It was a pleasure to interview model Martina Boyd who has a strong drive for modeling. She is also staying busy being a model for Plus Size In The City. Here's Martina's interview.

​Jchell: Where are you from?
Martina: From Youngstown, Ohio Born and raised.

Jchell: Where did you go to high school/college?
Martina: I went to Wilson Memorial/graduated from Campbell Memorial.

Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
Martina: Acting, Massotherapy, singing, giving back to my community, and helping the homeless in surrounding area.

Jchell: How long have you been modeling?
Martina: Coming up on 2 years.

Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
Martina: Lol. When I first started this time it was like I'm all in. I had the opportunity to model when I was 18 years old, but gave up on it to continue life as I thought I had to. But meeting my current husband, he definitely gave me that push to get back into my dreams of modeling, acting, and singing.

Jchell: Besides modeling, what other activities do you partake in?
Martina: When I'm not modeling, I'm speaking to women and young girls about self love, the power they hold over themselves with positive thinking and how they can always find ways to feel and #BEBEAUTIFUL.

Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen: How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Martina: For me, I was never a person to wear makeup.. As a matter of fact, when I started out modeling I think that my manager was close to flying here and tying me down and putting makeup on me. So when I'm not in a shoot or event I keep it basic. A little gloss here and there, and I'm always applying cocoa butter. Although my hair has to be done and brows together always. That's about the extent, I know, I know basic in deed, but factory work as my full time job keeps me basic.

Jchell: What are your favorite fashion trends you love?
Martina: Definitely in love with my ever so cute maxi dresses. But can't get away from the hourglass dresses at most times.

Jchell: Every girl has a special "can't live without this" in her closet, what's yours?
Martina: A Jacket or two. The has the right fit, and hits at the right place....love love love it.

Jchell: Who's your favorite photographer(s)?
Martina: Ahhhhhhhh.....my goodness I have so many. As I am always traveling to different cities to get a different look in my photo shoots. It's so hard to pick. I have such a great chemistry with all my photographers.

Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Martina: Never compromise in your comfortability when it comes to what you do. If your not really feeling it it will definitely show on your face. Always believe in who you are. Never need the approval of someone else, as much as the world makes it a competition... Remember.. what's for you will be yours and always, above everything else.
#BEBEAUTIFUL

You can connect with Martina Boyd on the following social media outlets:
Facebook: Plus Model Martina Knight Boyd
Instagram: Plus Model Martina Knight Boyd
Twitter: @thenextoneup


Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist​

​

When shopping for a shirt think of what you already have in your closet. Chances are the shirt you purchased can be worn several ways & help keep you from spending those extra dollars!



​Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist

Who says you can't wear a party skirt during the day? Dress it down with a cute crop jacket or shrug & a plain t-shirt. Pair the skirt with a basic strap heel or even sneakers, like Chucks, Keds or Vans.


​Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist

I had the privilege to interview Chay Crews an up and coming plus size model. Chay has been busy being a promo model as well as building her brand. She's definitely talented and will be a great asset for the modeling world. Here's her interview.

Jchell: Where are you from?
Chay: I'm from Gadsden, Alabama

Jchell: Where did you go to high school/college?
Chay: I attended Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn.

Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
Chay: Besides modeling I'm an artist making a name for myself. I'm a singer-songwriter for D-4 Enertainment I rap also. I love the stage I'm very comfortable whenever I'm performing.

Jchell: How long have you been modeling?
Chay: I've been modeling for 3 years now mostly glam shots but I'm hoping I can expand to runway which is very rewarding to me. I recently became a model for Urban Thick a online consignment store. Ms. Dina is the owner and she took a chance on me and it has been great modeling for her company.

Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
Chay: Believe it or not I wasn't trying to model. People would always ask me when they see me if I modeled? I would quickly answer no because I didn't want it taking away my ability as an artist. As time went on I realize that modeling and music goes hand and hand and now I embrace all that it offers.

Jchell: Have you been published in any magazines?
Chay: Yes, I have actually. All have been online magazines companies. I've been in G Magazine, Billionaire Boyz Magazine, Whose Got Next Magazine, Queen Hype Magazine, Queen of the Curves Magazine and I've just been selected to be in Mic Magazine.

