Imagine being scouted while you are performing a dance routine in baggy clothes and not even thinking about becoming a model. This was in part our cover model’s journey to where she is today. This month we are celebrating our journeys and embracing the steps that have brought us to where we are today.

Get to know our cover model Sharon Dumfries…

Photographer, Milton Goedhoop

Please tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the modeling industry.

I’m Sharon Dumfries, born and raised on the Island of Aruba but my parents have a different background and are Dutch Indonesian and Surinam Haitian. As a kid and teenager, I got bullied for my looks and for being different, and I had a hard time standing up for myself. It was also hard to find fashion in my size. Taking dancing classes helped me get out of my comfort zone and get better self-esteem during the years. I moved to the Netherlands at 18 years of age to study and today I’m a model and teacher for over 13 years.

I got scouted unexpectedly after dancing a ”Hip-hop and House” routine in my baggiest outfit during a fashion show with primarily straight-size models. I started as a catwalk model on weekends after doing an intensive catwalk and fashion show training, next to finishing my Biology and Teachers degree. A few years later I got scouted by a big brand during a fashion show and this was the stepping stone to getting signed with a bigger agency in Amsterdam.

We have spoken to models from all over the world about the plus size industry in their respective countries, and realize it’s different outside of the United States. Can you share the plus-size industry as you see it in The Netherlands?

A lot of brands tend to book models in the same country, so if you really want to make a career it’s sometimes best to be ”on stay”  for a while in the UK or Germany. We don’t have a lot of ”go-sees”. The sizes of most models that get booked are usually smaller than in the US. The sizes size 42- 44- 46- (Sometimes 48) EU are very popular because of the Sample Sizes.

For those of us getting to know you, can you share your work with us as an educator and coach?

I currently teach Biology in High School for the past 12,5 years and have managed to work as a model part-time. I’m also a coach at school and help students with their emotions such as fear of failure. Through coaching, I’m given the opportunity to speak to teenagers who aren’t able to come to school due to anxiety about participating in school in the regular classes, heavy bullying, or being kicked out of school for other reasons. This is still fully new and just started at our school a few weeks ago.

What role do you believe social media plays in today’s society as we raise children and also tend to our mental health?

The stress level is rising earlier on due to pressure to not only be cool and accepted in real life but also online. The level of bullying online is where there is no supervision and it is getting out of control. Teenagers already get burned out at a very young age. There is too much non-visible pressure that everyone needs to be above average. Some try to over-achieve and get burned out and others give up and don’t get to make small steps forward and stay stuck, which in turn also causes a lot of stress.

What tips do you have about navigating social media for both the younger generation and those of us who remember the days before the internet?

I am not the best in Social Media, a little bit by choice. I don’t want it to be a must. But a lot of people make a living out of it. It takes a lot of time and effort, so for it to really make it work it’s a full-time job or you need a team. For the ones who remember the days before the internet: just try, and have a bit of fun along the way trying to figure it out, it all changes so quickly nowadays. But most of all be authentic. For the younger generation, I would say the same. It is not a must as a model to have a huge following. It’s about being visible that counts, that people and brands can find you. It’s best to start small and make baby steps. It took me more than 10 years to get where I am now. I believe working together and genuinely spreading love makes the difference.

As a model, teacher, and coach what are some of your goals for the future and what changes would you like to see in the plus-size modeling industry?

In the future, I would like to combine my knowledge as a teacher, model, and coach. Preferably by helping others to realize what true beauty is. As cheesy as it sounds, from the inside out. In the future, I would like see more diversity and inclusiveness, not as a trend. I would like to see bigger sizes being booked just as often as small sizes. And also better education about what being healthy means. I would like to see more respect from people behind their laptops, to always show love, if there is hate, keep it to yourself ;). In the best scenario, brands need to book models for their charisma and make the clothes fit them. I would like less plastic surgery, and more natural imperfections to be celebrated. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and is different in every culture, never let that define your beauty. You are good enough just as you are <3

Visit online IG @sharondumfries

Model Monday… Here Are the Plus-Size Models We Are Crushing On!

The plus-size modeling industry is an ever-changing landscape and we are so excited to see veteran models continuing to grace us with their beauty, alongside some newcomers.

Follow PMM on IG @plusmodelmag
#plusmodelcrushmonday #plusmodelmag #plussizemodels #celebratemysize

Check out our PLUS Size Model Crushes Of The Week:

@veronica.tejado

@hayleyhermsofficial

@thenorkavasquez

@kaley.hinrichs

@laurenkaraman

@pegasusgolde_

@diandradeonanan

Model Monday… Here Are the Plus-Size Models We Are Crushing On!

The plus-size modeling industry is an ever-changing landscape and we are so excited to see veteran models continuing to grace us with their beauty, alongside some newcomers.

Follow PMM on IG @plusmodelmag
#plusmodelcrushmonday #plusmodelmag #plussizemodels #celebratemysize

Check out our PLUS Size Model Crushes Of The Week:

@mahaliafromaustralia

@iammichellevidal

@nahuane_d

@juliaaaann

@krisyeo

@jaden_speed

@evilfembot

How To Measure Bra Size Yourself…

Properly measuring bra size is essential for ensuring comfort and support. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure your bra size at home:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start, you’ll need a few items:
– A soft measuring tape (cloth or flexible plastic)
– A mirror (optional but helpful)
– A well-fitting, non-padded bra (optional)

Step 2: Wear a Well-Fitting Bra
While measuring, it’s ideal to wear a non-padded bra or no bra at all. This ensures the measurements aren’t skewed by extra padding.

