I was discovered: At the Essence office! I was visiting Mikki Taylor one day, and she was a judge on the Oxygen television show Monique’s Fat Chance, which I won. She was a mentor to me. While visiting her I was stopped by Nana Eyeson from the Beauty department who asked me if I was represented. I told her ‘no’ and she called my now agents at Wilhelmina and asked them to see me. That was a Monday. On Thursday at my meeting I was offered a contract and that was over seven years ago. That was one of the most amazing moments of my life!
My best feature is: My personality!
I’m beautiful because: I love people and I love who I am—I’m true to that. And I wear my curves with pride.
My favorite thing to wear to feel special is: Diamonds. I like to feel special everyday so I wear them all the time.
My beauty routine is: I like to use two washes, a scrub and then a creamy wash. I like St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub and Garnier resurfacing 3-way cleanser. Then I like to finish off with a moisturizer: Crème de la Mer oil absorbing lotion and sunblock – Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 anti-aging moisturizer with SPF 15 – if I am stepping out of the house.
My health routine is: I try not to eat after 6:30 p.m. and make it to the gym at least 3-4 times a week. Also, I have green tea everyday with no sweetener. It’s good for your digestive system.
The best trick I use to flatter my curves is: I always wear what complements my body not what’s “in” at the time. As a curvy woman I love to highlight my best features, so I’m always wearing clothing that shows my shape. I have large breast so I never wear tops that are square or have no structure because it will hide my waist. I also wear comfortable undergarments to smooth me out.
My advice to budding plus size models is: Be you! When you are in front of the camera know that you are beautiful and just zone out! Also take care of your skin and hair –– I like to do protective hairstyles, you never know when your going to get a hairstylist who doesn’t know what to do with your natural hair. Invest in great wigs or extensions.
I get into the zone while shooting by: getting lost in the music.
My curvy style icon is: My mother Paule Daniel. She is always chic and glamorous.
My favorite places to shop are: Zara when they have my size, ASOS and soon my own line Joanne Borgella New York.
My favorite style blogs are: Way too many! Here are a few: wheredidugetthat.com, Ninistyle.net, and apairandasparediy.com.
Where can we look forward to seeing you next?: I’m the new cast member of the hit reality TV show Curvy Girls on Nuvo TV airing June 11th at 10pm. I’m also working on my second single under Robbins Entertainment. And my plus size clothing line Joanne Borgella New York will be available online in June.