We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stefanie Todd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stefanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

All my life I wanted to do everything that was creative such as become a singer or artist but recently my passion has also wanting to model and have as my full time career. What really got me into pursuing my modeling was back in 2021 when I was at my lowest and darkest head space. Due to a horrible breakup it broke me down so bad I couldn’t function for months because of it. But I believe god lead me to do this. In a way modeling saved my life and it kept me going to have a purpose. Modeling helps me with my mental health I was diagnosed with bipolar II and this is a way of therapy for me. My true goal is to become successful in being a plus size model and set examples for people out there like me that want to live their dream. I promised if I ever got to be so successful in singing and modeling than I would try my best to try and help those get their chance to shine. Because everyone deserves to be seen and live their dreams.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Stefanie Todd (27 years old) and I got into the modeling industry since 2021 I signed with an agency known as the bellahmodelingagency in Columbia SC. Since I’ve signed I’ve been in numerous fashion shows I’ve done a lot of photoshoots and I even worked with miss Victoria Henley from americas next top model. Had several magazines publications as well.

My talents are singing,paint/drawing also like to make jewelry.

One of the things I’m most proud of and most memorable in my modeling journey is supermodel Tyra Banks had posted me on her Instagram one time and it was one of the most amazing moments of my life she is an idol of mine.

Most of all I want people to know that no matter what size,shape or color you are that we are all beautiful and deserve to shine and be seen live out our dreams without any limitations from any one or agency. I believe we all should be accepted if that’s a true passion. I wanna be a role model for people that has an “average look” and has mental health issues that we can overcome and stay strong and just keeping surviving and pushing through the darkness.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When my ex of three years left me in 2021 it left me damaged and broken he traumatized me drastically and left me feeling suicidal for months my mental health wasn’t good and I couldn’t function and I couldn’t hold a job during that time cause I would constantly have breakdowns. Then one day I woke and I truly believe gif lead me to call around agencies wanting to get signed and sure enough in august of 2021 bellahmodelingagency signed me and I became apart of them and from there I got opportunities and got a taste of the fashion industry realized I had a strong passion for this and wanted this to become my full time job. I meet people that helped me through my dark times and encouraged me and became my friends. Modeling has a huge impact on my life and has kept me going when I felt like I couldn’t go on. It saved me and I want to keep going until I reach my goals.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view society can do better to support us creative beings out there that we can do whatever we put our minds to and exile all limitations that can prevent us from doing things such as in the modeling industry their are requirements I want all that to stop and accept everyone for who they are and simply give people the chance to show their talents and passion I wanna be a good role model for people and help achieve goals. Society could offer more and not judge so much. Kindness and giving is key.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Stefaniebellahmodel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefanie.todd.12

Image Credits
Photographer brown leather outfit: Dave Miller Photographer: business look/ Christina Cleveland Photographer dress: lynnhenleyphotography
butterfly makeup done by me.