I am going to cut right to the chase on this one… I am asking for your support of my friend, colleague and Editor of PLUS, Maddy Figueroa-Jones and PLUS Model Magazine…
It was brought to our attention that an industry professional has been defaming not only the name of PLUS Model Magazine but Maddy as well. This individual has made public statements that PLUS Model Magazine and Maddy are, “Making a ton of money and not paying the models,” and therefore, in their opinion we are, “Using the models.” This is not the truth.
Our Revenue
We want to go on the record by saying that since beginning PLUS Model Magazine (plusmodelmag.com) in July 2006, the entire editorial, writing and creative staff have been working as volunteers. ANY money that has come in to the magazine in the way of advertising, sponsorship or membership in the plussizeindstry.com website, has gone directly into the production costs of the magazine including technology fees, studio rental, location fees, shipping costs, camera/equipment rental, car rental, and many, many more costs too numerous to mention.
We have not charged a fee for access to read the magazine. Advertising costs are minimal allowing for affordability to small and starter companies; the cost of producing each issue surpasses the amount of advertising and membership revenues received yearly. The only reason we can continue to sustain ourselves is that we are an online magazine, and therefore not subject to the enormous fees associated with the production of a paper magazine.
Our Goal
As a plus industry publication, our goal is to provide a platform for new and established talent and industry professionals to be seen, share their voice and connect with opportunities to help them succeed.
Industry Publication Defined
As PLUS Model Magazine is industry specific, when a model, photographer, MUA, etc. volunteers his or her time to work on this magazine for a photo-shoot, it is the equivalent of an architect or designer being interviewed for a home magazine or a chef being interviewed for a cooking magazine; they are not compensated for their time to be interviewed or for the images that will accompany the story, instead it is an opportunity for them to be seen and heard in a professional publication. This is what PLUS Model Magazine is for the plus size industry.
Why We Do It
Over the past four years, we have personally worked countless hours and with 100′s of aspiring and working professionals who have made important connections by volunteering their time and talent to work with PLUS; this includes aspiring and working plus models, photographers, MUA, hair stylists, fashion stylists, fashion companies, designers and other industry professionals. As a result of everyone’s efforts, many volunteers DO make connections and have gone on to accomplish great things. It is our greatest joy to hear your stories, to see your ads in magazines and catalogs, to view your TV shows, commercials and movies; THIS is why we continue to do what we do…
Asking for Your Help…
No one likes to see those that they care about, as well as a project that is near and dear to their heart be defamed in the above manner…. First of all, we would ask that before you listen to the lies being spread in the rumor-mill, that you take a look at what we have been doing… how PLUS has made an impact not only for the industry, but for you personally as well as the individuals that make up the pages of each issue. If you have worked with PLUS or Maddy in the past and have a success story to share because of your association with us, please share your stories with us. If you have been inspired by what we do, please let us know. Your feedback and comments are always appreciated…
And if you want to contact us personally concerning this matter, please click here.
Thank you for listening, and we look forward to your feedback…
Sincerely,
Valery Amador, Creative Director
and the entire Volunteer Editorial, Staff and Creative Team of PLUS Model Magazine
About Valery Amador, Executive Director
Valery is the Co-founder and CEO of V.I.E., LLC, an online publishing company. She serves as Creative Director for PLUS Model and Daily Venus Diva Magazines, both respectively voted the #1 Plus Size Fashion and Lifestyle Magazines in 2011 by the prestigious Full Figure Fashion Week New York. Valery is also the recipient of the 2011 Fuller Woman Expo's Mia Amber Davis Award of Excellence. She resides in the beautiful Northwest with her loving husband.
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Maddy and The Plus Model Magazine team have been instrumental in guiding hundreds of models to plus modeling success! They are the only magazine authority for aspiring models…
I am seriously sickened by this!! When you are a leader like Plus Model in the Industry you tend to expect attacks by those that want to take their place but it doesnt make the act less hurtful or shameful.. Plus Model Mag is the leading authority in the industry for a reason. We support you Valery Amador Madeline Figueroa Jones and Mia Amber and the entire team at Plus Model Magazine!!!
Cassandra Jones-McBryde
Founder and US Director, The Fuller Woman Network
I would like to say that reading this is very disturbing to me. I do not know Maddy personally but hope to meet her one day because of the many things that she has accomplished as a plus sized model, writer and even mother, especially a Latina woman. I say this because there are not many that are making strides in the way that Maddy has and I actually admire that about her.
