Interview with Emme, the first plus size supermodel
As told by Butterfly Co-Founder Bradi Nathan
Emme, the first plus size supermodel, is my hero. She inspires me
to have a greater appreciation for my body. Emme has proven to
women and girls alike, that it’s more than okay to be taller or
larger. Her efforts over the past years have changed the model and
fashion industry forever. From Emme’s life experiences, several
books and a clothing line were born. Mother to a little girl Toby,
Emme has succeeded at being the kind of role model daughter’s dream
about. In an exclusive interview with Butterfly, Emme shares her
journey in balancing modeling, mentoring and motherhood:
How old were you when you started modeling?
E: 26
BN: What advice do you have for our daughters that may want to become models themselves?
E: To make sure you are naturally thin (and not loose weight to become one). The standards to be a runway, print model are very strict and only 1% of girls in the US could ever fit into such unnatural guidelines. If however you want to become a full-figured model, you need to be 5'9-5'11, size 12, 14,16, have a toned and shapely body, have a lot of interesting hobbies and interests going. If, in your life, you are organized, respectful, have good interpersonal skills, have been told you are photogenic, are thankful and, last but definitely not least, show up on time, then this might be worth a stop by to modeling agencies such as Ford or Wilhemena during their “open call” times.
BN: At what point in your career did you give birth to Toby?
E: In 2001, right in the middle of my department store collection and TV show “Fashion Emergency” winding down.
BN: Did you wrestle body image when you were pregnant?
E: I loved being round, carrying life. I did jump back from time to time when I saw the numbers on the scale go up, but knowing I was eating well, exercising and resting I tried to let go of the critical self judgment. I would do it over again and again! I loved being pregnant!
BN: How much time did I take off from work once you became a mother?
E: A solid 6 months off and also I re-evaluated my travel schedule. No more bi-coastal weeks. The longest time away was 2-3 days for business.
BN: Was it difficult to manage a career and caring for your baby?
E: It is a juggling game sometimes and in my career, in an instant, I could be booked on a national show depending on what's in the news. My daughter's school provides after-school enrichment programs, after- school care and I have good friends with kids who work at home and we cover for each other when needed.
BN: How well do you juggle your family and work?
E: I think I am doing pretty well. My time management can improve for my Business, so it doesn't have to spill into my daughter’s time with me. That has been a big goal of mine and one I am doing well at. iPhones rule!
BN: What advice do you have for women who, like you, are passionate about their careers and children?
E: Make sure you do for you. Fill your vessel. If you don't you will become resentful and that doesn't help your family. If Mom is intellectually stimulated and emotionally filled, she will have that much more to share!
BN: What prompted you to have your own clothing line?
E: I couldn't find anything to wear on-camera when I began hosting shows! Nothing sexy, current and stylish in size 14/16. That fact blew me away and I decided to address it.
BN: Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs hoping to launch something of their own?
E: Do tons of research in the area you have a passion for, if there is a nitch and a demand with no supply, ask why to every expert in that field. Get down and dirty with a business plan which will be your bible and the hardest part and then jump!
BN: Are there any specific causes you are most passion ate about?
E: The National Eating Disorders Association; www.nationaleatingdisorders.org They not only helped me with my own body image issues in the late '80's, but also millions of individuals and families to date My daughter Toby is involved with: Save The Children and cleaning out her closets for underprivileged children
-The words I live by:
Slow change is lasting change.
and
A smile can turn a bad day into a ray of shine for a child, mom, dad, and friend!
Summer 2009:
Online curvy contemporary lifestyle boutique with style tips and more
from leading fashion insiders.
