LargeInCharge.com: What is your name?

Brooke J

LargeInCharge.com: Where are you from and what is your current Location?

From Las Vegas, Nevada, currently living in good ole Utah J

LargeInCharge.com: Can you give us some information about yourself (Age, Height, Size, Nationality, Marital Status, Children, etc.)?

 

I am 30 flirty and fabulous, 5’6, a size 22/24, Caucasian, Single with no kids, However, I do have a nephew and 3 nieces that I love to spoil, and then send them back to their parents J

LargeInCharge.com: Were you a big child, or did you gain weight later in life?

I was always a little bigger, but super active and athletic. I started gaining my weight more in my early 20s.

LargeInCharge.com: (If you were a big child) how did you feel growing up as a large child?

I was very blessed to have amazing friends in my life that never made me feel any different or unaccepted. I also kept myself busy with sports, study and socializing.

LargeInCharge.com: (If you gained weight later in life) what caused you to gain weight and how did you feel about it?

I was in a very dark place in my life, and was looking for ways to feel fulfilled. I became very inactive and looked to food as a comfort.  I am so grateful for this struggle because it taught me that I am a fighter, and that I want to do whatever I can to never revisit such a dark place.

LargeInCharge.com: What made you decide to enter the LargeInCharge model search?

I am in such a good and positive place in my life, and have overcome a lot in life. I want to do everything I can to express and share that positivity with others who might be having their own struggles.

LargeInCharge.com: Did you find it a hard journey to be accepted for your size, and do you find acceptance among your family and friends?

It has been a very challenging struggle to go from where I was, to where I am now. I have learned that we are our own worst critics, and our harshest enemies in life. However, just like most things in life, it comes to the point where you must decide if you are going to give up, or if you are going to move forward, because standing still is not an option. With the help of amazing friends and family I have gained an incredible love and acceptance of myself, and while there is always room for improvement, I am truly happy with who I am J

LargeInCharge.com: What would you say inspires you most in life?

My grandmother, she is the most selfless person I have ever met. She’s an amazing example and inspiration of what a good classy woman should be.

LargeInCharge.com: What is your primary occupation, and how did you get into this line of work?

 

I am a Nurse for an ENT and Dermatologist. A couple family members became very ill and needed a lot of in home medical care. I learned what I could by reading books, searching on the internet, and asking questions of the homecare nurses, so that I could help in whatever way I could. My family quickly recovered, and seeing such a great outcome from all the hard work, was so rewarding. I have also loved helping people, and the combination of the two just seemed very fitting. J

LargeInCharge.com: Do you find acceptance in the work force?

Absolutely, I work with amazing people, and being larger has helped me when interacting with patients that face insecurities about their weight.

LargeInCharge.com: What changes do you believe should take place for Large People in the work force?

I full heartedly believe in equality. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to work, and should be given the tools needed for them to do their job.

LargeInCharge.com: What do you think about the fashion industry for big sized clothing?

I think that we have a long ways to go when it comes to plus size fashion being more available and accepted, but that we are slowly making advances to make it more main stream.

 

LargeInCharge.com: What do you wish to see change with the fashion industry?

I would love for the fashion industry to be more realistic, and realize that the majority of women are plus size, and as such, should have more lines that cater to women of size.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us some of the places you buy your clothing from.  Do you have any beauty tips?  

Torrid, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, SWAK, Maurice’s, Old Navy, Cult of California, Pinup Girl Clothing, we love colors (for cute pantyhose and leggings), and Big Gals Lingerie J As far as beauty tips, I have two words ladies….FAKE  EYELASHES!!!! It is amazing how something so simple can make you feel so glamorous and feminine.

LargeInCharge.com:  How do you prepare for a Photo shoot?  What should aspiring models be prepared for?

It is super important to know about the company that you are modeling for, and what their expectation is of you as a model. I am always sure to ask questions about what look they are going for so that I make sure we are on the same page.

LargeInCharge.com: Look at Size acceptance five years ago... look at size acceptance now.  What changes do you see?

 

I see positive changes; mostly from men and women who embrace who they are and share that with the world. I think that modern technology has helped spread people’s messages of size acceptance.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us about your goals as far as modeling and other interests.

Right now I believe the sky is the limit and there is nothing that I can’t do, so I am just choosing to seize every moment that comes my way.

LargeInCharge.com:  What have you accomplished as a Plus Sized Model? 

I did print modeling for years, and have also been involved in a few fashion shows. I am currently putting my time and effort towards pageantry and charity work.

LargeInCharge.com:  Have you entered or won any Contests, Pageants or Awards?  What was the experience like?

Yes, I am the currently Ms. Utah Plus America, and will be competing for Ms. Plus America in July. It has been an amazingly rewarding experience, and I am so blessed to be a part of it. Not only do I get to raise awareness for size acceptance, but I also get to help local charities, and raise awareness for mine.

LargeInCharge.com: Can you tell us about an inspirational moment in your life that made you feel good about your size.

 

During the past year, I have attended quite a few BBW events and bashes. The first of which was “Well Rounded” put together by Brie Brown. I fell so in love with the event, and the friends I made at it, that I have attended several more thrown by Stu Bo.  At these events, I was so inspired to see how comfortable and happy everyone was with themselves. The level of confidence is so amazing when people are free from being judged, and can just be themselves. I was also so inspired by the time and energy that it must take these two incredible people to put these events together, that I am forever grateful for their contribution to the plus size community.  

LargeInCharge.com: Is there a person in your life that makes you keep going?

More than anyone else, it is me that keeps me going. My love of life, family, friends, work, and my commitment to helping others gives me enough motivation that I know I can endure anything that comes my way.

LargeInCharge.com: What advice would you give to other people of size who want to model?  

The best advice that I can give is to be confident. Modeling is about selling yourself. It is about connecting to other people, and making them love who you are,  So love yourself J

LargeInCharge.com: Which plus size figure do you most admire?

Adele. She is gorgeous, talented, and doesn’t let anyone destroy her confidence in herself.

LargeInCharge.com: Describe yourself with one word.

Balanced J