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?
Thrift Store Swaggis a clothing exchange, shopping, and runway event that was first held on October 12, 2013 by Curvy And Curious. Since the event was such a hit, we are now getting ready to do it all again! This time we will be donating toys to Toys for Tots and again, all extra clothes will be donated to Goodwill.
Thrift Store Swagg 2 will be held at Break Bar and Billiards, located at 32-04 Brodway, Long Island City, NY 11106. $15 admission gets you half price drinks and free pool all day, plus the clothing exchange! Bring your best gently used clothes and trade them for other peoples’ hot looks! Also enjoy a fashion runway show by Oh So Fabulous Boutique and Curvy Girlz Lingerie. Don’t forget to shop with Chocolate Cream Beauty Supply too!
On November 9th, 2013, One Chance Entertainment held its 4th Annual Evolution of Curves Tour Finale in NYC. This charitable show rocked the DiMenna Center for Performing Arts. This event was a huge success and many media outlets came out to capture the dangerous curves in the building! Check out all of the photos and videos from around the web!
So lately I’ve noticed that most new models have no idea what to bring to fittings or shows. This is ok girls! We all start somewhere and I am going to share with you the necessities of your MODEL BAG!
The NECESSITIES
1) The Bag – A small suitcase is convenient and about the perfect size. Remember – backstage is always cramped so you dont want to take up too much space. Try something like this to put your sacred belongings in:
2) The Shoes – 2 pair – Black pumps and Nude pumps. Heel must be at least 3″ and no wedges. Good to bring an extra pair of black open toe and/or a colorful choice with you just in case.
Jessica Simpson Nude Pumps
Steve Madden Black Pumps
3) SHAPEWEAR! – This is important no matter how great your figure is. Shapewear smooths you under tight garments and distribute your weight more evenly. This is a MUST! Check out my article here for my best shapewear picks.
4) Stockings – Ah, the one I didn’t even know about until as of late. Nylons are great to have on hand. thank god I brought them to my last runway show 🙂
5) BRAS! – Lots of them! OK, maybe I’m just a little too obsessed with boobs, but I wear a full-coverage bra (like this) to every fitting or show, and bring at least 2-3 more (black strapless, white strapless, black convertible), plus bandeau tops in case I need to smooth things out. Check out this article all about my favorite bras.
I hope you ladies have found this helpful! From now on, anyone I spot WITHOUT a full model bag will be immediately directed to the nearest computer to visit CurvyAndCurious.com!
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?
Thanks to our sponsor Size Matters Photography, check out photos from the Runway show by Curvy and Curious by your very own Emilie Alpert, Ose (Uh-Seh), and Mad! Couture by Madilyn Wade. Related articles Thrift Store Swagg Plus Size Clothing Exchange was a Success! (curvyandcurious.com)
On October 12th, 2013, CurvyAndCurious held it’s first event, “Thrift Store Swagg” Plus Size Clothing Swap and Runway show at Pioneers Bar in NYC. The event was a lot of fun – Full figured women from all over brought bags of gorgeous clothes to exchange for new ones! I know I’ve been enjoying my new wardrobe. Ose (Uh-Seh) and Mad! Couture showed some fabulous looks on our gorgeous models (more pics coming soon), and I even previewed my line pf upcycled t-shirts 🙂 This is a must-repeat event! Check out the photos by Turf Photography below!
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!
Tickets are $25.00 general admission and $40.00 VIP
Ladydoves Self Enrichment Organization and Unique Blend Models together with their friends Fashion Avenue News Magazine presents Fashion with a Passion Fundraiser to be held on October 5, 2013 at the NY Hotel Pennsylvania located at 401 7th avenue (at 33rd street), New York, New York. This wonderful event is to benefit our scholarship fundraiser which will assist underprivileged high school graduates in their goal to pursue their college education.
The event will include a fashion show that provides an entertaining and inspiring demonstration of models showcasing todays high-fashion designs with musical entertainment from local artists along with vending opportunities during the show.
Date/Time:
October 12th, 2013
1pm – 6pmLocation: Pioneers Bar NYC
138 w. 29th (b/t 6th & 7th) New York, NYHAPPY HOUR SPECIALS ALL DAY FOR PARTY GO-ERS!!!Admission: $20