We were lucky to catch up with Chantwan Shields recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chantwan, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I was asked to be a Brand Ambassador for Miracles and Mane. A company that provides cranial prosthetics (wigs) to men, women, and children diagnosed with Alopecia. I myself suffer from Alopecia as well, and at the time I was dealing with the fact that my hair was continuing to fall out. My confidence level had slightly decreased after applying for several programs to assist with this issue. The CEO actually pulled my application and called me back. After receiving my final edits back from my 1st professional photoshoot, never would I have believed the positive feedback I’d receive. I loved my pictures and that I was able to provide other women with inspiration and confidence. My research showed that the market for plus size models were scarce and this could prove to be lucrative for me. Fashion shows and Hair shows have always been of interest to me before my transplant so I used my years of experience for starters. My next steps were to use my resources to put a plan in motion. I started doing research on brand ambassadors, modeling rates, and overall general posing/ posture.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy after giving birth to my son in 2011. November 3rd, 2017 I received a Heart Transplant. During my 2 years of grueling physical and occupational/ cardiac rehab, I can up with the idea of modeling and offering online promotional services. I decided to apply to 2 agencies for representation and denied due to my scars. Yes I have actually been told by a company that my scars aren’t a good fit, EVEN after explaining my years of experience and my transplant situation. Back to the drawing board I went because I refused to give up! Modeling has always been a passion but, I needed to learn the basics. Finding what posing works for me as well as concepts and the different types of modeling. Focusing on Runway, Fashion, and Editorial has worked the best for me. I’m most proud of the brand I’m building because it represents refocus, reform, and reset. I actually offer a service for speaking engagements where I speak openly about my transplant experience. Brand Ambassador, Content Creator, and modeling services are provided as well. Clothing boutiques, beauty brands, and hair company’s are my biggest clients. Chantwan Shields Plus Size Model is open to expanding my brand in any way possible. In 2019 I completed a book about my transplant process and experience and I’m currently shopping for a publisher for my project. I wear my scars proudly and I’m not ashamed therefore, the only thing I ask of clients is that I not cover my scar. I’d like potential clients to know that I’m a walking testimony and I humbly incorporate that into my business as well.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my audience based off of honesty and transparency. I show the good, bad, and ugly. Pictures, memories, and stories help me illustrate my story to the world. I videotaped several different stages of my transplant experience which I now refer back to at times to compliment my progress. I also video my medical procedures at times to show that this has been a long hard road but, I refuse be defeated. One day you might see behind the scenes from a photoshoot or project. The next day, I could be at a medical facility giving labs. When building a social media presence never be afraid of failure or, to be yourself. Find your target audience and never stop learning about your craft.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Networking and word of mouth. You’d be surprised as to who needs your services. Always be polite when socializing, and be able to accept constructive criticism.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Chantwan Shields Plus Size Model
• Other: FB: Chantwan Shields

Image Credits
Angel Byrd Arielle NaLei Kreshawn Fleming Ra Jaxon