Sure, these models are drop-dead gorgeous and great at what they do. But they've also got some words of wisdom worth paying attention to.
By Stephanie Saltzman with reporting by Renee Jacques, Allure
Erica Jean Schenk
Why you should know her: Represented by Wilhelmina, the 18-year-old was the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Women's Running. She's also been in Seventeen, as well as a variety of catalogs and ad campaigns.
How did you get your start as a model?
"I was really just a normal kid going through a really awkward phase. I was the nerdy kid with glasses, braces, and a really bad haircut. Sooner or later I sprouted up, curved out, and lost the glasses and braces. My mom decided I needed a confidence boost, so she sent a few photos in thinking they'd say I'm pretty but maybe in a few years. Instead, I was offered multiple contracts, and we chose Wilhelmina Models."
What does beauty mean to you?
"Beauty is how a woman carries herself and the women around her. Being the girl who lifts others up and can be a role model is quite a feat."
What do you think of the term "plus size"?
"This is a business, so different products have different names. Kid's, men's, women's, and plus size are all just titles. I do agree, though, that more clothing lines should have the same clothes, just sold in extended sizes instead of segregating plus size."
Any advice for girls who look up to you?
"Find a mentor, someone you look up to and can go to with any question. Life is hard, but it's easier together."
Did you have a certain "I made it" moment in your career?
"This happened when my agent called and said I had fan mail. I was like, 'Really? Did I make such an impact someone sat down the old-fashioned way to write me?'"
How do you feel about the state of plus-size modeling today?
"We've come so far in the last few years. I feel like there haven't been any personal struggles for me, but I think if you took my career and put it back five years, it would be a much different story. The struggles of the women before me haven't been in vain because so many women have come out from being depressed about their bodies. There are a lot of women who have now accepted who they are and aren't out there unhealthily trying to lose weight."
Brittnee Blair
Why you should know her: She was featured in Essence in "Curvy Model of the Month" in 2014 and has also appeared in campaigns for Macy's and Canadian clothing company Addition Elle.
How did you get your start as a model?
"I was born and raised in Calgary, Canada. When I was seven-years-old, I was out to lunch with my mom, and our server approached my mom and me, wondering if I'd be interested in modeling. He turned out to be a scout for a local modeling agency. My mom and I went into the agency later that day, and I had officially entered the modeling world. I'd done a few jobs around the city, but later on, at the age of 14, I decided that I didn't want to model. I was getting lumps and bumps, a.k.a. hips and breasts, and didn't look like other girls. When I was 19, I was helping my best friend get into photography and told her I would be her model for the day. I showed my mom a few of those pictures, and she sent them to my old agent. When I went in to meet with him, and he told me all about plus-size modeling and encouraged me to get back into that world. Later, I got the courage to submit my photos to the top-ten plus-size agencies in the world, and Ford Models Toronto signed me. I then went on to sign with Ford Models in New York and moved to New York City. I'm now modeling full time with JAG Models. It's been such an amazing experience."
What does beauty mean to you?
"Beauty is an air of confidence. It's the way a woman carries herself and takes pride in who she is, who she surrounds herself with, and the life she lives. Beauty is the courage to stand out and stand up for what you believe in, even if it doesn't suit the norm."
What do you think of the term "plus size"?
"I'm quite indifferent when it comes to the term. To me, plus size is simply a differentiation in a measurement. I receive comments like 'I can't believe you're considered plus size,' as though it's something I should be offended by. I take it upon myself to simply educate people that it's something I'm proud of, and really just a measurement. It's also a beautiful community that unfortunately has had a negative stigma. Fashion--especially plus-size fashion--has evolved so much, even in the past five years. Although it may take time to open people's eyes, I have faith that eventually we will get to a point where people won't even question it."
Did you have a certain "I made it" moment in your career?
"My biggest 'I made it' moment was when I saw my picture hanging in a store window for the first time. It was such a surreal feeling. I remember standing on that street in New York City, staring at this giant photo of myself in the store, and saying to myself, 'I made it, I'm doing this!'"
Who inspires you most?
