We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ShaJuan Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
ShaJuan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
I received my first paying client as a result of resilience and determination. The modeling industry requires long hours, thousands of auditions and hundreds of rejections. I dedicate at least 3 hours a day looking for castings alone. I practice my runway walk every time I have to walk more than five feet. I noticed I wasn’t getting the results I needed in my home town so I started expanding to areas up to four hours away. I found myself going to castings out of town every weekend and making connections with the people there. My first paying client was a boutique owner and stylist who seen me audition previously at three different castings (two of which I was not accepted). I’m glad that she saw talent in me and gave me a chance. Because of her I was introduced to my second paying client as well. From this experience I learned that connections are important and it is always best to stay humble and approachable.
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.
My name is ShaJuan Thomas and I am a full figured model with a passion of showcasing various works of art and designer creations. I became a model by studying techniques, practicing, and surrounding myself with others that have similar goals. I am experienced in Print, Runway, and Commercial Modeling. I also have background acting experience, but will be expanding my training to become a professional actress as well.
I help brands connect with everyday consumers to expand their business. What sets me apart from others is that I promote the importance of diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. I advocate for representation in hopes to change the narrow minded opinion that high fashion designs can only be made for people in sizes 0-6. I’m proud that Curve modeling is becoming increasingly common but that still focuses heavily on sizes 8-12, while I’m a confident size 24.
I want potential clients to know that when they hire me they get professionalism, passion, and results! I’m determined to work with others that love destroying barriers, and showcasing the beauty and aptitude of full figured persons.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When I created separate social media pages for modeling it changed my world. I started focusing on my professional development versus my personal opinions. The advice I would give is create a business page. Connect with others who share the same goals or can help expand your career. Study the times when your engagement levels are at its peek and promote your self as much as possible during those times.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Since a little girl, I always dreamed of being a model and actress. As a teenager I attended Barbizon School of Modeling and Acting, and participated in pageants. I was often discouraged and given negative responses because I wasn’t standard model size. My biggest supporter, my mother, passed away from breast cancer in 2015. As a result, I stepped aside from my modeling dreams and focused on what others told me was the “real world”. My grandmother passed away from Cancer in 2021, making me realize that life is too short to not pursue my dream. While doing my first fashion show, a professional plus size model taught me how to find castings and helped train me. She encouraged me to pursue modeling again. I’ve been pushing forward ever since.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/Shaybutta223
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shajuan_thomas/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100000749653287&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user
- Other: Portfolio: https://shaymofel.my.canva.site/
Image Credits
George Murrell- thru da eye of G Deon Thomas- Aperture Click Photography Visionary Visuals Glamourina PROLIFIC Crunchwrap AWR