10 questions returns in a way that has not been done before.  Not only is today’s interview from someone who is a plus size fashion blogger but a plus size fashion model as well.  I met Nichole at The Fuller Woman Expo in Detroit then worked with her as part of the Fashion Front during Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ in Los Angeles.  When I saw the photoshoot she did with Domino Dollhouse I had to get to know more about her.  Thanks Nichole your the best! Check out her blog here.

Full Figure Plus: Where are you located
Nichole Smith: Currently I am in right outside of Los Angeles.

FFP: How long have you been modeling
NS:I’ve been modeling for about 7 years now. Whew! Where does the time go?

FFP: Do You model full time
NS: Unfortunately I do not. If I could, I totally would, but I’m not signed with an agency. Being an independent model for me means that I still need a full time gig.

FFP: What is harder blogging or modeling
NS: Ahh! Good question. Both are great ways to express yourself artistically. Writing comes very natural to me. I may run out of things to talk about or hit a mental block but I’d still have to say that modeling is much more challenging. As a model, you have different characters to portray and a garment to sell. It’s not just about sitting pretty and smiling in front of the camera. It actually takes a lot of energy to complete a full shoot. Whether its an 8 hour shoot or 12 hour shoot, you have to always been on and ready to give your all even when you may be sleepy or sick or just ready to go.

FFP: What is the best modeling experince you have had
NS: I’ve had so many! There’s one shoot that always comes to mind when people ask me about experiences. I shot for Boutique Larrieux when they first opened and the team that shop owner Lydia Hamilton put together was just amazing. I felt like I was at a party for 8 hours. Meeting Lydia was truly inspirational. Not only did she touch me and push me in my modeling career, but also in my personal life. A friendship was created from that moment and I feel so blessed to have met her. I’ve had some pretty rockin’ shoots with Domino Dollhouse as well! Those are always fun!

FFP: Who or what inspired you to get into modeling
NS: Growing up, my best friend Nakisha always said that I should be a plus size model. She was a tall slim girl who did modeling herself and she tried to put me on at an early age. I was too shy to even think about such things, but it was always in the back of my mind. It wasn’t until years later when encouraged by an ex boyfriend that I should just try. He said to me, “You will never know how you feel about it unless you try it.” So I started testing with photographers and just really pushed to get my name out there. When people started recognizing me, it was the ego boost that I needed to keep going. Now, I keep going because at my size (20/22) you don’t see many girls my sized out there and I’m quite happy to be an inspiration to women every where.

FFP: What do you think of the current state of plus modeling
NS: I’m so happy to see so many plus girls signing onto agencies. It’s exciting! I’m always looking at the new faces and thinking about how when I started there weren’t very many plus models on any agency board. I think companies are now seeing the importance of using true plus size models for plus size clothing. It only makes sense for their consumers. I’m glad it hasn’t turned out to be a fad like most thought it would be. I hope this movement continues on strong. It’s so important for young people to see an array of bodies that are similar to their own.

FFP: What advice do you have for new models
NS: Know the business. Just as any industry, it’s very tough! The plus model industry has come a long way, but it’s still quite competitive. You really have to educate yourself on the business side of things. Do you research and resources. I’d even say study Plus Model Magazine. This should be your bible. It’s packed with amazing information and great tips no matter what stage of the game you’re in.  Also, never stop testing! Once you do, it’s possible you may become old news. Keep things fresh and always update.

FFP: What was it like to shoot for Domino Dollhouse
NS: It’s whimsical! It really is. Tracy creates these amazing pieces that you just don’t see anywhere else. Each time I’ve done my fitting, I’m just amazed at how every piece is so complimenting of my figure. She’s got something special with Domino Dollhouse. The team that she works with, gosh! You really just can’t get any better. There’s magic happening on the set each time. It always helps when the photographer has this infectious energy and passes it on to you. There are no words to describe how happy I am each time Tracy invites me to be a part of her shoots!

FFP: What does the future hold for you in modeling
NS: Well, I’m almost 3 months pregnant, so we shall see! I really wanted to shoot as much as possible after I found out but the little bean zaps all of my energy. I do hope to carry on with modeling after the baby gets here. Danielle Line does this amazing job modeling post pregnancy, so I may lean on her for advice. I love modeling, so it’s definitely something I want to continue, but if that seems impossible, then I’d like to focus some of this energy behind the camera. One day at a time.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

“I note that your Hall of Fame is 95% black women.  I don’t have a problem with that, but it does seem to be very lop-sided and those looking for a fight could say that your selection process is defaming black women.  It makes it look like pretty much all overweight women are black, which is certainly not the case.”

