PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE May 2016 Issue | Page 91

interview with cover model DESIREE By Madeline Jones She’s a small town Jersey girl with big dreams and a beautiful spirit. After only one year in the modeling industry, she has already been seen modeling for fashion brands Rue 107 and Ashley Stewart. This month, she is our curvy and confident cover model. Get to know this plus size and proud model who is sure to capture your hearts with her genuine honesty. PMM: The plus size industry is not as easy to navigate as most people think. Can you tell us what challenges you faced when you first began modeling? Desiree: One of the main challenges that I have faced and still face is the fact that brands don’t want to use visibly plus sized models. They want plus size models but ones that are not “too plus”. Initially I used to get upset, but now I laugh at it and move on to the next. All I can do is walk into castings confidently and proud and do my very best. I accept that some may like my curves and some may not, but either way it won’t stop me from reaching my goals and breaking barriers in the modeling industry. PMM: What lessons have you learned so far that you’d like to share with aspiring models?