Imperfect Model

Before:
A thrill of delicious anticipation raced through my veins as I eagerly submitted my beloved photos through the mail. Lane Bryant was seeking applications and photos to become the next plus size model. Lane Bryant was one of the few stores that not only offered plus size clothing, but also offered acceptable fashions for a young, hip, college student. In preparation, I had carefully chosen my most flattering and feminine ensembles. My sister acted as my photographer, and we chose our front yard as the backdrop for my lighting. I had never considered modeling prior to this. But, the biggest obstacle to my success so far was due to being fat, not ugly. Why couldn’t I be a plus-size model? Weeks later, the silence from Lane Bryant spoke volumes. Maybe, even a plus size model needed to be perfect.

After:

Just a short month ago, another delicious thrill of anticipation raced through my veins as I submitted my photos through email.  First for Women magazine was seeking weight loss success stories for their 2012 New Year’s Eve issue.  Thanks to my friends at Shapefit.com, I was given the opportunity to submit my story for consideration.  I had carefully selected my least flattering “before” photos displaying my highest size.  This time, I was less than confident that I would succeed.  This was a national magazine with over 4 million readers.  Maybe they were looking for someone who had lost more weight than I had?  Or was more perfect in her “after”?  At 98 pounds down, I was no lightweight at weight loss.  Still, I am far from perfect.

Instead of silence, I received a prompt and courteous email that my story was not chosen.  I was sad, but happy for the chance.  One week later, I received another email asking if I still wanted to be in the New Year’s Eve issue.  First wanted to include my story!  Within a couple of days, I had a local photographer, wardrobe stylist, and makeup artist in my living room.  David Ellis, Sarah Cochran and Shannon Darsow proceeded to give me the royal treatment while chatting up my daughter.  While David took what felt like hundreds of photos, Sarah and Shannon told me that I was beautiful and a natural and encouraged me to think of how it felt to lose the weight.  I felt like a glamorous model.  Three hours later, they left.  Had it all been a dream?

Turn to page 35 in First for Women in stores now, and you’ll see a woman in her 30’s smiling confidently at the camera.  I am not the focus of the story, and I am certainly not the biggest loser in the article.  I am not thin or perfect.  But, somewhere in the past decade, I went from an aspiring plus size model to a weight loss success story in a national magazine.  I may not be the new face of Lane Bryant.  But, I can be an imperfect role model for others just like me.