One on One with America’s Next Top Model Whitney Thompson

The beautiful Whitney Thompson  was recently crowned Runway Model of the Year during the 2010 Full Figured Fashion Week™ ceremonies in New York City. Her win as the first plus size model to be named America’s Next Top Model on the  hit reality competition show was ground breaking, giving all of us hope that maybe the climate is changing when it comes to what is considered beautiful and runway worthy. That was in 2008.

Now in 2010, the world is currently engaged in curvy conversation. I recently sat down with Whitney to discuss  life after ANTM, the current curvy climate and her latest jewelry and candle line “Supermodel”.

Cassy: It was a pleasure meeting you during Full Figured Fashion Week™! What was your reaction to being awarded Runway Model of the Year during the event?

Whitney:  I was thrilled. I absolutely love runway!

Cassy: You winning the 10th cycle of America’s Next Top Model was really ground breaking, having been named by MSN.com as one of the most influential people in 2008 because of it. Did you realize when you won what YOU winning would mean to the modeling  industry?

Whitney: I didn’t do it so much for the industry as I did for the audience. I didn’t realize that the industry would pay so much attention. It feels really good to affect people positively and I hope that people really do listen to what I’m saying and not just judge me by what was said on the show. I try to be much more than a pretty face.

Cassy: When you won, the country was on the verge of the curvy revolution, now it seems it is in full throttle. What do feel about the direction that the universal conversation is going when it comes to size acceptance?

Whitney: I don’t think that it’s in full throttle yet. The issues of magazines once a year with a girl that’s not afraid of a cheeseburger makes me furious. Every issue of every magazine should have curvy girls. It shouldn’t stand out from the “normal” issues. That being said, we are moving forward in the full figured area. People are making strides. Not everyone is accepting, but they will be forced to shut they’re mouths in due time. The fact is, the fashion industry labels size 6 as plus size. Size 6 is way below the national average (size 14) and the label as such is ruining our nation. Little girls think that they are fat even when they aren’t because they are considered plus size. It’s ridiculous.

Cassy: That is a great point.  There is a distinction between what people consider the average plus size (14 and up) and runway plus startng at a size 6. Did you experience any reactions from those who felt you werent “plus enough”

Whitney: Of course. That’s the tricky thing about my job, I don’t really fit in anywhere. I’m “too fat” for straight modeling and “too thin” for plus. Tyra Banks was a size 6 when she modeled on the runway for Calvin Klein. The industry changed and no one questioned it. People label me as “fat” and I’m not. Granted, there are some less than flattering pictures of me, but I work out, eat healthy, my BMI is where it’s supposed to be and people still say that I’m fat because I’m labeled as a plus sized model. It’s quite difficult for me to deal with that, but my fans keep my going. They deal with the same difficulties and criticism and they look to me for guidance. I appreciate that trust. I don’t take it for granted and everyday is a fight towards a better, more accepting future for everyone.

Cassy: Do you feel that because of your win you are now held to a higher accountability than most? I would imagine that it may feel unfair given the fact that you entered the competition to be a model and became a role model by circumstance.

Whitney: I am definitely held to a higher accountability but I’m thrilled to do so. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. I trust myself to not mess this up. I want people to see me as more than a model and yes, it is far more difficult than just being a pretty face. I’m honored that people look up to me. Lots of people cry when they meet me. Just yesterday a girl from Russia started crying. I am so lucky to be able to make such an impact on people just from the things that I said on Top Model. It is a blessing to be able to experience that.

Cassy: It is wonderful that you have such a beautiful attitude about it!! One of the things that makes one a role model, truly, is how they radiate from within. You don’t have to make an intended path to becoming a role model, it is how you choose to handle situations which makes others strive to be like you. If not like you, they become fearless in finding their path. Naturally, your positivity and firm stance on the issue of size acceptance made you a great candidate for spokesperson for National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). Can you tell me how that came to be?

Whitney: I created my jewelry and candle line (Supermodel) and felt that I should somehow give back to the reason that I had experienced my successes. I decided that a percentage of my proceeds should go to the NEDA and shortly after, they contacted me and asked if I would be interested in being a spokesperson for them. I, of course accepted.

Cassy: Can you tell me about your jewelry and candle line, Supermodel?

Whitney: The candles are all fashion themed. There are 9 different scents and when you light them, the wax turns into a heated massage oil that rubs right into your skin without being greasy.

There are four jewelry lines under Supermodel. One is all under $20, one is very glam, one is quite laid back with natural stones and the last is haute couture (we only make one of each piece)
 My website is ShopSupermodel.com and everything is handmade in America.

 Cassy: That is exciting! I have never heard of a multi functional candle!! So what is next for the beautiful Ms. Thompson? Any special projects?

Whitney:  Just speaking at universities all over the country and working on my new blog. All of my appearance dates are up on my website.

Make sure you check Whitney’s site often to see what this busy lady is up to! ShopSupermodel.com

Features Editor, Cassandra Jones-McBryde -- Daily Venus Diva.

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Cassandra Jones-McBryde serves as Features Editor for Daily Venus Diva. She is US Director of the Fuller Women Expo, responsible for bringing together a number of outstanding local and international speakers and celebrities, seminars and workshops that attract attendees, sponsors, vendors and exhibitors from throughout North America. She also the Founder of The Fuller Woman Network which is a network of women from across the world who share our mission of self-love. Cassandra is also the co-founder and C.E.O. Pretty Girl Project, a non profit organization that helps girls realize their inner and outer beauty during critical stages of development. This is achieved by various initiatives and programs developed throughout the year. Where Are You From: I was born and raised proudly in Detroit. What were you doing before writing for DailyVenusDiva.com: I had written for a few independent online magazines until being blessed with being on the Daily Venus Diva team. What do you do for DailyVenusDiva.com: As Features Editor, I will bring news and information that resonates with our readers that effects various aspects of our lives. What does it mean to Thrive In Your Curves: It means to live unashamed of how we look, to learn not let our curves limit or dictate our destiny What is your favorite hobby: My favorite hobbies are creating initiatives that are geared to serving my community and volunteering for the same. That takes up most of my time. What is in your future: I don’t try to predict the future. I try to let God order my steps. What’s so special about DailyVenusDiva.com: A better question is what isn’t special about it! You will be hard pressed to find a site that caters to every aspect of women, that just happens to have more to love. I feel privileged to be a part of such an impactful group of women.