Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JEANNIE Ferguson-Goodlow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

JEANNIE, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The 1st time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally is when I was thrown into a Fashion Show by my sister who was a plus size designer at the time. A model didn’t show up and she wanted to show the entire collection and she made me walk. I got a standing ovation from thousands of people. From that moment, I said I can do this.

JEANNIE, 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 began my journey in the plus-size industry back in 2003/2004, starting with runway shows alongside designers who embraced my 5’3″ frame. A significant milestone was appearing on BET’s Rip The Runway as the only Petite Plus model, which opened doors and led me to question how I consistently secured bookings. This inspired me to start teaching Runway Classes, helping aspiring models refine their skills and gain confidence on the runway.

What truly sets me apart is my height—I stand at 5’3″—and yet I have successfully walked alongside some of the tallest Super Plus models in major shows. I take great pride in my longevity in an industry known for its fleeting nature, where one day you might be the “it” girl and the next, forgotten. To potential clients, I want to emphasize that I am committed to sharing my knowledge and helping you perfect your craft. Ultimately, it’s up to you to embrace the guidance and take your career to new heights.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My resilience stems from repeatedly being told no due to my height. Despite these setbacks, I persisted and fought to be seen and recognized. This determination ultimately paid off, allowing me to accomplish many things I once thought were out of reach.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is watching the models I have trained get signed by agencies, walk in major shows, and appear on the covers of magazines. It is incredibly fulfilling to see their success and know that my guidance has contributed to their achievements.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Runwayparties.com
• Instagram: Plusmodjeannief
• Facebook: Jeannie Ferguson-Goodlow
• Twitter: Biggirlsunite1
• Yelp: Jeannie Ferguson

Image Credits

Fur Jacket – Kia Caldwell