I am thankful to Valery and everyone at Plus Model Magazine and even Venus Diva because this is actually where I have gotten a lot of information about the plus modeling industry and how I started plus modeling. The plus modeling community is one that I have found to be very supportive and loving because we have the same goals = EQUAL REPRESENTATION. We know that we too can look gorgeous in an outfit and we want to show the world that we don’t have to be a size 0 to do it (no offense to my smaller sisters) but we just know we too can model and this is a great place to inspire the full-figured woman who dares to dream to be a model!
Whenever someone steps out to do something positive, I find that we are always faced with opposition. I am writing this from work right now just to say that I love PLus Model Magazine and Venus Diva for the many opportunities I have been given to model and for the FREE education and inspiration that I have gotten from reading the online mag and being involved in the community. When you are involved, you are putting yourself out there by taking the time to refuel your desire. I stopped doing photoshoots for almost 9 months to focus on some other areas of my life but still found myself close to both online sites, especially Plus Model Magazine because it is the only REAL magazine that caters to my plus model dreams and desires….it gives me my modeling fix so to speak LOL!
I love yall and hope to meet you all one day and if I never do I still say – BIG HUGGGGGG!
God Bless!
Limarie
How disturbing to hear that people would choose to pull down the efforts of Maddy and PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE. I have been featured in numerous publications and television etc. and what excites me about participating in the revolution that is PMM, is connecting with a community which has generally been avoided/ignored by media, until publications such as PMM came about and created a platform where we can share and support each other. It is so easy to kick back and judge, versus putting in the enormous effort that genuine change requires. There is room for everyone. And the more we pull together the stronger we become. It is my sincere hope that PMM DOES MAKE MONEY, in fact I hope they rake dough,lol They may not now, but they certainly deserve to! I look forward to a time when I can peruse a wall of magazines at Barnes and Noble which has diverse faces smiling out at me, fat , thin, old, young, differently abled, diverse ethnicitys etc. And PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE amoungst them!
Best, Velvet d’Amour
As a 12+ year veteran of this industry I know PERSONALLY what it takes to support and promote a business. Unfortunately, due to mainstream media’s negative attitude towards the plus size community many businesses use their own money to continuously provide a quality product. I have personally spent thousands (an not low thousands) to promote events (fashion shows, marketing, conferences, etc.) and the majority of the time the return was in the negative numbers because years ago there were not companies provided monetary sponsorship for events dedicated to women of size.
There are so many businesses like the Plus Model Magazine whose passion is to provide a platform for the POSITIVE promotion of plus size women, and to have an “industry” person who presents themselves as an advocate of the plus size woman within the fashion and modeling industry make defaming comments is repulsive.
However, the time is drawing to the end for people who think they can make money off of plus size women, models, consumers and then speak negatively about the market they pretend to support.
I pray that this situation opens the eyes of the plus size consumer and that she stands up and takes action against these individuals and companies.
Keep your head up Plus Model Magazine!!!!!
Very beautifully written Valery, so sad to hear that this is going on. PMM does something amazing and I remember you telling me once that ‘Maddy does something with the magazine unlike anything I have ever seen’ and I go back to that in my mind quite a bit. It is a beautiful orchestrated online publication, everyone sort of dances together and it fits in. And withstanding the time of four years in an industry where someone is always coming up with something new, a new brand, a new name, a new gimic..it is so nice to have PMM to go to! It is reliable, fresh, inspiring, beautiful. Where else could you see the biggest names in plus modeling in ways that you may never in other circumstances? These beautiful woman that hang on posters in the stores we all shop in, in editorials throughout the digital pages..it really is a beautiful thing to see. Stay stong PMM..you will come out victorious in the end, as you have throughout the past years. There is much support and love behind you, and don’t forget it for one second!!!!
I just want to let you know how much I love your magazine! I look forward to it every month, I find it very inspiring, informative and beautiful!
Before I got into the plus modeling industry, it was always fun for me to come to your magazine and see what was new in the plus modeling world, it still is! I get this wonderful vibe from everyone who works together at Plus Model Mag, you seem like a family. I just want to say keep up the great work, it is very upsetting to me to see people try to tear others down who are doing something they are passionate about and making a difference. It really bums me out.You all are amazing, thank you for the wonderful magazine you provide for all of us!!! I will always be a fan. xx
In everything that is positive, worth pursuing and worth working hard for, there will always be massive flies in that pot of ointment.
