Next up in our Model of the Month Series is Zaida Silva. Zaida has modeled for us in three collections, one campaign, and is such an amazing SmartGlamour supporter! Zaida chose her favorite photos from SmartGlamour collections to feature!
1. Aside from occasionally modeling for SmartGlamour – what do you do?
I am an office manager in a dental office. I deal with all things that involve insurance, payments and claims. Most importantly to me – I love to deal with my patients, especially the kids, they really make me laugh. Aside from my full time job, I’m often busy doing crafts. I do things like cake toppers, diaper cakes, center pieces pretty much party stuff which is all customized for the occasion and the person. I just love creating things and challenging myself to come up with new ideas. I also love making my own Halloween costumes. I just love Halloween.
2. How did you get involved with the brand?
I got involved with the brand after signing up for a membership to a modeling website in hopes of becoming a plus model. I would search for opportunities but there weren’t many. The ones that I did see usually required nudity and that’s not what I was looking to take part in. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but it just was not for me. In one of my searches I came across a post from who I now know as the most awesome and fabulous creator and designer of SmartGlamour! Her only requirement was for me to be me and I know how to do that well. 🙂 This was perfect for me. I went to a casting and did not get it at first but I was hopeful and just happy that I even went to a casting. About two days later I got an email, it was the best thing that could of happened for me and the rest is history.
3. You’ve modeled for us multiple times – what makes you continue to come back?
What makes me keep coming back to model for SmartGlamour is the message that is trying to be sent out to all women through the fashionable clothing and variety of models showing off the beautiful clothes. I have never seen any other company have so much body positivity for all women. SmartGlamour has helped me see that I too can wear something that is fashionable, beautiful, and most of all true to my size. SmartGlamour fashions are customizable. How awesome is that? Well I’ll tell you, Its pretty freaking awesome and affordable!
4. What does body positivity mean to you?
To me body positivity means accepting that all bodies are beautiful. We shouldn’t let society or anyone tell us what they believe our bodies will look beautiful in. Our beauty and worth are not defined by the number on the tag, the color of our hair, skin or eyes that we have. We are all different and should accept ourselves and others just the way they are. Body positivity starts with loving oneself.
5. If there is a message you could put across to other women through your modeling photos – what would that be?
When people say that you shouldn’t do things or you can’t do things because of who you are or because of your size, usually it’s their own insecurities that they want to push off on you. Like they say misery loves company. I have often seen the look of surprise and shock when I tell people what I have done in my life – all while being a plus size woman. I did ballet, tap, karate, I was a cheerleader in junior high and in high school. If you have something you want to do or be you go ahead and do it. In the end the only one who has to be happy is you.
6. What is your advice to other women who would like to give modeling a try?
My advice to anyone who would like to give modeling a try is DO IT! One of two things will happen, you will either find out its not for you or, like myself, you will realize that all your awesomeness and fierceness should not be contained to just selfies on your phone. 🙂 The world should see you and all your beauty in whatever form it comes. Some will like it and some wont and that’s okay – never underestimate yourself cause chances are you’re amazing, I know I am!
