Do You Have What it Takes.. To be the FACE???

 

This Could Be You February 9th 2014!!!

 

Your mission should you choose to accept it.. Love yourself and Follow your Dreams.. Sounds simple enough doesn't it??  So I ask... Do you have what it takes to be the Face of Full Blossom Magazine??

 

Vision is Nothing with out Initiative.. Initiative is Nothing without Implementation

 

  Editor and Chief Mello Andrews and I during the Beauty with Pure Purpose Fashion show NYC

 

With Mitty showing in theaters tomorrow, I'm very drawn to the movies premise..  That we all have these amazing life aspirations, often escaping through our imagination, finding ultimate success in our most secret desires... What if, with a little fine tuning we could see some of what we envision come to fruition... Understanding the scope of our reality and designing our destiny accordingly??

 

I am so adamant about advocating for Curvy Divas and helping them find their calling becoming who they are meant to be. In part because I have always been an advocate for the underdogs (aside my DIE HARD love for The Yankees) Any group of people who are looked past or face adversity because of who they are is a fight I will always aim to win. Whether that's by helping shift perspectives or just empowering those individuals to be more, do more and love who they are more than anything. Which is why, and I must reiterate this again with the same amount of fervor that I hold onto... BLEIEVE IN YOURSELF AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.. Never let anything stop you.

 

In a previous blog, I offered some real world tips on how to go about becoming a Curvy Model. The struggle to overcome your own negative perceptions of self are and what you can accomplished is hard but really Alls it takes is finding your Niche!! I found my place in this Modeling world unconventionally by entering through the back door. I discuss transcendence from looking at who you are and living the life you want to live by taking action ..... The time for action in NOW.

 

Here is Your Shot!!

 

We are a week away from the opportunity of a lifetime.. To be the face of Full Blossom Magazine coming to a close. Submission ends January 1st and it would truly be a shame if you didn't at least put yourself out there. Even if you are not chosen you will have taken one more step to living your dream!!

 

 

 

Did I mention 3 lucky ladies will be chosen??!!! Even greater odds for you to take that first step. Winners will be announced during a HISTORICAL New York Fashion Week Event 'Face the Sweet'  in New York City and will be Ambassadors for Full Blossom Magazine for the calendar year, participating in such events as Full Figured Fashion Week and Plus Night Out, Working with designers and photographers... Ultimately giving you the platform to build your own success and put you in connection with the people who can help you achieve your goals within the industry. 

 

 

Entering to become the face of Full Blossom Magazine was the best decision I had made for myself. This has been an amazing year of discovering my potential both personally and professionally. The most important thing to remember about living your life is that no one is promised tomorrow so LIVE and LOVE while you can and remember

 

TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Aqueous Abolition of Body Shame- The Black Light Water Session with Jose Pagan

 

 Never in a million years did I think I would be able to let go of long held inhibitions to expose my naked form for all the world to see but here I am, and there seems to be a revolution brewing within... Something has come over me people, though, I can't quite put my finger on it.. Over the course of these last few years I have recognized when it comes to my naked body, you're either gonna hate it or you're gonna love it... and the beauty of it is I could care less how you feel. I do have my moments of insecurities of course but at the end of the day to each his own so if you don't love it someone else certainly will!!  

 

 SOOOO good finally being able write these words... but more importantly to FEEL them... Wholeheartedly...

 Remember a few weeks back I had met with the amazing Jose Pagan of Pagan Photography?? Well, he invited me to be a part of his ground breaking Black Photo Experiment and I accepted.. a little hesitant at first but I understood these insecurities of mine have been imbedded in me for as long as I can remember and after careful consideration I decided to no longer be bound by this mental conditioning I held onto. For me the time is now and the truth of the matter is I may never have the perfectly toned and sculpted body I had been envisioning for years.. I've truly come to accept this fact. With Jose showing an interest in capturing my raw beauty I thought there really is no one else I could think to be this vulnerable around while feeling completely at ease.. This was my chance to help build not One but Two Legacies... To be a part of History through Art.

