For those of you who know me, you know that for the last few years, I have suffered with a very painful issue with my ankle. Somedays, I can’t even walk or stand, hence the boot at my show last year. Well, last Saturday about 1 a.m., I decided that I was going to go to Ty Bennu-Neteru Mediation and Stretch Class at The Spot Barbershop and Fitness Studio. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew that my body needed and deserved more than the pain it was in. I have been missing my work outs ( Cardio) but it was just to painful. So, I thought .. maybe this will help if nothing more to relax me and have some ” ME TIME”. I have to tell you I am SOOOOO glad I went. YES, it hurt! Not even going to lie about that…But it was suppsed to because I haven’t been active the way I should. Just because we are PLUS models doesn’t mean that we don’t have to work out.
Baby, when I tell you I needed that. I didn’t think I would make it through the entire class but he kept telling us to talk to ourselves and our muscles.. It was easy for me to do because it reminded me of the LOVE Letters we write with Full Figured Fierce. So, I keep telling myself.. Don’t give up Baby Girl.. Your daddy didn’t raise no PUNK. ( yea.. my self talk can get a bit abusive at times… hahaa. Hey don’t judge me I was raised by a Marine.. HA!) And you know what.. I made it. I felt so good afterwards that I was able to work a full 8 hour shift, on my feet, without any pain. That’s CRAY CRAY for me.
He told us.. it’s going to hurt through that week and he was right. My muscles were craving the stretch.. And I remember him saying, you won’t get better if you only do this on Saturdays. So, I’ve been stretching all week. Day 3 was a little hard but I stretched and worked my way through it.
It’s an amazing class and you should try it. The link below is how you get all the deets.. See you there…
#WOW She was reported on Social Media..
Meet one of the @FullFiguredFierce#brandambassadors @Shopaholickj aka Krystle Nicole. This photo was reported apparently because she is in her bra. I see all types of things on social media it CAN’T BE the bra. People are a mess. We ♡♡♡ this photo and it will be one of our featured photos for our #WEDECLAREWAR CAMPAIGN. It’s a #Curvy#Queen in a bra… GET OVER IT. Is that the problem or is it that she is confident enough to rock this? It doesn’t matter either way. She rocks and We LOVE & SUPPORT HER! 100000% and check out her feature in @curvyconnect magazine this month
How have you been? We have missed you dearly. Lots of things going on and we will talk about all that soon including showing off our Full Figured Fierce Professional Model of the Month. Can’t wait for you to meet her..
But right now, I want to take the time to show some love to our models who represent Full Figured Fierce with the utmost class, style and grace. We lovingly call them THE RUNWAY KILLERS
Our First spotlight is on our beautiful Petite Plus Model, Monique Gaines. We first met this Beauty at our very first Full Figured Fierce Anniversary fashion show in March of 2015. She hadn’t thrown her hat onto the runway yet.. but that soon changed. One of our fabulous sponsors were giving away a pair of concert tickets to an upcoming Anthony Hamilton concert. Now, listen, I don’t know too many women who didn’t want to be there. So in true fashion show form, we had a walk off. Well, Ms. Monique was not about to leave that show without those tickets. She gave a strut so fierce that made the audience cheer so loud… that I had to come from backstage to see what was happening. See for yourself…
Yep… THAT HAPPENED. That was me in the black dress going to find out who this queen was who just destroyed my runway. ONE.. somebody needed to pay for the damages.. and TWO I needed her on the team. We recruited her that night. A few weeks later, Monique invested in herself and came to our Walk Like Her Model and Confidence Class. She built her confidence, showed us that WINNING personality, perfected her walk.. and Changed Her Stars. That was just over a year ago. Since then… THIS happened..
Yep.. she has walked for such designers as Shelia Lee, Blushing Hem, DJ Queendom, Echt Clothing, AJ Bischoff, Willette Prism, Model Haven Boutique, Classic Maven Boutique, and Belk. And not only has she walked for Full Figured Fierce but Alabama Fashion Week 2016 and Confessions of a Goddess in Orlando Florida hosted by none other than the Queen Cynthia Bailey.
