Spotlight: Mia Amber

Good Morning!!!

I am sure that you've seen Mia Amber all over the place, she's one of the most sought-after faces in the plus size modeling world and an outspoken advocate for the plus size industry. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Ms. Amber, and as always she had some great advice for aspiring models and great insight on the industry as a whole. Enjoy!


The first time I saw you was in the movie road trip in 2000- were you modeling before that?

No, I was a size 24 during the filming of Road Trip and I was cast as "Rhonda" while working under contract as a Television Producer.

As a result of "Road Trip" I was asked to be a Belle magazine cover model and was bit by the modeling bug at the photo shoot. Prior to that day I didn't believe that there was a place for me in the modeling industry.

How did you get your start in modeling, was modeling always in your plan?

My original plan was to take over and become the youngest president in the history of NBC! I'd still actually like to have that job one day!

As for modeling...I sort of had a hunch that Road Trip might be a hit (because I was starting to get recognized before the film was released to the public) so I used the time prior to the films release and after the Belle shoot to visit agencies.

It was then that I learned I was "too large" to be a plus size model. I had gone up to a size 26 and tested with a photographer friend. I gathered those photos along with my Belle photos, made my first comp card and thought I had a good chance of "making it." As a producer I was used to booking models so I studied their cards and portfolios and created my own.

A couple of top agencies told me to get down to at least a size 20 and come back because they'd be interested in working with me. One agent even suggested I lose 70lbs in two months!!
I wanted to model and I was determined but not crazy!

I was doing some research, saw Gwen DeVoe's name in a magazine, called her up, met with her and she booked me for one of her shows. I was thrown into training immediately to learn how to walk, buy foundation pieces, create a model bag and to generally always be prepared.

What’s the biggest hurdle in your opinion to being a plus size model?

In my opinion, the biggest hurdle plus models have is being taken seriously as an integral part of the fashion industry.

We are just starting to break ground by walking in International Fashion Weeks yet here in NY we have yet to have that opportunity.

Also, we're really tired of being mistaken for hair and make up artists when we show up for work on sets and at shows where the crew isn't familiar with plus models!

What projects are you working on currently?

Currently I am focused on building Mia Amber as the brand. Please look out for the launch of my website soon. It will encompass all of the aspects of my career; acting, modeling, producing, hosting, styling and much, much more!

What’s the most common fashion dilemma you see?

One of the biggest dilemmas I have witnessed for full figured women is finding many options for figure flattering clothing.There are definitely a lot more options on the market than there have been in the last decade but we still need more.

However, the best way to utilize what's currently available is the following...
Take a really good look at yourself in the mirror to determine:

A. Your true body shape
B. The things about your body that you love (find something!)
C. The things you're not too crazy about and would like to minimize or camouflage
D. The variety of pieces in your foundation wardrobe that will help you maximize your shopping experience. If you don't have a foundation wardrobe (a drawer full of girdles) then make a point to get one!

Armed with all of the above info do your research and find out what styles look best on your body type while helping you to showcase or hide your best and not so hot assets.
When all else fails--find a great tailor! (LMC: Read about why a tailor is essential, here!)

You’re a model, an actress, what else would you like to do?

Basically, my goal is for "Mia Amber" to be the go-to girl for all things plus industry related, then pop culture and entertainment related. I would like to do it all!

In April, you received the Independent Woman award at Curves & Cocktails. When you accepted the award you stated that even though 62% of women are over a size 14 we are still treated as a minority,what are you views on the retail industry and the way they do/do not cater to the plus size industry?

I was honored to receive the Independent Woman Award at Curves and Cocktails and wasn't prepared to make a speech. What I did was speak from my heart about the fact that we are a plus size nation yet we are practically invisible when it comes to retail, mainstream media and advertising. I am a staunch advocate for unity in the plus community. I believe that if we came together and stepped into our role as the majority rather than minority we'd be unstoppable and the outlets who readily ignore us would have no choice but to cater to our needs.

It doesn't make sense that our options are so limited. Its a simple case of supply and demand not being met. For example, the mall near my home was rebuilt as a mega center with over 200 stores yet the only places for a woman of size to shop at that mall are the two department stores women's departments. 200 stores and two options for 62%? It doesn't add up.

You appeared on “The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency” , it’s well-know that Janice has issues with plus sizes? Can you share your experience on this?

The #2 most asked question I get (after how can I become a model) is..."How did you manage to keep it together with Janice Dickinson?"

I don't like to give light to the negative however, I will say this...generally speaking, when someone you've never met has a problem with the way you look and carry yourself (I'm speaking about positive self esteem, charisma, inner beauty and confidence) they generally have a problem with themselves in one or more of those areas and instead of trying to find a way to love themselves and harness the positive they will use their energy to bash you.

Do you have any advice for aspiring plus size models?

Yes...do your homework! You can start right now by going to my Myspace page (www.myspace.com/Mia_Amber) and reading my blog on how to get started in your pursuit of plus modeling!

You are a role model for so many, what would you say to a young woman who has not fully embraced her size?

Thank you so much! All I can offer is this...If you are not happy with how you look or feel then do something about it but please don't wait until you lose that 5, 50 or 150lbs to start living your life. We must learn to love who we are right now not who we would become if we were smaller. I've been 150lbs overweight and I know its a battle but I never missed a day of being me.

Thank You Mia!!

~Luvin' My Curves... never missing a day of being me.