Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Victorian.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was involved in an abusive relationship for a long time. This man, that I thought loved me, made me believe that I wasn’t good enough. It had gotten so bad that I didn’t even want to leave the house. I begin to gain weight… I begin to lose faith, and most of all, I begin to lose sight of who I was. In the midst of all of these things happening, I lost my father to a heart attack. Never in my wildest dream did I think I would have to face the idea of losing someone that I was once so close to, to death. Not only that, the person that I was involved with had taken me away from my father. Sad to say, we lived practically next door to each other.
When I was younger, I was involved in pageants, however, after experiencing the hard life and of course the weight gain, my dreams of ever doing pageants are becoming a model were shot… or at least I thought. One day, I finally built up the courage to leave the horrible situation that I was in and believe it was the best thing I could have ever done!
In 2014, I was at Mardi Gras, In Lake Charles, Louisiana and this woman came up to me telling me how beautiful I was and asked if I ever thought about becoming a Plus Size Model. I kind of giggled and was embarrassed because I had never heard of it until that point. Anyway, she gave me a flyer and invited me to a casting that she was having for a fashion show about 2 weeks away. On the day of the casting, I almost decided not to go, but I talked myself into it and I am so very glad that I did! I killed the casting, made the cut, and walked in my very first fashion show!
After that day, I have done quite a few events. I have walked in a few fashion shows, tons of photo shoots, have been published in a couple of magazines, and even made guest appearances to a few radio stations including 93.7 here in Houston. My biggest accomplishment, however, is writing a book called the “The Test” that not only tells my story through this journey but will hopefully help others that have been through similar situations.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth journey. I have been told no so many times and at first, I would get discouraged and even emotional. A few times, I just wanted to throw in the towel. I thought maybe, this just isn’t for me. but then I realized that for every single no that I have gotten, the YES that I will receive will be so BIG!!
I have gotten turned down for a major fashion show(twice), I have seen people being chosen for events and fashion shows that aren’t even passionate about modeling and do it for fun… meanwhile, here I am pushing myself to the limit with limitations. I have even missed out on major opportunities because of financial limitations. Seems like everyone is getting paid but me. Yet and still, I continue to push at this while working a full-time job and attending Nursing School. Yes, Nursing School!!!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mo Nichole, Plus Size Model/Published Author – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Well, I am a Model/Author/Motivational Speaker. I am in fashion shows, photography projects, guest appearances on the radio, and a guest speaker for events. I am mostly known for modeling because of social media I presume. You would be surprised at how many people that don’t know that I am actually a published author. However, it does feel really good when I am somewhere and someone comes up to me and says, “You’re that model! Mo Nichole!”
I think I am most proud of opening up about my life in my book. It really feels good to know that I can change someone’s life and maybe even save someone’s life through my writing and modeling.
When you believe in something, you have to hold on to it in order for it to help others. No matter what you do, God gives you a purpose… so through that, there is POWER… with that being said, I have learned to use the power of my purpose to reach out to those in need. That is the very thing that sets me apart from everyone else. You see modeling and writing isn’t just fun for me. It’s my life… IT’S MY WAY OUT.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have always said that I am a city girl at heart. I was born and raised in the country. I am talking deep down south… in the woods! But when I would come to the city, I felt like it was a whole nother world!
I moved here because there is more opportunity. Something about Houston has made me feel like I can have a fresh start at life. I can chase my dreams and explore; be whatever/whomever I want to be. There is so much to offer, People just have to look for it!!!
Now, let’s talk about what I like least about the city… one-word, TRAFFIC!
Pricing:
- $100.00 Fashion Shows
- $50-75 per hour Photoshoots
- $100-150 for Guest Appearances and Hosting
- $15.99 for book called “The Test”
- $25.00 for Boudoir/swimsuit calendars
Image Credit:
Troy Thomas a.k.a El Grande Papi Ratzi, Photographer, Emperial Thomas, Photographer, Nykema Brown, MUA, Jamel Sims, Photographer
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
