by Maddy Figueroa-Jones

Fluvia Lacerda came on the modeling scene a little over five years ago. Contrary to popular belief the industry did not immediately open its arms to her... her "exotic" look deterred some clients from giving her a chance. Through perseverance and determination Fluvia has proven herself to be one of today's most known faces among the plus modeling industry. Since our first cover she has been seen modeling for Fashion Bug, Catherines has been on numerous television shows and most recently conquered her own country of Brazil by posing for an editorial in a national magazine due to come out later on this year.

[Maddy] How long have you been modeling and how did you become interested in the plus modeling industry?

[Fluvia] I started modeling about 5 years ago. I was not aware of plus size modeling until an editor from MODE Magazine came up to me in the city one day and said that I should look into plus size modeling.

[Maddy] What steps did you take to work on your modeling skills and your portfolio?

[Fluvia] I believe "testing" is the most important thing you can do as an aspiring model. But more important than that is knowing your body and what poses and angles work best when you're shooting.

[Maddy] Most aspiring models think that obtaining an agency is always fast and easy. How long did it take you to obtain adequate representation across the US?

[Fluvia] I believe a couple of months after my first test I was signed but I continued visiting other agencies in order to be represented across the US.

[Maddy] What was your first modeling job and what did you learn from the experience?

[Fluvia] I believe it was a shoot for a line called Bacca. I remember it being so hectic for me, so many people running around doing make up, hair, taking care of lighting. I had a lot of fun and it gave me a bit of understanding of what a set and the environment of shoot was all about.