I love to interview models who are busy on and off the runway. The beautiful and talented model Samantha is with a few agencies and has been on television. I can certainly relate to her because I have done runway work and I have been on television. Hopefully one day we will see her on America's Next Top Model. Here is her interview.

Jchell: Where are you from?
Samantha: I am from Fremont, California in the San Francisco Bay area.

Jchell: Where did you attend high school/college?
Samantha: I went to Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California and I went to college at California Baptist University in Riverside, California.

Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
Samantha: Some of my main interests and hobbies include spending time with friends and family, going to sporting events (softball/baseball in particular because I am a former softball player), going to the beach, going to the movies, and traveling.

Jchell: Are you an independent or agency model?
Samantha: I am signed with a few agencies. I also book gigs independently as well.

Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
​Samantha: I was a young plus size girl when I began modeling.  There weren’t many stores available for younger full figured girls at the time. Nor, were there many women in the media who were full figured in order for me to look up to them and see someone who looked like me. Being a young plus size girl when starting my career, I took many classes (runway classes), worked with many runway coaches one on one and quickly began booking a lot of small runway gigs. When I first started modeling, modeling was definitely a major passion of mine. I loved it and wanted to pursue it further. I made a promise to my parents that I would finish my education first prior to pursuing it further. I made my decision for my University when choosing colleges based on where I felt I could be in a good area to help my modeling career grow as well. 

Jchell: Have you been published in any magazines?
Samantha: Yes, I have been published in a few magazines including Plus Model Magazine, Beauty Come Forth Magazine, and Daily Venus Diva Magazine.

Jchell: Besides modeling, have you done any acting?
Samantha: As far as acting, my first agency I signed with in Los Angeles was for acting. I have done a lot of acting on the side such as:
Mariah Carey’s “Bye, Bye” Music Video    
12 Corazones
World Hip Hop Battle Championships Show
The Doctors
Jessica Simpson VH1 The Price of Beauty Reality Show Runway Fashion Show (2009)
Runway Rhythm Televised Fashion Show
My Black is Beautiful
1000 Ways To Die “The Headless Warden”
Marie Claire Magazine’s Big Girl in a Skinny World YouTube Channel
Far East Movement “Illest” Music Video 
TLC Network’s My Fat Saved My Life Episode
Blood Relatives Season 5 Episode 504
……and more to come that I cannot mention at this time.

Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen. How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Samantha: For my skin I wash my face daily with Clean & Clear Morning Burst and Astringent. I also use Ponds Moisturizer on my face and Cocoa Butter Lotion. I don’t have a specific basic hair routine. I do go regularly to get it styled and basic care done by a hair stylist. On a regular day, I may just have some hair gel & hair spray in my hair with a bun or a pony tail. :) lol.

Jchell: What are your favorite trends you love?
Samantha: I absolutely love a nice peplum dress or top.

Jchell: Every girl has a special “can't live without this” in her closet, what's yours?
Samantha: A nice pair of jeans that fit 'perfectly' and accentuate your curves. 

Jchell: Who’s your favorite photographer(s)?
Samantha: I love shooting with Lesley Pedraza, Michelle Alexandra, and Michael Green.

Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Samantha: Always do your research, practice your poses for shoots and your walk, and invest in some good images for your portfolio.

Jchell: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Samantha: Just for people not to give up on their dreams. I’ve heard many Yes’, but I’ve also heard many No’s. I don’t let that stop me. Be persistent and know that you will find the client, magazine, designer, etc. that is looking for your particular look.  Remain professional, strive for your goals, and continue to do what it takes to be successful with your career.  

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/samanthadavisplusmodel

Instagram: @sdavisplusmodel
​

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

I had the pleasure of interviewing model Norva'Michelle. She has been in the modeling industry for a while and has been staying busy with photo shoots and slaying the runway. This beauty is definitely on the right track for making a name for herself in the plus size modeling industry. Here is her interview.

Jchell: Where are you from? 
Norva'Michelle: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

Jchell: Where did you attend high school/college?
Norva'Michelle: I graduated from Crenshaw High School and attended Northridge College.

Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies? 
Norva'Michelle: My main interests and hobbies is I love volunteering to help feed the homeless in my spare time. For fun I love to bowl.

Jchell: How long have you been modeling?
Norva'Michelle: I have been modeling for about 6 years now.
 
Jchell: Are you an independent or agency model?
Norva'Michelle: I am currently an independent model with Los Angeles Plus Models.

Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
Norva'Michelle: Being a plus model can be challenging, it has it's ups and downs. To be  accepted in a world that was never intended for plus size and having to show them that we matter.

Jchell: Have you been published in any magazines?
Norva'Michelle: I've been in Plus Magazine, and in Los Angeles Times and other community papers as well  and TV.

Jchell: Besides modeling, have you done any acting?
Norva'Michelle: Yes, I did a workout video for Caliente Fitness where I had a speaking role.

Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen. How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Norva'Michelle: I have been blessed with great skin, thank goodness, I don't wear lots of makeup and I make sure after every show I wash my face as soon as possible. My hair I like to keep pulled back until it's time to have it done.

Jchell: What are your favorite fashion trends you love?
Norva'Michelle: My go to fashion trends are a nice pair of stretchy pants and a cute jean jacket with a pair of cute heels or boots. Simple but cute :).

Jchell: Every girl has a special “can't live without this” in her closet, what's yours?
Norva'Michelle: I can't live without my jean jacket.

Jchell: Who’s your favorite photographer(s)?
Norva'Michelle: My favorite at this time is Merciful Photography. Her craft is so amazing to me.

Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Norva'Michelle: My advice would be to accept that not everyone will accept you but know that you have the power to show them that you will not give up. Push hard for your dream.

Jchell: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Norva'Michelle: I just want to add that anything you are passionate about is worth working hard and fighting for!

You can connect with Norva'Michelle on the following social media outlets: 

Facebook: Facebook/Norva'Michelle

Instagram: Norva'Michelle 

Twitter: Norva'Michelle

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

I want to thank model Magdalene for responding to my Instagram post. After conducting her interview, Magdalene is beautiful as well as talented. She is represented by Perfect Fit Models Agency and I'm sure she's a great asset to them. I would like to call her a 'mini plus size model' because of her size 10 frame. Don't be shocked when you see her gracing the runway with other well-known models. Here is her interview.

Jchell: Where are you from?
Magdalene: Thankfully I live in the City of Angels now but I am originally from the Ugly Desert aka The High Desert. (Edwards AFB, Lancaster, Palmdale)

Jchell: Where did you attend high school/college?
Magdalene: I attended Mojave High. Go ‘Stangs! I attended college at Antelope Valley College where I played volleyball and later attended La Mission with a degree in Liberal Arts and Sociology.

Jchell: What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
Magdalene: Let’s talk about it, food is my main squeeze. Love to try new things and it turns out I’ll watch a documentary about anything. Laughing until I can’t breathe is my absolute favorite any day.

Jchell: How long have you been modeling?
Magdalene: I’ve been modeling for about 4 years and loving every minute of it.

Jchell: What was it like starting out as a model?
Magdalene: Starting out as a model was pretty exciting. I picked up and owe a lot of my preparation to Supermodel Roshumba Williams’ modeling book. I started to book myself and always told people where I was going (to be safe) and love the adrenaline rush of booking your shows and walking on the runway. I was able to train and practice early on which gave me more and more confidence to book more jobs and network. I also expanded into print, runway, fit modeling, and catalog. There is more to modeling than just editorial.

Jchell: Have you been published in any magazines?
Magdalene: I have a feeling that my time will come soon!

Jchell: Besides modeling, have you done any acting?
Magdalene: I have done a little bit of acting my day.  If you can remember a show call Hell Date (yeah that was me), a few videos, comedy parodies with the talented comedian J. Anthony Brown, and also a few commercials for Pizza-Hut and Sparkle paper towels. Always a good time to spread your wings! I’ve also tapped into voice-overs and I am also a professional makeup artist.

Jchell: Let's talk about your beauty regimen. How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
Magdalene: I try to keep it simple. Right now my miracle combo is to use Natural Clean Pampers baby wipes to remove my makeup and Shea Moisture’s facial toner. You’ll be excited and grossed out by how much dirt you’ll remove.

Jchell: What are your favorite fashion trends you love?
Magdalene: Classic, timeless styles are my favorite. Berets, fantastic coats and dresses you can wear throughout the ages are always my go-to. I’ve never been one that is in to the latest trend. I will usually appreciate the latest trend once it’s “out of style”. Then I’ll grab a piece off the clearance rack and rock it like nobodies business!

Jchell: Every girl has a special “can't live without this” in her closet, what's yours?
Magdalene: Easy slip on dresses and wedges. You’ll be dressed to the nines in 1 minute!

Jchell: Who’s your favorite photographer(s)?
Magdalene: Oh, so many to choose from! My favorites are the photographers I know personally like Derrick Rodgers, Kevin Sheffield, Mercy Perkins, and my sister Alecia Battle.

Jchell: Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to other models trying to establish themselves?
Magdalene: Be prepared, be professional, up your level, listen, keep at it and support each other. There is room for all of us to make it! Also, if you’re lucky, find a mentor and skip some of the mistakes people make early on while learning from the best.

Jchell: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Magdalene: I would like to thank you, Jchell Jones, for this wonderful opportunity to connect and reach out to your amazing followers. Forums like TheCurvyStyler.com are a fantastic outlet for us to communicate, celebrate and show love to each other. You rock!

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

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/themodelmagz

Instagram: MagdaleneBullock


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