Where our only ambition is to make you look and feel your best!
www.emmestyle.com
Celebrating a Women's Body (c)
For all advertising and affiliate sales inquiries,
Please contact:
Emme@emmestyle.com
201 768-7592
Watch Emme's Interview
Emme's Butterfly Profile
|
|
I wore Kenneth Cole flats to my wedding. I wore Kenneth Cole flats to my wedding because I stand at 5 10 ½”and my husband at 5’9”. He will tell you otherwise. Being tall is overrated because in my world being tall tends to equate with being big.” Needless to say I wasn’t carried over the threshold. I could have done the carrying. In fact, sometimes I feel like I could toss him over my shoulder. And, while I may clearly still have some issues with my height or size, I am extremely mindful not to EVER let my daughter know… for obvious reasons. |
How old were you when you started modeling?
E: 26
BN: What advice do you have for our daughters that may want to become models themselves?
E: To make sure you are naturally thin (and not loose weight to become one). The standards to be a runway, print model are very strict and only 1% of girls in the US could ever fit into such unnatural guidelines. If however you want to become a full-figured model, you need to be 5'9-5'11, size 12, 14,16, have a toned and shapely body, have a lot of interesting hobbies and interests going. If, in your life, you are organized, respectful, have good interpersonal skills, have been told you are photogenic, are thankful and, last but definitely not least, show up on time, then this might be worth a stop by to modeling agencies such as Ford or Wilhemena during their “open call” times.
BN: At what point in your career did you give birth to Toby?
E: In 2001, right in the middle of my department store collection and TV show “Fashion Emergency” winding down.
BN: Did you wrestle body image when you were pregnant?
E: I loved being round, carrying life. I did jump back from time to time when I saw the numbers on the scale go up, but knowing I was eating well, exercising and resting I tried to let go of the critical self judgment. I would do it over again and again! I loved being pregnant!
BN: How much time did I take off from work once you became a mother?
E: A solid 6 months off and also I re-evaluated my travel schedule. No more bi-coastal weeks. The longest time away was 2-3 days for business.
BN: Was it difficult to manage a career and caring for your baby?
E: It is a juggling game sometimes and in my career, in an instant, I could be booked on a national show depending on what's in the news. My daughter's school provides after-school enrichment programs, after- school care and I have good friends with kids who work at home and we cover for each other when needed.
BN: How well do you juggle your family and work?
E: I think I am doing pretty well. My time management can improve for my Business, so it doesn't have to spill into my daughter’s time with me. That has been a big goal of mine and one I am doing well at. iPhones rule!
BN: What advice do you have for women who, like you, are passionate about their careers and children?
E: Make sure you do for you. Fill your vessel. If you don't you will become resentful and that doesn't help your family. If Mom is intellectually stimulated and emotionally filled, she will have that much more to share!
BN: What prompted you to have your own clothing line?
E: I couldn't find anything to wear on-camera when I began hosting shows! Nothing sexy, current and stylish in size 14/16. That fact blew me away and I decided to address it.
BN: Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs hoping to launch something of their own?
E: Do tons of research in the area you have a passion for, if there is a nitch and a demand with no supply, ask why to every expert in that field. Get down and dirty with a business plan which will be your bible and the hardest part and then jump!
BN: Are there any specific causes you are most passion ate about?
E: The National Eating Disorders Association; www.nationaleatingdisorders.org They not only helped me with my own body image issues in the late '80's, but also millions of individuals and families to date My daughter Toby is involved with: Save The Children and cleaning out her closets for underprivileged children
-The words I live by:
Slow change is lasting change.
and
A smile can turn a bad day into a ray of shine for a child, mom, dad, and friend!
Summer 2009:
Online curvy contemporary lifestyle boutique with style tips and more
from leading fashion insiders.
Where our only ambition is to make you look and feel your best!
www.emmestyle.com
Celebrating a Women's Body (c)
For all advertising and affiliate sales inquiries,
Please contact:
Emme@emmestyle.com
201 768-7592
Watch Emme's Interview
Emme's Butterfly Profile
Hiring & Business Opportunities!
Sponsors
Quick Poll & Survey
© 2012 Created by MyWorkButterfly.
