Limarie Lewis, a no longer aspiring model has won the GlamourPlus Model of the Year, something not many have the honor of holding.
Being a “veteran” in the plus size modeling industry has given me the honor to watch careers such as hers through all the process, and is really a reason to be proud to see women like her, with such beautiful life stories, rocking the world in their very own way.
This fighter with a latino background beauty, 32 years old gorgeous woman and owner of fabulous measurements tells us her story in her own words:
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What are your goals?
I want to live my life so that God gets the glory out of everything that I do. Though I do not know what the future has in store, I would like to finish my first poetry book and put it out in bookstores. I would also like to put out a second poetry album. I also would love to be in a really big fashion show for full figured women, something like FFF Week in New York. I think that would be a great learning experience for me and I would get to meet some of my fellow curvy divas who are really doing it and making a difference. Finally everyone that knows me knows that I dream of becoming an Ashley Stewart Model or any other plus sized clothing store online model. I just love the fit of Ashley Stewart clothing and it is shopping there that triggered my interest in becoming a plus sized model so that is why I always say AS first. I love ministering through poetry to the youth especially, so doing more of that and being a positive role model to young ladies would be a blessing as well.
Worst moment in your personal life.
I consider all things that happen in my life part of a learning and growing experience that makes me who I am today. The worst moment in my personal life though I have had some bad times is when I allowed myself to get into an emotionally, verbally and physically abusive relationship. I was at a bad place in my life in which I thought I was grown and became involved with someone who was not good for me. Though I never was beat on without fighting back, just the fact that arguments got so heated into having to fight back was enough to make any young lady leave but at that time I didn’t know what to do and I stayed for a little while until I finally became fed up. I never knew that finding Jesus would change my life or good.
Best moment in you per
sonal life:
Answering the call God has on my life which was to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins and receiving the precious gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). Also getting married to the man of my dreams, the one I have always wanted before ever meeting, this is truly a blessing to me and I can only thank God for that.
Have kids?
I have three stepchildren but would love to have a child or two with my husband.
How do you feel to be named GlamourPlus Model of the Year?
I felt really happy and surprised when I won. It is an honor because I have only been modeling for a little over a year now but I have been working hard to get some great shots in at each photoshoot. I study different models poses and practice in the mirror a lot. I take a lot of advice from models that are already doing it and being named GlamourPlus Model of the Year is something that makes me see that my hard work is paying off.
What you regret?
I regret not sticking with my exercise routine at Bally’s every morning. I fell off on that one.
What is your biggest pride?
I am super proud about being married for 5 years now. It takes hard work and love is always in action. I am proud to be married to someone I love so much and that loves me back just the same!
Were you always plus size?
According to fashion standards, yes but in my eyes no. I was always tall and skinny with a booty. When I hit high school I went up to about size 12 and then I gradually gained weight as the years went by and the booty changed too J.
Did you struggle with your weight?
Yes I did and still do because I know that I need to permantly change my eating habits, my lifestyle. I am up and down a lot (in my opinion)and I need to be more committed to a healthier lifestyle but this year I plan to really commit myself.
We know you are plus size model Olga Gonzales Ramos´s Club fan President. How you come up with that. What are her latest news?
I found out about Olga when I was looking up more information about plus modeling and after reading about her many accomplishments and words of encouragement to the plus sized community I had to reach out to her to let her know that her words, confidence and work inspired me. To my surprise she responded back and was extremely down to earth and sweet. We developed a sisterhood almost immediately and we supported eachother in many ways. She eventually asked me to be her Fan Club President because I was one of her biggest fans. Olga is taking some time off right now to be with her family and take care ofher mothers’ health, please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Who is your role model?
My mother, my sister in law, my mother in law, my pastor, my sister and other plus models that are many. I take a little from each person as they inspire me in different ways.
What made you get into the modeling world?
There was so many things that got me into plus modeling but one thing that really triggered it for me was observing an ad in an Ashley Stewart store while shopping. After noticing how curvaceous and confident the model looked in the poster, I said to myself “That could be me!” and why not I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I am just that confident to know that if I really pursue this, I can make it.
