Age: 23
Hometown: Boston, Mass.
Ethnicity: African American
Measurements: 38DDD Waist 34 Hip 48 Size 14/16
I was discovered: By submitting my photos to Dorothy Combs Models. The first set I sent were Facebook photos when I had a nose ring and a huge curly wig. Dorothy Combs Models reached out to me and asked if I had any other pictures. I had a good friend and photographer John Brewer who shot more model friendly images of me. Within twenty minutes of submitting the new photos I received a phone call saying they were sending me over a contract!
I’m currently working on: Branding myself and pushing the envelope. I’ve always been on the fuller side of the industry yet, at a size 16, I have been blessed to work with some amazing clients such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Monif C and I’ve even landed covers of some leading magazines. I’ve grown a lot as a model from the time I started to today and I’m looking forward to what is around the next corner.
My best feature is: My curves. I LOVE MY CURVES!
I’m beautiful because: I am grounded and my family always comes first. I have an amazing support system with my family and friends –– I don’t use the word friend loosely. They keep me humble and beautiful on the inside.
My favorite thing to wear to feel special is: I love crop tops! They are sexy and flattering no matter what size you are. Pair it with a high-waist skirt or pants and you have a cute ensemble that elongates your torso.
My beauty routine is: I was a makeup artist for four years so I love a lots of different products. The ones I can’t live without are Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner, MAC Studio Finish Concealer, Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder and my Clarisonic Aria, of course!
My health routine is: I love working out every day. I focus on cardio and pair it with light weights, high repetitions. It’s important to keep my body active and healthy. Modeling long hours and for multiple days is a toll on your body, throw in jet lag and it’s easy to burn out quickly. If I keep my body active and in shape it translates on set and in photos.
The best trick I use to flatter my curves is: Accenting the waist. If you accent the smallest part of your frame (under your bust and above your hips) you emphasize the hourglass shape.
My pet peeve when it comes to curvy girl fashion is: Button ups are always a challenge, especially if you have a full bust like me. The button gap drives me crazy so, if a sports bra over my regular bra doesn’t help with the gaping, I will sometimes use double sided tape to keep it together. Double sided tape is also helpful for dress straps that won’t stay put!
My advice to budding plus size models is: Keep developing your portfolio. If an agent shows interest and gives you guidance, follow it! They know what the client is looking for. Your portfolio is like a résumé so you want your most current work in there at all times. Clients see a lot of new models all of the time, but if your portfolio isn’t strong enough to compete with them they will sometimes pass you over. Also, just because a client says no the first time, doesn’t mean that they won’t book you in the future. I’ve seen clients sometimes three and four times before they have booked me. I kept showing up with new work and new testing in my book so they could see my progress.
I get into the zone while shooting by: Taking a few moments to get my head in the game, listen to some of my favorite music, it won’t matter if it’s five outfits or fifty. Every set and every client is different.
My curvy style icon is: Queen Latifah. She’s such an inspirational and accomplished woman and she always looks stunning.
My favorite places to shop: I’m lucky to be able to try on designers and fashions before they hit the stores. I’ve fallen in love with quite a few outfits on set and have purchased them as soon as they were out in stores. My go-to spots are ASOS.com, Macy’s, Fashion to Figure, Monif C and Nordstrom.
Favorite style blogs? I love reading Plus Model Magazine, Dare Magazine and Madison Plus!
Any noteworthy upcoming projects or campaigns? I’m not allowed to say for who yet but exciting things are happening. Keep your eye out next month!