Our June model of the month is Emily Dominquez who has modeled twice for SmartGlamour! We asked Emily some questions about herself, what she does outside of modeling, and for some advice. Learn about Emily below!
1. Aside from occasionally modeling for SmartGlamour – what do you do?
I’m a coordinator at a global media agency, working on several major accounts. My responsibilities include informing broadcast and digital media which commercials to run and providing the materials needed when time is purchased for our clients. I really enjoy the work, likely because TV was my babysitter and I grew up hooked on commercials. For over 23 years, I worked at the ad agency that created iconic jingles and catchphrases for The Marines (“The few, the proud, the Marines”), Oscar Meyer (“My bologna has a first name” and “Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Meyer weiner”) and Toys R Us (“I don’t wanna grow up…”) to name a few, They even invented the grilled cheese sandwich for Kraft. A couple of famous former coworkers include author James Patterson and Josh Kilmer-Purcell of the Fabulous Beekman Boys and Beekman 1802 brand.
2. How did you get involved with the brand?
I was writing a blog, called Amply Emmy, on plus size fashion and other issues affecting the fat community (it’s been on hiatus for a couple of years). A fellow blogger invited me to attend Smart Glamour’s runway show. I was hooked! At last, here was a designer who understood inclusivity, not just in size but in gender and ability. Where else could you see a guide dog on the cat walk? Plus the clothes were gorgeous. As Mallorie well knows, I became enamored of the Valentina dress and have it in several colors and prints. It still gets compliments when I wear one. When the same blogger told me about a photo shoot where Mallorie wanted to demonstrate how the same size can look on various bodies, I was intrigued and just had to be part of it. That was my first foray into fashion modeling.
3. You’ve modeled for us multiple times – what makes you continue to come back?
One word…. diversity. Few designers make clothing to fit all bodies and fewer still actually include bodies of various shapes, sizes, ages, genders and abilities in their runway shows and photo shoots. It’s an honor and privilege to represent women who look like me and help people see that fashion IS for everyone. That I get to keep the clothes is a lovely bonus!
4. What does body liberation mean to you?
It means being able to not just exist but LIVE in my body without judgement or shame. Having grown up abused and ridiculed because I’m fat, it’s important for me to help promote respect for the diversity of people and bodies.
5. If there is a message you could put across to women, femmes, and non binary folks through your modeling photos – what would that be?
Mallorie’s message — Fashion is for ALL. Everyone deserves to feel amazing and comfortable. There are no rules regarding how we should dress. If we like it, wear it.
6. What is your advice to people who would like to give modeling a try?
Why not? You never know who will see you and feel encouraged or inspired to try new fashion or feel better about themselves because your body looks like theirs.
A big thank you to Emily for participating in June’s Model of the Month! Be sure to stay tuned for next month’s model.
