Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Hopson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Dana Hopson Modeling Agency llc was established after I, Dana Hopson, found it very difficult to find a modeling agency to represent me. At that time, I was having a hard time finding an agent in my area that would balance my Christian beliefs with the demands of the modeling industry. I knew how important it was for the two to be in moral alignment with each other. So in 2018, I decided to open my very own modeling agency which is located in Bowling Green Kentucky. My mission was and still is to be a light for the ethical brands that I choose to work with as I also use my platform to spread the good news about JEHOVAH GOD’s Kingdom. See, I am a Christian model and my agency, DHMA promotes staying true to ourselves by not compromising our faith and moral values. I was the first model signed to the agency. And I’m currently looking for more spiritual models who understands that they don’t have to take their clothes off to model. That’s why it’s so important for me to do research on the brands and clients who I choose to collaborate with. I have to make sure that I’m aware of any potential conflicts between my faith and the modeling industry. Establishing boundaries regarding the type of modeling jobs that I am comfortable with is essential in order to prioritize my faith. And that’s what makes my agency different from others.
This difference matters because there is a real need in this industry for both women and men who really wants to prioritize their faith while pursuing a career in this modeling field that sometimes has a dark cloud over it because of the pressures put on us. For example, I had booked a commercial and the director wanted to add a kissing scene at the last minute. But because I was married, I didn’t feel comfortable with my lips touching another man’s lips. So I said no, (which is often looked down upon) but allowed the actor to kiss my forehead instead. I felt the pressure onset and had to make a quick decision as we were shooting live. I didn’t have time to call my husband and ask him how he felt about the situation either. So it’s about time for some positive changes to come to the modeling and fashion industry.
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 got into this industry after overcoming many trials and tribulations. Since my youth, I always wanted to model. At age 7, I landed the opportunity to model african fashions during a local church’s runway show. I was raised in a small town called Franklin Kentucky, and had a religious upbringing being that my parents were Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a teenager, I rebelled and became pregnant at the age of 16. Although I finished school and went to college majoring in office systems technology, I didn’t know what my purpose in life was. I started getting my life back on track once I got married. I began studying the Bible and attending weekly congregation meetings again. As I started to draw closer to God, I started to seek a modeling career as well. I ended up joining the Christian Models Association back in October 2020 which taught me not to compromise my faith and encouraged me to be a light in the modeling industry. I also ended up getting baptized the following month. I realized my purpose was to spread the good news of God’s Kingdom. The light bulb came on and my eyes opened. I instantly went from being this proud bubbly plus size model to transforming into a Christian model. I am now a voice of empowerment for those reluctant to pursue their dreams or those letting any factor hold them back in life especially their faith. Feeling beautiful & confident about one’s self doesn’t mean that you having a jezebel spirit. I do believe that GOD can be present in the fashion and modeling industry. So I strive to use my ministry to contribute within this fashion and modeling industry. So in early 2018, I landed my ultimate dream job of being a fit model for the major brand “Fruit of the Loom.” To be able to use my body to help in the decision-making process of how underwear should fit other plus-size body types similar to mine is a real honor. I’m using my voice to represent extended sizing. I have since worked for multiple major companies including Vanity Fair, Modern Trousseau, and David’s Bridal. I also have walked runway shows, done commercial print, modeled promotional & showroom, done bridal modeling, ecomm and live boutique modeling as well. You name it, I’ve probably done it. I have starred in music videos, been published in magazines, and was even named the 2014 “Top Model” of the Miss Kentucky Plus America Pageant. My aim is to inspire women and young girls who are Christians to know that you too can model in music videos, magazines, and on websites for the glory of GOD. I am using my platform to draw attention to Jehovah God & His Son Christ Jesus. I also just want to be a light to new or established brands as we celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the body positivity movements. It’s important that I be a positive role model with a goal to follow in Jesus footsteps.
I hope to bring love, light, and positive change to the modeling and fashion industry and those who follow my journey. I can envision the growth of more Christian models in the industry. That’s why I outspokenly use my platform for causes that align with my Christian beliefs. Whether it’s promoting living out christian values, diversity & inclusion, or promoting modesty and self-respect . I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. Hopefully one day, my spreading of this godly message through my modeling career will reach the masses. (Millions of people) I want to also be remember as that faithful & fearful woman used by GOD who helped individuals ultimately come to an accurate knowledge of JEHOVAH through the art of modeling. I truly feel honored to be a small part of making the biblical prophecy found in Ezekiel 25:17 come true which partial states, “And they shall know that I am the LORD.” That’s why you’ll see me constantly displaying God’s name in all my social media posts when landing modeling gigs. My goal is to reach and teach all the nations hoping they will believe and/or even strengthen their faith leading to baptism. I love using my social media platform to help advance the kingdom. I love providing faith tools and truths by posting biblical scriptures to motivate and use my personal testimonies to uplift. I have also published Bible Quiz’s to make learning about spiritual things fun. Most importantly, I offer free personal and group Bible study’s to help individuals get the most out of their own Bible. Feel free to follow me on Instagram: @danabthe1stlady &/or on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/plusmodel.baker
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I have had to navigate challenges in the modeling world while staying true to my principles? Having resilience helps me overcome obstacles in the face of adversity. Most models hear the word “No” a lot. However, I say the word “No” a lot. So it can get discouraging sometimes as I refuse modeling jobs that I know I had the opportunity to book. I have turnt down so many modeling jobs for the purpose of staying true to my principles that some people have labeled me crazy. lol Once I was offered a job modeling clothing that had horoscope graphics on them. Although it was a great paying rate (whole day shoot) I refused the offer because of my religious beliefs. It’s important for me to stay true to the LORD! Having Faith has literally saved my life. It’s given me a sense of purpose. To know that I am worthy of God’s love and to understand that he wants me to be happy and to live a successful life is very encouraging to me. God has written me a love letter (the Bible) to help me navigate through this personal life journey. I’m gaining wisdom and a real hope for my future. I know that as long as I allow Jehovah to walk with me holding my right hand then I”ll have peace, security, and protection. My loving Heavenly Father created me and I trust his will for my life.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
When managing my team, I motivate and inspire them to reflect their faith through their actions and choices. Thats how you maintain high morale standards. As a leader, I try my best to lead by example. I want my actions and choices to reflect my faith. So before making hard decisions I ask myself “What would Jesus Do?” I would hate to be a stumbling block to someone and I most definitely don’t won’t to be looked upon as a hypocrite. That’s why if I am trying to teach anyone to love your neighbor then I need to be actually loving my neighbor. That’s what motivated me to start my #throwingyousomethingthursday. It’s a monthly giveaway series, I founded as a way to give back to my community and display acts of love & kindness. God had instilled in me the ability to inspire people. It’s my gift!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danahopson.com