· Curvy Girls will be airing on September 18, 2012 on NuVo TV at 9PM and I am sure that we will all be watching. I contacted Lornalitz and her publicist Priscilla Nuñez for an interview and they were so gracious, saying yes, here is her interview...
Marta-Where were you born?...
Lornalitz- I was born in New York City. I am from Puerto Rican decent. I also lived in Puerto Rico for a few years. I received a college scholarship and decided to leave New York City to study in Puerto Rico. I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Business Administration finishing with Magna Cum Laude honors, from the Universidad del Turabo. I visit Puerto Rico every chance I get, as my parents live there. I love my island!
Marta- How long have you modeled for? How did you get your start?
Lornalitz-I remember, as young as 5 years old, I would put on my mothers make up, her heels and “Pose” in front of the mirror. I didn’t realize I wanted to become a model until the year of 1994 when I saw Tyra Banks on the cover of ELLE magazine. Seeing Tyra made me feel like I could also grace covers. She was my inspiration during the beginning stages of my career. I started booking modeling work at the age of 17, after Jennifer Lopez chose me over 1300 models in NYC for the chance to model her JLO clothing line, the rest is history.
Lornalitz- Working in the Modeling industry is not easy. It’s a competition and you need to have thick skin to survive. I was a straight size model the majority of my career. As a straight size model, I’ve compiled, established and maintained a strong client list. Unfortunately, I was not happy because I was forcing myself to be something I was not. After I made the decision to gain all my healthy curves back my agency dropped me because they did not have a plus division. I feel like I am starting from scratch. Although it’s somewhat of a challenge, all my hard work is paying off and I am happier now than ever.
Lornalitz-It is difficult to work in an environment that is so demanding but just like in any business or career you have to work hard. I love what I do. This has been a passion of mine since a young child. I know exactly what I want and where I want to take my career. I think if you know exactly what you want and love what you do; it should not feel like work.
Marta- Has there been any concerns while filming? Working with all the talented and beautiful women how is it?
For years the size zero has dominated the industry but the average American woman is curvier. We should market to all sizes. Every woman should feel confident and beautiful no matter what size.Although I didn’t win the title of “Model Latina Las Vegas” my message was heard and soon after I was asked to be on “Curvy Girls”. My career as a Plus size model is blossoming. I guess sometimes when you lose, you win!
Marta- Any advice you can share with us?
Lornalitz- I think it is time to put a stop to the stereotypical standards of what is considered beautiful. I want all females to love themselves and accept themselves the way they are. Focus on internal happiness rather than physical appearance. From personal experience, when I stopped listening to other people and started listening to my heart I found “myself”.Tune into “Curvy Girls” Tuesday September 18th on NuVoTV to hear more of my story and see my transition from a straight model to plus model. Log on to www.lornalitz.com to keep up with me.
Lornalitz Baez is a pride and joy from our beautiful Island of Puerto Rico. Her inner beauty reflects her outer beauty, that is why she shines like the star she is!
About the Author Marta Rivera is a blogger from Puerto Rico, she is an English professor and a Plus Size advocate on the Island, an Island that is mainly for thin models, but she is trying her best to change that. Marta will be blogging P.H.A.T and loving it letting us know everything that is happening in the Plus Size Community from fashion to events in Puerto Rico.
Great article about curvy models. I'll will be watching.
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