I WAS INTERVIEWED!!!
For those of you that dont know me.. Im a model and fashion writer! and I was interviewed as part of this little "successful plus size women in my community" project at the local college. A Friend of mine goes there and asked me to fill out these questions for her project/blog. It's kind of awesome so here are my answers!
Tell me about yourself?
Well, I'm a lover not a fighter- but I'll fight for something I love. I believe in Karma, and that what you do comes back to you. I believe that with faith you can achieve your dreams, and I have a lot of faith. I'm a 28 year old late blooming plus size model. Before I realized I had a love with modeling... my first love was make-up. So, right out of high school I went to get certified in make-up artistry and I loved working with models. I started modeling in 2005 and I had no idea, at that time, what I was getting myself into. I was at a photo-shoot doing make-up for a local photographer and he told me that he wanted to shoot me. ME? You can't shoot ME I'm the make-up artist! Not the model! That mind-set soon changed, and I was shooting everywhere. Soon after that... I started dabbling in Fashion, and now I write Fashion columns for Fusion Radio (www.Fusionradio.FM) and Affairs Magazine (www.Affairsmagazine.com) I think Fashion was something that I was always interested in. I was that 5 year old kid in the supermarket begging my mother to buy me vogue. I loved looking at the pictures in fashion magazines and playing dress up. I born and bred to be a fashion guru this I know. My life is truly blessed. I'm blessed that my family and friends are always so supportive of my changes in life, and my ventures. I know that the lord walks with me on my path of life.
What inspired you to become a plus size model?
When I first jumped, or maybe fell, into the modeling I wasn't sure why I was so drawn to it. I loved it! I knew that much... I absolutely loved it! You get this rush from modeling that I can’t quite describe. It wasn’t until I started working with Cadence Gamache that I realized what my purpose was. I remember when she first met me... "Wow you are even prettier in person!" she told me. Wow... I never thought that someone would look at me like that. I knew that I was pretty, and my whole life I've never felt like I had to prove myself to anyone, but at the same time I never looked at modeling as anything more than a hobby until Cadence made me realize that I had a message to get across.The 'Mattel' Standard of beauty was unacceptable. I was looking at big beautiful women all around me get taken advantage of only because they had a poor view of their body image. I was watching the world around me scream "NO, big girls can't do that!" and I was standing right in the middle... just standing there. I could hear my voice in my head screaming at me to stand up! SAY SOMETHING! Don't let them do that... So I did. I know what I'm worth, I know that I'm beautiful, and I know that the world needs to understand that just because I'm a big girl doesn’t mean I can't do it. I CAN DO ANYTHING YOU CAN DO BETTER! I believe that every single woman... big, small, round, slim, regardless of race or religion has a light inside of them. They are beautiful- they have it... something that makes them unique. I'm out to show the world what that is... I'm going to be there to help you find out what that is. You are not average, you are not just another number, you are YOU! That is something truly amazing.
Have you encountered any obstacles in your pursuit as a plus model?
*laughs* ABSOLUTELY, but that's the fun part! How are you going to know that you made it if you don’t pass over some speed bumps, get a flat tire, go the wrong way, get lost- 2 3 or maybe even 4 times. It's not about where you are going. You know where you are going... it's about how you get there! Plus size models are a different breed of champion! I've been modeling since 2005, and I'm still developing a well built portfolio. It’s hard to find people to shoot with, it’s hard to find photographers who have experience with plus models, and it’s hard to find jobs! Everyone is staring you in the face telling you all these things that you don't agree with. "You wouldn't be good for runway" or "Your butt is a little too large for our demographic" or "We just aren't interested". You can't let all those people stop you. No one ever said it would be easy.
As a plus size model how do you maintain positive perception of body image?
Maintaining a positive outlook on your body and your life can get a little tough especially when there's negativity all around you. I think as a model you know that you have a message to get across. So, you always present yourself in a graceful manor. I always leave the house looking nice, I might look comfortable, but I'm always well put together. 'Be the change you want to see in the world' this is how I live my life. I want to be taken seriously so I need to act serious! I want girls to be Fashionable, loveable, and positive so I need to be Fashionable, loveable, and positive! Health is a big part of that. Even though I'm a Plus Size Model doesn't mean that I'm unhealthy. Maintaining a positive perception on body image I think means to be healthy. Michelle's definition of healthy is... Workout at least 3 days a week. Eat Healthy! My daily calorie intake is necessary to function... not under and not over. Drug free! This is really important to me. I can't try to show you something positive if I'm not doing the same thing. There's many ways to be unhealthy. Being over-weight, under-weight... eating fast food all the time is unhealthy, doing drugs is SO unhealthy! Take care of yourselves girls!
Not only do you model, but you are also a makeup artist, writer for Affair's Magazine, and Fusion Radio! How do you balance all your careers?
Oh man, I can tell you, life at times is not easy! Lately Fusion Radio has been something so fun and rewarding for me. I tell everyone every day I love my life. I'm so very lucky to work in my craft. Balancing them all can be a little tough, but I just seem to manage. I have set days and times that I do everything. I live off my calendar.... and make time for everything. When you work too much your friends start to worry about you. I can't tell you how many times my friends call me and tell me "Michelle, you need to take a day off!" I have plenty of work and play time though don't worry!
What motivates you to follow your dreams?
Honestly my friends and my family are a big inspiration to me. I always want to make my mom and my family proud. My father passed away in 2007 so my life took a turn at that time and things that drove me started to drive me in a different direction. I’m a spitting image of my father to a T. I'm exactly like him, so I feel like he's up there in heaven watching over me. I know what he would have expected from me, I know what he would have wanted for me so I started jumping out after those things. He always used to tell me "You're a good girl" So I live up to that now. I do good, try to be good, and see good. I think that motivates me to go after what I want. Also, my best friend... Jamie Kelly and I have been best friends since the beginning of time. She has always seen the best in me, and she's always telling me to go get it. I have a lot of positive people in my life pushing me to do better. I always want to make them proud.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Never give up. Do your best always put that best foot forward. Be on time. Come prepared. Listen to your peers. I have a million things I would tell you, but honestly the best advice I can tell you is this... Always stand your ground. You know when something isn't right; follow that gut instinct telling you that. Never back down and let someone take advantage of you. Especially in modeling, there are a lot of 'photographers' who are basically 'dudes with cameras' who want to take pictures of you. Don't do something that you are going to regret later in life. If you are ok with it then go for it! Just don't do something that makes you uncomfortable. There are so many forms of art out there. Make sure that you understand your limits and boundaries going into it. One door closes and another door opens. Your day will be productive. Keep your faith close to your heart, and never lose hope... or who you are. That is the best Advice that I can tell you.
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