by
Maddy Figueroa-Jones
Dolores stepped into the modeling scene in 2001. Fresh faced and a
complete novice to the industry this young lady was out to try
something new. Now a few years later she has experienced and learned
many things, but most of all she re-invented herself and embraced a new
passion. Dlo, as she is known in the industry, is now more than just a
"pretty face" she is a photographer on the rise. It is a pleasure to
introduce this creative and beautiful soul.
[Maddy] Growing up did you have body issues?
[Dlo] I did and I didn't. My extended family always had
critical things to say about why my family was fat, since my cousins
for the most part were lean and tall. I heard these negative
messages over-and-over, but did not allow it to break my spirit.
As a child, I was skinny. Then came the 'tween years' where I started
to gain weight. During this time I went from being overweight -- to
smaller -- to very large -- but always with a "pretty face" -- Ha!
I ran the size gamut until college when I developed major body
issues. I had a pretty bad eating disorder in my first year and
lost quite a bit of weight (and hair, but that's what happens when you
deprive your body). I gained it back briefly my senior year, and
finally with the model industry as a guide for me I actually 'checked
myself' and started working towards getting a body that was good for
plus modeling instead of mindlessly trying to shed pounds any way I
could.
I still go up and down depending on what's going on in my life, but I
am in control and comfortable with it. And I know how to handle
it, when I need to make changes. At this point in my life, I love
and embrace my body at any size.
[Maddy] Why did you want to pursue modeling?
[Dlo] The first time I saw a plus model was in Mode Magazine and I was
inspired by the images I saw. When I came to NY after college, I
got a lot of encouragement from models that were already in the
industry, both straight size and plus, to pursue plus modeling.
My first agency interview actually came from a girl who saw my pictures
online and took them to her agent. They called me to make an
appointment and I'd never even known I was submitted!
Photographer: Les Delano
