It may be June 1st – but we are here to share May’s Model of the Month – Vanna! Vanna has participated in both photo shoots and a runway show. Learn more about her below!
1. Aside from occasionally modeling for SmartGlamour – what do you do?
Aside from the occasional modeling for the sensation that is Smart Glamour. I am a food and beverage supervisor at EVEN Hotels on Manhattan. A lovely hotel that promotes wellness and balance to every traveler.
2. How did you get involved with the brand?
Mallorie and I knew each other through my then Pastry Chef and lovely lady, Ashton Warren (whom the Ashton Tee is named after). Through Facebook, I was able to keep up with what Mrs. Dunn had cooking. Her message of body positivity, self love, all inclusive, “all bodies are good bodies” really hit the corazon. I was in a place in my life where I finally felt comfortable with the outside me as much as I was with the inside me. I expressed my adoration to Mall and all she was doing. Next thing I knew there was a casting call for Smart Glamour to be a part of their spring line. I had to give it a try. I wanted to be a part of the beauty that these lovely humans were radiating.
3. You’ve modeled for us multiple times – what makes you continue to come back?
Once you put on your beautiful fit. Stand in front of the camera. Hear the words of encouragement from the beautiful souls in the room. Snap your ultimate glam shot. Walk down that runway and strut what the universe has blessed you with. To showcase the talent Mallorie so graciously shares with us…That’s what keeps me coming back.
4. What does body positivity mean to you?
I’ve been a fat babe all of my life. The word “fat” was always used in a negative light. By family (In a joking manor that wasn’t always funny to me) , T.V., magazines etc etc. I was never confident. I was never okay with myself. It wasn’t until I was older, and more mature, when I realized that there was nothing “wrong” with me. What others thought of me or how society perceived me was not my concern. I finally realized it when I understood how a friend of mine felt because she was “too skinny”. She heard it all of her life and she was constantly struggling with it. Then it just clicked. Everyone struggles in their own way with themselves. I AM BEAUTIFUL. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL. WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL. No matter how we were built. We were built this way for a reason. Let’s show the world what we are made of!
5. If there is a message you could put across to women/femmes/non binary folks through your modeling photos – what would that be?
Be fierce. Be fabulous. Be the magic you were born to be! The voice, face and inspiration for those who haven’t found theirs yet! WORK IT!
6. What is your advice to people who would like to give modeling a try?
Try it at least once. You owe it to yourself. I was so scared the first time I modeled. I felt awkward and out of my comfort zone. But all of that went away at the first few clicks of the camera. From the first step taken out onto that runway. You’re free. Free to be everything you were made to be. So spread your wings and sore, baby bird. Take that leap. And let those beautiful feathers carry you anywhere you want to go. <3
