by Editor Madeline Figueroa-Jones

Plus model Elizabeth Seifu is one of those "newbies" who flourished right before my very eyes. I remember meeting her years ago at a Monif C. show and later as a student in my posing class. After hard work and dedication "Elsabet", as she is affectionately known by her friends, has found success as a model.

[Maddy] Thank you for taking time out to allow us to interview you. When Mia and I were discussing which models we would use for the denim editorial she referred to you as "ambiguous", in reference to your look.  Where are you from and how does your culture generally embrace the female form?

[Elizabeth] I was born here in the States but my mother is from Puerto Rico and my father is from Ethiopia. Generally, both of my cultures do embrace a curvy figure. As of late, I've noticed a change and it bothers me. During my last trip to Ethiopia, one of my little cousins was very conscious of her curvy figure and wanted to lose weight at a size 6 for a fashion show. The organizers told her she was overweight. Everyone seems to want to look like a "model" not realizing these ladies, while gorgeous, are a size 4 or smaller and over 5'9. Most of our women are far shorter and fuller. I love Ethiopia and do not want to see it embrace the measurement requirements of the fashion industry as a general standard of beauty and suffer the consequences.
 
[Maddy] Living in a society where voluptuous curves are not embraced and the diet industry seems to thrive year-after-year, how do you maintain your positive body image?

[Elizabeth] As a model, you are constantly told you're either too big or small; it's not easy to hear. I know I'm sexy and beautiful in my own way but it's only in recent years that I've been able to come to terms with my body and accept myself the way I am. My body image is easier to maintain when I focus on the positive. Believe me, even women who wear a size 2 have issues with this! I do this by wearing flattering clothing and it makes me feel good about myself. It also helps that the women in my family stick together. My mother and sister always told me I was beautiful and smart. They didn't lie to me... I was a big girl and they didn't make it seem like it is a terrible thing. I also keep active and few years ago I trained and completed a sprint triathlon.