I am from Portsmouth, VA. I moved to Raleigh, NC to go to Shaw University. That is where I began modeling. In 2006 I joined a plus size modeling troupe called Pure Elegance. I have a BS in Business Management and one in Accounting. I am still living in Raleigh and building my print portfolio. My goal is to do runway full-time.
What inspired you to get into modeling?
I have always been into fashion and when I stepped on a runway I fell in love!
What type of modeling have you done?
I have done runway and print.
What are your likes and dislikes about modeling?
Again, I LOVE runway and how being on the stage empowers me.
I do not like worrying if people will like my work.
Are you with any modeling agencies or teams?
No.
What words would you use to describe your personal style?
Versatile, Frugal, 40’s
What is your guilty pleasure when it comes to fashion?
I love shopping and I cannot pass up a good deal whether it’s a sale, thrift buy, or free.
What does Curvy and Curious mean to you?
It means to be shapely and open. We should not hide from the world just because we have a more meat on our bones.
What type of advice have you been given that you would give to aspiring models?
If it’s your dream, go for it at 100%. I think you need full dedication to reach your full potential.
Where can Curvy and Curious viewers see more of you?
If there is one most important thing I am learning about “the biz,” it’s branding. For example, I am building my “brand” as Curvy And Curious. Whatever I post on this site represents my personality, my goals, dreams, etc. This site is then viewed all over the world. When I meet readers, they know a lot about my personality and even my secrets, because I chose to brand this site, and myself, as REAL TALK.
Even though I am all about keeping it real, I am starting to learn that the industry revolves around being fake. Feeling down? Talk about it and it shows that you are weak. Feeling overwhelmed? “Oh, she can’t handle the pressure.” We all have feelings, so why aren’t we allowed to voice them?
It just irks me that many people in the industry seem to care more about building a brand around a fake personality than to build a brand around your real self. I believe my realness is what sets me apart from other models and actresses. If being real ruins my brand, well so be it, but at least I’ll still have me.
Don’t lose yourself in your brand. Be you, be real, and be proud of who you are and what you do! The world is your runway, so rock it with your signature walk.
Photo credits: Photographer: ImagezEverythang Photography & Design; MUA: Tierra Providence; Hairstylist: Clemitrius Smith; Styled by Dream Chaser Clothing
Name: Tarina Rena’e
Age: 29
Sizes: 38DD-35-47 / size 12-14
Location: Newport News, VA
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in Savannah Georgia and spent one term in the US army. I am a mother of 3 boys who are my life. I’ve always wanted to be a model since as far back as I can remember but although I was small enough for regular modeling, I wasn’t tall enough. My favorite color is pink.
What inspired you to get into modeling?
After giving birth and being diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) I struggled with self esteem issues for years. Now I look at modeling as an opportunity to be an inspiration to every day women who may have self esteem issues or feel that because they aren’t a certain size or height they can’t model. If I can do it, so can you!
What type of modeling have you done?
I have done runway and print.
What are your likes and dislikes about modeling?
I love the transformation process, traveling and meeting wonderful people.
I dislike the separation and discrimination of “Plus” and “regular” models.
Are you with any modeling agencies or teams?
I am a part of the Virginia Full Figured Fashion Week (Vf3w) team and I work alone.
What words would you use to describe your personal style?
Eclectic.
What is your guilty pleasure when it comes to fashion?
Shoes and accessories
What does Curvy and Curious mean to you?
C-onfidently U-nderstanding a R-adiant V-oluptuous Y-ou with endless possibilities!
What type of advice have you been given that you would give to aspiring models?
Be confident in yourself and always try regardless of the odds.
Where can Curvy and Curious viewers see more of you?
This month’s Curvy Girl will be rocking the runway alongside Emilie Alpert, Founder of CurvyAndCurious.com! Watch out for these ladies on Saturday, November 9th, 2013 at the Evolution Of Curves NYC Finale Show for Haiti! Visit http://nyceofcurvesfinale.eventbrite.com for your tickets now!
Name: Ms. Candy J.
Age: 23
Measurements: 40D-35.5-50
Location: Bronx, NY
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am an aspiring actress and model. I recently relocated to New York from Miami, FL. I’ve lived here for two months and I am just getting used to the big city. I love the entertainment industry and I am very much dedicated to making a lucrative career in modeling and acting. I have trained at Barbizon School of Modeling and Acting. I have experience as an extra in film, television, and commercial. I also love to sing, I would to see if there is a possibility of me making it in the music industry, but I know that I need to work on it a little more. I am planning on taking acting classes and vocal lessons to hone my craft and make myself more marketable.
What inspired you to get into modeling?
I’ve wanted to model since I was 13
What type of modeling have you done? (runway, glamour, print, etc)
Plus Size Fashion, Commercial, Runway, and Print
What are your likes and dislikes about modeling?
