LargeInCharge.com: What is your name?

Nashira, but my friends call me Nicole (middle name)


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

I am a southern girl at heart and grew up in Mississippi, however I've been Midwestern for 10 years residing in Wisconsin currently.


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

Let's see I'm 31, 5'5", 317 pounds and a size 24. My nationality is African American and I'm a mom to a beautiful seven year old little girl.


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

I've always been a chunky girl. But, when I moved on my own at 20 my weight ballooned hence I was eating alot of fast food.


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

The most complicated thing was never being noticed by guys my age. Since I was very well developed, (especially in my chest), I got more attention from upperclassmen but it made me feel extremely uncomfortable. Also, I wasn't necessarily teased but kids treat you differently and make you feel like the "odd one out"!


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

Well, I lived a very sheltered childhood and also emotionally and physically abused. Food was EXTREMELY comforting and once I left home it became a bad habit hard to break. When I was stressed or dealing with unresolved feelings about my past I'd eat. I fell into a big denial in 2006 when I became a size 28 and was wearing one pair of jeans that flattered me. I wore cat lady gowns (as most would call them ha ha) at home, and when I went out it was either the one pair of jeans, sweat pants or a few other outfits that actually made me look flattering. I hated going shopping because it was a big reminder of how much weight I had gained. It was the pits-and I didn't know how to come out of the hole I dug for myself.

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

Even though I've always been full figured I still loved the camera. Over the years I began to develop confidence and realized the person that hurt me in the past is a reminder of the person I should never be. This model search is not about me attempting to gather a name for myself, attention from the fan base of the magazine, etc. It's part of my liberation to say this is me, love it or leave it..and if I can have the confidence to accept who I am then hey you can to! I've always wanted to model, but felt I wasn't what they call "industry standard".


LargeInCharge.com: Did you find it a hard journey to be accepted for your size?

When I was younger yes! As I got older I realized once I loved me others did to. Of course you have those that are shallow and it seemed some people have been offended by my confidence. Society says beautiful doesn't have curves, love handles, belly, and wear spanx. I say screw society, and love yourself for who you are and you'd be surprised how people can't help but respect that and love you as well. :)


LargeInCharge.com: Do you find acceptance among your family and friends?

Yes, I receive a lot of love and support from my peers and family.


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

My daughter motivates me to be successful in every aspect of my life and knowing I'm her role model makes me push myself harder and harder.



LargeInCharge.com: What is your primary job?


I am a Restaurant Manager.



LargeInCharge.com: How did you get into this line of work?

Well, I was self employed for five years and decided I wanted to do something different!



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

Absolutely! My co-workers are awesome.



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

It should be mandatory company required attire accommodates all sizes. Whether you are a size 1x, 2x, or 6x, the opportunity to be hired for a position and wear the same uniform as the other employees is fair. If not, I feel that is discrimination.


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

Some retailers have made huge mistakes in fashion and I have wondered why they think someone wants to wear a tablecloth or grandma's curtain. (ha ha) Before it was hard finding anything fashionable and cute. Presently, more stores carry clothes that flatter large women and men.



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

I wish there was more lingerie that accommodated the bustier woman. But the creme de le creme is everything running true to size. It's extremely frustrating to buy a size 24 in one brand and it fits but in another brand your a size 26 or 28!



LargeInCharge.com: What changes do you think will happen if plus sized modeling for men and women were to expand?

I think the fashion industry would try to discourage it. We've lived in a world where big is not beautiful but we've fought the good fight and gained some acceptance. In sincerity I don't think we could ever gain that respect across the board. They want to sell the idea that thin is in and if you have curves or God forbid love handles its not appealing. Most full figured models are still within the guidelines of what is considered "attractive" Think about it, Lane Bryant and Torrid never have models over a size 20. There are still way too many restrictions and I'd love to see those barriers broken.



LargeInCharge.com: Tell us some of the places you buy your clothing from.

Torrid, Lane Bryant, Target (I lovee them), Ebay, and Macy's


LargeInCharge.com: Tell us one of your secret beauty tips.

Exfoliate your skin daily with a cleanser such as Apricot scrub or Neutrogena face wash with an exfoliation pad. You can purchase both at Target.


LargeInCharge.com: Give us some tips on how to have a successful Photo shoot. What should models be prepared for?

Always have a variety outfits, and plan what you want to wear a day or two early. This gives you time to make a final decision or change your mind. BE sure to wear shapers/girdles, because it makes a big difference when you wear form fitting clothing. Also, if you don't know how to apply makeup, find a makeup artist who does TFP work if your budget won't allow you to hire someone. They advertise all the time on craigslist and model mayhem! When doing a shoot, have a theme in mind, such as location. You want your outfits to coordinate with where you will be taking pictures. You can find examples in magazines, or model profiles. It can also simply be what you decide creatively! Just be sure to not wear a ball gown at the beach. (smile) Try an area such as a vineyard, park gardens etc. Your photo shoot depends on the look you are trying to achieve. Lastly, practice your poses in front of the mirror at home. Although it seems ridiculous, you are able to see yourself and decide if it seems natural or too forced!


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

There is still pressure from the media that only thin is beautiful, but there is a bigger acceptance of the large community. Monique did a great job having the first full figured beauty pageant and as time goes on I'm sure other opportunities will come forth. Our voices are not being ignored and we are receiving the same opportunities in areas of acting, fashion, and music. Five years ago, large women competing in a televised pageant would have been unheard of. We have come a longggg way!


LargeInCharge.com: What changes do you think will happen five years from now with size acceptance?

We will have the opportunity to express ourselves in many areas, and I think the issue of size won't matter. More importantly, insurance companies will lift the ban on offering coverage to larger applicants and not consider them a risk simply because of their weight. There are people who have been large for years and not have one health concern. Whereas, someone smaller receives coverage and acquires a multitude of illnesses. It's an unfair practice that I hopefully will change in the future.


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

I've decided to take a leap of faith and try my hand at modeling again. I did years ago, but I was burned badly by someone in the industry. However, that is the past and I think life is too short to not pursue my goals. I'd love to do print modeling and possibly host or co host a radio or TV show. In addition, I'm writing a novel and looking to start a nonprofit organization in the future.


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

I am more grounded than ever before and when you receive positive thoughts and well wishes from your peers it encourages you to keep pushing forward. I've gained alot of courage to fulfill my dreams as a model and hopefully it will happen for me!


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

I entered a contest once and I was extremely nervous. I didn't win but it was fun and because I had the confidence to try is what mattered most. Sometimes an experience is just as fulfilling as winning!


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

I was out shopping one day and a lady stopped me and said, "You are so gorgeous!" At this point in my life I had already gathered an abundance of confidence but that made it jump 1,000 points higher.



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

My daughter is my biggest motivation.


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

If you don't think your beautiful other people won't. So what if you have parts of your body that aren't flattering! Most models who aren't large are airbrushed to cover their flaws. (a secret we all know about) A model isn't always who we see on the cover of Cosmo, it could be someone who has established a name for themselves and want to showcase their beauty independently or for an organization that will accept them. We are in an era where more opportunities are available so get off the couch and make your dreams come true.


LargeInCharge.com: What plus size figure do you admire?

Queen Latifah. I've followed her career since she graced the scene as a rap artist. I am so amazed at all she has accomplished- especially with Cover Girl.


LargeInCharge.com: Describe yourself with one word.

Determined