Up Close and Personal- Plus Model Christina Mendez

If you are on Twitter, you will know that there are so many amazing people on there, and it is such a great networking tool! Imagine my surprise when the twitter stars aligned and offered me the chance to interview the lovely Dominican plus size model, Christina Mendez. 

While I could go on and share with you the many facets of Miss Mendez, who has graced BET’s Rip the Runway, The Rachel Ray Show, Fox News and many more, I had the ultimate opportunity to interview and chat with the lovely Christina Mendez!

Whether you aspire to model, love fashion, or want to know more about this lovely woman, please read on as I share with many and introduce to some, Miss Mendez

An Interview with Plus Model, Christina Mendez 

Marie Denee: Fancy talking to you, as opposed to chatting on Twitter!

Christina Mendez: I am addicted! I had to pull myself away!
(We continue to chat about Twitter)

MD: As I begin my interviews, I love to ask, who are you wearing today?

CM: I am in my home attire  T-shirt and my bottoms and flip flops

MD: You are an inspiring model, how did you start?

CM: Such a crazy story- I modeled in high school. In high school, we had a fashion committee. I was new, transferred from Catholic school, long story short- I loved it! Our teacher was a runway coach- he taught us how to walk! With the committee, we held fashion shows after school, and fashion battles with other high schools.

I had a great time, I went to Morris Brown and while in college, I got pregnant and stopped modeling. I was the only child in a huge Hispanic family. Eventually I went back and finished college.

Fast forward to the birth of my son, and with motherhood, came responsibilities. My son has Autism, and with that came more specific responsibilities. However, when he turned six he became such an inspiration! He conquered it and overcame it, forcing me to reflect upon the things in life I wanted to do and gave up on modeling came up.

With this new motivation, I found an ad in Craigslist for a fashion show- a little fashion show in a basement! I worked it!

Jumping back into to modeling was a bit hard as family and friends would question me and my revitalized love for modeling. They would say, You have a job, a son, but I pushed on and one job became another!

MD: What was one of the biggest challenges for you?

CM: To remove my corporate thoughts and get into a fashion thoughts… I had to understand the whole industry. I had to switch hats!
Also, I was new with a new vibe and a new look, I have a kid, a 401k, and many ask why am I doing this. I constantly have to deal with these questions.

MD: Gracing the websites and magazines for many designers, what about modeling inspires you?

CM: I love the production aspect! From the beginning to end- production to the finished product, wearing an outfit I would never wear, and then when it is all over, I transfer back into mommy.

MD: Who was your favorite designer to model for?

CM: I loved Beyonce, when I modeled for Dereon. Knowing that I was modeling for her was fabulous, I did not want to do her wrong. I am a huge fan!

MD: Who would you die to model for?

CM: There are so many! In print, I would love to do Covergirl! That is my ultimate dream! To walk for? I do not know, I love anything, if I do not have them in my closet, I would love walk for them!

MD: What are you doing now with modeling?

CM: I do a lot for Autism Speaks– Bob Wright from NBC is the founder, his grandson has Autism, and I work with the NY chapter. Our charity will be featured in Source Magazine, doing a feature about Autism amongst minorities.

Oh! I am in Project Runway- I was Qristyl Frazier’s casting model!

I am also on the Essence Virtual Makeover Tour the only Plus Size model! Here, they can pick my body and create different fashion looks and outfits!

MD: With all that you are doing, where do you see Christina next?

CM: I want to continue with Television and commercials. I have more time now, and with that, I want to dabble in TV.

MD: Okay, okay, so tell me, what does Curvy.Confident.Chic. mean to you?

CM: So much! Sounds like an amazing outfit! Someone who is confident about her curves in all sizes- someone very stylish, trendy, loyal to her curves, knows what to and not to wear!

MD: Lastly, but not least, what words of encouragement can you leave with the aspiring Curvy.Confident.Chic. Model?

CM:It is about timing. Some start at 12 some at 40, it’s all about dedication and perseverance. It is important to do your homework! You have so many resources available to you now, with the internet.

I write for Gemini Mag in the “Ask Christina” section, and I always give advice sharing that everyone’s journey is not the same. Try to be a leader, like music artists, they do not listen to the radio. I did the same thing, get out of girl’s sites, cause it is a distraction and it messes with your head.

Do not follow other people’s path, create your own!

MD: Just for fun, when will you come to the Bay Area?

CM: Whenever the time calls! I love to travel!

Christina was such a delight to chat with! Her beauty is one that mirrors her inside and out! Have you seem Miss Christina in action? Have you read her ‘Ask Christina’ in Gemini Magazine?

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.