Our next Model of the Month has been working with us for multiple years now – Ana York!
She’s been in runway shows, look books, and mini shoots alike. Learn more about her below.
1. Aside from occasionally modeling for SmartGlamour – what do you do?
I work in Human Resources in hospitality!
2. How did you get involved with the brand?
I got involved with SmartGlamour at first modeling jewelry and then I modeled for the Spring 2015 collection!
3. You’ve modeled for us multiple times – what makes you continue to come back?
There are multiple things that makes me come back! The clothes are of course a given. Each article of clothing is catered to you and your body measurements which I think is so valuable and unique. I’m tall and plus size so to have a custom garment is truly one of a kind and wonderful. I come back for the positive and safe space Mallorie and my fellow models have created. Everyone is accepting of one another, cheers each other on, and being in such an environment is hard to find nowadays. Â The positive environment created speaks to the brand, SmartGlamour itself and that is an ultimate reason for coming back. I am honored to represent a brand that carries a truly inclusive and consistent message.
4. What does body positivity mean to you?
To me body positivity means not only an acceptance but a pride and celebration of your body. No matter your size, it’s the positive  affirmation that you are beautiful and worthy of love and happiness.
5. If there is a message you could put across to other people through your modeling photos – what would that be?
I always try to emphasize that my body acceptance journey is still underway. I want people to see that yes, I am confident, but I also have insecurities and things I try to work on. I think that kind vulnerability is important to see and hopefully inspires women that it’s okay to not always feel like you have it together. However, I make a point to show and applaud myself on how far I have come. From someone who was in an abusive relationship with no self esteem to modeling in lingerie, the last few years, I have grown exponentially!
6. What is your advice to other people who would like to give modeling a try?
I think the most important advice to realize it takes so much time, research, money, and effort to be a model. You have to learn your body and angles. You have to network and really be okay with putting yourself out there. It’s tough and there’s a lot of competition so it’s also important to not let rejection get to you. But it’s been such a valuable and rewarding experience for me that I would gladly encourage someone to give it a try.