Flashback...

About 3 weeks ago I went dancing in NYC at Sofritos which is known for its Cocina Criolla, drinks and lounge atmosphere. I've been here a few times with my girlfriends and I always get to brush up on my Salsa.. It had been a long while since I went Salsa dancing, and I had been promising my girlfriend we would go for the longest so we headed over to the spot with some people with met at Latin Quarters where my DJ friend Rick the Finisher was spinning. I also happened to meet Cyn Darling.. Another really dope Photographer who captures some of the best shots of NYC nightlife. I get high from being around talented cultured people..

So we arrive to Sofritos and while there I met this tall, dark and insanely handsome Domincano. We hit it off right away and both he and I knew we would be each others dance partner for the rest of the night. He was such a strong partner, he loved the way I moved and I was insanely turned on by his rhythm as well. After talking, he loved my way... My words... my thoughts. He brought me closer to him and I felt my shirt ride up with his hand resting on my 'chicho'. Becoming insecure, I pulled away to which he said "You think I don't know what you got going on under there?.... If you think there is anything wrong with you, you're crazy.... Everything about you is beautiful... your mind, your face and your body... Anyone who doesn't like who you are and what you have to offer can go fuck themselves... You're a Goddess.. Always remember that."

Well, since you put it that way....

At that point I realized This guy is 1000% correct! I can tell game and I didn't feel he was trying to get at me with Bullshit.  He already had me in his arms so there was no reason for that.. As he spoke  he looked into my eyes with such intensity there was no room for doubt. He reaffirmed what I already know to be true about myself.. That I am so much more than the physical, but why not love ALL of me.

I brought my meeting with this gentleman up because this helped me become stronger in my conviction for my own personal journey towards body acceptance in turn helping me to accept Jose's invitation to be a part of something truly dynamic.

Flash Forward...

So after a long night in BK with some really dope MC's I got to meet, (Blog coming soon) my girlfriend Christina and I head to Jose Pagan Photography Studio in The Heights where I would participate in the Black light Water Sessions.

I arrive.

Jose shows me the studio with the pool all set up. I stepped out of my clothes and into a robe he provided for me as his assistant Anthony filled up the pool, making sure to keep it warm enough for me upon entering. Jose begins to paint my face and chest and I snap some shots of him in action.
 

Jose had constructed this massive headpiece which he had chosen me to adorn. Before I knew it, it was time to disrobe. Music reminiscent of Portishead playing in the background I felt right at home. Perfect ethereal vibe set which took me out of my head and into the moment.

Completely naked wearing only my 'crown' I was directed to lay in the pool flat on my back.. my backside being flattened forward rounding me out in front. My breast falling to either side.

Deep Breath.

Water happens to be my favorite of the elements, being a Pisces and all, so I felt right at home. Jose instructed me to remain perfectly still while taking the pictures

 "Place you hand here... Grab over there... ok ready and Hold your Breath...  12345"

Exhale

After a series of shots we removed the headpiece and moved onto the next scene... Other models in attendance were getting ready for their sets as well so I was able to take a break while Fellow Model Cherry Fu did her thing.. Utterly AMAZING shots Cherry took, wait till you all see them... Kina arrives while Cherry is being photographed. Everyone is so helpful and sweet and open to being a part of True expression.. This is the type of art that will be seen in Galleries around the world.. What better way to live in infamy?

My girlfriend Christina was asked to be apart of the Black Light Photo Experiment impromptu and accepted!!! SO BLESSED Now I get to say I shared this experience with one of my best friends..

 

 Jose Pagan, Christina, Myself and Kina

Anthony, Christina, Myself and Kina

Initially I thought I needed her there for moral support... but once I arrived all the nervous feelings I had dissipated.  I have always dreamed of working amongst artists in this capacity. That day I was finally able to feed my artistic spirit, helping to build legacy collectively..

