interview with
cover model
MELANIE
Innis
By Madeline Jones
If you shop independent designers in the plus industry, then you may recognize our cover model
Melanie Innis. Her undeniable beauty and bright disposition are no comparison to the inner glow she
carries within. Newly signed to Dorothy Combs Models, Melanie is sure to be one of this industry’s
shining stars.
plusmodelmag.com 4.16
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inspiration + style
PMM: How did you get started as a model?
Melanie: My career began while I was in college. I was asked to audition for a fashion show and I
enjoyed walking the runway. But I was focused on finishing school (Columbia College Chicago, where
I majored in Fashion Management and minored in Marketing) and starting a career, so I didn’t take it
seriously enough to really pursue it. I also, deep down, didn’t believe I actually could be a model.
After graduating, I moved to NYC and started working full time managing a boutique. On a whim, I
was asked to model for the store’s website. I eventually got discovered on Instagram by Marie from
indie brand Rue107 in Spring 2015. I started modeling for them and it’s been up from there! I feel like
the timing was perfect!
PMM: Once you realized you wanted to pursue a career in modeling, what steps did
you take to make that happen?