We recently connected with Lilith Fury and have shared our conversation below.

Lilith, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new firm – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

At the time I only owned two bottoms, two tops, and one dress, all of which were falling apart, and kinda ugly. I wanted to get into modelling, but I was a nobody, and unlike many other inspiring models, I couldn’t afford professional shoots or nice clothing. So I took my phone, duct tape, and a sheet with me to the mall. I took some beautiful clothes with me into a dressing room, hung the sheet on the wall, attached my camera to the door, and modelled the clothes. I used Picsart to erase the sheet and replace it with a beautiful field, a busy city, and and a serenely delicate park. I used the pimple erase feature to edit out the security tags from the clothes, and used that as my portfolio. I also posted those photos to my instagram, to create a more professional image. A brand I had been trying to reach, that previously was ignoring me, upon seeing the photos sent me a message that they enjoyed Working with me and would love to do it again. Even though I’d never worked with them, I played along and told them I’d love to but that my address changed. A week later I received a shipment from them and that was my first official partnership and the first new clothes I’d had in years. That partnership helped lead to the next, which lead to the next, and so on. I was so happy to not only finally have clothes that weren’t tattered, but also clothes that fit me properly, and who’s style I actually liked. My first paying gig happened 5 months after that , and I wanted to cry. I finally felt appreciated, and vindicated. I’d been told for so long that I wasn’t good enough, but I refused to listen, and I’m glad.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an actress mainly in horror (think background character that you won’t even notice unless you’re watching zoomed in and in slow motion), an author, and a model. I’m probably most known for my modelling where I’m often the first plus size model in my size category. I like being able to help provide representation for other plus size, disabled, queer, and indigenous people whom are often overlooked in the industry. I always list the size im wearing, my measurements taken at the time, and make it a point to never mislead my audience in any way. Some might say I over share, or that I should pick and choose what I do and don’t say, but I disagree. I’m a real person, in the real world, talking to real people. I refuse to transform myself into a polished highlight reel of the unachievable. I want people to actually know me, so if they like me they actually like me rather than an illusion. And if they hate me, then it’s at least for a reason. I want my audience to know there’s at least one person on social media that they can trust, and who will talk to them and be a friend if they need it.

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

I didn’t realise just how many toxic people there were in certain communities. I had always taken people at face value, and if they said they cared about others then I believed them. I’d always try to be helpful, and supportive, and didn’t realise when people actually hated me behind their smiles. There was a girl that I had bonded with, because we both struggled and had to fight harder than the rich beginners. She told me it was us against the world and we had to work together. So I actively got her brand deals, and did my best to uplift her as she was contacting brands to drop me, and trying to make people hate me.
I lost my only paying partnerships, and had to start over.
Since the girl, and her friends were all involved with certain brands, I decided to instead go only after brands that didn’t yet have any models like me. I began to rise again, only to get mass reported and shadow banned for 6 months, almost losing my account.
I escaped my abusive ex at this time, and moved closer to work. I started to become more popular and my follow count tripled. This angered a local model who got me black listed from a lot of brands, and a few venues.
So I revamped again. This time no longer bothering with any of the polished looks, and decided to be more me in regards to photos which meant some were horror inspired with fake blood, and others were just goofy and with zero effort put in. I started going to events more because if I couldn’t just model like I’d originally planned, then why not enjoy myself and have more fun experiences. So I started going to balls, galas, bars, shows, etc. and it’s amazing. So I’m glad they tried destroying me. It lead to more fun each time.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The fact I’m honest. A lot of models fib when it comes to their size, often exaggerating it especially in regards to plus size clothing. Since most stores do r cover extended sizes, people often have to buy multiple versions to try on at home. That’s expensive and not everyone can do it. So I give my measurements and let people know if something is stretchy, or takes squirming to get into, or if it’s sized small, semi transparent, etc. I tell people about any struggles I’m going through, or have healed from. Things people don’t like talking about. I want others who have been there to know they aren’t alone.
I think honesty in social media is so rare that it stands out now.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lilith.fury
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilith_fury

Image Credits
All photos by Alice wright Except the spooky Christmas one which is by Rawl of the dead.