 The photos will be out soon.. Thinking I would be anxious and nervous during the aftermath I feel quite the opposite. This is probably one of the most naturally intoxicating experiences I've ever had..

Stark Naked, I learned sometimes you have to be fearless.. Step outside of your own comfort zone.. be in your most vulnerable state.. At that moment you will witness how strong you really are.

 

Aspiring Curvy Models!!! This One's For You

One of my First photoshoot with Sayellz Imperial of now RomanEmpireMedia.. He Does AMAZING WORK

Women are always inboxing me, asking how they can go about entering the world of Plus Size Modeling. There are many steps one must take in order to begin your career as a Curvy Model. In this Blog I offer up a few solid suggestions picked up along the way both independently as well as through some pretty amazing organizations that can help you get started... First Things First!!

 

 

RESEARCH

Social Media and Google should be your best friends during this process at all times but even more so during the beginning stages of your journey. The purpose of intensive research is not only to give you a better insight as to what industry standards are but to ensure the people, organizations and or agencies you reach out to are reputable and will help you grow your business. You have to know who is who is the community and try to attend events where you will be in the same room and can begin networking. Always remember YOU and YOUR BODY are YOUR BUSINESS. Your safety comes first at all times so you MUST ensure the people you work with are legit.  People will be quick to push a contract at you especially if you're new and don't know the business which its always best to EDUCATE YOURSELF to allow for more empowered business decision making. I say if they are not a reputable modeling agency or company kindly pass. 

 

Build Your Business- How to Start your Portfolio

Your pictures are really going to show the world how serious you are where you want to take your career. The problem that a lot of up and coming models have are lack of funds. Photographers can vary in price depending on the quality you are looking for but initially designers and agencies want to see just basic looks from you.. Start with these and looks and build from there. Have a Natural look, a Business Look, a Night on the Town Look and a Swimwear look complete with your best Head and Full Body shots. If affording a photographer is an issue go around to local colleges and seek out students who are looking to build their portfolio as well. They can watermark all their photos and get exposure. Everyone deserves to be paid for their work so see about negotiating a price with them, or if you both agree to cross promotion refer their services to anyone who is in need of photos. This can all be a win win so long as everyone up holds their end of the bargain. Have them creat a Comp Card with all your looks and you exact measurements. Once all your pictures are in order and you set up your on Social Media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, you can begin liking and following all the industry vets, magazines and designers cause they may have upcoming opportunities for you. When you head out to these events bring your best smile and comp card as you never know who you will meet.

Humble Beginnings!! I enlisted the help of my roommate for these test shots

 

Fast Forward- This past summer at the Cancer and Alopecia Awareness Event meeting the Fabulous Curvaciously Yours Olga Gonzalez-Ramos for the First time!!

 

 

 

Be Ready for Your Opportunity
Invest in yourself further by investing in your wardrobe. Aim to be fashion forward at all times and purchase all the appropriate undergarments including proper fitting Bras, Spanx, Shapewear high waist panties, various color panty hose and the like. The basic shoes in your closet should be 3 inch Black, Nude, Red, Grey Shoes and seasonal colors you feel will help make an outfit pop should a designer need them for a runway show. Rarely are platforms acceptable for a runway call so make sure you can walk in your heels.. Practice Practice Practice!!! Start looking at your favorite models be they plus or standard size and try emulating their poses for shoots.. Always bring your smile and A game and remember lines. Your hands and feet should be in sync with your body. Don't be afraid to take chances as well cause what you may feel awkward may serve up an excellent shot for the photographer. REMEMBER you are the model and the clothes are the main event. You have to be focused on the piece you are wearing and make it come to life in the photo for sales!! That is your ultimate responsibility

 