The above statement came as a result of me placing the submission to the Plus Size Beauty of the Week all in one place in a permanent location on this blog.  While the comment was making an observation from a supporter of this blog it did cause me to think for a moment about the makeup of the over 200 submissions and counting in the four years this segment has been running.  A few things came to my mind when it comes to the ladies featured as beauties of the week:

1. The ladies represent women from 12 countries
2. Women of color from around the world not just the United States are not ashamed of their bodies
3. There has never been nor will there ever be any type of color discrimination on this blog
4. The plus size silhouette is beautiful regardless of the race

My only conclusion after some careful thoughts is that the reason for the high number of black ladies who have submitted their photos is because I am black.  I think if I were of another race then the makeup would be tilted in the direction of the race of the person requesting the submissions.  I could be wrong but that is what my gut is telling me.

It makes it look like pretty much all overweight women are black

The above statement is what really sparked my brain to talk about this particular segment that has a life of its own.  I have not actively promoted the beauty of the week in months but ladies continue submitting photos and asking about modeling assignments.  If you will indulge me for a moment to put on my conspiracy theory hat I will say that for the seven days I have feature each of these ladies some of which have modeling careers they get more exposure here than in other areas mainly because in mainstream modeling the black model is pretty much non-existent with the plus size model not even considered as part of the equation.

At this point the only high profile black plus size model is Anansa Sims-Patterson daughter of former super model Beverly Johnson.  Though some would say at a size 14 she is not plus size but that is a debate for another time.

Anansa Sims-Patterson

Maybe that is why there is a high proportion of black ladies who have submitted their photos and asked questions about breaking into the world of plus modeling.  Asking the question again, “Why Are So Many Black Women Featured As The Full Figure Plus “Beauty of The Week?” My answer is I do not know but as always I welcome every race on the planet to send a photo to beautyoftheweek@fullfigureplus.com for your chance to be featured.

Bonus Fact: There are 196 countries in the world today.  Of that at least one person from 150 countries have visited Full Figure Plus.  With that statistic there is no way the beauty of the week will ever be made up of just one ethnicity.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

First the Lane Bryant ad was to racy for American Idol now plus size model Whitney Thompson Cycle 10 winner of ANTM who has launched a plus size dating website, TheBigAndTheBeautiful.com has had her ad rejected from the list of Super Bowl commercials.

Welcome to The Big And The Beautiful, the online dating site where you can really be yourself!

I created this site for real women with real curves … looking for real pleasure. Unlike other dating sites where members feel pressured to fit a certain mold, posting older “flattering” pictures or even lying on their profiles, everyone here has the freedom to be their true selves.

So what if you have a big butt? Men love extra padding! Whether you’re voluptuous, curvy, athletic, or tall, embrace your shape because the men on this site are just waiting to meet you.

And guys, I don’t have to tell you this site is the best place to meet all of your needs. Spend a little time talking to these sexy ladies and I know you’ll be satisfied.

As a plus-size model I know how big the demand is for sexy, curvy women, so get out there and start searching, dating, and enjoying every minute of it!

Welcome to your Big and Beautiful life!

Whitney Thompson 

President 
TheBigAndTheBeautiful.com

After watching the video I do not see anything wrong with it. I realize people will NEVER get over the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction but what does that have to do with a plus size model promoting a dating website? Nothing in my opinion.

I mean we are not a nation of prudish people so why should I be offended by a plus size lady and not some of the truly offensive things going on like the SOPA and PIPA legislation that this blog protested on yesterday.

Plus Size Model Whitney Thompson

To hot for television or to fat period?  I personally think the later is the case.  I mean with the insane amount of money, rumored at as much as 3.5 million for 30 seconds, you would think no matter how big the characters are there would be no problem with airing the ad.  Maybe edit out the thong shot but that’s it.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

2012 is underway and the activity is just as hot and heavy in the world we all know as plus size.  From clothes to lingerie, magazines, expo’s and more.

Today’s speedlinks are all about showing just how much is going on in the community and how its getting harder by the day to keep track.

• IGIGI does photoshoot with Kailee O’Sullivan
• 

fluvia lacerda poses for beautiful magazine

• Boyshorts, Hipsters and Briefs OH MY! Panties are 5 for $25 during the Cacique Cacique Semi Annual Sale
• The Carakoma lookbook is online click here
• Tim Gunn, Hero Of Plus-Size Fashion?
• BelleNoir is back for 2012 with its renewal issue
• 10 reasons to shop evansusa.com
• The January/February Issue of plus size lifestyle magazine Hippy & Healthy is now live.

The International Fuller Woman Expo Campaign chooses Allison McGevna as the new face of the show

50 new wear to work items are up on the Fashion to Figure website

I am excited not only about all the things that are happening but the rumors on the horizon.  If you thought 2011 was exciting just wait to see what 2012 holds for the future of the plus size industry!

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Plus size modeling is on a roll and 2012 is only two days old! Both Evans and Style 369 conducted searches for plus size models to represent the respective brands at the end of last year. With the bad taste of the American Apparel models search behind us we can concentrate on the positive aspects of plus size modeling for the new year.

