by Maddy Jones

She was the Face of Full Figured Fashion Week and has become a household name within the plus community. I'm speaking about the newest Latina sensation, Rosie Mercado. She is sweet, talented and very passionate about being a positive role model to women of all ages. This month we bring you face to face with Rosie.

Maddy: Where are you originally from? I think there's been a debate between the Hispanics about where your Hispanic roots come from.

Rosie: I can say I am proud to be Latina. My parents are from Mexico and I was born In California moved to Las Vegas when I was about 8. My family is very traditional with our roots and I love it!

Maddy: You're a wonderful makeup artist. How did you begin your career? 

Rosie: I started in High School doing make up for proms and all the dances.  As you can imagine I never really went to any but I did go to beauty school and of course I had Carlos De Paris a wonderful make up artist who taught me so much about beauty; may he rest in peace. He was so genuine he was my mentor. He taught me make up artistry and what really matters. I also took classes with celebrity make up artist Debrah Macki and she taught me a lot but I must say practice makes perfect.

I've had the honor of working with Telemundo actresses for soap operas, which you know if your Latino a lot of your family grows up watching theses celebrity actresses. Makeup is a art and every person is a masterpiece. Beauty is everywhere if you just open your eyes and appreciate what you have.

Maddy: Being a makeup artist is very competitive, what set's you apart?

Rosie: I think it's my passion and I like to listen to what the person really wants. I think for me, rather than doing a look that is trendy, I also like to really get to know the people that are in my chair. I see it as an opportunity to help empower them to appreciate their own beauty. I'm about helping women realize their own true beauty and uniqueness.

Maddy: Tell me about modeling. Were you just modeling for your site or were you pursuing a modeling career?

Rosie: My passion for modeling came thru the Runway model contest for Miss Plus America. I got on that runway and I felt so good; I felt a great achievement. I did model for my website but it was that moment in time, on stage, that really opened my eyes and I found another passion of mine. Its not about being seen its about feeling empowered and motivated to accomplish anything. It help me break through some serious insecurities and I've learned to love myself and feell comfortable in my own skin.

Maddy: How different was it to step in front of the camera as opposed to being the makeup artist for a model?

Rosie: As a make up artist I'm pretty demanding. Lol To be in front of a camera is to capture your essence at that very moment. I want the right story of who I am to be seen and told. I'm a size 26-28, here I am and I feel beautiful.

Maddy: You won the title of "Face of Full Figured Fashion Week". Tell me about this and how the title has already changed your life.

Rosie: It's an opportunity that Ms. DeVoe has given me through her journey and God is going to bless her for that. During Full Figured Fashion Week I was promoted and celebrated, not looked upon or frowned at because of my size. It opened the doors not only for me, but for the girls who participated in the show. I don't use my size as an obstacle to hold me from achieving my goals. Like I said at the event, it's an opportunity and a door that has been opened to accomplish what a lot of people see as impossible. I'm breaking the mold since I'm not a size 10-12 or 14-16 model; bringing unity and causing change are my goals. I want to leave a legacy behind, this is my mission. I'm so passionate about this, especially after the panel discussions during FFF Week. Ms DeVoe and the sponsors a creating this revolution where plus size women have a voice and above all, a great opportunity to grow, live, love and prosper.