Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Damia Gordon AKA Sassy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sassy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The story behind your mission

Confident Curvess, LLC, embarks on a mission to revolutionize the modeling industry by offering a comprehensive range of educational virtual, global, and in-person services tailored to empower aspiring, beginner, and intermediate models. Our vision is to redefine beauty standards, fostering an inclusive and diverse representation that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. Through cutting-edge virtual platforms, we aim to break geographical barriers, providing aspiring models with opportunities to connect with industry experts, undergo specialized training, and build a global network.

At the heart of Confident Curvess’ mission is a commitment to nurturing talent and boosting confidence. We recognize that modeling is not just about striking poses but embracing one’s identity and strengths. Our in-person services extend beyond traditional modeling workshops, offering personalized coaching, mentorship, runway training, posing, and confidence-building sessions. We strive to create a supportive community where individuals of all backgrounds can flourish in their modeling careers. Confident Curvess, LLC, is dedicated to empowering models to embrace their unique beauty, break molds, and redefine the industry’s standards, ensuring that every aspiring model can confidently navigate their journey towards success.

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?

Can you please tell our readers about yourself and how you got into your industry?

Everyone carries a unique story, a narrative that propels them toward their chosen path. My story, the tapestry of my journey, unfolded long before I stepped into the world of modeling. In the formative years of my life, the dream to be a model took root, nurtured by hours spent engrossed in episodes of the Tyra Banks show, “America’s Next Top Model.” As a fervent believer in my aspirations, I vocalized my ambitions to friends and acquaintances. However, the response was not always one of encouragement. Some, shackled by discontent with their own lives, projected their negativity onto my dreams.

The enthusiastic anticipation of pursuing my modeling dream clashed with the disapproving whispers of others that echoed in the background telling me I’m “fat,” “ugly,” “too short,” “have a big nose”, “I will never be a model, which held me back. I internalized their negativity, and the dream that once filled me with excitement was momentarily set aside. Life, as I knew it, pressed on, and I experienced a turbulent journey marked by traumas that tested my resilience. Some of the traumas I experienced were, a domestic violence relationship, loss my voice to speak, shattered confidence, battles with depression which I lost 20lbs in a week and a half, and in my darkest moment, I attempted suicide while pregnant with my daughter, which I shared briefly on Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith. I felt I didn’t deserve to live, and it was the only way to be free. I gave up, but I’m glad I wasn’t successful. I have a beautiful daughter. God had other plans for our life, rescued me and now I’m free.

Fast forward, my dual worlds of business and modeling converged when the opportunity to walk the runway for “Black Business Women Rock” presented itself. The lingering criticism hunted me, and I wrestled with whether I should give modeling a try. I then decided I would step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. I knew the worst thing they could say was, “No”. To my surprise, they chose me. However, my lack of modeling knowledge became glaringly apparent, leaving me to question my readiness. On the day of the show, I stepped into the room with seasoned models, doubts flooded my mind, “I don’t know how to model.” “What do I do?” “Who do I talk too?” I decided to get out of my head, and told myself, I will be the biggest and baddest model anyone has ever seen. On the runway, uncertainty gripped me, but the applause from the audience became a symphony of encouragement. It was a revelation—I could do this. After that fashion show, I still wanted to model, but didn’t know what other steps I needed to take to move forward. Three months later I received a call from someone asking did I want to be in another fashion show. I said, “Yes”. I walked for 7 designers in that show. After that I still had a desire to model, but didn’t know where to start. A week later, I received other random opportunities. I was booked almost every single weekend for an entire year with fashion shows, and photoshoots by staying consistent with the process. There was no one really guiding me on dos and don’ts. The absence of a mentor compelled me to navigate my modeling journey through trial and error. It became clear—modeling was not just a fleeting interest; it was my passion. This experience fueled a newfound desire to pursue modeling wholeheartedly and helped build my confidence beyond what I’ve imagined.
Throughout my modeling journey and ability to stay consistent, I achieved milestones, accumulating a portfolio of accomplishments. Some of my accomplishments are, being in 90+ fashion shows including London, New York, Alaska, and CA, represented 20+ brands and counting, International Model, published in multiple magazines, in the movie, “A Holiday Chance”, featured in several music videos, guest speaker on several platforms The Michael Colyar Morning Show, Power Of Praise Network, Red Table Talk, Model finalist three times in a row for Cythnia Bailey from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, crowned Ms. Global Noble, Modeling coach/mentor, my own TV Show, a secret project I’m working on behind the scenes that will soon be revealed, and more.

As I continued to model, I saw that there is a problem in the modeling industry. I noticed there are so many models wanting to get into the industry, don’t know where to start, and struggling with confidence. This epiphany birthed a new purpose within me. I decided I wanted to be the solution to the problem, so I started my global/virtual/in-person modeling company called, Confident Curvess, LLC and I am the author of my book called, “The Little Black Book of Modeling” located on Amazon. It documents my journey, allows the model to document their journey, and it is a workbook too.

My company aims at being the solution to the challenges aspiring models face. My goal is to inspire aspiring models, that no matter your age, ethnicity, height, weight, disability, your background, or what you’ve been through, you can do anything you desire, as long as you are willing to put in the work to fulfill your dreams. Through coaching, mentoring, and comprehensive education, I aspire to empower individuals worldwide, guiding them through the intricacies of EVERYTHING about the modeling industry. What was once a dream deferred is, now a mission to uplift others. I LOVE WHAT I DO!!!! Never give up!

What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

I am most excited that I am impacting and changing lives while doing what I love. I finally found my passion and now walking in my purpose. I’m also most excited that I never gave up, and don’t intend to.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have many stories and experiences from my time in business that led me to pivot. I will never forget the time when I first started my business. As a new CEO on a budget, I aimed to utilize all my available resources effectively. I created all my content from scratch, set up my business packages, ensured consistency in building my career as a model, and stayed educated about the modeling industry. Additionally, I served as a walking advertisement and self-promoted my business on social media. I laid out a plan to attract more clients to my business services. Despite promoting my business for eight months straight, I wasn’t receiving any clients. Realizing that this approach was not working, I decided to pivot.

I made the choice to invest in a service that helped revamp my business layout, pricing, and approach. As a result, I started seeing great results and acquired clients. This experience taught me that while it’s essential to make the most of available resources, sometimes it’s necessary to invest a little more in your business to reach the next level.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The books that helps me navigate in my career are, the Bible, “The Energy Of Money” by Maria Nemeth, and “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Each of them have played a pivotal role in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.confidentcurvess.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sassyclassymodel & www.instagram.com/confidentcurvessllc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/DamiaGordon & www.facebook.com/confidentcurvess
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Katrina Graham Mike Harris Paul Kiefer Eli Hicks