PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE June 2016 Swim Issue | Page 105

I vaguely remember, but I think it was a shoot for Figure Magazine. It was my first professional shoot and I got to work with veterans like Valerie Leftkowitz and Jordan Tesfay!! I was so nervous but they were so kind and taught me so much right there and then. You do a lot of traveling and speak to many aspiring models. In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about being a plus size model? I think one of the biggest misconceptions is if you post an “outfit of the day” picture that, that makes you officially a professional model or that by being just pretty and having good proportions is good enough to venture into modeling! Modeling professionally is far more intricate than just posing for a simple look book or doing incorporating different characters to bring out a required persona to an image. I think in the age of social media, the line has been far too blurred about what entitles someone to be called a professional model. Modeling demands skills that in reality, very few have, yet far too many claim the title of “model”, to which I say “easier said than done”. What was the best advice you ever received about navigating a career in the fashion industry? Don’t compare yourself to others. It might sound like some inspirational quote, but its just a simple and clear math. No one has the same to offer; we might have the same skills as professional models, but everyone has a different look and a different appeal. Clients look for diversity always. #plusmodelmag and work in ways in which you know the results will be amazing images. Modeling is about plusmodelmag.com 6.16 many years of practicing moving and knowing your body, being able to have trust in yourself inspiration + style “outfit of the day” images. Modeling demands a natural ability to act in front of the camera, and