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PLUS Model Magazine Editor Dishes On Modeling, Statistics and Negativity – Interview With Daily Venus Diva Magazine

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:08:15 +0000

As women and activists we speak of change but how many of us are actually taking the necessary steps to create the change we want to see take place? Over 5 years ago Madeline Figueroa Jones and Plus Model Magazine created an avenue to give plus size women a much needed voice and a magazine that women could relate to. Known for edgy editorials, introducing readers to new plus friendly designers and shining a spotlight on working plus size models, PMM is the #1 fashion & modeling magazine for plus size women. If you had any doubt of how much power is in Plus, that doubt was put to rest after an editorial featured in the January 2012 issue of PMM was publicized and discussed throughout the world.

Read the in depth interview with Madeline Jones at Daily Venus Diva Magazine or CLICK HERE.

Toni Braxton Fat Shaming Her Sister on Braxton Family Values?

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:28:05 +0000

In season two of Braxton Family Values, Episode 11, the Braxton sisters believe they require counseling due to the fact that they just can’t seem to get along. The counseling session was supposed to bring issues to the table about why they are continually fighting. Everything was going well until Toni addresses her sister Traci. “I want Traci to lose 20-40 pounds now and stop thinking that her tummy sticking out like that is hot, ’cause it’s not.”

Needless to say, we are extremely disappointed, as I’m sure many of Toni’s plus size fans are. Traci’s weight can’t possibly be a reason as to why they are not getting along. What was even more shocking was the fact that no one could understand why Traci was immediately defensive and hurt by the comment. How would Traci losing weight make for a better relationship with her sister? I’m almost inclined to think that maybe Traci is right about feeling like she does not belong.

Traci may not have Toni’s figure, but she is beautiful in her own right. It’s perplexing that Toni Braxton would make Traci’s weight an issue when the family is plagued with plenty of REAL issues.

We can only hope that Toni Braxton thinks about the serious issues the family is facing, and not on her sister’s plus size frame.

The Paula Deen Debacle

Deborah Friedman — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:03:25 +0000

This week Al Roker of the Today show interviewed Paula Deen, aka the “Butter Queen”. A hailstorm of criticism ensued from her admission of her three year old diabetes diagnosis to her endorsement deal to promote a costly drug, Victoza manufactured by Novo Nordisk and laden with as many serious side effects as the fat and sugar Deen is so enamored with. As Eric Webber of Advertising Age said “First, there’s her claim that she waited nearly three years after her diagnosis before going public because knowledge about the disease was limited’. That’s a story with some big stretch marks. She could have completed a medical residency in diabetes in that amount of time. If she was that uninformed, then her doctors are worse that her publicists”.

I love Deen’s big, exuberant personality, but as a passionate foodie, I must admit reducing fat and sugar in a recipe without sacrificing taste is far more challenging than throwing an extra stick of butter into it. I recall a conversation with a Plus Size Plum customer and Savannah resident who dined at Deen’s The Lady and Son’s restaurant where even a healthy side salad is topped with fried onion rings. She said, “I love food, but it was a fat and sugar fest with few healthy choice options”.

Paula Deen is not responsible for our bad food choices. But what I do hold her accountable for is the absurdity her commitment to sacrifice sweet tea to maintain a healthier lifestyle. I don’t know anyone plus size who continues to consume high sugar drinks in favor of calories contained in food! And, I do hold her responsible for sitting on this news. I find it terribly ironic and disingenuous Star Jones defended Deen’s right to confess her diabetes when she felt it was right time. The timing was more based on her closing her lucrative endorsement deal with her drug company than being a force for positive change.

Paula Deen simply personifies the celebrity as a blatant opportunist responding to criticism by pledging an unspecific portion to diabetes only after the media fall out. She’s no different from the celebrity who breaks up a marriage and becomes a human rights advocate to polish up her image. We are constantly being manipulated by celebrities ready to cash in on their Q rating by providing us with inferior quality goods or misinformation. Why are we surprised these celebrities aren’t trained chefs or experienced designers? The Kardashians with their overpriced substandard collection at Sears are a prime example of the narcissistic exploitation that exists today. Not only are we paying higher prices for celebrity licenses, now we can get angry at them for misinforming us, too.

