We recently connected with Monique Cartwright and have shared our conversation below.

Monique, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The first real risk I took was in 2015, when I decided to step into modeling—completely on my own.

At the time, I was in a season of life where, on paper, everything made sense. I was a wife, a mother, and established in my career. But internally, I felt disconnected from myself. I couldn’t quite name what was missing, only that there was a part of me I hadn’t fully explored yet.

I came across a curvy girl photoshoot opportunity, and something about it pulled me. It wasn’t convenient, it wasn’t fully thought through, and I didn’t have anyone going with me. But I made the decision to show up anyway.

Walking into that space alone was a risk—not just logistically, but emotionally. I was stepping into the unknown, into a version of myself I hadn’t fully met yet. I didn’t know what would come from it, if anything. I just knew I needed to take that step for me.

What I didn’t realize in that moment was that this single decision would completely shift the trajectory of my life.

That experience opened the door to a career in the modeling industry that has now spanned over a decade. But more than that, it reintroduced me to myself. It gave me confidence, creative expression, community, and ultimately, purpose.

Looking back, that risk wasn’t just about attending a photoshoot—it was about choosing myself in a moment where I could have easily stayed comfortable. And because I did, I’ve been able to build a career I’m deeply passionate about, grow into an industry expert, and create space for other women to see themselves differently too.

That one decision changed everything.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Monique Cartwright—a professional plus size model, creative collaborator, and industry mentor with over a decade of experience in the fashion and modeling space.

I entered the industry in 2015 during a pivotal time in my life. While I was already a wife, mother, and career professional, I felt a strong pull to reconnect with myself creatively and personally. What started as a single decision to attend a curvy-focused photoshoot quickly evolved into something much greater. That moment opened the door to a modeling career that has allowed me to grow, not only in front of the camera, but as a voice and advocate within the industry.

Over the years, I’ve built a brand that goes beyond modeling. I collaborate with photographers, brands, and creatives to produce impactful visual storytelling that centers confidence, authenticity, and representation. I also mentor aspiring and emerging models—particularly women navigating the plus size space—helping them understand the business, build their confidence, and position themselves professionally within the industry.

The work I do solves a few key gaps I’ve personally experienced. Many women, especially in the plus size community, struggle with visibility, access, and guidance. I bridge that gap by offering not just representation, but real insight into how to navigate the industry with clarity and intention. Whether it’s through my modeling, mentorship, or collaborations, my goal is to create space for women to see themselves reflected and to understand that there is room for them here.

What sets me apart is the combination of lived experience, longevity, and leadership. I’m not just participating in the industry—I understand it, I’ve grown within it, and I actively contribute to shaping it. I bring professionalism, creative direction, and a deep understanding of the plus size audience and market, which allows me to connect authentically in everything I do.

What I’m most proud of is the impact. The messages from women who feel seen, the models who’ve gained confidence or booked their first opportunities after guidance, and the ability to sustain a career doing something I’m genuinely passionate about—that’s what matters most to me.

At the core of my brand is authenticity, empowerment, and evolution. I want potential clients, collaborators, and followers to know that when they work with me or engage with my platform, they’re not just connecting with a model—they’re connecting with a brand that is intentional, experienced, and committed to elevating both the industry and the women within it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, for me, is the ability to create impact through representation and storytelling.

As a plus size model, I’m not just taking photos—I’m helping to shift how women see themselves and what they believe is possible for them. Every image, every collaboration, every piece of content is an opportunity to reflect confidence, visibility, and authenticity in a way that hasn’t always been widely accessible in this industry.

On a personal level, creativity has allowed me to reconnect with myself. It gave me a space to rediscover my confidence, my voice, and my presence. But what makes it truly rewarding is when that personal transformation extends beyond me.

When a woman sees my work and feels inspired to step outside of her comfort zone, book her first shoot, wear something she once thought she couldn’t, or simply view herself differently—that’s the reward. It’s knowing that what I create doesn’t just exist visually, it creates a ripple effect.

Being a creative allows me to combine passion with purpose. It’s not just about producing beautiful work—it’s about creating something that resonates, empowers, and leaves a lasting impression.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions non-creatives have is that what we do—especially in modeling—is rooted in vanity or simply about “looking good.” From the outside, it can appear like it’s just taking pictures, but the reality is so much deeper than that.

For me, this work has never been just about the images. It’s about intention, storytelling, and impact.

Every photoshoot, every collaboration, every piece of content requires vision, preparation, emotional presence, and a clear understanding of the message being communicated. As a plus size model, there’s an added layer of responsibility because representation matters. I’m constantly aware that the work I create may be shaping how someone else sees themselves.

There’s also a level of vulnerability that people don’t always recognize. Showing up in front of a camera, owning your body, and expressing confidence—especially in a world that hasn’t always made space for it—takes internal work. It takes growth, self-awareness, and resilience.

So while someone may see a final image, what they don’t see is the intention behind it, the discipline it takes to build a sustainable career, or the impact it can have on someone else’s confidence and self-perception.

This is not just about “pretty pictures” for me. It’s about purpose. It’s about shifting narratives, creating space, and showing women—especially those who don’t always see themselves represented—that they are worthy of being seen, celebrated, and included.

And if that’s misunderstood at times, I’m okay with that—because I know the deeper value of the work I’m doing, and I’ve seen firsthand the lives it touches.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iammoniquecartwright.com
• Instagram: iammoniquecartwright2.0
• Facebook: Monique Cartwright

Image Credits

Rick Jones, Antoinne Duane Jones, Raphael Simien. Kia Caldwell