Jchell: Besides modeling, have you done any acting?
Chay: Yes, I have. I've writen 8 plays on my own and I've been in quite a few stage plays. I was recently casted in a Movie from Columbia Motion Pictures entitled Destined 4 Greatness which will be filming this spring. I'm very bless to be chosen for this project!

Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen: How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Chay: I'm very old fashion...lol I stopped using perms and now I get my hair pressed. Being on stage alot performing and sweating it does something drastic to my hair so now I get a hot oil treatment that feeds my hair the nutritions it needs. I get my hair braided a lot because I do wear wigs or sew ins whenever I'm traveling. Worrying about my hair is the last thing I want to deal with. When it comes to my skin I haven't found anything better then water. During a photoshoot or video shoot I make sure I take the make up right off with simple hot water and I moisturize at night and in the morning.

Jchell: What are your favorite fashion trends you love?
Chay: Some of mine is anything black! My stylist is going to kill me...lol she's trying to get me away from that but I can't help it. The rebel look in a new form of modeling. It stands out to me and it draws me in. I'm such a happy person, so you wouldn't think black would be in considering it's known as the dark look but it works for me. Me and black rock out together!

Jchell: Every girl has a special “can't live without this” in her closet, what's yours?
Chay: I really don't have that, crazy I know. I've never been girly girly, so I pretty much go by day today. Whatever I see I grab it and go. It's not that serious to me.

Jchell: Who is your favorite photographer(s)?
Chay: Wow! I've never been asked that which is refreshing. I've had many photoshoots over the years but If I have to say Focused Photography right here out of Gadsden, Alabama. Emma Hazelwood is the owner and I must say her techique is one of a kind. She made me go through hell and back for some incredible shots! She has a great great eye and that's what I love. She tells you the truth and you get nothing but quality shots! I'm working with a few more photographers now and each one is different and unique in their own way.

Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Chay: If you can accept being plus size then do so. People use to ask me how is it ok to tell someone you are a plus size model? Easy, once you recognize that you are plus size own it and embrace it. How can you get the world to see your confidence if you haven't excepted yourself? Love who you are as hard as you can! Once you realize that you will see this whole time your worse enemy was you!

Jchell: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Chay: Yes, I'm working on my own clothing line Bama Breed. I was hoping to have it by this summer but it doesn't look that way. Everything comes in due time and this will too. Have faith, work hard, stay humble and most of all always pray! Know that God is forever good!

You can connect with Chay on the following social media outlets:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chastity.crewscrook
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chaycrews
Twitter: twitter.com/chaycrews

Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist

I had the privilege to interview model Sheryl Costlow. We both had the opportunity to be in Gray Mode Images The Magazine Curves Vol. 1. their curvy debut issue. After concluding her interview, Sheryl is definitely a "go-getter" and I see her going far in her modeling career. Here's her interview.

Jchell: Where are you from?
Sheryl: I am from Miami Florida but currently reside in Baytown Texas. 

Jchell: Where did you go to high school/college?
Sheryl: I went to Ross S Sterling High school in Baytown , Texas. 

Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
Sheryl: I have so many, life is beautiful and everyone should find something they love and do it. Traveling with my husband Justin and son Noah is my number one interest.

Jchell: How long have you been modeling?
Sheryl: I have been modeling for roughly 4 years, I stopped for awhile to pursue my nursing career but I am back at it and I am excited for each opportunity I am presented with. 

Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
Sheryl: I actually had a friend talk me into "trying out". I didn't think I would even get a call back but I went for it, and here I am now! 

Jchell: Have you been published in any magazines?
Sheryl: Yes. Gray Modes Imaging, Curves volume 1. and Cynical Magazine. 

Jchell: Besides modeling, have you done any acting?
Sheryl: In grade school I enjoyed drama and theater, I haven't done any acting as an adult but would love to give it a try. 

Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen: How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Sheryl: Drinking lots of water and staying away from fried foods really makes a difference for my skin. With my hair, I make sure to deep condition & try to not over style it due to heat damage. I have learned if I want color in my hair to leave it to the professionals! 

Jchell: What are your favorite fashion trends you love?
Sheryl: I don't overly follow trends, I kind of do my own thing. If I like it, I wear it. I do however try to stay in the season color schemes (bright colors for summer and spring, neutral ones for fall and winter). 

Jchell: Every girl has a special "can't live without this" in her closet, what's yours?
Sheryl: My cowgirl boots! All year round and with any outfit for me. 

