Meet Nikki Muffoletto…

This month’s cover girl is a beautiful Chicago native who is one of the new faces for Igigi.com.

[Maddy] When did you first become interested in the modeling industry?

[Nikki] During freshman year of college my school had a booth requesting for people who would be willing to cut there hair for an upcoming hair show. Since I was a broke college student at the time I thought, “Oh great, a free hair cut!”  When I got there all the girls were models and one of them told me I should try plus size modeling.   So I looked up modeling in the yellow pages and went to a few open calls.

[Maddy] Once you went to the open calls? How did you obtain an agency?

I went to 3 open calls.  Elite being the first, they liked my look but told me at the time I was too thin and that I would need to gain 20-30 pounds.  I went to Aria and I received the same advice. Then I went to Ford, they signed me on the spot, I signed a contract with them and within 1 week I had paid for pictures to obtain a portfolio and got my first modeling job.

[Maddy] How did you research the modeling industry and gain modeling experience?

[Nikki] I feel as though modeling in some weird way was God’s calling for me in my life, every door was being opened.  It was somewhat easy to get into the modeling industry.  The hard part is taking pictures good enough for the clients to book you for jobs.  I have had to spend a good amount of money to test with photographers to get pictures that my agencies like.  In my opinion the experience is gained through keeping clients, being friendly and having a good positive attitude.

[Maddy]  How long have you been modeling?

[Nikki] I have been modeling 6 years

[Maddy] What personal changes have you made to pursue a modeling?

[Nikki]  I have had to gain some weight.  When I first started modeling I was a size 10 and believe it or not I thought I was fat, my whole life I struggled with my weight; dieting.   Being a plus size model has given me a lot of confidence, I have since gained about 20 pounds and I feel really healthy.

[Maddy] Most aspiring models do not realize how important “testing” is to a models career, can you give us your thoughts?

[Nikki] In the past few years I have been testing more and I have gotten more jobs because of it.  When you have curves you have to know your body and what angles look good, so testing is part of the job.

[Maddy] How do you keep physically fit?

[Nikki] I eat healthy, workout 4-6 times a week, play basketball.  And of course I love
sweets, so if I want some junk food I eat it.

[Maddy] What would be your dream modeling job?

[Nikki] For me, a hair commercial and a Lane Bryant ad.

[Maddy] Who are your favorite designers at the moment?

[Nikki] To be honest I am not a big “fashionista”, I like Lane Bryant jeans, H and M t-shirts.  I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal.

[Maddy] What advice do you have for aspiring models looking to start a modeling career?

[Nikki] Go to open calls in your area, work on looking your best on the inside and outside.  Always believe that you can do anything you put your mind to.

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