PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE May 2015 Swim Issue | Page 79

I want to empower women to be themselves and love whom they are meant to be, inside and out. Beauty is not defined by weight, height, nationality or age but by how you feel on the inside. I understand it is a process though and I, as a woman, have body image issues, too. I feel the most confident about myself when I am connected to my body and my soul. I will say that I am comfortable in the skin I am in and that is directly connected to the fact that I am also very spiritual. I know there is a bigger picture. I feel I am the most confident and connected when I am allowed to use and move my body, no matter what my size. It makes me feel powerful and I want every woman to be empowered to feel that same way. Life is short, be the YOU that you were intended to be. Throw your ego out the door. Last but not least, focus on your own journey. What are your ultimate goals? Vanessa: While I love being in the entertainment industry, my ultimate goal is to break barriers (especially pertaining to diversity) and to create awareness, to stimulate conversation, and change in all aspects of the entertainment world, including fashion, TV, film and media, by putting my experience and talents out there to show there are many ways to be beautiful and fabulous! #plusmodelmag nice. Ask for help. Give help. Do your homework. Be true to yourself. Work hard. plusmodelmag.com 05.15 My advice for aspiring models is test, test, test. Know your brand. Be fearless. Be inspiration + style What advice do you have for aspiring plus size models?