That being said, I will state that I particularly hate having someone’s good name and reputation dragged through the mud. In many of these cases, it is usually the burden of jealousy and the other party’s inability to achieve even a smidgen of what has been done by the object of their green eyed monster that motivates such cowardly behaviour.
I applaud Maddy and all that she has done for the sized-sexy community … for giving all women of ample assets a place to be seen and heard, for instilling self-confidence in many a full figured teenager … in fact in women of all ages and sizes. Even the men who love us are willing to come forward and praise us – I have been observing the comments on the trends of the day.
Maddy, keep your head up and do what you do, and do it well. The truth will always out in the end, and these so-called industry experts will have no choice but to turn tail and step out of your path and light.
Be blessed team, and keep up the GREAT work!
As a fashion photographer, one of the toughest tasks was, and continues to be, breaking into and staying in the business of capturing images for public consumption, especially in the editorial realm.
I have to say that Plus Model Magazine has been *instrumental* in helping me extend my reach, and exposure, and I value the Magazine and the team behind it, because they do meet their mission: allowing both well-known and new — sometimes overlooked — talent (models, stylists, creative pros like hair and makeup, and photographers) to have an outlet that respects their contributions to the fashion/beauty industry. Couple that with the focus on a market segment that has traditionally lacked a voice, and you have a potent platform.
The suggestion that there has been some sort of malfeasance going on at PMM, to me, is laughable. The people behind the production have been nothing but forthright and honest in dealing with me, and anyone else I know who’s been involved with PMM.
There’s always room to improve, grow and evolve any media — and I fully expect that to occur with PMM as it matures.
But one area that needs NO improvement is the honesty and above-the-board professionalism that Maddy, and the rest of the team display in conducting PMM business.
It’s sad that someone would try to create such a divisive notion, especially when the fact is so plainly visible and counter to the allegations.
I would say that aspiring plus size model have no greater champion than Maddy Figueroa-Jones. She works tirelessly and has a tremendous eye for talent and is extremely ethical. As the owner of Re/Dress NYC I was new to working with models and doing photoshoots and she’s held my hand through the whole process. She’s gotten me amazing models to work with for important shoots like a segment on Good Day New York and giving the models an opportunity to raise their profile.
I would love to see Maddy and PMM make money for all the time and work they put out, to see it still going strong and growing all on volunteer labor is a miracle. I’ve found them to be a tremendous ally to the plus model and plus size fashion industry. I would be lost without her guidance, support and enthusiasm.
To Maddy and all of the other editors and contributors of PLUS Model Mag…….
I have had the pleasure of reading PMM for the last three years and have dealt with several of the ladies involved in the mag through email and other online media sources and can truly say they are nothing but dedicated, generous, kind, supportive and beautiful industry innovators!!!! They touch (what is now probably thousands of ) women and young girls on not just a “fashion” but on a personal level and continue to make huge strides in the world for plus size females everywhere. As a new model a few years ago, and clueless, PMM and it’s members were there to give me advice, show me the ropes, and school me on this bounlessly growing industry…..and the weirdest part was….then genuinely CARE!!!!!!
I say this….,”let ‘em talk”……..because they already know what the truth really is and so do we. they would have no real leg to stand on if push came to shove!!! Anyone or any business that has dealt with PMM knows the deal and I believe with success comes haters and that will never change! But PMM is going nowhere….it’s here to stay and one bitter and conniving person can’t take all the years of hard work and progress away…..ever!!! So shame on them and big ups to PLUS Model Magazine!!!! You will always have my support and I think we all feel the same!!!! Much Love & Best of Wishes for even more success in the future!!!!!
I was really taken back last night when Maddy told me what was going on and almost brought to tears. I was so angry that someone would be that envious and try and ruin the PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE name. HOW DARE YOU! This person has no idea how much work and I mean WORK and DEVOTION and PASSION the staff at PMM have for this magazine and for this industry. I have watched my sister from day one do nothing but devote her whole being to this and that’s the only reason why this magazine is where it is today with its faithful readers.
With all that the staff has gone through in their own personal lives they have never let their readers down. Through dads, moms, grandmothers illnesses and deaths these ladies have pulled through to make PMM the best it could be and continue to do so all day everyday.