I dislike that there are so many limited opportunities for plus size models who are not 5’9″
I like the fact that so many aspiring plus size models are making the opportunity for themselves
Are you with any modeling agencies or teams?
I am the President of an up and coming modeling agency in South Florida, Star Plus Model. But I am not a part of any agency.
Appearance is a big factor in the fashion world. What words would you use to describe your personal style?
I have a versatile personality, so when it comes to my style
What does Curvy and Curious mean to you?
Curvy and Curious, I love my curves and I want to see just how far I can make it in this industry
Where do you want to be 1 year from now in the modeling industry?
I want to be on the cover of Plus Model Magazine and I want to be the featured model in music videos and commercials
What type of advice have you been given that you would give to aspiring models?
I was once told that preparation plus opportunity equals success. So if you want to be a model do your research and invest in yourself don’t wait for opportunities to come to you go out and find them.
Where can Curvy and Curious viewers see more of you?
So you have decided that you want to be a model. Great Idea! Just be prepared for the hard work to come.
In the past month, I have been organizing my first fashion event and runway show, and being on the CASTING end of the modeling world has really changed my perspective on things. I have recently met some great ladies who want to model but don’t know where to start, which inspired me to write this article, How to be a Model 101.
Everybody knows their dress size, but this means nothing unless you know your measurements. Go to the craft store and pick up a measuring tape – you will be using it A LOT.
This video is a great guide on how to get your basic measurements:
In addition to your Bust-Waist-Hips, there are other measurements you will need to know, and numbers you should be familiar with. Here are my tricks of the trade:
Extra Measurements:
Thigh circumference (widest part)
Bicep circumference (widest part)
Across back of shoulders
Inseam
Waist-to-floor
Neck circumference
Apex (from nipple, around neck, to other nipple – helps determine neckline sizes)
High Hip (4″ below your waist)
Low Hip (8″ and 10″ below waist)
Tips and Tricks:
Industry standards state that anything size 8 + up is PLUS SIZE. Market yourself as such!
The standard minimum height for models is 5’8″. Do whatever you can to get there if you’re close.
If you’re shorter that 5’8″ and have the right look, your height won’t necessarily hold you back, but good luck if you’re under 5’6″
In FIT modeling, the height for petites is 5’5″-5’6″ and for women’s regular 5’8″ and up.
Male models should be at least 5’10”
measure yourself before any go-see. They will likely measure you there, or ask you your measurements when you walk in the door.
Keep your resume up-to-date – I update my measurements at least once a month
I always thought ModelMayhem.com was a site for creepers and wanna-be’s, but most of the photographers I ave worked with were professional, open minded, and happy to shoot “TF” (meaning “trade for” pictures in exchange for credit). Still beware of creeps! get phone numbers, references, and make sure their portfolio matches your style of photography you’re seeking.
Rule#3: Comp Cards / Business Cards
Comp Cards (model version of a headshot) are probably the most important thing in your model bag. A comp card should have a headshot on the front, and various photos on the back, along with your measurements and contact information. I use Spotlight Printing for mine – they have the best prices and customer service. Here is an example of the most recent proof they sent me:
Front of Comp Card
Back of Comp Card
Business Cards are also very important. I give out business cards at every audition, photo shoot, go-see, or just networking. I have made many connections through business cards alone. You may not think you’re not ready for cards since you’re just starting out, but they will be what gets you the connections!
Rule #4: Building your Portfolio
After about three-four months of modeling, I starting printing out pictures from my shoots for my portfolio book. I chose 3-5 or my best shots from every photo shoot, and had them printed by Adorama Pix. Great quality prints at some of the best prices on the market. When I put my photos in my book for the first time, I really felt like a model!
Rule #5: Work for Free
Getting your face and name out there take a lot of time, hard work, and dedication. Fan sites for BBWs on Facebook will not make you a professional models. Do a lot of runway work if you can. They are a great chance to meet people and network, plus are a lot of fun! Eventually with enough experience under your belt, you will become in demand and payable.
Remember, this is no easy process, and event the most beautiful models take time to get known (ahem…. even Michelle Hilton, Annoula Dritsas, and Ayana Smith are all STILL working their asses off and they were born to be models!)
Michelle Hilton
Annoula Dritsas
Ayana Smith
Work hard, play hard, and keep your mind straight. Most important;y, be REAL!
So it seems like all I hear about with teens these days (besides childhood obesity) is bullying. I always wonder to myself, “I was fat in high school, why don’t I feel like I was bullied.” I soon realized the answer: I was the bully.
