Feb/Mar 2012
WELCOME Thank you for taking the time to read our publication. We ended 2011 with a bang as we paved the way for more amazing opportunities to take place during the 2012 year. A Clothes Mind would not have been able to come this far without our faithful supporters. We are truly humbled and grateful for all that you do. To our models and our dedicated staff, we could not have done this without you. You are the motivation for us to do great things and our inspiration to achieve the unthinkable.
This month’s publication will take you through “OUR” exhilarating journey of Who’s that Girl? with the gorgeous Heather Justice and check out our interview with Kim Roseberry of SHE-driven photography in the A Diva’s Reel series for women empowerment. A Clothes Mind ended 2011 with participating in the KCJ Celebrity Birthday bash and Fashion Show in St Louis, Missouri and dressed Kendra C Johnson in a custom dress. Pictures from the event will be available soon.
In January we launched our newest collection from the “Solace” clothing brand entitled “The Euphoric Collection”. “The manifestation of the collection along with the collaboration of the models was an overtly amazing experience. The collection captures the seductive elements of the lux contemporary woman, personifying edgy and fierce designs with an attitude. Last but not least, we also added some new items to the Margaux Kouture brand.
In the month of February, we have any an amazing contest to begin for our Prom Dress Giveaway which is open to middle school and high school teens so stay tuned for more details. Please keep in contact with us and find out what we’re doing on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and our very own ACM News Blog.
Thanks Again,
Anna & Desi
Heather Justice Model /Actress ACM: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion model and why? HEATHER: As have always been considered as “full figured” but growing up I never felt that fashion catered to full figured people like me. Just because I was big didn’t mean I wanted to wear Moo-Moos or Mother of the Bride dresses. I wanted to be cute just like the skinny girl. So I made my own fashion. As a consequence of making my own fashion statement I found myself as a spokesperson and model (on a small scale) for others plus size women. Young women would seek my fashion sense. Moms would express their appreciation for me being in a sense a role model showing their full figured daughter that you can be big and beautiful. I always promoted that fashion, like beauty, comes in all different sizes. I took notice to the plus size movement when I saw more plus size women in magazines or on posters. And it made me
think “I can do that”. In 2010 I had some life changing events happen and I had to find direction. I signed with my first agency and booked my first official gig. I wanted to continue to encourage plus size women and to let them know that they didn’t have to be skinny to be fashionable or to be beautiful. Because I wanted to share the confidence that I had gained with other plus-size ladies I was comfortable in expressing and dressing my calling publicly. I was surprised that I was the fashion inspiration not just for plus-size ladies looking to buy a dress and shoes, but single moms, and abused women as well.
ACM: What personality traits do you think you have that should make you a good model? HEATHER: I believe personality is key factor, sometimes the X-factor in determining the exceptional model. I strive to be exceptional. Because my clients like my audience deserve and exception show and specific performance from me. And I deliver. To me, being a model is a more than just getting in front of the camera. Being an exceptional model is a cooperative. It’s a relationship with designers, photographer and stylist. A model also needs to be enthusiastic, ready to perform at a moments notice in any and every condition. A model like every artist needs to have an open mind. Some photo shoots may be in places you don’t want to be, or may be uncomfortable settings, but a good model will stay professional and get it done. Since you are your own brand a good model is personable, dependable, reliable and punctual. When you are hired for a job people expect you to be on time and prepared with all the necessary items you may need for a shoot. You represent yourself, and your agency if you have one so being professional is a must.
ACM: How has modeling changed other aspects of your life? HEATHER: Since I have become known as a plus model I have taken it upon myself to talk to girls and encourage them that beauty comes from within and then will radiate outward. Being healthy with an inner beauty fueled by confidence and self acceptance will compete, if not beat any model on the cover of a magazine. I remind them that beauty will last longer if we address the internal emotions before the dress selection. I am an example for my daughters. They look up to me because mommy is beautiful by virtue of what I am internally and they see that you don’t have to be a size 2 to be beautiful. I try to encourage women to love themselves regardless of what people say and to never limit yourself. Modeling keeps me busy. Juggling photo shoots, 3 kids, and a job I have to stay very organized. Modeling has reinforced my confidence in my creative ability and it has given me the confidence to let me know that I can do anything I put my mind to.
ACM: What modeling projects have you done? HEATHER: I have worked walked in FFFWeek LA. I was a part of the “About Face Project” I’ve been featured on The Doctors, Dr. Phil and Good Day LA a couple of times.
I’ve done photo-shoots for SWAK, Plussizefix.com, Sizeappeal, Adoraom and A Clothes Mind. I’ve walked in fashion shows to showcase for Lane Bryant, Forever 21, Jill Alexander, and many others. Currently I am working with Adoraom. Adoraom is premium active wear for the plus size girl. It encourages a healthily lifestyles which encourage myself and others. It’s something I can use daily to help me workout and look cute all while keep up with my busy lifestyle as a model/mom.
ACM: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show? HEATHER: I am always in a state of readiness. Being prepare is spawned on constant anticipation. Well I have a model bag that is usually already packed for any shoot or show that I’m booked for. I make sure that I have all my shoes, accessories, lotion, shapers, etc., any emergency items that I may need are all in my bag before my shoot or show. For my photo shoots I usually have my stylist, Reah Norman, get all my looks, accessories and everything together. She is almost like my fairy godmother for photo shoots. When I can she is always on my checklist for a photo shoot.
ACM: What are your goals as a model? How do you see yourself progress in this field? HEATHER: My goal as a model is to strengthen my own brand and to help ladies find their own sense of fashion and their own voice of fashion through my modeling expressions. I have been fortunate to meet wonderful other Models, Bloggers, Photographers, that have taught me so much and I want to in turn be that source for other models who are trying to make their way in the industry. ACM: Words that best describe your style: HEATHER: The word that best describes my fashion style is “Elegant”.
ACM: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion models? HEATHER: Don’t give up. Have a sense of adventure and a desire to give to others and contribute to a competitive industry. A modeling career does not develop overnight. Keep taking pictures. Learn all you can from other models. Practice your poses, keep a positive attitude and be ready for the opportunities that come along the way, but especially for those opportunities you make for yourself. This is one of those special challenges.
Clean lines and vibrant colors in this collection uncovers a bold yet structured silhouette, for a must have addition to discerning wardrobes. Whether worn for a night out on the town, a cocktail party or a casual affair, “The Euphoric Collection� is stunning and is a definite head-turner. To view the collection, click here
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Kim Roseberry is SHE-Driven
Freelance photographer Kim Roseberry currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, though an original native of Los Angeles, California. Roseberry’s photography career birthed during the year of 1999 while avidly studying photography at Los Angeles Valley College, where she would later receive her Liberal Arts degree. Painting pictures into the lives of her subjects was her passion from the beginning. She desired to tell stories with every click of the camera. On Los Angeles’s Skid Row is where Roseberry would photograph the homeless and begin to document the very lives of total strangers. Upon relocating to Atlanta in 2006, her interests grew into combining fashion photography with rural and urban settings. Her portfolio continues to evolve as she captures the core essence and beauty of her subjects. She released her first Coffee Table Book, "The Male Factor Exploring His Masculinity" in 2008. Her most recent work, We Love as You Do: Capturing the Strength of a Marginalized Community, features 25 strong African-American homosexual women, who intimately reveal that love is simply universal. Roseberry continues to tap into the lives of her subjects as she shares their stories, listens to their hearts, and captures the spirit of their inner and outer beauty with each click of the camera. Her work can be viewed at her website www.SHE-driven.com and her latest book is available for purchase at www.WeLoveAsYouDo.com
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