Maddy and Staff I want you to know that we support you 100% and are so proud of you for all that you have done. God is on your side!
I want to thank all of you for all your support. PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD!
Take Care and God Bless,
The Figueroa-Rodriguez and Brown Family
I have had the pleasure of being a contributing writer for PMM for the last several years. During that time not only have I had the opportunity to attend and cover some amazing events, interview and meet some incredible people, be included in the pages of this first rate publication (and most certainly the top plus zine out there!), but I have also found a wonderful friend in Maddy Figueroa Jones.
PLUS Model Magazine has grown over the years and flourished, while many other publications have not continued. This is without a doubt due to Maddy’s selfless efforts that she puts into the magazine and into this industry that she loves. PLUS has been instrumental in discovering and promoing new talent, as well as giving non-conventional plus models outside of the industry standards a chance to shine as well. The photography and production is top notch and it makes me smile to see agency boards with tears from PLUS editorials and covers.
Keep shining Maddy and I am always here for you!
This was a beautiful, strong and powerful statemente Valery.
I don´t know personally any of you, but I know how hard you work, how hard you try month after month to bring the very best to us and how serious this is for you.
Dont need to mention how disgusting and twisted is this person to me eyes.
You have all our support and love, because we do know who you are!
All my love.
Jen
You guys do an excellent job servicing the Plus Size community which is very much underserved. It is amazing how people attack someone when they see you succeeding.
Keep up the good work. Glamorous Chicks Cosmetics is behind you 100%!!!
Thanks for representing people like me. I love you girls.
I worked with Maddy and Lucas Pictures when I decided to pursue other fields besides acting. It was a pleasure working with her. She introduced me to a great hairstylist and makeup artist . I believe that she and the people that work with her are professional, straightforward and very informative. Thank you for everything…
Before coming on staff for PLUS Model Magazine earlier this year, I was (and of course still am) an avid reader of PLUS Model Magazine! When I decided to seriously pursue my lifelong dream of being a model about 2 1/2 years ago & had NO clue where to start, PLUS Model Magazine, and Venus Divas Magazine shed MAJOR light on the curvy community & fashion industry for me. I just got done telling my little cousin in Arkansas about the magazine that I write for because she a budding teen who LOVES fashion, but is Plus size and doesn’t know what clothing options she has. Her response “You mean there’s a magazine that’s just for pretty PLUS size women/models?!!!” She was ecstatic!
Bottom line, this magazine is breaking barriers and changing/enhancing lives! I am not worried about anything that a “hater” has to say because I, and the rest of the staff at PLUS, know how much hard work gets put into this wonderful mag each month. Rather than get angry at whomever this individual may be, I will be praying for them because God cannot bless you if you can’t stand to see others blessed!
This is very disturbing. Although I am not a model, and I do not work in the fashion industry, I am very happy to say that Plus Model Mag has always supported my endeavors. When I first started doing comedy, Maddy is the first Plus Magazine to reach out to me to request an interview. She is a brilliant woman, and I love the magazine!
Maddy and the PMM family, please ignore the haters and the naysayers! The fact that someone is spreading rumors just speaks to how much of an impact you all are making! When they STOP talking about you is when you should worry. You all run an amazing publication that is changing the lives of women everyday! Keep pushing forward and know that we do support you!
Much Love
erica
My true desire is to see models, designers, stylist, writers, agents, the whole industry to stop spreading these wild rumors. The focus of these rumors are due to jealousy and envy. This is always the case when someones light is shining bright, others want to dim their bulb. People wake up there is room for everyone no need to take away someone elses blessings. If Maddy did not open the doors she is now I wonder where alot of industry people would go. I don’t see the doors open from others as wide as she has opened up opportunities for ALL in every area. I would not let this negative energy get me down, I would just go harder. The people who contribute to the rumor mill are usually the least successful and most unhappy with their lives.
It is unfathomable that someone doesn’t realize how many VOLUNTEER hours go into passion. This too shall pass, no need to give it any credence, it’s just unfortunate that the internet is a positive and negative tool and gossip and untrue statements can spread virally and perceptions and misconceptions can become conceived as reality….Just remember when we are doing all this unpaid work and wondering why everyone doesn’t see its merit and some even pull us down – Oscar Wilde said it best, “No good deed goes unpunished.” It’s amazing how true this is….just accept it and go on and allow it to give you strength — onwards and upwards with being fabulous and supportive because the universe is on your side.