Jchell: Who is your favorite photographer(s)?
Sheryl: I have a few I absolutely love and quite few I cannot wait to work with. My go to photographer that I use for my updated model body and headshots is Heather Michalsky Photography in Crosby Texas. She works very well with plus size models. I'll have a vision and she adds her touch and then magic happens. Her photos say it all! My other go to is AW Photography in Moss Hill Texas. She has this artsy flair, any time I need a nontraditional photo, she is my girl! 

Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Sheryl: The best advice I can give is the best advice that I have received myself. Which is, invest in yourself! In every way. If modeling is something you really want to persue, don't expect it to just happen, make it happen! 

Jchell: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sheryl: I just want to thank you Ms. Jchell Jones for this opportunity. I see all the work you do and it's just great. 

You can connect with Sheryl Costlow on the following social media outlets:

Facebook: Sheryl Costlow Plus Model 

https://www.facebook.com/sheryllynncostlow

Instagram: @modelsherylcostlow

https://www.instagram.com/modelsherylcostlow/

Twitter: @sherylcostlow

https://twitter.com/sherylcostlow


Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist

Spring is steadily approaching, actually spring begins March 19th, so we better get our wardrobe up to the current trends. I know Texas really did not have a winter and many of us Divas are ready for spring. The trends for plus size women spring 2016 is full of variety of interesting bright colors, original prints, animal prints and even Army fatigue.

Since participating in the Ashley Stewart #LoveYourCurvesTour Dallas Fashion Show I noticed the spring trends. The styles for spring will consist of pencil skirts, flared skirts, skirts that will hit the knee, all kinds of ladies jackets, shrugs to the waist and below, asymmetrical T-shirts/tops, hi-low tops, dusters, shorts, boyfriend jeans and jeans with holes, pants, maxi dresses and of course jumpsuits.

Also a noticeable trend are dresses that have a flow to them. Most of the dresses are lightweight (chiffon, satin). Most of them will come to your knee, ankle or hi-low and are dressy enough for going out. I guess I'll be bringing out my long chiffon dress, lol. I also noticed a wide variety of knee length dresses. Wearing knee length dresses will help to disguise figure flaws and even show obvious advantages. Just remember the chest area of the dress should be fitted to accentuate your forms. Last but not least is the tulle skirt which will be a trendy design for spring, just remember to wear your top tucked in or wear it with a crop top.

I would suggest hitting the trendy plus size stores (my favs, Torrid and Ashley Stewart) to see what other styles are in for spring 2016. I have also added a few photos from the Ashley Stewart #LoveYourCurvesTour Fashion Show to give you a visual of what the runway models wore. Hope my tips were helpful and let's be stylish for spring 2016!

Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist

I had the opportunity to interview model Nikki Wolfe. After conducting her interview, I discovered she is a very strong and beautiful woman who has endured obstacles to get to where she is now. Her interview is definitely a must read. 


Jchell: Where are you from?
Nikki: Born and raised in Jackson, MS.

Jchell: Where did you go to high school/college?
Nikki: I am a product of Wingfield High School. I attended Jackson State University prior to leaving for a Medical Assisting program at Antonelli College. I plan to return to JSU in the fall of 2016 to major in Journalism and minor in Mass Communications.

Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
Nikki: Some of my main interest are utilizing my past to be a motivation to others, mostly through poems and songs. I love to sing and I aspire to some day have my own label. I write poems,songs, and is even working on a book titled "My Testimony" that which I someday hope to make a series telling stories of different individuals and the test they endured to gain the testimony they now have. I love being the director of the Media team at my home church "The Gathering of Believers Church" here in Jackson, MS. Two of my main hobbies are posting in my Facebook Groups "Inspirations for Your Aspirations" and "It Takes A Citizen of Jackson to Change the City of Jackson". These two groups are tools I used to be a motivation to my community as well as individuals who may deal with some of the various hardships life sends us. Other than modeling, playing basketball, volunteering at various events in my community, loving cars, and spending time with family, I just like to have fun.

Jchell: How long have you been modeling?
Nikki: I have been modeling for about 3 years now.

Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
Nikki: It was quite interesting when I first started out because I did not think I would be as successful as I was. Being under the leadership of Funmi "Queen" Franklin and the coaching of Sham, it was hell but only because they wanted us to be the best. There were times where I honestly wanted to give up. Practicing for hours not being able to take off shoes, not being able to sit down until rehearsal was over, and learning to take constructive criticism and keeping a positive attitude, it made me not only the model I am today but it all helped me to love me and embrace my size. Coming from a person who was bullied due to her weight, allowed people to walk over her just to fit in, attempted to commit suicide several times because she always felt worthless, I have come a long way. The third time I tried to take my life in 2013, and it did not fall through I knew then God had a plan for me. All because the only boyfriend I have ever had to this day left me, the only person I felt really cared about my life, the only person i felt really loved me had abandoned me. I took all kinds of prescribed pills, up to 10 to be exact and I felt nothing. I was not drowsy, woozy, ill nothing. I went to sleep thinking and hoping I would not wake back up but I did and I was actually upset about that. It was that year I made TAPS a couple of months after my last attempt and God had then proven to me he loved me too much to let me give up so easily. This group opened so many doors for me to the point where I just could not stop. It help me gain ambition to do the things I do today and I thank God for it all. I thank God for this experience and would not have traded it for the world. The day I seen myself in the Jackson Free Press Newspaper I cried my heart out because I felt like somebody, the entire city could see that and from that moment forward I realized dreams can come true! Love yourself is the one thing I learned starting out as a model and if you do not love yourself no one else will either.

Jchell: Have you been published in any magazines?
Nikki: No, however I have been featured in the 2013 Beauty and Style print of the Jackson Free Press Newspaper for the Advertisement with TAPS 2K13 Model Showcase. I was also the flyer model for the TAPS 2K15 Model Showcase.

Jchell: Besides modeling, have you done any acting?
Nikki: Yes, I have participated in various plays from elementary school on up to college as well as church plays. I even had the privilege to assist a classmate in writing a play for a group project where our group had to record the play to be watched in class.

Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen: How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Nikki: I always try to wash my face and keep it clean with products such as Noxema. I do not wear make up often. The only time I really wear something other than eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick is when I have a photo shoot or a runway show. I have been natural for about a year now so I always try to keep it in a style where it is braided up in some type of way and I like to use tea tree oil, shea butter, and Cantu hair products.

Jchell: What are your favorite fashion trends you love?
Nikki: I love vintage looks and I am the type of person who will dare to be different. I don't have one specific type of style. I would honestly try anything if I feel as if I look good in it, I'll wear it.

Jchell: Every girl has a special "can't live without this" in her closet, what's yours?
Nikki: My Black pumps. You can wear them with anything and if they became damaged or if lost them, I would buy the exact same pair over and over again. The platform on them is awesome and comfortable especially on the runway.

Jchell: Who is your favorite photographer(s)?
Nikki: Osirus with Larry Armstrong and RMcgee with Rodney Mcgee. They do an awesome job.

Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Nikki: Be encouraged. At times it may get hard and you may want to give up but you have to remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Stay focused on the ambition that caused you to try to be a model in the first place and keep your mind on where you want to go. Being a plus sized model can have its ups and downs from individuals thinking you may be too big for their show to you being the star of the show just because you are thick and proud and rocking the crowd. Whatever you endure along the way stay strong and keep the faith that you will prevail and you will make it through. Anytime you feel like you cannot do it anymore just cast your cares and worries upon the Lord and He will sustain you.

Jchell: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Nikki: Beauty is not in what others can see it is in what is within that is not physically noticeable to the eye. Do not focus on what is on the outside because it is the judgement of your cover that can cause you to feel inferior to others, you are strong you are mighty, you are important but not always to everybody, no matter what always love yourself and that love for you can never be changed by any one else. Be of good courage and never dismayed because God's plan for you will forever have its way. Congratulations on being the wonderful person you are, I am happy for you, no longer being bound you are now shining like a star.

With Love,

Niquitta "Nikki" Wolfe


You can connect with Nikki on the following social media outlets:

Facebook: Niquitta "Nikki" Wolfe & Nikki "Thee Voluptuous Model" Wolfe-(Like page)

Instagram: @talented1_90

Twitter: @nikki_model1990


Email: jchell@jonesgirlsinc.com
Facebook fan page: Jchell Plus Size Model On Deck
Twitter: @JCHELL73
Instagram: @jchell_model_stylist