Everybody wants to be a model. It’s an ultimate dream for almost every human being. Perhaps it’s the ability to walk the runway wearing coveted designs and the most glamorous apparel. Or perhaps it is the fact that your face and your body become the center of attention, meaning that someone out there thinks you are talented and beautiful enough to best represent their brand - so much that they are willing to pay you for it.

I think back to my first paid modeling gig that I received in 2020. I was so nervous yet very excited at the same time. I had no idea what to expect. Do I wear makeup? What do I wear to the shoot? Where will these photos be placed and will I look okay in them?

It’s been two years since my last paid modeling gig and since then all I have heard was No, No and No. “We are only looking for straight sized models right now,” my agency said in regards to one gig. “We are only looking for size 10-14 models right now,” my agency again told me that I was not what that client was looking for, yet again.

Hearing that no made me dream of being a size 10-14 just so I could get the gig. I wished that I could instantly snap my fingers and be everything that the brand was looking for. But yet here I am a size 18, literally doing everything I can to exist in a smaller body.

When I received the opportunity to interview Phoenix Fashion Week models I had no idea of how I would feel about them. I’ve been a signed model for almost a year now and haven’t booked anything. I thought I would be jealous of these beautiful, young, thin people on runways that I’ve only dreamed of. Models that actually hear that yes when all I have heard was No.

Yet instead of feeling jealous or discouraged these models motivated me that I actually can do this no matter how different my body may be.

“I have auditioned for Phoenix Fashion week a couple times and I didn’t make it,” said Candace, one of Phoenix Fashion Week’s top 40 models. Candace is 32 years old and she started her modeling career 5 years ago.

“Every time I didn’t make it I continued to believe. I continued to practice. Every single no was a stepping stone to the yes. Auditioning for Phoenix Fashion Week again took courage.” Candace said. “I was so thankful that I never gave up.”

Hearing Candace’s story encouraged me to keep going and to not settle for no. Being that we are the same age, hearing where she was with her career really inspired me. It allowed me to believe that there are no restrictions when it comes to achieving your dreams.

It gave me hope when I desperately needed it.

“Don’t let anyone deter you,” said Zoey, another Phoenix Fashion Week Top 40 Model. “ Don’t let their words or actions get to you or get you down. Stay true to yourself. With modeling you have to roll with the punches.”

Zoey is 1000 percent right. This is the industry and hearing no is apart of the process. But hearing that no should never deter me from achieving my dream.

“We need to have diversity in modeling because everybody is not the same,” said Rhia, Phoenix Fashion Week Top 40 Model. “You could be any body shape to do this. It’s not about weight. It’s about confidence.”

Rhia has been in the industry since she was a toddler. As a toddler she used to do campaigns for Nike and Adidas.

“Giving space to plus size models to have their light and have their shine gives representation to thousands if not millions of people that could look at that and say that could be me,” Rhia said. “I give them their flowers because they deserve it.”

This was definitely something I needed to hear.

Rhia also let me know that there is still some work that needs to be done in the industry.

“I auditioned with IMG Models. They said lose an inch off your waist and we will put you on our roster,” Rhia said.

I was so proud of Rhia because she actually turned them down.

“I said I don’t want to lose an inch off my waist. That’s a hard thing to do,” Rhia said. “How am I going to possibly do that when I am doing everything I can to be as small as I am. It’s a pressure that you are not good enough. I am not going to starve myself to get an inch off my waist. I was like hell no.”

Doing everything I can to be as small as I am.

Well I can definitely relate to that. I’m on my own weight loss journey and I am also doing everything I can to be as small as I am.

That shit’s exhausting.

I commend Rhia for her strength. Rhia also stated that she lost around 100 pounds prior to getting back into the modeling industry. Losing one pound is hard af, so I am utterly in awe by this woman.

“Regardless of what color, shape, size, height, body shape you are you can do it,” Rhia said to those out there desiring to model. “You don’t have to lose 100 pounds to do it. Just go and do it.”

Rhia is totally right.

To those out there that want to model, I will also tell you to JUST DO IT. Find the courage to put yourself out there. Audition. Sell yourself. Get in front of the camera. Practice your walk. Know that you got this.

Overall, these models motivated tf out of me and encouraged me to keep pursuing my dream.

“Write down what you want,” Candace said.

“Always be your own number one advocate,” Vanessa, the female winner of Phoenix Fashion Week Top 40 Models said. “Put yourself out there.”

Phoenix Fashion Week Models Are Inspiring AF

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