Model Spotlight; Alex LaRosa

Model Spotlight; Alex LaRosa
Hey Loves,
We have been on a roll these last couple months with some amazing women as the Model Spotlight. And this month is no different. This young woman I’m sure you’ve seen so many places. She has a golden smile, and hair that jsut gives nothing but life. This month’s Model Spotlight Alex LaRosa.

Name: Alex LaRosa
Age: 22
Clothing Size: 16/18
Agency (if applicable):
Blog name (if applicable):

What made you want to become a model? When I
was in high school, I would shop online a lot! I would always look at the
women modeling online for these plus size companies! I thought it was so
cool that these women were my size and considered models! I began to think
that if they were able to be models, couldn’t I be a model too? I ended up
sending in my pictures to Torrid and the rest is history

What are some of the brands that you have
worked with?
I started off modeling for Torrid. I have walked the runway
for Ashley Stewart, Purple Diva Designs, Curvzz, 12oh!1 Designs, Nakimuli
Inc., T-Tyme Lady Couture, and True Diva Designs! And I currently have
campaigns out with Swak Designs, ModCloth, Chic and Curvy Boutique, and A
Clothes Mind!

How long have you been working? I started
modeling in 2009, so 4 years!

So many girls want to become a model what
advice would give them? What should they expect?
I think people often
underestimate how much work is required to be model! I know I did at
first! If you are serious about becoming a plus model expect to sacrifice
a lot of time, effort, and money; but know that I don’t regret it for a
minute! I love what I do and I think that is so important! If you are an
aspiring model, you must really enjoy every aspect of the business, work
hard, and never take an opportunity for granted!

A common misconception is that plus
size/curvy/thick models live unhealthy life styles. What do you say to
people who think like that?
I always try to remind people that size is not
an indicator of health! Healthy doesn’t look any specific way! Just by
looking at my size 16 self, you cannot know that I play football with the
kids I volunteer with each week or that I can run a mile just fine.



Was this your dream career? How did you get to
this point in your career?
I have had so many dream careers haha! From
ages 5 to 15, I wanted to be a vet, a marine biologist, a power ranger, a
motivational speaker, Beyonce, etc… So I wouldn’t say that modeling was
my dream career from a young age, but I have always wanted be someone who
helps others! I have found that modeling has allowed me to do that!
Building my modeling career has helped me learn how to truly love myself
and how to help others love and accept themselves too!

If you could be doing anything else other than
modeling, what would it be?
I’m currently in school majoring in Critical
Theory and Social Justice with an emphasis in Racial Justice. Although there
has been tons of progress, this country is still not a post-racial
society. As I continue to build my modeling career, I plan on organizing
conferences about around current racial justice issues and possible
solutions for junior high and high school students.



Where do you get your confidence from? How do
you stay in a positive frame of mind?
I have gained a tremendous amount of
confidence by reevaluated and adjusting who I hang out with! I definitely
feed off of all of the incredibly strong, smart, bold, confident, and
bad ass women that I have the pleasure of calling friends! I have
surrounded myself who only take me higher and who genuinely have my best
interest in mind!

Why do you think it so important for plus
size/curvy/thick models to have the same respect as straight size models?

Unfortunately, this society thinks that skinny is ideal and better than
plus size. However, the average person in the United States is a size 14.
Respecting plus size models as much as standard size models tells this society
that all sizes are beautiful and acceptable. This is a huge deal in
generating a culture that teaches people how to love themselves and that
is what is really most important



So many girls grow with such low self esteem.
Were you ever like that?
If so what advice would you give young girls
struggling with her self esteem? For years I thought that I was too big to
ever feel pretty or elegant. I felt that my body was a huge waste of space
that I should absolutely be ashamed of. And I was. I abused my body daily
with hateful thoughts and a 3 year battle with an eating disorder. Fast
forward to today and I am the happiest with my body than I ever have been
before. I have learned to love and value my body not because of a number
on a scale or the way in which people respond to it, but I love and value
my body simply because I am inside it! I love and appreciate every inch of
my size 16 self. If you are struggling with self esteem issues, I would
again emphasize the importance of have a solid group of women around you
who value you! I would also say 5 things that I love about myself in the
mirror each morning! Whether its physical attributes or personality
traits, there ARE great things about you! Learn how to acknowledge those
things!
The last couple questions are just to have fun with….
Hagen Daz or Ben & Jerry? Ben & Jerry for sure!  
Favorite tv show growing up? Boy Meets World, That’s So Raven, Psych!
Favorite Halloween costume? One year I was a Ninja Turtle! Haha, that is still the coolest costume I’ve ever worn!
Louis Vitton or Hermes? I’m a shoe addict, so I’m going to have to go with Louis Vitton!
Buying your boyfriend his favorite video game or those new pair of shoes? I’d have to say video game because I’ll get to play that too! We can’t share a pair of shoes haha!
There you have it loves. Check her out and show her some love. Stay tuned for next month.
xoxo
Shay
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