"It's a toss-up between Beyoncé and Tyra Banks. They are both amazing, ambitious, successful women. They inspire me to break beauty standards, to go after what I want, and to try and make a mark in this world. Both their style and grace inspire me."
Any advice for women and girls who look up to you?
"I'm truly humbled and grateful to anyone who looks up to me. The best advice I hope to give is to always dream big, and after you dream big, do big things. There are so many times we tell ourselves no or talk ourselves down from going after our dreams or something we really want. But that's the last thing you should be doing. If you want something bad enough, fight for it, work toward it, and it will become a reality. The last piece of advice I can give is to love yourself wholly, truly, and unconditionally. We're not perfect, but as long as we're trying our best, that's what matters most. Once you love yourself, everything will fall into place."
What's up next for you?
"I'm focused on continuing to work toward making a bigger mark in the fashion industry. I hope to eventually break into the television world a bit more and to host a TV show."
Denise Bidot
Why you should know her: She's modeled for Forever 21, Target, Nordstrom, Macy's, Old Navy, and Lane Bryant, among others. In 2014, Bidot was the first plus-size model to walk two runways for "straight-size" brands during New York Fashion Week.
How did you get your start as a model?
"I'm from Miami, but I always knew growing up that I was destined to live in Hollywood and be on TV. I had no idea how that dream would be turned into reality, and even less that I'd be walking runways around the world and building my success around being a plus-size model. Throughout school I got really into acting and, at several stages in high school, was flying back and forth to Los Angeles for auditions and jobs. So when I turned 18, I moved to California. The only problem was that now I was an adult and all I kept getting told was, 'You're too big for the leading lady but too much of a leading lady for the best friend,' so I booked nothing. My mom suggested I go back to school, so I enrolled in makeup school. I started working in films and print ads, and shortly into my career, I did makeup for a plus-size model (who's still a close friend of mine), and I was scouted by the photographer. This was over eight years ago. I never did makeup again. I'm so blessed to have discovered plus-size modeling. I've learned so much about myself through this journey, and it's an honor to help women find themselves."
What do you think of the term "plus size"?
"I enjoy it. It doesn't bother me. I find it empowering to be deemed plus size and be accepted in the fashion world. I'm proud of my curves and honored to have a place in this industry, regardless of the title."
What does beauty mean to you?
"Beauty is being happy in your own skin. I think for so long, women have been programmed to believe beauty is only being skinny, but these days, beauty has so many faces, and I love it. It's so refreshing to have diversity in the pages of fashion magazines and all over the entertainment industry."
What are your favorite beauty products?
"I'm constantly traveling and having makeup put on, so I'm a huge believer in skin care. I have a minor obsession with Crème de La Mer. It's the best, and my skin loves it. It's thick, so a little goes a long way. And a good lash curler can save the day. I adore the Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler. I've tried a bunch, and this one is my favorite. For my hair, I love the Alterna Caviar 10-in-1 CC cream. It's a magic cream that leaves my hair flawless. Everyone should look into owning this--you'll thank me later!"
Who inspires you most?
"My mom has and always will inspire me the most. Her yo-yo dieting helped mold the woman I am today. I learned so much through her mistakes and also from her successes. Everything I am is because of her. In the entertainment world, few women have inspired me more than Jennifer Lopez. Not only her makeup and fashion sense, which are always perfection, but also how business savvy she is and the empire she's built for herself and her family."
Any advice for women and girls who look up to you?
"I want women everywhere to know that they are beautiful just the way they are. My personal mantra is: There is no wrong way to be a woman. If women learned to live in the moment and decided to stop trying to change themselves, the world would be a better place."
What's up next for you?
"I would love my own TV show, so who knows. My passion has always been TV and film, so I'm actively working toward making that my next chapter. I'm a big dreamer, and I've learned that absolutely anything is possible. This is just the beginning."
Tess Holliday
Why you should know her: Represented by Milk Management--and the first size 22 model to be signed by a major modeling agency--Holliday has appeared in campaigns for Torrid and Benefit, as well as on the cover of People's 2015 Body Issue. She also has a huge Instagram fan base (currently 965,000 followers, but she's inching closer and closer to the 1 million mark), and she started a social-media campaign called #EffYourBeautyStandards.