Step 3: Measure Your Band Size
1. Stand straight in front of a mirror, ensuring your posture is relaxed but not slouched.
2. Wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage, just below your bust. Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and snug but not too tight. Keep your arms down by your sides.
3. Take note of the measurement in inches. This is your band size. If the measurement is an odd number, round up to the nearest even number.

Step 4: Measure Your Bust Size
1. Again, standing straight in front of a mirror, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and not too tight.
2. Make sure the tape is straight across your back and doesn’t sag. It should be snug but not digging into your skin.
3. Take note of this measurement in inches.

Step 5: Calculate Cup Size
To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust measurement. Each inch of difference corresponds to a cup size:
– 1 inch difference: A cup
– 2 inches difference: B cup
– 3 inches difference: C cup
– 4 inches difference: D cup
– 5 inches difference: DD/E cup
– 6 inches difference: DDD/F cup
– 7 inches difference: G cup
– 8 inches difference: H cup

For example, if your bust measurement is 36 inches and your band measurement is 32 inches, the difference is 4 inches, so your cup size would be D.

Step 6: Determine Your Bra Size
Combine your band size with your cup size to determine your bra size. For example, if your band size is 32 inches and your cup size is D, your bra size would be 32D.

Step 7: Try On Bras for Fit
Once you have your calculated size, try on bras in that size to ensure the fit is comfortable and supportive. Remember that sizing can vary between brands and styles, so it’s essential to try on a few different options to find the best fit for you.

By following these steps, you can accurately measure your bra size at home and ensure you’re wearing bras that provide the comfort and support you need.

View More From Plus Modeling 101

Model Monday… Here Are the Plus-Size Models We Are Crushing On!

The plus-size modeling industry is an ever-changing landscape and we are so excited to see veteran models continuing to grace us with their beauty, alongside some newcomers.

Follow PMM on IG @plusmodelmag
#plusmodelcrushmonday #plusmodelmag #plussizemodels #celebratemysize

Check out our PLUS Size Model Crushes Of The Week:

@michaelamcgrady

@truestpoint

@tmariestyles

@kailahalexandra

@ashannabri

@champpetty

Social Media Strategies for Aspiring Plus-Size Models: Crafting Your Personal Brand

In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for aspiring plus-size models looking to break into the competitive fashion industry. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter) offering unparalleled opportunities for self-promotion and networking, building a robust online presence has never been more crucial. However, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media requires careful planning, authenticity, and strategic thinking. In this article, we delve into the essential strategies for aspiring plus-size models to cultivate a strong personal brand and carve out their niche in the industry.

1. Authenticity Is Key: Authenticity lies at the heart of successful social media strategies for aspiring plus-size models. Embrace your unique qualities, celebrate your body-positivity journey, and let your personality shine through your posts. Audiences crave authenticity and relatability, so don’t be afraid to show the real you. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your life, candid moments, and personal anecdotes that resonate with your followers.

2. Define Your Brand Identity: Before diving into social media, take the time to define your brand identity. What sets you apart from other plus-size models? What message do you want to convey to your audience? Whether it’s promoting body positivity, advocating for diversity and inclusivity, or showcasing your fashion sense, clarity in your brand identity will help you attract the right audience and opportunities.

3. Curate High-Quality Content: In a sea of content, quality stands out. Invest time in creating high-quality visuals that showcase your unique style, personality, and versatility as a plus-size model. Collaborate with talented photographers, stylists, and makeup artists to produce captivating photoshoots that resonate with your brand. Experiment with different formats, from photos to videos, and reels, to keep your content engaging and diverse.

4. Engage With Your Audience: Social media is a two-way street. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and direct inquiries promptly. Foster a sense of community by initiating conversations, asking for feedback, and sharing user-generated content. By building genuine connections with your followers, you’ll cultivate a loyal fan base that supports you throughout your journey.

5. Collaborate and Network: Collaboration is key to success in the plus-size modeling industry. Partner with brands, fellow models, influencers, and creatives whose values align with yours. Collaborative projects not only expand your reach but also provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Attend industry events, workshops, and networking mixers to forge meaningful connections and stay abreast of industry trends.

6. Consistency Is Crucial: Consistency is the cornerstone of effective social media strategies. Establish a regular posting schedule and stick to it. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, consistency reinforces your brand presence, keeps your audience engaged, and signals reliability and professionalism. Utilize scheduling tools to plan and automate your posts, but don’t compromise on spontaneity and real-time engagement.

8. Monitor and Analyze Performance: Keep a close eye on your social media analytics to track the performance of your posts, identify trends, and gain insights into your audience’s preferences and behaviors. Adjust your strategies accordingly based on what resonates best with your audience. Experiment with different content formats, posting times, and messaging to optimize your reach and engagement.

Mastering social media is an essential skill for aspiring plus-size models looking to build their personal brand and advance their careers in the fashion industry as an advocate or influencers.

By prioritizing authenticity, defining your brand identity, curating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, leveraging hashtags and trends, collaborating with others, maintaining consistency, and monitoring performance, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and make a lasting impression on your audience. Remember, success on social media is not just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections and leaving a positive impact on those who follow your journey.

Here is a short list of plus models who have also created engaging personal brands:

@felicityhayward

@thestephanierosa

@mspostell

@zachmiko

@denisebidot

View More From Plus Modeling 101