Hold Steadfast to your Dream

Understand that sometimes you may want something but it may not be meant for you in the capacity you'd like to see it happen. That doesn't mean you can't be a part of the fashion world in one way or another. There are many avenues you can take part in realizing your dream Hairstylist, Make Up Artist, Behind the Scenes Production, Designing ETC... If you do your research you will be more prepared to find your niche so if you see plus modeling isn't turning out the way you'd hoped think about what it is you are really good at and put yourself out there that way as well. Your will get to the place you want to be one way or another. I myself learned I am a great interviewer, host and writer. Being the face of Full Blossom Magazine has allowed me to interview with some of the Pioneers and Leaders of the industry and now I blog for Curvy Models Rocks having you all as an international audience. Pretty Sweet!! When modeling didn't pan out as I had hoped I looked at what I was really good at and applied myself. Now I get called for photoshoots and runway shows!

 On the Runway during the Evolution of Curve NYC Finale Event

Post the Alopecia Cancer Awareness Benefit Held in NYC with Fellow Models Curvi Cori, Yum Yum. Ask Mocha, and Michele Hilton

I was lucky to have come across Photographer Tyquane Bates Co Owner of Full Blossom Magazine who encouraged me to not give up and follow my passion. He was my photographer for my first photoshoot and even gave me my first opportunity to start blogging! I researched and through my research found one of the best mentors one could hope to find in this industry. As result I later became the face of Full Blossom Magazine and so many wonderful opportunities have opened up for me ever since. Right now Full Blossom is Looking for 3 New Faces for 2014. For all you aspiring models we encourage you to apply!!! This could be your break if you are willing to travel to and work in NYC. The opportunity really is a great opportunity and I will never forget the day my Editor and Chief Mello Andrews of Moments By Mello Called me to inform me I was chosen. One of the Best feeling in the world. I was and still am the underdog in many capacities. Many in the industry did not believe in me and I came to find out they questioned the decision as to why I was chosen in the first place and that's ok.. You will have naysayers and pessimist but this is ultimately your career and you have the opportunity make it your own. My respect is growing, my face and contribution known for empowering women to be their best and really that's all I ever really wanted.

Here with My Fellow Face of Full Blossom Magazine Andrea Jackson and Michle Hilton

Myself in the Latest Issue of Full Blossom Magazine

Here is the info for the up coming Full Blossom Face Search... So like my mentor Tyquane Says.. "What are you waiting for?. You have what it takes... Don't Doubt Yourself"

Wise Words Dear Friend.. Thank you.

 

The 'Un-Boxed Mind" of Visionary Photographer Jose Pagan

 

Taking what is seen by the eye... capturing those moments of physical mastery and seamless design...  transferring perception into timeless art is what I most admire and respect about Photographers. Back when I first started on my journey as a model, research was a huge part of the deal, not only to protect myself but to understand the caliber of work I wished to accomplish. In this instance my research lead me to find a most amazing visionary photographer, Jose Pagan of Pagan Photography. Similarly, how us writers view and feel the intensity of the world, using descriptive and comparative language to draw the reader into our experience, Photographers are mused in the same way expressing their vision by what motivates and moves them; whether through the model, the clothing, the scenery, the lighting.. Photographers  begin to shape our perspective through their most treasured of the 5 senses.... Vision

 

 Pagan Photography Studio is located in what is known as The Heights of NYC. On a frigid cold November afternoon I headed out to meet with the Lens Master so I could observe his creative process as well as discuss his experiences in the profession. Since 2005 Jose Pagan has offered his photographic viewpoint to the world, having received a Meritorious Accolade for the short film thriller 'Madness' from his production company kwolfmedia, as well as having contributed his works to several magazines which include Designer Original Magazine, Bronze Magazine, Alize' La Vie, PopImpresska, Millennium Magazine and The uncompromisable Volup 2 magazine from Legendary Plus Model/Photographer Velvet D' Amour.

