The Mia Amber Interview excerpted from SUCH A PRETTY FACE: Real Models, Real Women, Real Stories….

Since the Fall of 2010, I have been working on a book about plus size models called Such a Pretty Face. It has been a labor of love, one of the toughest things is seeking out the models, having them either sit with me and answer my 12 questions face to face, or send me their answers via email where they can write out their own responses. I much prefer that, the rambling is a lot less to transcribe, and frankly, doing the interview and pulling it off the tape and editing it is time consuming. Of course the dilemma ensues that not everyone of the models is comfortable writing and they procrastinate. I therefore have to chase them down for their answers like a bill collector in hot pursuit. Not to mention that I need seven or eight images to accompany the interviews because this is going to be a beautiful coffee table book format when it is finished. All this has been a painstaking endeavor, so you can imagine how grateful I was (and still am) when a model returns the questions answered – and in a timely fashion. That’s what I got from Mia Amber. I spoke to her, she was excited and upbeat about the project and more than eager to tackle the questions. I think she made the record for the quickest and most immediate reply. I sent her the questions, and no sooner did I check my email, her response was there – in succinct and in true Mia style, witty and wise.

I am sharing the interview with you as a tribute to her. It has been less than a month since her passing and I am looking for ways to honor her in some vain attempt to bring her back even briefly. I am beyond shaken, the grief is palpable. The idea came to me on a long bike ride to release the Mia Amber interview early. I am about half way done with the book and don’t want to release it without Mia, but think it is important to do this early. I think getting to read Mia’s words, precious as they may be now because we will never get to see, hear or read them again.

I was so thankful for the time I spent with Mia and getting to know her over the past nine years was a true joy. From the first time I met her at my CurveStyle runway event in 2002, to her participation in many Divabetic events, gracing the kick-off fashion show with her ample curves and graceful runway walk. The day of my stroke, November 14, 2009, she was there to smoothe over my absence as I was rushed to the hospital where I spent the next month learning to walk again. Everyone pitched in and made sure the “show went on”….I can see Mia taking charge with her quiet, thorough, focused and charming, capable manner.

Everytime I think of her, I will see her as a fixture in our industry. Let’s continue on with carving out a place for the fashionable, curvy divas which she was such a shining example of for me and for all of us.

When was the first time you realized you were attractive, and the power it could have in your life, positively or negatively?

The first time I realized I was attractive was at the age of 12 when men in the street wouldn’t leave me alone. I thought it was a curse and tried to hide my curves under men’s clothing. When I was 18, I discovered that I was ready to handle my curves and unleashed them on the public. They became my blessing as the sight of them in girls clothes gave me the magical ability to get into any NYC club un-carded! I promise, I only used my curvy powers for good.

How do you normally get along with other women? Their husbands? Their boyfriends?

I have great relationships with other women. I enjoy the sisterhood of women and the bonds we share just being born female. I also have friendships with my friends husbands (but only through my girlfriends) as I think it’s important to show the hubby’s the same respect that you would show your friend because they are a unit. Boyfriends of friends, unless they’re very serious relationships, I don’t usually take the time to get to know. Funny, I never thought about that before…

How do you feel at this point in your life about the physical/sexual you, as opposed to five years ago or any other important points in your life?

I feel that I am just really starting to get to know that side of myself and I like her! As a relatively newlywed and old fashioned girl I am having fun discovering my likes and dislikes and not being afraid/timid in sharing them.

What are your favorite things about yourself physically? What’s the least favorite? If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My favorite thing about me physically is the shape of my body. I love the width of my shoulders in comparison with the curve of my waist in ratio to the span of my hips. My silhouette makes me feel like a woman. My least favorite thing about my body…it’s gross but the bottom of my feet are ruined from years of dancing, basketball and now stilettos. If I could change one thing about myself… I would give myself permission to sometimes act first and think later.

If a construction worker whistles at you…do you like it, hate it, or does it depend on the construction worker?

I usually HATE when construction workers whistle and make ridiculous comments! UGH! They all usually say the same thing and it’s some variation of, “Hey Big Girl!” I just want to say, “Yes, I am a big girl. Do you think this is a recent development?“

What’s the most unique or interesting job or job experience you have ever had? What about it was different than you anticipated?

I have had some really out there jobs from Bakery Cashier to TV Producer but one of my most interesting jobs was as a Bus Attendant. What is a bus attendant you ask? It’s just like a flight attendant but on a bus. I served peanuts, coffee, water and muffins. I made announcements, handed out newspapers and collected fares. I worked for a company in the heart of one of the country’s most glamorous communities and it was one of the most ghetto jobs I have ever had! The people on the bus were not fabulous (not on weekends anyway)–lots of them were mean! Also, have you ever tried serving piping hot coffee on a moving bus to 49 people? Not fun.

What is the thing that you are dying for people to know about you that almost no one does?

I am constantly trying to find my place in this world and I don’t feel as though I have accomplished anything…yet.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years, personally and professionally?

In 10 years I see all of my careers in fashion, film and television perfectly blended and the strength of my brand rising at full force. I will be a well known, staunch international advocate for plus size women.
Personally, I see myself as a parent, owning property and delegating my time in a balanced way between career and family life.

If you could have an audience of thousands of people, and express to them anything you wanted, what would you relate to them that would provide the most passion, knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration to that audience?

I would let the masses know that who they are right this moment is absolutely perfect. I’d tell them not to wait to lose 5, 15, 50 or 150 lbs. to start living the life of their dreams. I’d relay that a great cut/color, mani/pedi, day at the spa and girdle is better than plastic surgery because down the line if you decide you no longer like your new hair color or nail polish you can go back to the natural you. With plastic surgery, once it’s snipped, that’s it!

