Poetic Since '90: Welcome to Nicole's Blog!

1. What were your inspirations to pursue modeling?

- Well there are a few reasons for me wanting to pursue modeling. The main reason is that I grew up with low self esteem, I was always called “fat and ugly” I never had a voice or someone to say that “you are beautiful”. As I grew older I realized that a lot of young girls looked up to me. Also, I have always loved fashion and getting glamorous and easily got the title “DIVA”. So I began looking into fashion shows, contacting photographers, and basically just learning the business.

2. When did you start modeling?

- I have been modeling for almost 3 years now.

3. Who are some of your favorite models and famous women in general that you think really give a good representation of plus-sized models or plus-sized women in general?

- I admire so many women I have a very long list. I love Monique, Queen Latifah, Toccara Jones, Kelly Price, Jill Scott, Chenese Lewis, Mia Amber, Mia Tyler. Every woman I listed is curvy, has lots of class, and has conquered it all. From movies to TV shows, to ripping the runway. I love all of these women.

4. What do you like best and least about modeling?
- I love the fact that you can become someone else in photos, I love the clicking of the camera, I love the runway, I love meeting new people, I love seeing the creative eye of the designer/make up artist, I love when other females say “Girl you representing for US plus size women) I feel so appreciated, I can say there is nothing else like it.

The lease thing about modeling would be other models and them trying to compete with you. It’s mainly like nobody is really happy for you and I feel like we should be happy and support each other. I understand that you may be up against your best friend for a gig but I just feel like what God has for me it’s for me. That’s mainly what just bothers me about modeling.


5. What has been the most challenging aspect of being a plus-sized model? In general?

- The most challenging thing for me was that I didn’t know what type of modeling I really wanted to be in. I was confused if I wanted to cater more to the urban market or stick with fashion, etc. Lately I have been getting a lot of love from the urban market but my heart is runway, commercial work, print work, etc. So that is challenging to me b/c I know where my heart is so do I get the exposure I want or wait my time for the fashion assignments.

6. How do you feel about the media and society not really representing or accepting plus-sized models on a wide scale (TV shows, magazines, runways, etc)?

- I think now that the media is finally accepting us. I know some people have made comments about US Plus models on the runway saying we are a joke etc, but I know a lot of plus models that can out walk any slim model. As a plus model we do have more to prove but in my eyes I don’t mind fighting a little harder.

7. All models go through criticism, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Some are labeled too skinny, too overweight, alcoholics, drug abusers, untalented, promiscuous, attractive, unattractive, and the list goes on. How do you maintain your strengths despite the negativity?

- I have to say I pray every day for my strength. This is a very hard market and people will have their opinion about you from how you look, dress, and even act. I just try and make myself happy but over all I have been receiving a good response and I feel I am on the right path.

8. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far in modeling?

- I am so proud to say that I did an album cover for a rock band “Turbo Fruit” that was almost a year ago. I have had like 10 features back to back, and also, I just had a journalist follow me for a day and she will be writing a story up about me.



9. What path are you aiming towards with your career (music videos, print, runway, etc)?

- I mainly want to encourage women all over. I want to be a published model, print work, commercial, runway, beauty and glamour model.

10. If you could be featured on the cover or have a multi-paged spread inside any 2 or 3 magazines of your choice, which ones would they be and why?

- I would love to have a spread/feature in Plus Model Magazine, Essence, and Ebony.


11. Any embarrassing or funny stories you have experienced while modeling (photo shoot, etc)?

- YES, this summer I was at a video shoot for a specific rap artist and it was the last scene, it was late and everybody was tired. Well there was a model there and she fell down some steps. It was just really quiet and all of a sudden a huge BOOM!! She got up and kept working. She was a good sport about it. I probably would have cried, but she stayed strong and smiled and was ready to keep working.

12. What is your ultimate goal for your modeling career?

- My goal is to become a published model, I want features everywhere. I want to hit runways for Monif C, Evans Clothing, One Stop Plus, to be a well known successful Video Model, Cover Girl spokesperson, and open a Plus Size Boutique. Honestly I can say the sky is the limit in my book.



13. How do you feel about people with negative perceptions on models in general?

- I try not to focus on anything negative, I may read a comment about a model, and just keep it moving.

14. What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue modeling or are just beginning?

- I would say build a portfolio, do your research google anything you want to know. Just because you are pretty doesn’t mean you have potential to become a model. Learn your angles for poses, network with photographers, designers, etc. Also to have a great attitude!!

15. What are some of your talents and hobbies?

- My hobbies are that I enjoy reading, writing, shopping, I like to play cards, and just relax.

16. What are some of your upcoming projects?

- Right now I am working on a glamour calendar, I am in the works meeting with different agencies. I have 3 that I am looking into. There are a few things right now I am working on but everything is not finalized so I can’t disclose very much information. I just spoke with a representative from Ashley Stewarts and I am hoping for something big to come out of that. Since I am freelance it’s harder to book jobs with these big companies, but I believe in due time some great things will come.

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