SPOTLIGHT MODEL..Christina Mendez Q&As

How long have you been modeling and how did you start?

I started modeling while I was in High School but when I went away to college and later had my son, I quickly

put modeling on the back burner.

I came back into the industry as a plus size model in 2006

.

What designers would you love to work with?

I would love to work with Michael Kors.

Who inspires you?

Heidi Klum is one of my inspirations. She appears to be an amazing mom, wife, business women and model. As a mother I know how hard it is to do it all and she is someone who truly makes it look effortless.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 yrs ?

I pray daily and rely on God to lead me and use me. How

ever, I would like to continue doing what I love which is inspire and motivate others to follow their dreams, cont

inue being a apart of plus size history and rip a few more runways. :)

What other projects are you working on?

Over the summer I directed and co-produced a documentary about Dads, which will be hitting the film festival circuit soon. I am extremely proud of this project because I took the lea

p of faith and tried something totally different and out of my element. Feel free to view the trailer at www.documentaryaboutdads.com.

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

Follow your dreams no matter how hard or far off it seems….when you least expect it you will get the breakthrough you always dreamed of. I suggest all models to be re

ady to work hard, sometimes work for free, work long hours, loss friends and understand that this industry isn’t glamorous ALL THE TIME. Be mentally prepared to hear more NOs than YES. If you don’t have an agent, use the internet and networking to find gigs. Stay positive at all times and DON’T GIVE UP

How can others get into contact with you?

They can visit my official website at www.christinamendez.com. My website will also link them to my Facebook, YouTube channel & Twitter account. I love to hear from my fans so feel free to contact me.

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

WearHouse Boutique *******Give-A-Way******

Full Figured News has an absolute treat in store for you! We have been fortunate enough to come across the lovely Monique Hankerson. She is the owner of Wear House Boutique and our new blogger! 

"Wear House Boutique is a resale, vintage and custom clothing shop that caters to women sizes 10 and up.  Wear House provides quality clothing and an environment that encourages women to love their body completely.  Our manifesto is, "“Love your body beyond measure.”"

"Not only does WHB seek to provide quality clothing and accessories, but it is a safe space for women to feel completely comfortable in their skin.  Wear House Boutique empowers women to appreciate and love their bodies.  WHB provides health and wellness education to all people and encourages women to ascribe to the  "Just because you are curvy, doesn't mean you can't be healthy" ideology."


Here are some of the Fabulous pieces from Wear House Boutique's Nature Collection:

   The Blue Romper size 14- $30

 Pink Linen Blazer Size-12

 Blazer and Shorts Size 10- $40

 We love is how easy it is to mix and match these pieces to reflect your own personal style! They also have accessories and they are always adding to their inventory. So go over to www.wearhouseboutique.com and check them out.


The Wear House Boutique has decided to give a $20 dollar gift certificate away to one of our lucky fans! **Click Here ** to figure out what you can do to enter to win!

Full Figured and Fab: Plus Model Nikeya Young

Yesterday I had the pleasure of interviewing Nikeya Young. She is a plus model, beauty queen, and writer.  She recently won the Full Figured Fashion Week's biggest fan contest. Here is what Nikeya had to share with us.

How long have you been a Plus Model?

-  I’ve been modeling for 3 ½ years now. I am a freelance Plus Model.  I’ve done a lot of runway and some print work as well. I am also involved in the plus-size fashion industry as a writer for PLUS Model Magazine (www.plusmodelmag.com) and as the Chicago Plus-Size Fashion Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/plussize-fashion-in-chicago/nikeya-young) .

What are 2 of your most memorable moments in the industry? There have been many! Working with Mia Amber Davis as my stylist on a shoot that I did with Lucas Pictures in November of 2009 would definitely be in the top two! The second most memorable moment (and she’s gonna get me for this), was checking my voice mails one day during my lunch break and getting an e-mail from Tressa Thomas regarding a Plus-Size Modeling troupe that she was starting. The name sounded familiar, I called her back and we had a great conversation. Then, I googled her when I got back to my desk & nearly fell out when I realized who I’d spoken with! LOL! Working with the ThYck Troupe has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made.  There are SOOO many other moments I want to mention, but you said 2, so I’ll be obedientJ.

What designers would you love to work with? I am making it a goal to land more print modeling gigs as soon as possible! Of course my dream campaign would be Ashley Stewart! I came VERY close to working with them when I became a Top 10 Finalist in their nationwide model search this past fall! I would also love to work with Shavonne Dorsey Designs, Sofistafunk, Monif C., Chinoo Designs, Crescendo Apparel, Faith 21, and Torrid.

Any advice for those that are looking to get started as a plus model? Do your RESEARCH! Dailyvenusdiva.com and www.plusmodelmag.com are excellent places to start. Find out the “who’s who” and how they’ve gotten to where they are. DO NOT sign with any agency that is asking you to pay them for representation! Also, if you’re in the Chicagoland area, you could call me upJ! I now offer one-on-one model coaching that is very reasonably priced.

How was your Full Figured Fashion week experience in New York? It was bittersweet. I had a blast, but it was tough only being there for one day. I was hating when I saw people posting pictures at the All-White Cruise & etc.! I did get some good networking in though, and the Finale show had some AWESOME fashions in it that have me VERY excited about where plus-size fashion is headed!

Where do you see the Plus Size industry in the next 5 years? Within the next 5 years, the plus-size fashion/modeling industry will be unstoppable! We’re on the cusp of greatness right now, but our buying power and beauty won’t be ignored for much longer! The state of the economy will have a lot to do with that. Retailers will have no other choice but to market to us if they want to make more money! In terms of the clothes, after what I’ve seen at this year’s FFF Week, I wouldn’t be surprised if skinny chicks started trying to thicken up to fit our clothes, instead of us slimming down to be able to shop in their stores! LOL!

How can others get into contact with you? For booking, as well as inquiries about my model coaching classes, people can call my business line at 312-834-7774, or e-mail me at nikeya@nikeyayoung.com . **Serious inquiries only!!