Plus Size Model Emme Aronson Speaks On PLUS Model Magazine’s Body Image Feature

PLUS Model Magazine — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:04:53 +0000

PLUS Model Magazine’s feature “Plus Size Bodies, What’s Wrong With Them Anyway?” continues to reach people world wide. Most recently plus size model Emme Aronson was asked to comment about the controversial statistics concerning the modeling industry by www.radaronline.com. In her online interview, Emme stated “It has been a statistic that has been around for a while but was a unique way to visually show the difference between a size 18 and a size 2.”

The plus size model is actually a size 14, but the message is clear. Sometimes showing people is more impressive than just words.

Click to check out the entire interview with plus size model Emme Aronson here.

Chelsea Settles in to a New Life & is Feeling Good

Natalie Monet, Editorial Assistant — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:42:47 +0000

by Contributing Writer Yvebrielle Edmond

Every year around this time, for years past, I’ve made my list and checked it twice; but not the Christmas list, my New Year’s resolution list; which is full of ideas, mantras, action words, and things I would accomplish within the upcoming year. I decided to take action on my goals and in doing so, each hour of each day of each month of each year, I grasped a better understanding of what I wanted to accomplish and how success is defined in my eyes. It was not then, and is not now defined as what the scale, society, or the masses say; but is defined by personal wellness, strength, motivation, and conviction!

A refreshing and accurate depiction of struggles young women face, such as employment, family affairs, self-acceptance, and love was channeled through MTV’s Chelsea Settles! Chelsea, a 20-something from a small town near Pittsburgh, PA blossomed before our eyes into a young, professional “go getter & trend setter” following her dreams to the City of Angels. Who better to share her story in this issue of PLUS Model Magazine’s “New Year/New You” issue than the incomparable Chelsea. She embodied this process, so let’s hear from Chelsea about the journey thus far and what we can look forward to for the next year!

Yve: Chelsea, thank you for doing this interview! Like the rest of the world, I watched your show on MTV and was amazed at the realness and transparency which was exhibited through good and some not-so-good times! How did you come to star in this series and how did you know this was the right thing and right time to do it?

Chelsea: I was randomly browsing the casting section on MTV’s website and spotted a posting looking for an overweight girl, 18-24 to follow on her weight loss journey.

There were tons of different listings, but something in my gut told me to respond. I wrote an e-mail and poured my heart out not expecting a reply, but ended up getting one within 15 minutes. I made a casting tape and it’s been a whirlwind adventure ever since.

Yve: For people who may not know who you are, what would be your elevator spill to them? 30 seconds!

Chelsea: I’m the average small town girl. Sweet, humble, and a little naive at times; but overall a genuine, warm spirited person with drive and determination to achieve anything.

Yve: Your ultimate dream has been to succeed in the world of fashion via highly visible means (marketing, branding, public relations, etc.). Although you are well educated, well spoken, and professional, prior to the show, did you believe that something like weight or size discrimination would hold you back from achieving your goals even in 2011?

Chelsea: I truly didn’t have the confidence within myself to fully go after my dreams prior to moving to Los Angeles. I truly believe that size has nothing to do with your success in any industry, but it’s in the way that you package yourself. What are you selling? Well in fashion, you’re essentially selling style. It’s important to be original and possess a confidence or swag that sets you apart from others.

Without that, or better yet – without believing in yourself, why should others? I was lucky that on every interview, regardless of how it was played out, each employer was very encouraging and offered constructive criticism. I may not have been a particularly good fit for some of the positions, but once I stopped playing the victim, it was clear to me that those were business decisions and had nothing to do with my size; but rather a lack of confidence, experience, and belief in my abilities.

Read Chelsea’s entire interview in the January 2012 issue of PLUS Model Magazine.

On the next PLUS Model Radio

Natalie Monet, Editorial Assistant — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:16:51 +0000

Chenese interviews MAC Cosmetics “Make Me Over” winner Shirley Daley. Camille Newman, founder of Pop Up Plus, a mobile plus size clothing store, talks about Fashion Night Out- Plus. Also, TLC’s “Big Sexy” Nikki Gomez talks about her new reality show premiering Aug. 30th!

Meet Marvin Joseph and Rhonda Mays Celebrity Photographer and MUA from Australia

Natalie Monet, Editorial Assistant — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:36:15 +0000

Recently, we had the honor and privilege to interview Marvin Joseph and his lovely wife Rhonda Mays. Marvin is a photographer and his wife is a Make-Up Artist. You may have seen the AWESOME ad campaign for Australia’s Embody Denim clothing line for plus-size women. Well, these two are the team behind those ads and so much more! Now, they have brought their remarkable talents to the U.S. … more specifically…New York City! Read on to learn more about this amazingly talented husband and wife team.

