BET – Rip The Runway has been one of the most exciting events to air in the past few years by incorporating music and fashion. Along with some of today's hottest names such as Applebottoms they have featured plus size designers and models on the runway. In addition to Rip the Runway – they added a model search this year hosted by Tocarra Jones. Four models were hand-picked from thousands of hopefuls. The viewers had an opportunity to know a little more about their lives and model history. Christina Mendez was the plus size model chosen to share her story and to walk along with other well known names such as Mia Amber Davis and The Original Runway Diva - Sharon Quinn.

Christina Mendez has been hitting the pavement since she first entered the modeling scene. It was clear she was a woman on a mission and looking to reach her goals. I was happy to have a few words with Christina about her amazing experience on BET's Rip The Runway and her future goals.

[Maddy] How exciting was it for you to be chosen as the representative plus size model for BET's Rip the Runway Model Search?

[Christina] I was extremely excited to represent plus size models!  I was honored that they decided to feature a "newbie" in a competitive business filled with many established and accomplished "veterans". There are many new plus models with talent, character, and humility that are eager to make their modeling dreams come true. Hopefully my story will demonstrate that you can reach your goals with determination and perseverance through difficult times.
 
[Maddy] Were you nervous about your makeover?
 
[Christina] I was not nervous about my makeover, I needed and wanted a change and was grateful that I was going to receive superstar treatment by top notch professionals in the industry.
 
[Maddy] Did you feel confident in your walk?
 
[Christina] Yes I felt great that evening and with God on my side I always feel confident.  In addition I shared the stage with folks such as Sharon Quinn and Mia Amber which was a great honor and confidence builder.
 
[Maddy] Tell me about the clothing that you wore for the show?
 
[Christina] I wore a gorgeous dress by Qristyl Frazier Designs. The dress is part of her Plus Sexy collection. The fit was spectacular and made me feel very sexy. You can view and/or purchase the dress on www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com
 
[Maddy] What does walking for Rip the Runway mean to you?
 
[Christina] We are all put in this world to give back and share our fruits and I am happy to share them with anyone I come in contact with whether it's in person, or via other forms of communication including a show like this one. Rip the Runway means a lot to me but the ability to share my story was truly amazing. Not only was it a professional goal that was successfully achieved,  but also a rewarding opportunity to serve as an example to those who have dreams but are afraid to follow them.

The Model Search show overall gives hope to people with adversity to go after their dreams. It also gave me an opportunity to create positive awareness for parents with children with a disability. We all need to see or surround ourselves with people who give us conscious and unconscious examples that where we want to go does in fact exist and I am so thankful for this opportunity. So dare to dream a little bigger. Let's get' em ladies!
 
[Maddy] What is next for Christina?
 
[Christina] God's blessings and kindness chases me everywhere I go so what's next for me....

Watch BET's Rip The Runway on March 4th – check your local listings for time.


[Maddy] And for more about Christina, visit www.christinamendez.com