What are the similarities and differences between you and the women closest to you…your mom, your sisters, your closest girlfriends?

My mom and I are very similar with our sensitivity, need to reach out to support the underdog and feeling that family comes first. We differ greatly in some areas about what beauty is, what constitutes a successful career and the importance of money.
My closest girlfriend is like my sister and we have so much in common! We have made very different choices in life but continue to support one another, always finding a way to make things happen for the other.

Why did you want to be involved in this project? What did you know about it, what did you hear about it, what made you think it would be something that was a good personal/professional fit for you?

I didn’t know anything about this project. Basically when Catherine asks you to do something– you do it! She’s never steered me wrong.

What is the most interesting aspect of the plus size modeling world? What do you think the rest of the world doesn’t realize about the profession?

The most interesting aspect of the plus modeling world is that it is comprised of many worlds like a solar system. There are many different levels and circuits, different ideas about what is legitimate and what is “real.” It’s fascinating to me that there are vastly different standards of beauty within the plus community.

The rest of the world doesn’t realize that you can be “too plus” to be a “plus model.” Just because you’re a full figured beautiful woman doesn’t mean you can be a plus size model. The general rule is this: If you were thin and couldn’t forge a career as a straight size model then you probably aren’t cut out to be a plus size model–a model is a model. Being a plus model is not a hobby it’s a business.

A train is leaving Chicago heading east at 2pm traveling 340 MPH. A train from Boston leaves at 3pm heading east and is traveling 290 mph. If you were seated in the second car of the eastbound train, and the trains began their journey 1340 miles apart, what would you be wearing?

LOL! I would be wearing my standard (for travel) issue black leggings, black tank top, huge Mary J. Blige inspired sunglasses and a fabulous wrap to keep me warm on that chilly train!

Catherine Schuller -- Daily Venus Diva.

• Website
• Facebook

+ Click for more info about Catherine Schuller

CATHERINE SCHULLER’s status is legendary as she is considered one of the pioneers of the full figured fashion industry. She became a Ford Model in the 80’s when the industry was still forming and is a trained film and theatre actress who also became a standup comedienne when she was told at 5’10” and 175 pounds that she was “too heavy” for the acting world. She sought revenge in humor and created and performed her own sketch comedy cabaret act, “The Nerve!” That phrase became her mantra and she became an advocate for “being yourself” and having the confidence and style to put yourself out there no matter what After years of acting and modeling she combined standup with fashion and commentated in-store fashion shows at major retail chains for years, then segued into becoming a certified professional image consultant with AICI (Association of Image Consultants International) specializing in the plus size woman. She was invited to become an editor of the “Vogue-executed”, wildly successful MODE magazine in 1997, a position she held for the full four years of the magazine’s existence, which then led to her becoming spokesperson for retail brands such as Talbot’s Woman, Just My Size, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Saks, Filene’s, Macy’s, The Bon Ton stores’ Boston Store and Carson Pirie Scott, Charming Shoppes’ Lane Bryant, Catherine’s and Figure Magazine. Her highly acclaimed how to modeling book “The Ultimate Plus-Size Modeling Guide” was self published and turned her into the go-to person for advice on model development. After Mode’s closing due to 9/11, she started another enterprise in March 2002 in New York featuring a high end runway show in New York featuring top plus designers called CurveStyle: Reshaping Fashion devoted to promotional and marketing efforts celebrating and elevating the “full figured woman to the status of fashion icon in her own right.” She has appeared on QVC with her own line of clothing “Shape Shopping with Catherine Schuller,” debuting her line of figure-flattering apparel in sizes 2-22. A frequently quoted expert, she has appeared in articles for the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, St.Louis Post Dispatch, The Daily News, Times Picayune, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Chicago’s Windy City, San Francisco Chronicle, US Weekly, Good Housekeeping and on television she has appeared many times on The View, The Early Show, The Today Show in her hometown of New York as well as news programs where she is a frequent guest on Neal Cavuto’s Your World, Oxygen Channel and local morning shows across America. She was assistant style advisor to Wynonna Judd for USA Network’s Nashville Star where she introduced Richard Metzger to Wynonna and he designed her looks for the TV show and tour. She executive produced two full length films with Constantine Valhouli. The first, “Curve,” a documentary about the full figured modeling industry featured interviews with plus size models and luminaries in the field from the retail, media, modeling agency, design world all bearing their souls to the scrutiny of the lens where the film captured the honesty and ambivalence about the world of fashion and the fuller figures. Her next feature entitled “Sex, Lies and Superheroes” was inspired by the death of her first husband, Mark Gruenwald, Senior Executive Editor of Marvel Comics and writer of Captain America and other titles. She is the Image and Style Advisor for Divabetic, a charity started in honor of Luther Vandross to empower women living with, at risk of or affected by the epidemic of diabetes and teaches them to have a ‘diva’ attitude about their diabetes. She works closely with Luther’s personal assistant of fourteen years, Max Szadek, and is part of its creative core team, traveling around to major United States cities with a program entitled Makeover Your Diabetes sponsored by Novo Nordisk which targets women living with, affected by, or at risk of diabetes - an epidemic now affecting 23 million Americans, 80% of whom are plus size women. She teaches the course on special sizes at Fashion Institute of Technology in their Image Program currently. Her latest project is a coffee table book entitled Such a Pretty Face about the plus size models and their interesting career paths. She has been awarded the Icon of the Industry from Full Figured Fashion Week which she will be given in June of 2011.