Meet the Torrid Model Search Winners
by Maddy Figueroa-Jones
Many model hopefuls see a Model search ad and are unsure about what to expect. The summer of 2006 was filled with some truly great model searches and one of them was sponsored by Torrid.com. Torrid caters to curvy women size 12 – 28 offering stylish designs normally not found in main stream stores.
I decided to speak with a few of the Torrid Model Search Winners about their experience and how their life has been affected since the win.
Shante Gordon, (top photo) one of the winners of the Philadelphia search, heard about the casting and decided to take her chances and attend along with hundreds of other hopefuls.
[Maddy] Tell me about how you learned you had won the model search and would be going to LA.
[Shante] I was sick that day and I'd left work early. I was laying in my car with my seat back. The phone rang and I was thinking, "What number is that? I don't know that area code." I picked it up and the caller said, "Hi, it's Virginia from Torrid! Do you know why I'm calling?" I said, "Are you calling to tell me I'm going to L.A.?" She goes, "Yeah, I am!" I was like, "Ahhhhhhhhhh!"
I was going to go home and crawl in my bed before then, but I just got this burst of energy and it was awesome!
[Maddy] Tell me about the experience with Torrid and what it has meant to you working for such an amazing company.
[Shante] Torrid is a wonderful company! The people who work there are some of the nicest I've met in the industry. Since winning the contest, I've gone back to shoot for the website and have used the pictures to get other gigs. I am so appreciative of the opportunities that have come from that fateful day!
[Maddy] Since your win how has your life changed?
[Shante] It has definitely given me the last bit of courage I needed to really make a go of this modeling thing. Hopefully you'll be seeing more of me :) |
Photographer: Michael Hermogeno |
Claudia Horn, (bottom photo) one of the Chicago search winners, was encouraged by her mom to attend the casting. This avid Torrid shopper took a 45 minute drive to compete with 800 fellow plus size beauties. It proved to be a trip worth taking.
[Maddy] How were you notified about being one of the Torrid Model search winners?
[Claudia] I was coming through the door from school and the phone rang. I looked at the caller ID -- it was Hot Topic. I thought to myself, “Why is Hot Topic calling me?" I answered -- It was Rich -- he said, “Congratulations, you are one of the contest finalists.” I was in complete awe -- I didn’t know what to say -- I didn’t believe it at first.
[Maddy] How did you enjoy working with Torrid and being flown to LA?
[Claudia] Flying was quite interesting since I’ve never been on an airplane before! It was a lot of fun for my first time though since my mom and older sister came to Los Angeles with me.
The night before I was leaving my clothes were thrown everywhere since I didn’t know what to bring. And, I didn't have any high heels, so I borrowed a few different pairs from my sister’s collection.
Working with Torrid was a lot of fun. All the Torrid designers and ladies are awesome to work with.
[Maddy] Since your win how has your life changed?
[Claudia] It makes me feel more confident in myself and now I am definitely willing to take more risks... Also, I learned not to hide!
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