Middle school was hard – I was bullied, but not for being fat. I was made fun of for having my own style. (Having pink hair at the age of 12 isn’t exactly traditional). I dressed “goth,” so some people spread rumors that I was smoking crack in 7th grade. Even though I wasn’t being harassed about my body, I was at my most insecure state in my life. I was too embarrassed to eat in the lunchroom because I didn’t want my boyfriend to see hos fat girlfriend eating…. anything. I would go hungry and then binge and purge. Though these internal behaviors were horribly unhealthy, I believe that the fact that people cared enough to make up these ridiculous stories, rather than bully me for being fat, helped me build my confidence for the future.
That future confidence took a while to set in. As puberty went on, I started cutting myself, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol… anything to overshadow the fact that I was fat. I would have rather been viewed as a bad-ass than “the fat girl,” and it worked.
High school was freakin’ fantastic! Well, somewhat. I had a lot of friends, who were all fat chicks too (or felt fat). We would joke about being fat, share our fat girl problems, share clothes, it was fabulous. Having “Fatourage” (OK, I made that up) definitely was the key to building my self-confidence. Problem is – I built up a bit too much and became a real bitch.
To the few haters our clique had, rather than letting them get me down, I would use my strength and intimidation to avoid being bullied. When the local punk rock band came out with a song called ‘Fat Chicks Suck’ that went viral, what did I do? I punched the kid in the face. What did he do? Made a website about me and how fat and annoying I am. All I could do was laugh, thinking, “Dumbass, I punched you in the fucking face. Who won this battle?”
That wasn’t the only time I used my size to intimidate others. On another occassion, a boy and his friends were yelling fat-insults to my best friend (why not me???) so what did I do? Caught him off-guard and put him in a choke hold in the stairwell, and explained to him that he had no idea what was coming to him if he kept fucking with us. Lets just say I didn’t hear a peep from him again.
So those are examples of what I would call “DefensiveBullying.” But in order to keep up my bad-ass reputation, I couldn’t just bully back. I had to pay it forward too. This wasn’t easy, considering I was the fattest girl in school. I look back now and think of some horrible things I did to people just to feel better about myself.
Here are my examples of my “Offensive Bullying”
The only big girl not in our entourage was made fun of by the whole school. I would pretend to be her friend to get private dirt on her and spread it to the rest of the school. She told me she wore a size 18 and we made a huge deal about her size, while in the mean time, I was a size 22!
I broke up with a boy at school, and every time my friends and I saw him, we would call him “Goat” because of his beard and make Goat noises…. ok a litle funny but still mean.
We got mad at a member of our clique, hacked her MySpace, and replaced all of her photos with pictures of Mr. Ed (the talking horse) because she was made fun of for her teeth. How horrible is that?
I could go on and on, but I think those three are enough to show what an insecure bitch I was. Due to some personal troubles (totally unrelated to bulling), I ended up leaving school my junior year, started a career, and graduated early from night school. I work in the Human Service field, and have been since I was 17. Now my life is spent improving the lives of others rather than trying to ruin them. I think that removing myself from the “group mentality” by leaving school was a turning point, but it wasn’t until I was about 20 that I realized in order to be completely free from my ignorant, angry past, was to let go of my cohorts and star over, on my own.
Now I am a strong advocate for disabilities, mental illness, obesity, bullying, racism, and pretty much anything related to human rights. Bully turned Humanitarian. Who would’a thought?
Listen to internet radio with Andrea Amador on BlogTalkRadio
Does it feel like your feet are stuck in quicksand because you’re terrified of risking rejection or failure? Are you frustrated
with yourself because you’re just not going for it? Whether in business or relationships, the fear of success and failure are like
two sides of the same coin and if things aren’t clicking, either one of them could be shutting you down. Stacey Vornbrock is a
sports performance pioneer and psychotherapist who works with professional athletes to blow past their fears and bust through
mental blocks. Learn a simple diy stress relief technique called EFT guaranteed to turn your blocks into breakthroughs.
I met this fabulous woman and her daughter at Yotel in NYC at Sunday’s Brunch by Catherine Schuller. Andrea, AKA “The Juicy Woman,” the author, the radio host, has such a big personality! Her and her daughter both shine with confidence. I am excited to hear her show tonight, and happy to announce I will hopefully be welcomed as a guest on the show. Please call in with your questions! Tonight is a must-not-miss event!
Hey Curvy Girls! Are you curious to know what your best asset is, in a MAN’s opinion? What could you work on to look your best, or figure out what your man might be thinking about that thing you’re too embarrassed to ask?
Well we were blessed enough to find Big Nate, who is here to answer all of our burning questions about ourself, our bodies, and what men really think about us “thick” girls. No BS – only #REALALK happens here!
Myself and these other lovely ladies will be not only having an in store runway show, but also will be live mannequins at the store! Pageant contestants will be donning our sashes! Presented by D.I.V.A. NYC Pageant 2014!
Curvy and Curious 