their
"Introducing" section. I was really excited about that which led me
to attend the casting call in NYC for the famous Qristyl Frazier's Fashion
Show. Imagine my complete SHOCK when I was one of a handful of women chosen for
the show out of 100+ beautiful and more experienced women! My first casting
call...Ever! Wow! I was completely humbled and honored to be apart of that
show. I learned so much and got to work with some of the top stylists,
models, MUA's and hairstylists in the industry. An amazing and unforgettable
experience to say the least.
Six months later I had
several shows and shoots under my belt. What a dream come true. I still get
nervous before every casting, fashion show or photo shoot but I LOVE this
industry. The experiences and people I have met have been amazing. In
order to prepare for each event I try to conserve my energy for the runway or
camera. SO, I am kind of quiet behind the scenes. When it gets close to
showtime I like to turn on some Pandora and listen to some Beyonce or Rihanna
just get me excited and ready to "Werk!"
I have had the pleasure of
working with many designers and I seriously LOVE all of them! Some stand out
designers for me are: Elocin, Rue 114, Tru Diva, Eddy & Bri, Majesty's
Closet and Empress Lingerie. Their designs are nothing short of amazing and
above all make me feel SEXY!
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| R. Jones photography- plus night out NYC- I was runner up in the Skorch magazine/ Infinite Form model search |
At my last show, Curvy
Closets in Philly, I had the distinct honor of walking for Elocin,
Rue 114, and Tru Diva. This was one of my favorite shows to be a part of. Dominique
Revere-Lincoln and Colleen Stovall- the creators and producers- really outdid
themselves. I am so happy they chose me to be a part of this special event!
For any woman looking to be
a plus size model I suggest they do their research. Everything that looks
good isn't always good for you. Make sure you are reaching out to reputable
designers and agencies. It is important to have a tough skin in this industry
because you may get a lot of "no's" before you get that one
"yes." Above all, never lose sight of who you are, what you want, and
your dreams....the SKY is the limit and with God on your side anything is
possible! Be confident and know that you are beautiful inside and out :)
The trends I see being big
for 2013 are peplum silhouettes-very flattering for us curvy girls! Sprinkles of
animal print throughout your wardrobe will be hot too along with colored denim,
bold patterns, wrap dresses, and-of course-color blocking! My personal fav!
Samantha Lebbie
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| Photography by Jay Matthews |
My Name is Samantha Lebbie… I was born and Raised in Washington DC
where I currently reside. I was raised as the Only Child with my Mom, Late
Brenda D. Donovan. I’ve always
been a fashion guru…. When I was younger my friends and I would make our own
clothes just to be different I was the only one in my group wearing heels. They
would say, I bet Sam is dressed up. Nine time out of ten they were right! So
you know I love shopping.
Growing up as the only child I had the
freedom to explore different avenues such as singing, dancing, acting,
designing with no boundaries to find what I enjoyed most. I participated in
numerous Fashion Shows and Plays through-out High School and College as well as
in my surrounding communities while doing so I realized that I "Loved
Fashion" and every entity of it. I love Reading. Politics. Dancing. Laughing
Motivating and Inspiring. Oh yeah and did I say Shopping. LOL
I’ve always been a curvy girl
since Junior High School. Although I had thoughts of being smaller I’ve always
loved me for the moment…. With that being said I shopped for clothes that still
made me look trendy and fly as my smaller counterparts. I would have to say I
really started getting into Fashion in high school…never wanting to wear the
same thing twice and always wanting to be different I honestly owned every
fashion Magazine so I could stay ahead of the fashion game. LOL
Every Model should have a MODEL BAG….
The Producers of the show usually sends out an email prior to the production
with items that are necessary for the show. Be
sure to always pack what you need and what you may think you need along with
the basic essentials. A Good Nights Rest ( ENERGY is definitely needed on show
day) I eat light and drink little water Clean/ Moisturize my Face Wash My Hair and I’m all prepared
for a Show.
I’ve worked with so many
awesome Designers but just to name a few; Curvysta , Qristyl Frazier Designs,
Jill Alexander, YK Theary, and Tru Diva Designs Eynai Couture…..There are many
more designers I’ve had the pleasure of working with and I can honestly say
they are all extremely talented Designers
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| Jay Matthews Photography |
I would have to say please ladies do your research there are
so many helpful Blogs and Magazines for the Plus Industry. RESEARCH!!!! That’s
how your in the know of who is who, where to be, and what’s required to be a
model in the plus industry.
Taking a wild guess, but I
would say Mixed Patterns, Sheer, Lace, Vibrant Colors will be the trends for 2013.
My Mission is to inspire others to do more, be more and become more! Plus Positive/ Team Curvy
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