by Maddy Figueroa-Jones

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is being able to meet aspiring models and watch them grow in the industry. Together with my husband, we shoot many aspiring plus size models. I pay close attention to the aspiring models especially when they are shooting for the very first time.  

I can remember my first shoot and not knowing what a models bag was, the proper shoes to bring, under garments and how to choose the right clothing combinations. By providing as much information as possible I believe that an aspiring models first shoot can be a successful one.

Keeping this in mind I decided to document our experience with an aspiring model in order to share her experience. For those just getting started in the industry, this interview may remove some of the anxiousness you might feel before your first shoot.

Our model was Shanta Washington from NY.

[Maddy] How long have you wanted to pursue a career in modeling?

[Shanta] I've been interested in modeling since I was a young teen.  However, it wasn't until I became a mature adult that I really started looking into it.  I decided two years ago to really pursue it.

[Maddy] Tell me about how you researched the industry.

[Shanta] I'm an internet junkie!  I have always looked up plus size modeling on various search engines, but I was discouraged by what I would find.  As far as I could tell, there was no place for me.  I'm not 6 feet tall, so in my mind this meant that I could never make it.  However, one day on one of my public pages, I joined a group that focused on plus size modeling.  I came across the profile of a young lady who struck me as amazing.  The connection that I felt was that she too was not 6 feet tall woman, but she was a working model and quite successful I must add.  I sent her a message asking about her start at which time she directed me to www.plus-size-modeling-guide.com (information now housed at VenusDivaMagazine.com)