How many years have you been modeling in the plus size community? I have been modeling for about 3 ½ years now.

What sparked your interest in Plus Size Modeling? My husband and I have an entertainment company and we started an all female promotions team to help promote our events and to give local models some exposure and training. Originally I was just participating in the photo shoots. I was getting so many compliments on how I was holding my own next to the skinny models. So I started doing research on plus modeling, and just kept doing photo shoots and started doing fashion shows.

You have submitted several photos to our contest, what made you give the contest a chance? I have been going back and forth on pursuing modeling or being behind the scenes. (I’m also a fashion show coordinator and a wardrobe stylist). I’ve just decided that I want to do it ALL!

Do you consider yourself and activist in the plus size community or just a model? I’m most definitely an activist in the plus size community.

How do you activate for the plus size community? . I am the National Model Director Project Curve Appeal. We are an organization/sisterhood that was designed to empower and uplift the plus size women. We want women to see our spokes models, and know that they are and can be beautiful no matter what size they are.

What were the highlights of your modeling career for 2010? My highlights of my modeling career for 2010, would be my involvement in Project Curve Appeal. I’ve been with the organization since May 2009 and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

What's next for you in 2011? 2011 is going to be a GREAT year for me. I have been asked to coordinate a fashion show in Denver, I’ll be recruiting and training other spokes models around the country for Project Curve Appeal. My styling business is growing quickly. I’ll be partnering with some other like-minded women in the industry on some projects in Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas. I will continue mentoring young girls through Mocha Sisters Organization in which I’m the National Director of Training & Development. And first and foremost, I’ll continue to be a loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend.

What advice would you give to other plus size models? I would advise other models to do their RESEARCH when getting into this industry. Get as much experience as they can, and ask questions. Anything in the wonderful world of entertainment is a difficult industry. If you can’t take criticism, this industry isn’t for you. You have to have tough skin, and be confident in who you are, especially as a plus model.

Who was the photographer of your winning photo? Darryl Lovett- 2Smiles Photography