Don’t believe you can change your stars.. think again. Monique is the prime example of what a little hard work, determination and FAITH IN YOURSELF can do. So, Queens.. tell me.. How will you CHANGE “YOUR” STARS?
Check out some of the fabulous photos from Monique’s year…
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Keep your eyes out for this one.. she will SLAY a runway near your VERY SOON..
Photo Credits: Thomas Colvin, Mister Al’s Photography
CONTEST TIME:
Fierce Face of the Month Sponsored by WALK Like HER Model and Confidence Class and The Runway Killers
We are now taking submissions for the August 2016 Fierce Face of the Month.
We will take submissions ( HALF to FULL BODY PHOTOS) until July 24, 2016. The Contest will begin Monday, July 25, 2016.
Here are the RULES:
1. You MUST LIKE Full Figured Fierce on Facebook
2. (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) EMAIL *ONE* photo to submissions.fullfiguredfierce@gmail.com
ATT: FIERCE FACE AUGUST ( in the subject)
Please make sure you add the word submissions and the period before fullfiguredfierce@gmail.com
We will not take submissions from any other email.
Multiple photos will be disqualified. NO COLLAGES!
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PICTURES ARE *CLEAR*, NO NUDITY( or implied), or CLUB PHOTOS /GROUP photo etc..
3. Submissions end July 24,2016 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
No photos after that time will be accepted. If you do not receive a confirmation message, your entry has not been received.
4. SHARE YOUR PHOTO ( from the Full Figured Fierce ALBUM ONLY) with your friends once we post it. #MOSTLIKESWIN
5. Contest lasts from July 24- July 312016
6.Winner will be announced AUG 1
broke the internet within the Plus Size Community last year. We saw it and screamed… “YOUUUUUU BETTTTA Be EVERYTHING in this Swimwear!!!!! ” This Swimsuit by Bjuled Couture looked amazing on her. Love Love LOVE!! So we caught up with the Beautiful JoJo for a quick interview.. Check it out below….
So Beautiful.. tell the world of Full Figured Fierce who you are and where you are from.
My name is Johanna but my model name is Jojo West; I was born and raised in Miami, FL, I lived in the DC area for 10 years and I’m now back in sunny South Florida.
Yes, We love Florida can’t wait to get back. So let’s dive right in, How long have you been modeling?
I started modeling at the age of 4 when my mother entered me in my first pageant. I continued to model into my early teens, but stopped because my self confidence took a hit and I ended up with an eating disorder. I started modeling again 5 years ago, this time as a plus size model.
Well we are so glad you are back , Slaying the scene as only JoJo can. So we hear you have a lot of major events coming up? Tell us about them.
My calendar is quite full through September, I love it! Aside from some upcoming photo shoots, I have several runway events. On June 12, I will be walking for Plush by Dames N’ Diamonds, a plus size swimwear show in Orlando, FL. Then I will be participating in 1426 Curves Swim Week in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 23-25. In July I will be traveling to Houston, TX to participate in Fashionable & Thick, then traveling to Washington, DC for Curves Rock Fashion Weekend. I was super excited to be chosen to walk for the event. August will take me to Myrtle Beach, SC for the AutoImmune Metro Style 2016 show. I’m currently waiting to audition for the Walk Fashion show in Miami, and for Small Boutique Fashion Week during NYFW as a model for Bjuled Couture, the plus size swimwear line for which I’m the brand ambassador.
Now THAT is what we call , BOOKED! So we have been seeing alot about the Embrace Your Curves Expo? Give us all the low down on the Expo.
The expo is a work in progress. We’re currently in the planning stages of creating a large trade show style event focused not only around fashion, but also on health, both physical and emotional. As someone who has spent many years of her life in the fashion industry I know how it can make girls and women of all ages and sizes feel. The profits from the event will be donated to the charity of the participants choice. They can choose between St. Jude Children’s Research hospital and The National Eating Disorder Association. There will be several vending opportunities, musical performances, panels, and a runway event.
