Each month we feature plus size models who have made the decision to use their curves for a career in modeling. This week’s VENUS Plus Model Spotlight is on Samantha Davis. Get to know Samantha, the many things that she’s accomplished so far and what her goals are as a plus size model.
When and why did you start modeling?
I began modeling in San Francisco, California as a Plus Size Model at the age of 15. As a child, I always had a passion for fashion. I enjoyed looking at many magazines and the various styles of clothing on the models.
When I was a child, I was a fuller figured child and I did not see too many women in the magazines or on television representing for women with curves. I felt that there needed to be a change in the fashion industry. I wanted to show that fuller figured women were more than just a pretty face; their curves were beautiful as well. I wanted to make moves in the modeling industry showing the many fashions available to fuller figured women. I wanted younger people like myself to be able to see that just because you are full figured, doesn’t mean that you can’t be fashionable, classy, and sexy.
What was your Aha! modeling moment?
My Aha modeling moment happened when I booked my first big paid fashion show in Los Angeles, California. Prior to moving to the Hollywood/Los Angeles area I made a promise to my parents that I would not fully enter into the modeling industry without completing my education first. Therefore, I finished my college education by obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies; Teaching credentials in General and Special Education; as well as my Masters Degree in Special Education.
Once finishing school, I took the step of moving out to the Hollywood/Los Angeles area in order to pursue my Plus Size Modeling career. A few months after making this move, I was signed with an agency and began booking many fashion shows.
This was also around the same time when I booked my first big paid show. This show included straight size as well as plus size models. There were many beautiful designs for plus size models that I had never seen hit the runway before. It opened my eyes to the many different designs and possibilities for full figured women. I also learned a lot from this show because it wasn’t just straight couture. The show was a well-choreographed runway show that was entertaining for the audience. I enjoy doing couture runway, but this style was different and made me enjoy bringing more to the runway when doing a fashion show.
This is when I knew I had made the right decision and I wanted to continue to make moves in pursuing my Plus Size Modeling career.
What are your goals as a plus model?
As a plus size model, my goals are to try to make moves in the industry. Society has changed a lot since I was young by not having many full figured role models to see in the entertainment industry. Currently, there are more beautiful full figured women showing their wonderful curves. I would also like to be someone who can represent for women who are my size. I have heard from many women of my size that they cannot find clothing that is suitable for them. But, there is so much out there, they just aren’t aware of it.
It is such a great feeling to hear after I have done a show someone saying, “Thank you for representing for us curvier girls.” Or, receiving an e-mail or comment on a photo of how much people like my outfit and want to know where they can get one similar.I enjoy helping others. I want to be a positive representation for full figured women and show the many designs and styles available for us.
What modeling have you done so far?
I have done a lot of modeling work as far as print and runway. I began my career as a runway model and am pushing my way into doing more print work. As far as runway, I have done numerous shows, but a few more well-known runway shows you may have seen me in include Jessica Simpsons “The Price of Beauty” televised finale runway show where I was dressed as an Ugandan woman. In Uganda they see bigger as being beautiful.
For print work a few magazines that I have been in include Plus Model Magazine and Beauty Come Forth Magazine. I have also been in various online catalogs for print work.
I also modeled in Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards fashion show for Nephew Tommy’s (Thomas Miles) new denim line called “Big Luv Denim”. This was a televised fashion show located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Finally, I also participated in Los Angeles’ first ever Full Figured Fashion week(end) produced by Gwen Devoe and Devoe Signature Events.
What is your dream modeling job?
I have never been to New York. That would be wonderful to have the opportunity to model in New York one day. But, my dream modeling job would be to be able to model internationally. I have never been out of the United States. That would be a great experience to see the world.
Who are your inspirations?
I am inspired by the smart, beautiful, and confident women in my life; my mother and my late grandmother. They have instilled in me that I am beautiful and have helped build in me the confidence that I have to pursue my goals and not give up on what accomplishments that I would like to pursue.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
Congrats, Sam! Keep up the good work.
She is truly inspiring! It’s nice to see us full-figured women being represented. I look forward to seeing more of Samantha Davis.
Congrats to your beauty…keep giving them that gorgeous face and serve it up with them curves you are blessed with.
Love having you in our magazine!!
Curvy hugs,
Olga