What brought you into the plus modeling world? Was this something you always wanted to do?

I have a not so typical story that brought me the world of plus modeling. I started working for Royal Bank when I moved to Toronto from Ottawa three years ago, where I worked as a teller. As I was helping a client one day we began discussing how I came to work there. She exploded with words like beautiful, unique, and gorgeous features. She proceeded to vibrantly tell me that I am “wasting” my beauty if I did not seriously consider looking into modeling. Shocked and flattered by her compliments I took my day off to visit the nearest agency, thinking that I don’t want the “chubby” girl sitting and hiding behind a desk thinking I could never be seen as beautiful or unique because the fit into size 14 jeans and had breasts. I no longer wanted to be shocked by what some may think of as simple flattery. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t once a young girl who dreamed of being of the cover of a magazine or the runway. I am so happy to have the opportunity to say that as a young adult I am making a change within myself to help change others who feel they have to shy away because they are not the portrayed as the norm in any field they desire to work in.

What have you learned about yourself since you got started? and what are you looking forward to experiencing?

I have learned that confidence and acceptance of our exteriors are what equates beauty. Being proud of your body type is not only a recognition of our genetic makeup but a mentally enriching framework that we need to promote. I hope going forward I will have the opportunity to express these concrete feelings to men and women all over the world. I hope that with the this movement of “fashioning reality” the modeling industry will allow for an even stronger shift in saving minds. As someone that early on struggled with an eating disorder and low self esteem, that I can now have the opportunity through my past experiences to save minds, in turn, even help to save lives.

You were one of the two plus models featured in the VAWK show, what was that like?

I am so grateful to have partnered the show with another plus model, Leila King, there is definitely strength in numbers. We were able to rock along side the “norm” of models! VAWK is not only a fabulous team of extremely talent designers, founded by Sunny Fong, but a platform! I am excited that my career began here, because you can’t just end with a bang! You have to start with one too! It was really a rush to step out in an amazing line and strut knowing that I was not alone, that we have the support of the industry as being recognized as the “norm” as well.

Where do you like to shop? what are you adding to your closet for this Fall and Winter?

I shop mostly at H&M and vintage shops. I love to mix and match old and new. Classic and vibrant is what I love! My favorite fall and winter piece this year is definitely my faux fur Russian hat. As I am a vegetarian faux fur is the way to go!

What does Madison Plus mean to you?

Madison Plus to me is the mansion we plus girls dream of living in! Stylish, graceful, and majestic. It is a home within the industry that understands and represents the absence of the cookie cutter body type! Like VAWK, it is a platform that is not one dimensional!

Finish The Sentence

Always….wished I grew up in the 70s so I could have been part of a movement. Thinking I would’ve been right there burning my bra or marching with Mr. King! I always knew I was meant to partake in something as meaningful as this. I am plus! See me curves!

Never…underestimate your purpose in this world and never think that your actions do not influence those who are witnesses.

You can contact Kathryn though her agency Ben Barry.

Do you want to be our next Fresh Face model? Send your professional photos to Brittny@madisonplus.com

Photography: Jose Amigo, Rick Day, Roberto Ligresti

Jewelery: Design and Conquer