It’s a pretty well-known fact that modeling is a notoriously difficult industry to break into. And while there have been some strides in representation as of late, not every woman has a fair shot at being on the cover of Vogue or walking down the runway. However, in the early 2000s, when Black plus size models were still an anomaly on catwalks and magazine pages alike, one woman was determined to make it happen at any cost. This is her story.
How difficult it was for black plus-size models in the early 2000s
In the early 2000s, black plus-size models were few and far between. hat the fashion industry began to wake up to the fact that black plus-size women are just as beautiful and stylish as any other woman. Today, there are more black plus-size models working in the industry than ever before and they are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve.
How she was bullied
But instead of simply rejecting me, the client decided to humiliate me by making comments about my weight and how I didn’t “measure up” to their standards. It was an incredibly hurtful experience – one that made me question whether or not I belonged in this industry.
Unfortunately, experiences like this were not uncommon. As a black plus-size model, I often felt like I was on the outside looking in – especially when it came to fashion shows or editorials. It’s something that still happens today, but thankfully there are now more opportunities for plus-size models of all backgrounds to succeed. Still, it’s important to remember how far we’ve
How important her job was to her
In the early 2000s, being a black plus-size model was not as common or widely accepted as it is today. For many black women, becoming a plus-size model was not only a dream but an important way to represent their community. For Ebony Blow, a black plus-size model who began her career in the early 2000s, her job was extremely important to her.
Not only was she one of the few black plus-size models at the time, but she also felt a responsibility to represent her community in a positive light. “When I started modeling, there weren’t many black plus-size models,” she recalls. “I felt like I had to represent for my community and show that we can be beautiful and confident at any size.” Ebony’s experience is just one example of how important representation can be for black women in the fashion industry.
Advice for aspiring plus size models
If you’re a plus size model in the early 2000s, chances are you were one of the few black models working in the industry. Here are some tips on how to make it in the plus size modeling world:
1. Be confident in your own skin
2. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. In an industry that’s still learning to embrace diversity, there will be plenty of people who will try to tell you that you’re not thin enough, or tall enough, or pretty enough. Don’t listen to them! You’re beautiful just the way you are.
3. Find a supportive community. There are lots of other plus size models out there who understand what you’re going through. Find a supportive community online or in person, and lean on each other for advice and encouragement.