NY: Hello Marvin! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with PLUS Model Magazine. And congrats on coming to New York! Is this a permanent, or a temporary business move?

MJ: Well my trip is purely for spreading the word about Marvin Joseph. Although Sydney catered to the start of my passion, I need more of a creative outlet…a place where I can take more creative risks. I gauged it last year by coming to NYC for 3 ½ months and I knew had to come back then! It was like NYC was waiting for me.

NY: How long have you been a photographer?

MJ: I picked up a camera in 1999 and then it just started from there. I started to ask beautiful women in the streets if I could take their pics and I loved fashion so I went from there.

NY: I absolutely LOVE the denim campaign for Embody Denim. How was your experience working with Plus Models on that beautiful campaign? Also, what inspired you to take on this project?

MJ: I have been working with Natalie Wakeling exclusively for many years now. In fact, no one else shoots her campaigns but MJ (Laughs). Working with her is always a treat because she just lets me loose. I love working with plus size models because it’s simple…these girls are as real as it gets! In fact it’s so real, we have candy and chicken for our lunch breaks.

NY: (Laughs) I’m sure you’d never find those items on straight model sets! Are Plus Models pretty well received in Australia?

MJ: There are only 2 major Plus Size models agencies in Australia. This says it all. The population is just too small, and Australia is very conservative in their creativity as well.

NY: Besides Embody Denim, what are some of your favorites projects that you’ve worked on thus far?

MJ: Well, I use to focus plenty on fashion, so I worked with Sydney Fashion designers, and appeared on a feature of Australia’s Next Top Model, but these days I love working with music artists! I can take more risks creatively. Recently, I finished an album shoot for the POT BELLEEZ and ZOE Badwi, both are well-known artists in Sydney.

NY: Nice! If you could work on ANY print campaign of your choosing, who would you work with, and why?

MJ: Well, I would like to work on the covers for Plus Model Magazine of course…and perhaps VIBE, V, Harpers, and Playboy. I like all these guys, because I share the same groove as what they put out in the market. I’m all about edginess, reality, and sexiness. I think my work exemplifies that.

For more on Martin and Rhonda go to PLUS Model Magazine .

Shanda Says “A Letter To You!”

Natalie Monet, Editorial Assistant — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:33:30 +0000

Empowerment Editor! I love this title. It comes with great responsibility and respect. I reflect on how I have arrived at this point in my life.

Empowering others? I am the middle child out of five siblings and being the middle child, you learn to concede and compromise at an early age. I definitely believe it has contributed to my great patience and the ability to see and understand both sides of a situation. I find myself constantly living in the gray area. It keeps me neutral and my eyes open to all possibilities.

I was blessed to grow up in a tight-knit family. My siblings and I fight hard, but we love harder. My parents instilled a strong sense of family, respect, and humility within our family. It has helped me remain grounded my whole life.

In having a career in giving advice or empowering others, I am often asked how I am able to do so. I initially felt that it is innate, but I now know this is only fifty percent true. Looking back as a child, I can remember my mother being an excellent listener. She had the ability to give advice to her friends and family while reserving the judgment. My mother was also a confidante. She knew how to keep a secret and taught me very early that the best gift you can give another person is confidentiality, comfort, and understanding. There is always a story behind someone’s negative behavior or choices. She taught me to reserve judgment, but to offer others opportunities to see themselves in a positive and productive light. Everyone wants to feel legitimate; that they matter. I am forever grateful to my mother’s influence on my life. It has brought me here to this place with you!

In giving advice you want to be in a position of trust. It is important to me that you, my readers, are not only engaged in content, but trust that what I have to share means something to you. My life experiences have brought me to this place. That is the beauty of maturity. For every negative experience I have lived through, I am able to give advice on how to regain strength and positivity to move forward.

I hope to give you all a new perspective, outlook and understanding. I anticipate hearing all your questions, comments, and suggestions! Please email me at shandasays1@gmail.com. Until then, walk with your head high and your heart and mind open!!

Shanda

For more on Shanda check out PLUS Model Magazine.

Our Interview With Cover Model, Emma Meyer

Natalie Monet, Editorial Assistant — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:18:06 +0000

Emma Meyer came into our lives as a Torrid model search finalist almost two years ago. Opening up herself to the possibility that she could be a working model, she dove into the modeling industry and has been fortunate to have the doors opened for her. Working with both Ford and Images NYC, she’s booked clients such as Old Navy, MXM and JC Pennys and now graces the cover of PLUS Model Magazine. Is the industry changing, has she been told to lose weight? Find out in this very open and honest interview with our cover model Emma.

