Love U Magazine Power Issue, 2017 | Page 73

What has been your biggest challenge professionally, and how did you overcome it? I feel like my predictions for the industry always seem to change. Call me crazy but I have always loved the idea of fashion being all-inclusive, meaning, I want to shop in the same stores and on the same websites and get the same fashions as my size 2, 4 and 6 friends. Plus fashion has come a long way, even from the time I used to model, but I see a lot of designs that are drastically different from what my thinner friends are wearing. I want the same styles and quality they have. I don't know if I can predict that inclusion will be the norm in the future, but I sure hope so. We are WOMEN FIRST and our size is not an indication of our style (or at least that's my opinion). Myself! For so long I have been focused on surviving in this city. I never accepted that I could do what I love AND make a living doing it. Most of my fashion career was a part-time passion. I modeled while I worked as an executive assistant in the Finance industry. I started my photography business in 2007 but had to put it on the back burner to have a "real" job to support myself. I did that over and over again for so many years. It wasn't until a big medical scare 2 years ago that I realized I could turn my passion into my In your own words, career. Don't get me wrong, freelancing is not easy! However, that fear forces me what do you think sets you apart from other to be resourceful and work hard to make ends meet without sacrificing my passion Photographers? for surviving. I had to accept that I am an artist and it's ok to be one. I can support I used to say I was different because I myself. I can make it successful and if I was a model first. But I am happy to see so keep pushing myself, learning and growing, many photographers working now was also to the fullest. My message is a strong one I will make a living for myself that doesn't and I finally feel empowered enough to feel like work. share it without fear of judgment. I believe we all have a unique story and there are What are your predictions people out there that can benefit from for the plus-size industry? hearing yours. I am also planning several workshops Do you ever see the with some very influential people in the fashion industry as a industry to start sharing my knowledge whole becoming more and insight with aspiring models. Stay tuned for details and dates! inclusive?