Party with a Purpose, that’s what we love to see in this community. We will be getting some more information about that to the Full Figured Fierce world soon. This is something everyone needs to support. So, What is your favorite thing about modeling?
I love the versatility. As both a print and runway model I get to do two entirely different things. With runway, I have the honor of wearing different styles and represent the hard work and vision of each designer. It’s an incredible experience. From the stress of being chosen to that final moment when you walk of the stage and actually breathe! With print work I can express my own individuality and creativity. If I’m collaborating with photographers on my own themes I get to create the type of art that I would display on my walls, and when working on more editorial material I get to create art and material I can share with a broader audience.
So, you and I are both model coaches. Being a model coach, how do you feel about the growing number of aspiring models who believe they do not need training?
The thing to remember is that there’s more to being a model than having a pretty face or a certain body, and there is always room for growth. Every good model I have met has had some form of training, whether at an academy or with a coach. A model not only needs to know how to walk a runway and pose her body, but she needs to develop her facial expressions while posing. Facial expressions are a lot harder than most people think. It’s easy to do the basic: happy, serious, and “sexy”, but when you need to do angry, sad, frustrated, tired, scared, confused, etc. many girls draw a blank. Then there’s things like understanding the industry, the way designers function, what’s expected of models, how much time and money you’ll need to invest, where to start, and how to handle yourself around industry professionals. Those are all things you learn through years of being in the industry. The benefits of working with a coach is that they pass on that knowledge before you even start which makes a huge difference in how you advance in your career.
Absolutely, there is so much more to this than being a pretty face.
Jojo, Where do you see yourself in 5 years in this industry?
In 5 years I would like to have had the honor to walk in Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, have been published in a major print publication and/or a major plus size publication. I would also like to be well established in the fashion event planning business, putting on my own runway events and trade shows. Finally, I would like to have my own agency, with an integrated and varied list of represented models.
We think you will accomplish every single one of those dreams. It’s in the atmosphere now, no turning back now. In the process, you will be an inspiration to so many young women to come after you. Do you believe the rise in awareness within the Plus size community will continue?
I absolutely believe it will continue to grow. For a long time people have been voicing how they feel about the lack of diversity not only in the fashion industry, but the entertainment industry in general. When the average clothing size for women is in the double digits, the industry needs to recognize that the majority needs to be represented. With models like Tess Holiday and Ashley Graham making groundbreaking achievements, it’s hard to deny that change is happening.
Do you have a dream designer you would love to walk for? If so, who and why?
There are so many incredible designers that I can’t pick just one. There’s two designers I’ve been following since I was a teenager: Oscar de la Renta and Valentino! They have been around for so long and throughout the years they continue to create beautiful pieces.
Precisely.. He is quoted saying “I always say in my role as a designer is to bear, to do the very best I can for that woman, to make her feel her very best.” Oscar De La Renta I think he definitely achieved that goal in his life.
So, on to some GIRLY STUFF… What are your go to beauty products?
I have very sensitive skin and because of that I’m very particular about the cleaning products I use on my face. I use the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser, and Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner from Keihl’s. Moisturizing is very important, so I use botanical kinetics™ hydrating lotion from Aveda. As far as makeup goes, I am a huge Kat Von D fan, especially her Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and Lock-it foundation, which is perfect for photo shoots.
I’m going to have to try that moisturizer. It is extremely important during any season.If you weren’t a model, what else would you see yourself doing?
I would probably still be involved in the arts. My family is very artistic. My father and uncles all play musical instruments, and sketch. My sister paints and dances. I used to dance and play the piano, it’s just in my blood. I imagine that if I didn’t have the creative outlet from modeling, that energy would likely be focused on sketching and painting, which I enjoy.
So, What is next for the Beautiful JoJo West?