How did you get your start as a model?
"I grew up in Mississippi and always wanted to be a model. I was told I wouldn't be able to do it because of my size and height, but I'm stubborn, so I kept trying for years. I moved to the West Coast when I was 18, and at age 25, I got my first modeling job and was on billboards all across the country. It was a major moment in my life that changed everything."
Who inspires you most?
"My mom. She's a domestic-violence survivor and a fighter. She always told me that I could be whatever I wanted, and here I am."
Who are some beauty icons you look up to?
"Gosh, I have so many. RuPaul, Jayne Mansfield, Miss Piggy, Divine, Dolly Parton, Grace Jones...I could keep going!"
What do you think of the term "plus size"?
"It's just a term, a descriptor. Nothing more."
What does beauty mean to you?
"Feeling confident in the skin you're in. Celebrating what makes you unique."
Any advice for women who look up to you?
"To be yourself, laugh often, find something in each day that makes you happy--and not to take any bullshit."
What's up next for you?
"I'm working on a clothing collection, possibly a book, speaking engagements, and maybe world domination."
Clémentine Desseaux
Why you should know her: The ultimate cool French girl, Desseaux has modeled for American Apparel and French clothing company Castaluna. She also runs the supercool lifestyle blog bonjourclem.com.
How did you get your start as a model?
"When I was back in France, I was an intern in Paris, and I was looking for a job, so I figured I'd send pictures to the only agency repping plus-size models over there at the time. I started to get some small jobs, but there's not much of a market over there. I continued my studies and graduated, and when I did, I decided to move to Miami. I just wanted a change and to live by the beach. I got this American Apparel job as soon as I moved, and they really liked the pictures, so they had me come to Los Angeles. An agency in Miami saw those [photographs] and asked if I wanted to work with them. This was around 2011. Two years ago it was getting serious, so I moved to New York to model full time."
Who inspires you most?
"Growing up, I was looking up a lot to any woman who was different from whatever the basic beauty ideal was. Someone who really struck me was Crystal Renn. To me, she was the first girl who looked different. I was like, Wow, it actually worked out for her--and she's not your typical girl. She has a strong face and a big body, and that's awesome. She took her differences and made them strengths. I think I'm doing the same. Having freckles, being big, being taller, and being different all my life was kind of a bummer. It was always hard when I was younger. I hated my freckles, my name was weird, and I looked weird, but now that's everything that makes me successful. I turned my weird things into strengths."
What do you think of the term "plus size"?
"I feel like we've been talking about this for so long. I wonder why it's something we still talk about. It's fine because people have to find a way to put you in a box, so I guess 'plus' works. I don't know. I just don't consider myself plus size, but if that's what people want to call me, I'm fine with it. I like diversity, I like curves, but plus size is cool because it's plus. You could be minus size, that would suck. [Laughs.] I kind of like not fitting in any box. To me, it's kind of old-fashioned, when modeling was just starting, they had to call us something, and it stuck. I don't think it's relevant anymore because now it's used to describe models from size 6 to size 26. It has sort of become a crutch that the industry relies on, but it's good to break old habits and have a wider diversity of models. I think that's what we should look for."
What's up next for you?
"There are a lot of exciting things that I can't talk about. There's a lot coming up on Bonjour Clem, a lot of different ways to get inspired. More and more, girls are looking up to diverse types of role models--in modeling or any other field, women in general who are strong, not just pretty. I didn't want to feature people who were just cool girls on Bonjour Clem. It's more about people who I actually know and who inspire me every day. It doesn't matter if they're famous or not; an everyday girl can turn the world around if she's positive about herself and about others. So those are the women I like to feature, and there's a lot coming up with them."
Georgina Burke
Why you should know her: The Australian model has appeared in Teen Vogue and Vogue Italia and on style.com, Burke has also modeled for Torrid and Addition Elle.
How did you get your start as a model?
