Today we’d like to introduce you to Constance Smith.
Constance, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I have always had a knack for fashion; especially with constantly being referred to as the “diva.” I certainly give credit to my family for never forcing me to be someone who I was not. Their unwavering support has allowed me to stand firm in my unique power of self – my self. As a plus-size young woman, I can identify myself with many of the women that I see in the media because of my bold, confident, and body positive demeanor.
I have always wanted to represent a voice and an inspiration to all women no matter their shape or size. I think back nostalgically to a time when I faithfully watched fashion shows and competitions, especially America’s Next Top Model, on tv and studied the facial placement, runway walk, and posture of each model showcased.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This journey has been an unfathomable one from the beginning. Breaking out into the modeling industry has not been the easiest process for myself as a plus-size woman; but it has given me a chance to learn so much about who I am as a person and has allowed me to grow stronger in my identity. I made the decision to no longer sell myself short. I then had to cast out all of my fears, doubts, and any negativity that would hinder me from achieving success. I had to learn how to become content with hearing “NO” or no response at all to any of my efforts.
Nonetheless, in those difficult moments, I continuously kept finding motivation from my support system and through affirmations that I recited daily to myself. I have come a very long way from a shy and timid well-dressed young girl to a bold and beautiful mature young woman. Overcoming so much has been a major challenge but I have reached many heights through my perseverance and I constantly remind myself that this is not yet the end – there is more to see! I am now the tenacious “diva.”
Constance Smith – Plus-Size Model – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a 25-year-old, Afro-Latina, professional plus-size model based in Boston, MA that specializes in Runway, Commercial, and Editorial modeling. My modeling frequently takes me across the East Coast (NYC, Philly, and the DMV); but I am eager to spread my wings on throughout West Coast and abroad.
As a size 22, it sets me apart from the plus industry as sizes range from 12 to 20. On a positive note, size inclusion is slowly becoming accepted and positively represented in the media, A number of the boutiques and businesses that I have worked or collaborated with have coined me as the first of my size to model their clothing, shoes, and accessories. It is truly a worthwhile experience and patience is definitely a virtue as many opportunities will come up and become available to me down the pipeline.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as establishing a legacy – one that I may never see come in to fruition but I have laid the groundwork. Modeling is my passion and a journey that has allowed me to blossom into the confidence needed to do what I love. This journey has clearly laid out for me the rough patches of my discouragement and the moments when I was on the brink of completely giving up. Such a visual places much into perspective and brings me to the conclusion that: this is much bigger than me. The story of my journey is truly an inspiring one and I find great joy in knowing that my aspiration to follow my dreams is a source of inspiration for others.
Contact Info:
- Email: CSPLUSMODEL@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: @LUNAMODELA
- Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LUNAMODELA
Image Credit:
Ashley Batz, Bruna Lacerda, Daniel Irvin, Sam Dorado, Sania Zaki, Sasha Greenhalgh
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