"I like to take it to the top"... I decided to become a photographer cause there is more control over the creative process." Jose Pagan, Pagan Photography

Jose's Studio is like walking into the Surrealism of Picasso's mind. Every different piece having a function, not seeming to fit yet working together brilliantly. There is a brick wall to the right which Jose created himself. There are crates, butterfly wings, a jewelry section, horns, hair, bras... all a designer or model could ask for. In the event you don't have it Jose is sure to craft up just the right prop to make it all work together. This is a working photographers studio.

Jose in his Masterful Studio

 Jose with his Assistants (Rt-Lt Anthony Diaz, Jose Pagan and Justin Ortiz)

On set that blistery cold day, Jose informed me I would be observing a shoot with him and Curvy Supermodel, Blogger of 'Happy Curvy You', Face of Ann Nahari Lingerie and Qristyl Frazier Designs as well as Autism Activist Christina Mendez. This shoot styled by Nailah Lymus will be featured in the Jan 2014 issue of Designer Original Magazine which Jose is the current Staff Photographer. Nailah Lymus, one of my favorite creative stylist/ designers and business mind behind the first Modest Model agency The Underwraps Modeling Agency, representing both secular and religious models. She is also the Owner of Amirah Collection, having worked as the Creative Director/ Producer behind the 2013 Spring/ Summer Ann Nahari  New York Fashion Week Runway Show, of which both Christina and I were fortunate enough to walk in.

Dynamic Duo Nailah Lymus and Jose Pagan

With all this commanding creative and professional energy swarming about the shoot was destined for success. MUA Alicia Smith of the Carol Monet Studio and Hairstylist Lloyd Teddy Coward worked together systematically to fabulized Christina and once done everyone walked to the back to get the shoot underway. Christina did what any notarized Super Plus Model would do and Slayed the shoot with many of the photos taken looking ready for print.. no Photoshop needed. Now, because of the exclusiveness of this blog and the fact the photos will not officially debut until January, I am respecting Jose's wishes to have all Behind The Scenes photos shown here in Black and White.. Here is a sneak peak of what you can look forward to in the January Designer Original Magazine

 Did I mention Jose Has a Fog Machine too?!!

Taking Direction!!

Christina Mendez with MUA Alicia Smith of the Carol Monet Studio

Jose Pagan and Christina Mendez.. Can you feel the love?!!

 Christina with Hairstylist Lloyd Teddy Coward

BTS Jose at Work

 

Nailah Lymus Styled this whole look and designed all Jewlery and headpiece Photo'd

WERKing

Jose also works on what is known as the Black Light Workshop which has been featured in Volup 2 Nude Issue of Summer 2013. Jose does not shy away from the full figure and believes there is beauty in everyone no matter their size. Since 2010, Jose has captured full and standard size models for his Black Light Photography Series priding himself on developing an innovative technique where he can stretch the bounds of both the technical and creative sides to photography.

"With my new technique, I was able to push the technological boundaries of my equipment and bring out colors and detail mostly unwanted by other artists.  Through these colors I decided to use nude models, so I can meld the art of the human body with the visible light spectrum we see.  With UV lights I was able to bend what is invisible to our eye and bring to you my audience visual candy.  My work is not about the body but a collaboration of body and sight.  Go forth and "Let your Eyes be the Judge" - Jose Pagan

Jose shows a lot of influence lending itself from the native spirit with vibrancy and vigor captured in every image. He attacks his photoshoots with a type of warrior spirit led by the wisdom that we as an industry and people not be afraid to transcend imposed beauty ideals as it relates to what society has conditioned many to believe is beautiful. BRILLIANTLY Jose Pagan captures curves and femininity of plus size women in the Black Light Photo Series. I leave you with these captivating images graciously offered from Jose Pagan as a "creative outlet for my UN-boxed mind" to yours.

Model Jen Catalano

Model Anonymous

Madam Trixie

Angelique Soden

 

Daisy Moore

Belizean Flame

Madam Trixie

Sunny Styles

Sunny Styles

 Tuwana Leonard

Madam Trixie

Tuwana Leonard

 Daisy Moore, Angelique Soden and Alexis