How were you discovered?
I was at a beauty school in Mississippi when I was discovered by a modelling scout. He took some photos and found representation for me.
Was there ever pressure for you to lose weight to fit a certain ideal?
The scout painted a picture of what my modelling career could be like and said he wanted to sign me. He told me I could succeed but for this to happen there was one thing the agency wanted me to do: lose 10 inches from my hips. I said okay - I listened to him because I wanted to achieve the success he had described.
What made you decide to stop the dieting race and embrace your natural figure?
I wasn't functioning properly: The side effects of not eating were catching up with me. I was unable to impress during castings and on the sets of photo shoots. Even though I continued to diet, I kept gaining weight. And there was always pressure to lose pounds and inches. It reached a point where there was nothing left for me to do. My career wasn't taking off like I had hoped it would. I couldn't live like that anymore.
An agent noticed my unhappiness and told me I had two choices: I could continue to struggle with my weight and be pushed to do work I didn't want or I could explore a whole new type of modelling. She told me about plus-size modelling but said it was mostly older models and that I wouldn't be able to do any editorial shoots, which was the whole reason why I started modelling. I told her that not only would I do plus-size modelling but I would accomplish my dreams in doing so.
Did you lose any self-confidence when you began plus-size modelling?
My self-confidence came from "seeing the other side": At my lowest point I weighed 95 pounds and wasn't happy or confident. My health and enthusiasm for life became higher priorities, and I am thankful that I realized this while still at a relatively young age. I was uncomfortable for so long that being myself was a release, which I have since embraced.
Do you find it easier to model at your natural weight?
It's absolutely easier! I can focus on the camera and the people around me instead of focusing on the physical and mental pain I was inflicting on myself.
You have had the chance to work with some of the industry's best photographers. What has that experience been like?
Steven Meisel was the first photographer I acknowledged in the magazines I read. His work is so profound, and the images he creates are beautiful. He inspired me to become a model! To work with him at my natural size was my dream. He gave great direction and produced perfect shots.
You also had the opportunity to walk the runway for Jean-Paul Gaultier. What was that like?
Jean-Paul is an exceptional designer. Walking in his show was an extraordinary experience that I will never forget. I went to the fitting and saw the dress I was going to walk in - it was so beautiful! After I put it on, flowers were sewn onto it while we chatted. Jean-Paul is so talented and creative. Doing the show was a huge rush. Some people jump out of planes; this is my thing.
You were also the face - and body - of a Dolce&Gabbana campaign in spring 2006. What did you get from that shoot?
Shooting for Dolce&Gabbana and working with Steven Meisel again was a remarkable experience. The campaign was very sexy: I wore a corset with beautiful underwear and my signature Nars red lipstick.