I’m working on making new connections and partnerships in Florida. My plan is to expand my portfolio and do more commercial work with plus size brands. I will be working on expanding the Bjuled Couture brand, which I’m very involved with, to take it to a national and perhaps international level. I also have plans to start a cafe/restaurant with my husband in the next few years, so there’s a lot I’m working on.
Thank you so much for stopping by Full Figured Fierce, JoJo West. We salute you and wish you nothing but the best on all your upcoming shows, your Expo and let us know when you hit that runway in New York Fashion Week. We know you are going to make that happen.
It’s a GLORIOUS Day in the Land of Fierce… We hope you had a Fantastic week.. We sure did. We have beautiful contestants for the Fierce Face of the Month contest.. I’m so glad we don’t have to pick a winner..
But one job that I am glad to have is to announce our BEAUTIFUL PROFESSIONAL FULL FIGURED FIERCE MODEL Of the MONTH. Meet the Absolutely AMAZING Courtney Buchanan.
I met this gorgeous Queen this past month at our 4 year anniversary celebration. She twirled and like Liris and slayed Tyra!! She is one of my new favorite people. Meet Queen Courtney.
So Beautiful, tell us where you’re from. I’m Courtney Buchanan from Atlanta, G.
How long have you been modeling? 1 year
You have a very unique look, tell us what made you decide to go purple? It was casual brainstorm with my stylist that quickly turned into reality! We were literally bouncing ideas off of each other when she suggested purple. I said keep it classy and let’s do it! So we started with purple and built on that for the last 2 years or so. I think we have perfected the blend with the current colors!
It’s Extremely beautiful.. We love it. Who are some of the designers or boutiques you have worked for over the last year ? I’ve worked with Lavender’s Jungle, Shun Melson, Classic Maven Boutique, Geek Junky, Fluff Couture, Thiq Boutique, & Livi Rae Lingerie just to name a few.
That’s amazing. Lavender’s Jungle was my big break as well.. I simply LOVE them. So, tell us, with all the talk of what we should be labeled, how do you feel about the term “ Plus Size”? Does it bother you or empower you? Honestly, “plus size” is just a label to me and labels don’t effect me like that.
We LOVE that. If you could do one thing in this industry, be it ,work with a designer, walk in a show, what would it be? The one goal I had when I began modeling was to leave a mark on the industry in a significant way and I am working toward it everyday!
Yess Maam, you most certainly are. Is there anything you would change about the industry as a whole? I feel like there is always room for improvement and the modeling industry is no different.
In 5 years, where do you see yourself in this industry? The opportunities are endless! What I do know is that whatever I am doing I will be giving it 100% of me!
Amen to that.. If you aren’t giving your very best, what’s the point, right?
So what are your 3 “MUST HAVES” in your model bag? Things you can’t live without? I always have a large bottle of water, black pumps and MAKEUP! No model should ever be anywhere without her makeup!
What’s next for the Beautiful Courtney? You never know where I will be next! Stay tuned!!!
We definitely will be keeping our eyes on your career, Courtney. Thank you for allowing us to chat with you for a second. We wish you nothing but the absolutely best of luck.. Can’t wait to see you Shine!
Be sure to follow Courtney on Facebook and Instagram. But in the meantime, check out an uber collection of her photos.
We hope you are having a FABULOUS Week so far. Can you believe it is Already MARCH?WOW!! Speaking of WOW… are you ready to meet our Beautiful Professional Model of the Month for March?
She is THE Phenomenal LaKesshia Slaughter- Allen from Gulf Port, Mississippi.
Check out our interview with her below and the sound advice she gives aspiring models breaking into the industry.
F3: So Queen Nikki, How long have you been in the industry?
Nikki: I have been in the industry seriously since 2010 but have been modeling since I was 13 years old. I went to Barbizon Modeling & Acting school years ago.
F3: Name 2 things you Love and Dislike about the plus industry?
