Name: Mona Powell
Age: 35
Hometown: Lake Charles, LA
Ethnicity: African American, French and Native American
Measurements: 36D, 34.5, 44.5
I was discovered: A friend of mine was a straight sized model and told me that I should it a try modeling. I went to her agency and they signed me on the spot seven years ago, and the rest is history.
I’m currently working on: Growing and expanding into the international market.
My best feature is: My smile.
I’m beautiful because: I’m confident and comfortable in my own skin. I am a really woman with real curves and I embrace and love each and every one of them. So many of us focus on what size we wear but that should never be the focus. I sometimes have to go up a size or two and get the item tailored to fit my body to perfection.
My favorite thing to wear to feel special is: A chignon, a statement necklace and MAC “Candy Yum Yum” lipstick.
My beauty routine is: I wash my face twice a day with Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads. I’m obsessed/can’t live without Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with 20 SPF, Mally Cancellation concealer, MAC Creamsheen lipglass and Lancôme Oscillation Intensity Mascara.
My health routine is: I drink tons of water and do Crossfit training three times a week. My goal is to eat clean, healthy foods Monday-Friday and I splurge on the weekends. I’m a Louisiana girl and I love good food so I never deprive myself crazy; but portion control and eating in moderation is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The best trick I use to flatter my curves is: If I wear a fitted top then wear a looser bottom (palazzo pants, maxi skirt) and vice versa. This approach creates a figure flattering look. I never, ever wear a fitted top and bottom or looser fitting top an bottom at the same time.
My pet peeve when it comes to curvy girl fashion is: My pet peeve is when curvy girls don’t wear the proper undergarments and panty lines are visible and breasts spill out of a girl’s bra. My secret solution is to get measured by a bra specialist ( Intimacy Boutiques and Nordstom are pros) every 3-4 months to ensure I am wearing the right size bra. The proper bra, thongs/seamless panties and Spanx are a girls best friend and foundation to looking their absolute best.
My advice to budding plus size models is: Be confident and always behave in a professional manner on and off set. Listen to your agents; they have your best interest at heart.
I get into the zone while shooting by: Listening to Beyoncé! Her music brings out my inner ‘Sasha Fierce’ on set.
My curvy style icon is: Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez always gets it right.
My favorite places to shop are: H&M, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Monif C., Zara.
My Favorite style blogs are: The Curvy Fashionista, Hello Beautiful
Look For Me Next: There are a few exciting projects in my future!Look For Me Next: In the Addition Elle Fall Lookbook! I’m really looking forward to seeing it when it comes out.