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

Natoshia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

As a woman of size my goal was always to find a way to shed light on lack of representation and inclusion in the industry. As I dove into it and really started to build a platform for myself I noticed the lack of confidence in women in general of any size. I would attend shoots in groups as I was up and coming a d noticed how uncomfortable they wwre and how the lack of affirmations were affecting their shoot experience as well. After obsering, jumping in to help pose better, do behind scenes, and hype these women up I noticed a change in their photos, confidence, and the overall atmosphere. I started to recieve ppsitive feedback from photographers and their clients and that birthed Model Mindset. Model Mindset is not only an added luxury assistant experience, but a mentorship program designed to empower and uplift all women.
After recieving feed back from clients, business partner, and women I have helped mentor I knew women needed a special service not only to assure their photography experience was top tier, but one that left them feeling better than when they arrived physivally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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

I started out as a plus model doing runway shows! I A girlfriend mine let me know about the oppprtunity and from their I made it a point to invest in building my portfolio, networking and mastering my craft. After I built a solid name for myself as the Plus Boudoir Queen of Ohio, I wanted to do what I been preaching about and that is actually putting foot work into the empowerment of women. I started to host photoshoots for models, giving an opportunity to build portfolios, network, and share my knowledge to help them along their journey. I build connections with women owned business as well supporting and trading services in order to spread awareness and the messege.
While doing that I started to notice the need for the everyday woman to be seen, heard, and need for affirmation as well. I looked at the women in my circles and in my life who so badly needed to be reminded of their worth, need for representation, and need to have a safe space to discuss real life experiences without judgement.
I not only wanted to be visual representation at that point but I wanted to use my experiences in life to show women that loving yourself where you are and how you are should never be taboo.
From there I partnered and aligned myself with photographers that had similar visions and messages, and started offering services to clients. When you walk on set, I first provide a fun, relaxed, and positive vibe/atmosphere. Next while you are getting catered to by hair and make up, I am assisting the photographer with set up and theme, best outfit options for you, all while cheering you on and making sure you have everything you need to have luxury experience. After we havw everything in place, I will start to take behind the scences so that you can have memories of your day, content, and I also will take a few good shots so that you can have a few sneek peeks before your gallery is delivered. I provide this service as well as posing you, and affirming you while we are shooting as well. This eases nerves, builds confidemce and allows yourself/client to enjoy the moment and embrace who you/they are. As women we get so caught up in our roles, schedules, jobs, and life we forget who we are outside of them. All of these things are things that set myself and Model Mindset apart from other empowerment platforms and assistant services.
My main goal for M+M is to emcourage self love and to remind women of their worth. Using fashion and photography to change stigmas for not only women of size, but all.women.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The main thing that I think makes me stand out over other is my comfidence, drive, and unapologectic acceptance of who I am as a woman.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Social media an word of mouth has been my biggest source. My clients normally are repeat clients through photographers that I work closely with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linkr.bio/modelmindset
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/blubyrd1120
• Other: Tiktok: Blubayou0

Image Credits
Taylor Doolin of Broken Wing Photography Allie Cline of Wild Intimates X Allie