Nikki: I love the sense of community among the plus size models , it’s not a competition, there’s room for all kinds of people. I also love the fact that plus size models are becoming more mainstream. However, I still feel like models on the smaller end of the spectrum of plus size modeling aren’t as welcomed into the love fest of the plus size community as a fuller girl. I also feel that although the term edgy (meaning having an alternative look) is tossed around like wildfire and misused. I’ve seen time and time again that companies/designers host casting calls for an edgy model however ultimately choosing a very commercial model when in fact alternative/edgy models like myself exist and can be very commercial with an edgy look.
F3: What are some of your personal do’s and don’ts when it comes to this industry?
Nikki: Networking is crucial to being successful in this industry including and not limited to social networking, at least that’s what has worked for me. I try to make yourself a blank canvas so that a potential client could possibly see their designs on me. I never bash anyone or treat them unkindly, the plus size community is a very tight knit community, you never know who knows who and how good of a friend they may be. I do not talk trash about clothes that do not match my personal style while at a runway show, word gets around and no one likes a loose mouth model. Models are canvases there’s no need to give your opinion. Another big no no for me is never be unprepared, I always bring makeup, hair products, and multiple shapers you never know what may happen.
F3: With social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, there are so many new faces in the industry now. What advice would you give an aspiring model when it pertains to their social media presence?
Nikki: Your social media sites are an avenue for free advertisement, use them wisely. Posting about your personal love life, breakups and makeups in rollercoaster relationships aren’t anyone’s business but you and your partners. And no one really wants to know that you feel depressed either, I really hate that Facebook gives that option to allow users to post such emotions. In my opinion, when a designer/possible client does a social media check (yes they look at your pics) and they see your post about feeling depressed, lonely, and no one loves me they instantly think how can this person benefit my company. The designer could possibly think wow I hope she’s not feeling depressed the day of the show. Not to mention images of illegal drug use or drunkenness, we all have a good time no doubt but there’s no need to post an image of such. My motto is only post images that are appropriate for my parents and pastor to view.
F3: That is EXCELLENT advice that I hope they receive. So, being models we have some MUST HAVES that we carry with us everywhere. What’s the most important item in your model bag and why?
Nikki: I actually have a few items that I never leave home without but the most important item is my shaper. Shapers can make or break a model’s career. Doing the wobble on the runway isn’t cute, seriously not at all!
F3: Absolutely. LOL So tell us, what events you have coming up?
Nikki: Currently working for Belk Department store as an in house fit model in plus fashions. Looking forward to upcoming shows in San Diego and Canada, also seeking to attend FFFWeek casting for 2016 in hopes of being selected for their show in June. My desire is to travel abroad in 2016 possibly UK shows but whatever the great Creator has in store for me.
We thank Queen Nikki for chatting with us and offering up some great advice and letting us know what she is up to. Look for her on a runway near you.
Well well well…. we decided to do another COVER QUEEN Search and once again, our Queens did NOT disappoint. I know people think that we are just posting photos. But it’s MORE than that. Each and every picture posted is a MESSAGE to someone who didn’t have the courage to TAKE a picture, let alone post for the world to see. Each of the Queens we feature help build a bit more confidence in women who may not have any. So, Show them some love. Leave them a comment and a word of Affirmation.
In the meantime… Allow us to put some FULL FIGURED FIERCE in your life.
Good Morning Kings and Queens.. I hope you are having a FABULOUS Day so far. We definitely are. So, listen.. we were looking for a new cover girl to grace our Facebook fan page, right? So we put out a call last night for beautiful professional/quality photos. Choosing just one was extremely hard. So hard, in fact , that we decided we needed to do a few features because they really came through with these photos. Classy, Sexy, Curvy, and most importantly, FIERCE! We LOVE when women COMMAND attention…
So here are a few Queens we wanted to Highlight.
Check out these beauties and MORE on our Facebook page here. Also don’t forget to follow us on Instagram as well. We will be featuring more Beautifuls in the coming weeks so stay connected with us.
If you are Professional PLUS model ( size 10 or above) and you would like to submit for an interview and feature for the Professional Model of the Month, click here for all the information.
Full Figured Fierce 