We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chrissie Forlie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chrissie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I would have pursued this career much sooner! I originally tried to pursue modeling back when I was in High School, but Beauty standards were very different back then. Being a size 6 at 16 trying to break into the modeling industry was definitely a struggle. In a society where there is so much pressure and expectation on a woman’s appearance, it often spiraled into insecurities and the Body Dysmorphia would start to creep in.

I’ve struggled with Body Dysmorphia since teenagehood, and it got worse when I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 19, I went from a size 6 to size 14 and my BD triggered and my self confidence took a major hit. I would hold myself back from opportunities just because I didn’t believe I was worthy because I was a plus size woman. It’s one of my biggest regrets… holding myself back from my full potential, just because I wanted to be an “ideal weight” and have an “ideal look”…

A dear friend of mine empowered me to try modeling again in 2020. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at the time, I didn’t believe anyone would care or want to support a “big girl”…. wow, was I wrong?! I can’t thank this friend enough for guiding me back to the dream I’ve wanted to pursue for many years. Luckily, the fashion industry is finally changing and becoming more inclusive in many different ways.

My mission is to prove that you can be strong & sexy at any size.

In the 2 years I’ve been professionally pursuing modeling, I’ve had the opportunity to model in several Fashion Shows throughout the US, including 2 NYFW seasons. I was the winner of the Plus/Curve Model of the Year Award at the Beauty It’s Everywhere Show during NYFW in February 2022. I’ve been featured & published as a Model & Cosplayer in several magazines and Conventions.

I can’t believe in all that I’ve been able to experience and accomplish since growing more confident in myself and pursing my dream career. I still regret from time to time about not pursuing modeling sooner, but I think I’m on the track I’m meant to be on. I can’t wait to see what the future holds,

Chrissie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Multi – Internationally Published Model, Cosplayer, Makeup Artist & Dancer. I have a dance & musical theater background.

My main mission is to show that you can be strong, sexy, & creative at any size!

I’m also a Model & Brand Ambassador for several clothing, makeup/skincare brands.

In my off time, you’ll find me playing D&D or Magic: The Gathering with my friends or playing Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla,

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Helping push the boundaries of beauty standards in the fashion & cosplay industries.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to express myself and share my artistry with my friends & followers. I love inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ChrissieForlie.com
• Instagram: @Chrissie_Forlie
• Facebook: facebook.com/ChrissieForlieATL
• Other: TikTok: @Chrissie_Forlie

Image Credits
Fashion Photos Photographer – Kevin Harry ( Instagram: @KevinHarryPhoto – Website: www.bio.site/NafrVW – TikTok: @KevinHarryPhoto ) Star Wars Photo Photographer – BriLan Imagery ( Instagram: @Brilanimagery – Facebook: www.facebook.com/BriLanImagery – TikTok: @BriLanImagery ) Geralt Of Rivia/The Witcher Photo Photogrpher – Wes Carter (Instagram: @ImagesByWes)