With more plus models making pages on Twitter and Facebook they are making it easier for modeling agencies to see the plethora of gorgeous plus size ladies out there who are looking to break into the modeling industry.

Why the rush of plus size models, contests, and everything else?  The simple answer is money.  In the clothing industry the plus size niche is one of the few that has seen any type of growth.  The 2012 projections are well over $100 billion in sales for men and women combined.

The other side of the coin but still connected to plus size modeling is with more clothes available there is a bigger demand by ladies to see women who look like them modeling.

Though the industry says that a plus size model is between a size 8-14 there are ladies like Rosie Mercado, Fluvia Lacerda, Allison McGevna, & LaTonya Mann who are showing the critics you can be a size 18 and up and still do fabulous things in the plus size modeling world.

2011 saw many models and agencies come to the limelight.  I predict that there will be a continued surge of plus size models coming out in particular I think that there will be more models who will make it big in the United States instead of just internationally.

Considering my feelings on plus size modeling these are the ladies I feel will make a big impact this year:

Fluvia made a huge splash on the international scene last year.  Lets hope the plus size modeling community in the United States sees the same thing as companies in other countries.

Ashely Graham has filled the vacant spot in the United States for the plus size modeling poster girl.  I wish that the establishment would realize there are hundreds of beautiful ladies out there who can rock it just as hard.

Tara Lynn is the plus size modeling wild card for me.  She looks stunning in all of the shoots I have seen her in but I think that she has not got the attention she so richly deserves.  2012 will be her year.

There are many other ladies who are independent plus size models who are making a splash.  Other ladies sure to make a splash are included in the post My Favorite Faces of 2011 on Curves and Chaos. The underground plus size modeling world is allowing them to get the experience needed to take things to the next level.  Plus size modeling will continue to grow just like the plus size fashion industry.  Who are your favorite plus size models and who do you think will make 2012 the year of the plus size model?

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Over the years I have been lucky to encounter several up and coming as well as established plus size models such as Crystal Diggs(seen in photo).  As a result I frequently receive emails from ladies who are looking to get into the modeling industry, specifically plus size modeling but are unsure were to start because they don’t live in a major city.

Though I feel personally Plus Model Magazine is the best resource on the Internet for aspiring plus size models today I am going to talk about what to do if your an aspiring model and DON’T live in a big city.

When it comes to modeling, many people have the notion that you either have to live in California or in New York or Toronto. After all, that’s where most of the big modeling agencies are. Granted, if you lived in Los Angeles, California or New York City, you’d probably have an easier time getting into the modeling industry.

But what if you can’t just pack your things and move to California or New York? What then? Up until now, there was very little the “new model” could do.

The following tips will help you get on your way into the plus modeling industry quickly and easily:

Barter for photo services to build your portfolio in the beginning

1. Take Pictures, specifically Head Shots – Keep them simple. Wear neat and clean clothing. Don’t worry about wearing the latest fashion or style. Keep your make up simple in fact, it would be best if you had several pictures of you without any make up. The same goes for hairstyles. Clear your face of any hair so that your face is fully visible. Keep your hair neat, clean and simple. If you can’t afford a professional photographer, then use a basic camera. Make sure you have good lighting.
2. You will need modeling resume – In your resume, include your modeling experience, hobbies, interests, and vital stats such as height, and weight. This is what agencies will review.
3. Research modeling agents and agencies in your area –  You can look this up in your local phone book, public library and online.  FYI: An agent is optional and if you have the look the agencies will find YOU. The good part about working for an agency is it will ensure you get constant work.
4. After sending out your portfolio – Do a follow up phone call or email every 2 weeks. Remember, agencies get hundreds of portfolios sent to them each week. What will get their attention? Make follow up phone calls – lots of them.
5. Use as many communications tools as possible – This includes calling them on the phone, emailing, sending letters through direct mail, and leveraging the web by using sites like Model Mayhem. Social media sites can also be used but make sure you have your personal and business profiles completely separate.
6. Develop your modeling skills – Look for local modeling schools or classes in or near your area. If there are none, then research your public library for books or videos. If you still have no luck, then you can go online to places such as Amazon.com and other booksellers that will have modeling videos and books.
7. Bonus Tip – Stay clear of any model agency telling you that you have to pay money to sign on with them. In general, agencies receive a commission when they find you work.

Update your modeling portfolio at least twice a year to ensure your pictures reflect YOU

Check with local department stores to see when they have in-store fashion shows as a way to get experience in the beginning.  Though my wife does not feel she has a career in modeling she did several shows for Lane Bryant and had a blast.

Just because you live in a small town or away from the big cities, does not mean that you don’t have the opportunity to get into modeling. All it takes is a little more creativity and a little more thought behind your strategies, but you can trust that many successful models have been in your shoes. Like you, these models have succeeded because they did not take “no” for an answer and had some luck.

Avoid posting hundreds of pictures online – Your modeling portfolio should only contain the best of the best shots

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women