Maddy: How did you get started in your modeling career?

Emma: I had a friend that did some head shots for me, and when I read about the Torrid model search I sent the head shots in and was one of the finalists. After the search I got in contact with Luke (lucaspictures.net) and I came to NY to test with him and ended up working for PLUS Model Magazine. Shortly after that I sent my pictures to Ford Models in Chicago and I was signed.

Maddy: Your life has been sort of a whirlwind for the past two years with being signed and booking jobs fairly quickly. Is it all as it you thought it would be?

Emma: One of the things I learned very early on was that not everything is what it seems, so I’m very grateful to have met some great people in the industry.

Maddy: You’ve been in NYC for the summer and your newly signed with Images NYC, can you tell us a little about leaving home and your experience so far.

Emma: Being here has been great; I’ve been having a great time as a model and becoming familiar with people here. I met plus size model Tiffany Bank and aside from you, she is someone that has a lot of passion for size equality in this industry. It’s been wonderful to be acquainted with someone that is a consumer of plus size fashion and listen to how models affect her buying process.

Maddy: For a lot of aspiring models it’s very difficult to become fluid in front of the camera, and you have been one of those models that seemed to blossom in a short amount of time. Can you share some posing techniques or studying preferences?

Emma: I try to spend time in front of the mirror every day, looking at my angles and figuring out new poses so I can keep things fresh. The first test I did after being signed I bought every single magazine I could get my hands on and I treated myself as a model and not just as a plus size model. I think studying plus size models is great but in order to develop other styles I think studying all models is most beneficial.

Maddy: You’re a signed size 16 model, when did you realize the “size issue” in the plus size modeling industry?

Emma: I’ve been very fortunate with FORD Chicago, they told me from the very beginning not to change anything about the way that I was. Now being signed with Images NYC, I’ve received the same support as well from Susan Georget. I think things are slowly changing, I’ve been told not to lose weight or I will not be booked so it’s been a pretty awesome feeling.

For more of Emma’s interview read the August issue of PLUS Model Magazine.

AboutCurves.com Promotes Size-Acceptance & Self-Esteem Through A Blogging Charity Campaign

Natalie Monet, Editorial Assistant — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:19:50 +0000

Online retailer AboutCurves.com plus size lingerie announces the launch of the first annual size-acceptance and self-esteem blogging charity campaign, Lingerie Loves Your Curves. For two weeks, August 8th – 21st, participants from around the globe will blog about topics in size-acceptance in an effort to combat industries that make money from women’s lack of self-esteem.

Plus-size lingerie retailer About Curves is coordinating the blogging efforts. “We’re hoping to get a lot of support and to help bring more awareness to these issues,” says KC Culver, co-founder of AboutCurves.com. “We’d love to do this again every year.”

In addition to blogging, About Curves is also helping to promote the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA). Since 1969, the NAAFA has been dedicated to ending size-discrimination in all of its forms. The non-profit’s goal is to help build a society in which people of every size are accepted with dignity and equality. The About Curves blogging charity campaign helps shed light on these issues by providing an opportunity for individuals to share their own experiences and suggestions.

Blogging participants that raise the most money through their blogging efforts have the chance to win a $200 gift certificate to spend on the AboutCurves.com website. “All women deserve to celebrate their curves, no matter what size they are. The media shouldn’t be a reason as to why you don’t feel comfortable with your body,” continues KC. “It’s as if people are oblivious to these messages. I want every blog, website, and Facebook page to be bombarded with messages of size-acceptance.”

People may get involved by, (1) promoting the event on their website, (2) donating to the cause, (3) participating in the event, and (4) spreading the word via social media.

To find more information about this event, go to http://www.aboutcurves.com/charity.

About AboutCurves.com
About Curves was started in 2001 by mother-daughter team Robin Bryan-Culver and KC Culver, who were frustrated by the lack of options available to women who do not fit the “model mold.” Their mission is to provide women with the ability to feel sexy and encourage women of all shapes and sizes to celebrate their curves.

Every product offered by About Curves is personally approved by a team of discerning shoppers and modeled by plus size women in About Curves’ very own photo shoots. About Curves owners pride themselves on their insistence that women should not be made to squeeze their bodies into outfits that are uncomfortable, disrespectful, or poorly made, as is often the case across the apparel and lingerie industry.