Teiko Dornor is considered a plus size model
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.
Jamati: In fact I always felt sorry for my UK cousins because they were and still are super eager about the African American culture here in the States. Do you find this to be true?
Well I travel to the States quite frequently and I think there is a sense that if you work hard, have talent, and are committed you can really make it. In the UK there is not even that platform available in various fields. Things are changing, but the level of success you can achieve in modeling in particular seems greater in the states.
Jamati: I read somewhere that African/black actors were leaving the UK for the US for better work opportunities. Why do you think that is?
There are better opportunities to fulfill your potential in the States. Of course actresses like Sophie Okenedo and Thandie Newton have proved otherwise. But there are certain roles and places you want to take your career that can only be achieved in the States right now.
Jamati: Do you plan on acting at all?
On every job I do you almost have to become one with the designer’s vision for the pieces, and be an actress in a sense. If it’s a bold daring dress you need to reflect that. I would love to act one day, it’s definitely an avenue I would consider in the future.
Jamati: Do you have any plans to migrate to the US? Do you think it would bolster your career?
At times I feel that sure it would bolster my career, I have a few friends that are plus size models in the States and they are doing pretty well, landing major campaigns, with really good agencies.
Yet modeling is not necessarily a predictable arena and I could relocate and be without work for months, you never totally know. My short term goals don’t include relocating but I take one day at a time. I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
Jamati: What projects you are presently working on?
Well of course Miss Plus Africa established in 2006. We aim to highlight the plus size beauty and highlight groups that work towards development on the continent. It has been fulfilling, challenging and I really am excited about the project.
Also working as a beauty therapist now. It is an exciting industry and I’m combining my hobbies and interests and working on an online project.
Teikodornor.com will finally be launched next year and so I am going to really go all out there.
Jamati: Could you speak more on the Miss Africa Plus Pageant?
As I said it was founded by myself and Joi Onyeukwu who is based in Washington DC. We really felt the need for something like this. Pageants are fun and a celebration of beauty and we wanted not only to celebrate beautiful African woman, but those who are often overlooked because they are plus size. I love it because I’ve come into contact with so many groups that go unheard of but who are fighting to improve the lives of others. If I can help even just in a small way it makes it all worth it.
Jamati: There are so many Miss Africa something or another pageants that I cannot keep up. What makes your pageant so different other than the obvious?
Well I think all pageants basically want to celebrate and appreciate beauty. Miss Plus Africa is no different there, but we also aren’t going to forget that we are doing this to help the continent and see positive changes take place because of this. It’s an amazing way of helping out without actually physically being there.
Jamati: Why is there a need for this type of Pageant?
I really think you can never have too much of a good thing. It’s great not only because it highlights a marginalized group of women, improving their self confidence, but also because it’s a fun way give back to Africa. You don’t have to be size 0 to be appreciated; beauty should not hold such rigid criteria
Jamati: Where and when is the pageant taking place and why have you chosen this venue and location?
Its going to be in DC, next year and I can’t wait! This is the location simply because there are so many plus size beauties and also as we had to begin in a location where we knew it would be well received. It is not easy but believe me it will be worth it. In the meantime I will be representing here in London, I’m planning a few events related to MPA so look out for that next year.
Jamati: Have you received a lot of support for this project?
Yes the support has been overwhelming. I’m so grateful to all of those who have supported MPA.
Jamati: What does the future hold for Teiko?
Wow. That’s a great question. You know I used to try and plan every single detail of my life, but I’ve since learnt to rely on God’s plans for my life. It is good that thats all I can really be sure of.
Jamati: Finally we all should be willing to pay it forward and by that I mean what advice would you give to an aspiring plus sized model who is getting discouragement from her peers, family and the fashion industry?
I think the label “model” holds both negative and positive connotations. People who will try and discourage you probably really do care but only you owe it to yourself to achieve your dreams. It as an unstable field, there are a lot of disappointments, instability (even as a black model you can struggle for work, let alone plus size and black) and insecurity.
Much of the discouragement will come from people who genuinely want the best for you. My advice is stay realistic and be patient with those that try to “discourage” you, yet remember that it’s your life and you live with your choices.
From my own personal experience, it’s been hard at times, but if I had listened to those people then I wouldn’t be where I am today. They mean well but words can be powerful so try and be around those that support your dreams.
I would say seriously pray about it and remember that if it’s your dream then go for it! There are lots of African models doing great things for the continent - Iman, Menaye Donkor, Noella Coursaris, Rosemary Chileshe are just a few of the women in the industry proving that success is achievable and sustainable.
Jamati: We applaud you Teiko for starting a pageant that is so needed in today’s culture. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to speak with us today. We look forward to the pageant next year!
Learn more about Teiko at her http://www.myspace.com/teikodornor page.
Source: Roxana Bangura
