Mia Amber: I've been a fan of Maiysha for a very long time and I also have a few friends who are trying to make it in the music industry which is notoriously unforgiving when it comes to weight; for some reason they care about what size you wear more than the number of octaves in your range.

Suzette: I completely agree, we see that time and time again.

Mia Amber: I'm not sure if the industry is skewing smaller and smaller in terms of modeling.  There are a few size 8's on many plus boards but size 12/14 has been the most coveted size for several seasons and I don't see that losing steam.

Suzette: I know you will be participating in Full Figure Fashion Week this month, what came to your mind when you first heard about it?

Mia Amber: Woo hoo! It's about time! I am very happy to see someone take initiative and do it.  If anyone can pull this off, it is Gwen Devoe.

Suzette: How did you meet Gwen?  Was it at the Plus Academy or did you work with her on previous productions?

Mia Amber: I was doing some research and saw her information in a magazine. I called her, we met and she put me one of her shows that was happening a couple of weeks later. From that point on I was thrown into rehearsals where I learned how to walk, pack a model bag, etc. I was never a student of the Plus Academy but I have seen her do great work with her students.

Suzette: What does Full Figure Fashion Week mean to the full figure community as a whole? The models, designers, etc

Mia Amber: As a model it puts the spotlight on us as a part of the fashion community that is often overlooked or dissociated with fashion. I'm also happy that the dedicated and talented designers who make plus size fashions a part of their collections when it is not the most popular thing to do will get the recognition they so rightly deserve.

Suzette: Besides walking the runway at FFFWeek, where will we see Mia Amber next?

Mia Amber: Please look out for me on the Bravo's new hit series, "The Fashion Show" starring Kelly Rowland and Isaac Mizrahi.   I will also be launching my website this summer and I look forward to hearing from all of the PMM readers.

Suzette: That is GREAT news Mia!  We'll all tune in to Bravo's new show and 'watch what happens'.   Speaking of the PMM readers, I'm sure aspiring models are asking you for advice all of the time, what is something they can learn from you right now that will help them reach their goals?

Mia Amber: Please visit me on myspace at: www.myspace.com/Mia_Amber and read my blog on getting started as a plus model. My #1 tip is to do your homework, learn what the industry expects from you and where you fit into the industry.

If you're interested in working with me as a style consultant for an upcoming shoot please reach out to me on Model Mayhem at Mia Amber Style.


Image: Mia Amber Styling for Plus Model Christy McNeal