Allison McGevna, New York, NY

Height: 5'8, Size:  16

The journey from last January to this point today has been nothing short of a whirlwind.

When I began this journey, I can remember not having any clue about how to introduce myself to the right people and thinking I knew the steps that I had to take. Looking back now, I  realize I knew nothing about what my "book" should look like, what kinds of poses and angles were my best, what to carry in a model bag or even how to go about marketing myself properly so that I would be seen in the best light.

I often joke with Mia and Maddy about how in the beginning, I just wanted to maybe get to meet them, so, to have the opportunity to actually be coached by them is unbelievable.

When I began communicating with Mia and Maddy, I learned some of the most critical parts of the industry, like what my book should look like, how to actually take a picture with every single part of my body from my eyes to my fingers, what should go in my model bag, what to wear to a casting etc. Those were the fundamentals that helped me to build up my professional credentials. To this day, it's truly an honor to consider them my friends.

When I began my career, I was working as a Fit Model for labels such as Baby Phat, Roca Wear, Dereon and Apple Bottoms but this year, some of my professional highlights have landed me in front of the camera, some of which include:

Cover of Stiletto Woman Magazine (Spring 2010)

Good Day NY (May 2010)

Full Figured Fashion Week (June 2010)

Cover of Venus Diva Magazine (July 2010)

Madison Plus Fresh Face (August 2010)

Fennimas Jewelry (September 2010)

Lotis Clothing (September 2010)

All You Magazine (September 2010)

Monif C. (October 2010)

and most recently a beauty editorial for PLUS Model Magazine (January 2011)

I have had the pleasure of walking the runway for designers and retailers such as: IGIGI, Qristyl Frazier, Kiyonna, Just My Size, Pure Energy, LaMaica and Ashley Stewart. I also had an absolute blast walking for then MTV TJ Candidate and now MTV TJ Gabi Gregg in her final challenge on NY's famed Brooklyn Bridge in August. It was great to come together for Gabi and then to watch her take home the title.

One of the most remarkable parts of my journey has been the people I have encountered. I have gained new friends in this short amount of time that I feel will be in my life forever. From fellow models, designers and photographers, the plus modeling industry is overall a very supportive, positive place to work.

The other models I worked with on this project, Teslyn and Stacey have become two of my closest friends, with whom I talk about my personal life beyond just my work as a model. There have been nights I have called them in tears, times I have been ready to give up and times I have been so excited and proud of myself and they have been there for me through it all.