A Little Closer To Our Cover Model – Hilary Harper
Hilary Harper blasted on the scene when she walked for Full Figured Fashion Week two years ago. In the audience were Ashley Stewart executives and the rest, as they say, is history. Since then, you have seen her in numerous campaigns for the plus size brand. This month, Hilary graces our November cover and shows us why she has been Ashley Stewart’s campaign darling.
Maddy: How did you get started in the modeling industry?
Hilary: I was always interested fashion and style, but I did not think that I could ever be a model because I had an athletic body type. I wasn’t very familiar with the “plus size” market, so I thought my dream of becoming a model would never become a reality. But the desire to model never left me, so when I moved close to Seattle after college and heard about Heffner’s plus board, I took the chance to go to an open call and got signed. I moved to New York to pursue modeling full time, and since signing with Click, I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of clients.
Maddy: What do you like most about the industry? What do you like least?
Hilary: I love the fact that each job or shoot presents something completely new. The location, the crew, the clothes and the concept are always different, and this creates an exciting work atmosphere and amazing experiences.
The industry has been great to me, but I wish there were more opportunities for plus size models in mainstream media.
Maddy: The plus size modeling industry has changed in the past five years, what are your thoughts about the direction we are headed in main stream media?
Hilary: Things have come a long way over the past few years, and it’s exciting to see more plus size models gaining recognition. I hope that we continue moving in this direction and that seeing plus size models in the mainstream media becomes as expected as seeing straight size models.
Maddy: Most people know you from your Ashley Stewart campaigns, what is your advice to models that have not yet booked a job with a big client?
Hilary: For those who have yet to book a job with a big client, my advice to them is to stay positive, to realize that things don’t usually happen overnight, and to bring your “A” game to each and every client.
Maddy: What do you want people to know about you?
Hilary: I want people to know that while I am happy and thankful with the success I have experienced so far, one of the greatest rewards I’ve had since moving to NYC is seeing the progress my mentee with The Family Center has made in her life over the past 2 and a half years. They are always looking for volunteers in the NYC area…
Maddy: What is your advice to aspiring models trying to make it in the modeling business?
Hilary: Be patient, practice, and learn your craft. Study what poses work for you, stay current with the industry, and determine your own personal style. Maintain your self confidence regardless of the number of jobs you book. Control what you can- make sure you present your best you- this includes professionalism on the job and being model ready- hair, nails, waxing etc, at all times. You do not want to miss out on a last minute opportunity because you didn’t keep yourself fully prepared. You don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons.
A Little More About Hilary Harper
My favorite food is Alaskan King crab legs.
I never leave home without my music player, sunglasses, and mint flavored lip gloss.
Kindhearted people who have overcome adversity inspire me.
I’d like to meet my biological parents.
We wish Hilary much continued success as she joins the Dorothy Combs Models board in Miami.
For bookings: www.clickmodels.com – NY / www.dorothycombsmodels.com – FL