SPOTLIGHT MODEL...Shana Washington

How long have you been modeling?

On July 9th 2010 I realized how short life could be when my cousin Jason Jones was brutally murdered. This traumatic experience is truly what made me come to the decision that I wanted to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a model. Days before Jason was murdered he tol

d me I was made for the entertainment/model industry... though I was always known for being pretty and taking nice pictures, I never took it seriously... well not until... he was no longer here with me! In honor of my cousin I plan to stay determined in striving to accomplish all goals i set forth in living out my dreams..
How did you start?
In April of 2010 I was approached in a nightclub by photographer Mello "Evron" Andrews with the proposition to model for a plus size magazine. Though we didn't exchange contact information that night I immediately began to research the plus size industry the very next day. When we finally regained contact over Facebook in July he gave me more insight on www.FULLBLOSSOMMAGAZINE.com and the company's mission "Changing The Way You View The Plus Size Woman!". I loved the idea of advertising full figured women in a positive view, I was immediately convinced that I was a Full Blossom! Mello & I kept in contact throughout the month and he invited me to the grand opening of Johntines Boutique for Plus Size Fashionistas on July 24, 2010. I met the owner, Tia Jackson and was asked to model one the convertible dresses for a few pictures. Everything felt so right abo

ut the scene, at that moment I knew I was ready to get int

o the modeling game... I scheduled my first official photo shoot for the following weekend July 29-30, 2010... that was the beginning of me taking the first steps in living out my dreams.

What designers would you love to work with?

Honestly I'd love to work with all designers, I do not want to limit my opportunities at all... One of my plus size favorites is Monif C though NYC's Full Figured Fashion Week Runway Show introduced me to so many designers that I'd be interested in working with like As

haki Charles Designs and Margaux Kouture.

Who inspires you?

I am mostly inspired by my mom, Robin Waldron. Growing up as an only child in a single parent home her continuous "can do" attitude throughout life's ups and downs is what molded me into the person I am today. In my 25 years of life, my mom has instilled great values in me and she continues to be my daily motivation . I am also inspired by plus industry icon Ms Gwen DeVoe. When creating Full Figured Fashion Week she was taking a chance at something she believed in and now that has given so many women a voice and so many aspiring plus models opportunities we couldn't imagine just 5 years ago. Her story of how she created Full

Figured Fashion Week is very inspirational to me, Ms DeVoe is a great positive force and definitely a role model of mine!

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 yrs ?

I would hope to have accomplished my goal of seeing myself on a billboard in NYC's Time Square *giggles*.. but really I would hope to be a prominent writer and established television personality.. thoug

h being known for my good deeds would be more than enough accomplishment for me...

What other projects are you working on?

I am presently one of the three faces of Full Blossom Magazine. I consultant, conduct interviews & assist on photo shoots as needed. I also volunteer and supervise FBM's 2011 Summer Youth Employment Program intern group Stepup IIRoyalty a few days a week teaching modeling techniques, interviewing skills, etc it's like a mentoring program.

In May 2011 I created Full Figured Fly & Fabulous, a women's only Facebook group specifically for us to share our inspirational & motivational experiences, stories and quotes. We comfortably share our self-esteem secrets, fashion tips

& much more.. I've planned our 1st event a Meet & Greet networking party @ Full Blossom Magazine Headquarters Saturday September 3, 2011. (http://www.facebook.com/groups/FFFnFAB)

I created the Jason Jones Scholarship Fund in memory of my late cousin Jason Jones in April 2011. I am currently in the process of turning the Jason Jones Scholarship Fund (http://www.facebook.com/jjonesfoundation) into an official not for profit organizationThe purpose is to promote violence prevention by using sports and other recreational activities to engage people of the Long Island City neighborhood in positive activities. On Saturday July 9th, 2011 The Jason Jones Scholarship Fund hosted it's first annual Stop the Violence- JAY DAY BBQ, Stop Gun Violence Jason Jones Basketball Tournament and Stop the Violence JAY DAY “White Affair Benefit” to raise money for Jason’s son’s scholarship fund. Over $1000 in donations were accumulated at the three events.

I recently linked up with Dymax Productions. I will be working with them as a Dymax Diva promoting & hosting events and being featured in their Plus Size In the City tv production.

Any advice for those that are looking to get started as a plus model?

Us plus size ladies may not completely be accepted by society yet, but we all need to know and remember that the size of a female never reveals her beauty because true beauty is from within. Confidence is the key...you'll never know what doors it'll open!

How can others get into contact with you?

Stay in tune with me and my everday life @ www.facebook.com/shanatheplusmodel Email me at: shanatheplusmodel@gmail.com (for interviews) Call Dymax @ 718 682-5896 or email dymaxproductions@gmail.com for bookings