Everytime a public person dishes against plus size modelling, what makes you think/feel?
I think about how eventually they are going to be eating their own words. They should study to be quiet because we are making a serious impact in the modeling beautiful women that we are. With most women being considered plus sized, there should be more full figured models modeling clothes that fit us. When I go shopping, I want to see pictures of someone my size wearing that dress or rocking those jeans, it makes me want to buy the clothes.
You think plus size modeling promote obesity?
No way only a small minded person would think that.
What is your favorite clothing line?
Ashley Stewart
What´s been your biggest pride when it comes to your modeling career?
Getting my first cover ever on Daily Venus Diva E Magazine. I was the 2009 Cover Model and I worked super hard to get that cover and when I was chosen I was so happy and excited. I felt like I accomplished something really big.
Projects for the future?
Working on my poetry book right now.
Advice to aspiring models?
Do a lot of research about plus modeling online and join online communities like modelmayhem, musecube and dailyvenusdiva.com where you can learn tips and even talk to agency models with experience. Be confident and set a standard for yourself, don’t sell yourself short and don’t compare yourself to other women, everyone has something different to bring to the table. Have a positive attitude and stay away from negative people and gossip. Always test first with photographers, study poses of different plus models and practice them and other poses in the mirror. If you are good with makeup there is no need to get an MUA for your first test shoot but an MUA does make a difference. Make sure to wear shapers under your clothing for smooth lines and a more polished look.
What is your dream career as a plus size model?
I would love to be a positive role model to young females and ladies who are insecure about their shape. I would love to model for Ashley Stewart or any other clothing company. I love modeling so doing more photoshoots, learning more and doing fashion shows would be great and definitely getting paid for them J I really would just like to be more like a style guide and speaker on self confidence and self love as this is something that I had to learn and am still learning because it is an everyday process.
What do you think about the limitations that the Industry settle to plus size models when it comes to size and age?
I think that it is a shame that only certain sizes and age groups are limited because there is beauty in all shapes, sizes and ages and seeing this can help real people relate and build confidence in others.
What are the best tips you can give to plus size females when it comes to dress and styling?
Style is a personal thing because it reflects your beliefs, personality and your confidence. Some styling tips that I have learned and love are as follows:
Wear shapers and proper undergarments – this is the foundation for every outfit.
Wear proper fitting clothing – nothing too tight that has you looking sloppy and nothing too big that adds extra pounds.
Add accessories! Accessories help to make or break an outfit. I can’t wear anything without accessories.
Get a nice haircut or hairstyle that elongates your face and neck.
Look at plus models in the store ads and pick up styling pointers from what they are wearing and customize it to fit you.
Never let it all hang out…there is a time and a place ladies, just cause you got the goods does not mean everyone has to or wants to see them, be classy.
How you see plus size industry/modelling in five years?
I see it flourishing and really stepping outside of the box as far as fashion is concerned.
How you planning to spend Valentine´s day?
I am not too sure yet but my husband is romantic so I am sure it will be nice.
It was hard for you to have a love life being a large girl?
Before I became plus sized, I had to deal with being so tall first. I am 5’11” now but growing up I was always the tallest female in school and all the boys that I liked back then were shorter than me so that sometimes got in the way but I got over it.
If you had the chance to born again, will you change anything you´ve done, think or feel?
I am spiritually born again. I have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins and now I am trying hard to walk in the newness of life.
Who is the person/company you would never work?
I don’t know, but any company that degrades women is a company that I would not like to work for because women should be respected and honored.
Who is the person/company you would love to work for?
Ashley Stewart, Monif C, Qristyl Frazier, Plus Model Magazine, Curvation, Avenue, Torrid, Lane Bryant anything plus related ladies so get at me ;)
Name three things you like or need to do before and after a photoshooti.
Pray
Drink Water
Put on makeup and practice in the mirror