"I grew up in Brisbane, with a passion for horseback riding and I competed in dressage. I've had a love for fashion since childhood, and I was always sporting the weirdest hairdos and finding ways to spice up my classic equestrian outfit. My first modeling experience was as a training model for hairstylists. They knew I wouldn't shy away from anything, even a buzz cut! I'd always been the odd kid out, and I didn't really think modeling was possible at my size, but my interest in fashion and my friends in the fashion industry led to me being scouted at a friend's fashion show. Moving to New York to pursue a career in modeling was a huge lifestyle change for me. It wasn't until I landed in New York that I was really accepted for my size and I could be comfortable knowing that when I showed up for a job, I would fit into the clothes they provided. I finally felt like I had found the perfect career."
What do you think of the term "plus size"?
"When I think about the term 'plus size,' I just think of it as an industry term, and I'm comfortable with being referred to in that way. That being said, I've been bullied my entire life for my size, and I've been called every horrible name under the sun. So I know that words can be damaging to your self-image. This is when I worry about the label 'plus size,' when women are thrown under this fashion term and they take it to heart."
Who inspires you most?
"My family keeps me moving forward every day, and my sister keeps me on my toes. Career-wise, my biggest role model is Elle MacPherson. Not only is she gorgeous and a fierce business woman, but she's Australian, too. I also really look up to Chrissy Teigen. She's such a positive role model. She's a powerful woman who isn't worried about her imperfections and doesn't care what people say about her. I love her honesty and the positive messages she embodies."
What does beauty mean to you?
"Beauty comes from within, and it's all about embracing your individuality. Whether it's your unique smile or a wonky tooth, beauty comes in all forms. I believe there is nothing more beautiful than someone with confidence who isn't afraid to let their unique beauty shine."
Who are some of your beauty icons?
"Sophie Dahl and Brigitte Bardot. Brigitte is my muse and the inspiration behind most of my shoots."
Any advice for women who look up to you?
"Someone very close to my heart gave me this advice and I'd love to pass it on: Treasure what you have, keep your head up, and know your worth, so those around you will know it too."
Did you have a certain "I made it" moment in your career?
"Signing the lease for my first apartment in New York was a huge moment for me. I'd officially left my life in Australia to chase a dream that until a few years ago, I didn't know I had. I was like, This is happening! This is real!"
What is the one thing you most hope to accomplish?
"I've found my true calling and have been able to turn my passion for modeling into a career in one of the biggest cities of the world. I'm hugely proud of that accomplishment. Looking to the future, I'm striving to break the boundaries between straight and plus sizes. I hope one day to work with high-fashion stores that have yet to advertise and cater to all sizes in the market."
What's up next for you?
"Every day I am working toward new opportunities, and I'm constantly striving to be better. Hopefully, a few things on my personal little wish list will happen in the very near future, but for now I am sitting back and enjoying the ride."
Philomena Kwao
Why you should know her: In addition to being the current face of Torrid and walking in the groundbreaking 2014 Isabel Toledo x Lane Bryant runway show, Kwao is also an activist and a cofounder of The Lily Project, an organization that works to create mentorship programs for young women.
How did you get your start as a model?
"My journey into modeling began completely by chance. I was in school finishing up my master's degree in health management and policy when a friend entered me into an online modeling competition. I won and, soon after, signed with Models 1 in London and eventually with JAG Models in New York, where I spend most of my time now. Though unexpected, my modeling career has been an incredible journey so far."
What do you think of the term "plus size"?
"I try not to assign labels to myself. Sometimes I shop in the plus section, and sometimes I don't. I feel we attach too much significance to labels, and ultimately, it doesn't really matter."
What does beauty mean to you?
"Happiness in oneself. I believe I'm beautiful because I'm me. I also believe that if you can find beauty in everything, you can allow that to change your mind-set, and doing so makes you a happier person."
Who inspires you most?
"My mother. She's a woman of such strength and grace, and I've learned a lot from her. I also absolutely love Liya Kebede. She's a stunning, incredible woman who is using her beauty and voice to speak up and work toward improving the rights of women and children everywhere, especially in maternal health, which is an issue I care a lot about."
Who are some of your beauty icons?
