She is considered a plus size model. We just like to think she is what African women look like.
Jamati: Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with me today.

Thank you, it's an honor to be featured.

Jamati: You are one busy lady. I read somewhere that in addition to modeling you are also a student?

Yes, when I initially started modeling I was in law school.

Jamati: How do you manage all of that?

Well I had to make a decision. Castings never give you advance notice. Modeling is a career in itself and requires a lot on both physical and emotional levels. I've put my studies on hold until I'm ready commit to my books. I hate feeling like I'm not giving 100% in all I do.

Jamati: Please share with us your experiences about being a full figured/plus sized model?

Wow. Varied really, some good days some not so good. With every career you have highs and lows. The thing I enjoy about modeling is that I've learnt a lot of life lessons, the opportunities to learn life skills and broaden my horizons have been invaluable.

Seeing yourself in so many different ways on a physical level reminds me that as human beings we are able to change, if only we want to. Going from ghetto fabulous to extremely afrocentric in the same day reminds me never to limit myself.

Even negative experiences have allowed me to question how much I value my opinion over others. As a model people can try tell you about yourself, I often hear “you know how models are.” I'm like, hold up you just met me son, you have no clue about my behavior!!! Nobody thinks of judging the hobbies and interests of every doctor or lawyer, but everyone seems to know how models are.

I've learnt how to handle judgment positively through modeling, and that keeps me focused, its God and I. You have to learn how to weed out the bad stuff.

Being a plus size model is great. I love to inspire. I have women write to me and tell me about how they love what I do and feel encouraged. It's a joy. In terms of work, sometimes you know you won't even get to a go see because it's assumed that plus size models don't and can't do high fashion and you're immediately eliminated. You want to work on certain projects, expand your book, your horizons, your career, but opportunities aren't always there.

Jamati: Say you are at a go see and the designer asks you to try on clothing that you know would not fit you because it does not take into account your beautiful African curves, what do you do?

Well I probably wouldn't be put in that position as designers are quite clear on their criteria, however, I have been to fashion shows where I have had to wear my own clothes and maybe just one piece from the designer as I couldn't fit into the rest of the clothes. What can you do? You work that one item and be your best. I've seen similar scenarios occur on America's Next Top Model and I'm like, I feel you girl!! It's mind work, either brush the dirt off your shoulder or it's another career disappointment.

Jamati: I can relate because I am a healthy girl as well and I sometimes find it hard not seeing images of those that look like me in mainstream publications. How do you as a plus sized model over come that?

Well there are a few publications that I love because they represent all types of women. I have nothing against slimmer models but mainstream publications almost never reflect mainstream. As a plus size model you want to be part of the change and show that beauty is not so one dimensional you know.

Jamati: At Jamati Online we celebrate ALL of our various African beauty. How do you see our role as being pivotal in bringing African beauty to the forefront of popular culture?

I think its important, and I appreciate that images of a plus size model do encourage others. The media is often trying to feed us a fantasy, a lifestyle, but it hardly includes a bigger woman, why should that be? We're fly too! Beauty is so diverse and if I can be part of that, it makes my efforts worth it.

Jamati: Having spent about 6 months in the UK after college (cough..some years ago) I did not see many beautiful images of African women. Is this still the case and if so why?

To be honest I don't see too many images of African women unless they are in black media outlets. I really couldn't say why, maybe as the percentage of Africans in the UK outside of London is still relatively small. Continued    Source: Roxana Bangura