"I believe in this industry and the people in it.
It’s all about staying positive and motivated."

Nina Taylor, a Washington DC native although having done countless features, is best known as the “Face” of Full Figured Fashion Week 2011.

Every plus model and aspiring plus-model has come across her stunning photos and stood in awe.
 

 Her print-work has inspired amazing photos and shoots, from amazing women and photographers all over the world.

 Get to know the Model, the Educator, the Humanitarian.

  At 27 this young woman is believed to be one of the most influential women in the plus-modeling industry, and she has truly made a name for herself.

 If you’ve been living under a rock for the last year let me bring you up to speed.
Nina Taylor, a Washington DC native although having done countless features, is best known as the “Face” of Full Figured Fashion Week 2011.

 Every plus model and aspiring plus-model has at one point come across her stunning photos, and stood in awe. 

  Her print-work has inspired amazing photos and shoots, from amazing women and photographers all over the world.

  I had been reading her interviews and seeing her face everywhere but what sparked my interest was the coveted FFF Week picture, displayed to your left.

  In my eyes and in a lot of others, she is a celebrity, so I thought for sure that she was unreachable.

When I first reached out to Nina with the hope that she’d interview for my blog, I sent her a message via Facebook, and can honestly say that I wasn’t expecting a response.

  To my surprise, she not only responded but also expressed joy that I had even considered her for this opportunity.   Beauty, intelligence, kindness and humility are just a few words to describe this humanitarian.

            Sit down with Nina!

Name: Nina Taylor

Age: 27

Hometown: Washington, DC

Q. Are you currently represented by an Agency?
A. No

Q. Can you tell me what or who inspired you to begin a career in the plus-modeling industry?

A. A photographer inspired me to become a part of the industry.
 I was working with a straight size model, as a make up artist and the photographer needed to test lights, so he asked for me on set and shot 10 frames of me and said they were all perfect.
He told me I belong in front of the camera not behind it.
Sometimes other people see things in you that you don’t necessarily see in yourself.

Q. How did you feel when you found out that you would be the “face” of Full Figured Fashion Week 2011, and would you say that has been your greatest accomplishment in modeling so far?

A.  I was overwhelmed and very thankful when I found out. It was something I prayed on and I had so many people believe in me. There were many gorgeous women I was going up against so I was just very humbled to be selected to represent a well-established brand.
 It was definitely an accomplishment that opened some amazing doors, but everything positive I do in the industry I deem as an accomplishment.

Q. What would you say the biggest challenge has been for you, as a plus-size model?

A. I think the biggest challenge has been trying to diminish the stigma that being plus size automatically defaults you as being unhealthy and unworthy. Even within the plus size industry you have to be a specific size, shape and color.
It’s challenging finding great opportunities that’s worth the time and effort. However I believe in this industry and the people in it.
It’s all about staying positive and motivated.

Tell all your fans something that they don’t know about you;

A. I am typically an open book, so its not much people do not know about me.
I guess the fact that I don’t like being considered a “celebrity” is something they don’t know about me.
I think I am just an average girl with extraordinary expectations of herself.

Q. Some people use their “celebrity” to build, and support great causes and organizations.
What do you plan to ultimately accomplish as a result of a successful modeling career?

A. I’ve had the opportunity to sign on with Daily Venus Diva Magazine as their East Coast Beauty Editor; I’ve been able to expand on some of my humanitarian work In October I’ll be launching a new organization that I can’t wait to share with the plus size community. I am probably one of few girls in this industry that does not have a well defined goal; I believe the next natural step is to be industry represented, but I am just going with the flow.

-Nina, Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview, I truly appreciate it!
    No problem love thanks for the opportunity.

*For more information on Nina Taylor, visit her web page at:

www.plusmodelnina.com