"There is beauty everywhere. But if I had to narrow it down, I absolutely adore Beyoncé. She's the ultimate icon for me. I also love Naomi CampbelI, Jourdan Dunn, Joan Smalls, Daria Werbowy, and Genevieve Nnaji."
Any advice for women who look up to you?
"We all have down days, and honestly, that's OK. But it's not OK to not be your own best friend and cheerleader. Whenever anyone says they're feeling down about their looks, I always remind them of the beauty in individuality. There is no one on the planet who looks like you or has your unique features, so celebrate them and don't put them down. I'm a big advocate of the extraordinary and the different. Be you and love you."
What's up next for you?
"I'm currently one of the faces of Torrid, which has been an absolute blessing. Torrid is doing a fantastic job of increasing diversity in the industry in terms of both race and size, and I applaud them."
Kamie Crawford
Why you should know her: After winning Miss Teen USA in 2010, Crawford signed with JAG Models. She was featured in Essence in "Curvy Model of the Month" in 2014. Crawford is also a TV host who has appeared on NBC, Telemundo, and BET, as well as a global ambassador for Same Sky, an organization that provides assistance to HIV-positive survivors of the Rwandan genocide.
How did you get your start as a model?
"In 2010, I was crowned Maryland's first Miss Teen USA and national titleholder at 17-years-old. I did the pageant modeling thing, which is night and day if you try to compare it to the fashion modeling world. The following year, I started modeling for Seventeen as one of their real-girl models while I was in college. I thought it would be fun to do more modeling gigs, so I sought out representation at Ford Models+ in New York City, which has since closed. I was signed for two months when I got word that the same bookers who built Ford's curve division were developing JAG Models. I signed with JAG without any hesitation, and the rest is history."
What does beauty mean to you?
"Coming from a pageant background, I've seen beauty standards reach every superficial level that you can think of. My perception of beauty has evolved so much. Being beautiful is more than what you see on the outside. Some of the most beautiful women in the world have the most insecurities. Being beautiful is about feeling beautiful and radiating a beautiful, positive attitude that makes others feel better just by being around you."
What are your thoughts on the term "plus size"?
"I think the term is irrelevant at this point. I don't believe in categorizing myself or putting myself in boxes, and I think that term allows this industry to do just that. I'm real size. This is the size that is real for me and makes me feel the most comfortable. That doesn't make me less desirable or less beautiful than a size 2 model. If being plus was praised and honored as much as smaller sizes, I don't think anyone would have as much of an issue with it, but it comes with so many negative connotations, and I just don't choose to box myself into it."
Who inspires you most?
"My mom is my inspiration for everything that I do. She raised my four younger sisters and me with love and attention, and she never misses a special event, cheer tournament, basketball game, or dentist appointment. She's the best!"
Who are your beauty icons?
"I'm a huge fan of makeup artists and beauty bloggers on Instagram. The ones I follow religiously are Angel Merino, Amrezy, Shayla, Irene Khan, and Marianna Hewitt."
Did you have a certain "I made it" moment in your career?
"I can't say I've really felt that yet, and I don't know that I really want to just yet. I love being hungry for more opportunities, and there's also a certain level of humility that I think is necessary in this business to maintain good working relationships. I just feel so incredibly blessed to even have the opportunity to do what I love. It never feels like work!"
Any advice for women and girls who look up to you?
"Learn to love yourself first. Honor your body and decorate it beautifully. As long as you're happy and healthy, you're exactly where you need to be. Don't compare yourself to the images you see on social media and in the press. We only put out the images we want other people to see, which is rarely the most realistic version of who we really are."
What's up next for you?
"I just graduated from Fordham University with a BA in communications and media studies and double concentration in TV and radio and digital media. I've been freelancing as a TV host for the past two years, so I'm always working on my craft."
PHOTOS: ENRIQUE VEGA; ANASTASIA GARCIA; RAFAEL CLEMENTE; CATHERINE HARBOUR; HEATHER HAZZAN; INSTAGRAM @PHILOMENAKWAO; INSTAGRAM @MISSGEOBURKE; RAFAEL CLEMENTE, AMAR DAVED
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