by Editor Madeline Figueroa-Jones

Sometimes as I peruse the boards at the modeling agencies, after a while all the faces begin to blur. I am very specific about the models I choose for each monthly issue, so needless to say, this is always a challenging task. Brittany stood out for various reasons. Her piercing blue eyes and dark hair aside, I admired the roundness of her cheeks, her innate sexiness, and the comfort she portrayed in all her shots. Not only did I believe she was capable of bringing a certain intensity to the set, I trusted this would be something she would enjoy. After the shoot, the L.A. Crew happily confirmed that Brittany fit the concept like a "glove".

Upon meeting Brittany at Love Your Body Day in CA, I was amazed at her natural beauty and humble spirit. Here's a little more about Plus Model Brittany.

[Maddy] Plus size models were once again brought to the spotlight by Glamour's "belly" picture. How did you feel about Glamour Magazine's promise to use plus size models more often?

[Brittany Elizabeth] I think it's about time! I believe the industry has finally taken notice of its consumers. This all happened because we used our voice and spoke out to what we found beautiful. What we find is that beauty is a healthy, RELATIBLE woman who is confident in herself and her body. I think the more we utilize our voice and applaud what we find appealing, the more we will see ourselves represented in the pages.

[Maddy] Where were you born? Were you always a curvier girl growing up? How did you develop such good self-esteem?

[Brittany Elizabeth]  Well, I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA as the oldest of 6 children to two wonderful parents. I now have a daughter of my own who is the most amazing person in the world and challenges me everyday to be the best I can.

I was always very athletic growing up. I played sports and performed with a dance group. I was a bit of a late bloomer, and didn't develop my curves until high school, but when I did, I was 5'10 with a C cup and hips to match. I was never even close to overweight, but an adult early in life told me I was. So needless to say I had a very deceptive perception of my body and thought I was fat. I developed an eating disorder and have struggled with that my entire life. It's something that is never totally gone, but I've realized just how beautiful and truly awesome I am! I love that I have curves and enjoy my "softness" (As does my boyfriend, ha ha). I am 5'11" and would need to remove limbs to ever fit the standard of a straight size model. I think the struggles I have endured have shaped the amazing woman I am becoming, and I can't wait to see what's next. I truly can accomplish anything, and I don't need a size four on my jeans to do so.