Here we have featured some of the models that will be participating in GMO’s upcoming Glossy fashion show (details to come as available!) Take a second to read about these ladies and how they hope their aspirations can inspire women everywhere.
Arnisha Berdin
Arnisha, 27 and born in Chicago, works for Devry University as a student service representative. She has participated in a number fashion shows for Delcia Norwood of Love, Dia Couture and Fashion and aims to inspire models. “I want to show the world that you don't have to be certain shape or size to be a model.”
You can contact Arnisha at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Janelle Dawson
Janelle, a very outgoing 19-year-old, is confident, outspoken, charismatic and always bubbly. As a child, she always knew that one day she wanted to model, and recently those aspirations became reality. When in front of a camera, Janelle is ready to smile no matter what. “Being able to look so beautiful, elegant and still have fun while doing something you love is so exciting to me.” With all of those qualities and more, Janelle plans to always strive for success in her modeling career.
You can contact Janelle at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Diamond Harper
Diamond MarQuise' is a 22-year-old plus model and aspiring actress. Born in Chicago, she attended Harry S. Truman College and graduated with honors in cosmetology. She is currently studying at Harold Washington College for nursing. She has accomplished much throughout her career and is very ambitious and dedicated to achieving greater things. Diamond is a leader, great speaker and creative thinker. She has also styled hair for many community-based fashion shows and is always looking to gain experience to build her resume and portfolio.
You can contact Diamond at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Toy Monique Hawkins
Toy Monique Hawkins, a professional plus model, actress, voice-over artist and 2011 Miss Illinois Plus America, has worked diligently to jumpstart her career. She can be found on the runways of NYC at Full Figured Fashion Week, as well as Chicago's Thyck Troupe Organization. Toy Monique is expected to add author to her list of accomplishments in November 2011 with the release of her first book, tentatively titled In the Middle. In the meantime, she speaks boldly about her cause - raising awareness of child abuse and the trafficking of young women - as established by the GEMS organization of New York City.
You can contact her at www.ToyMonique.com.
Cynovia Potts
Cynovia Potts is a 22-year-old senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, studying for her Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology, law and justice with minor degrees in African American studies and communication. She has pursued modeling for many years, becoming more active in summer 2010. “Modeling allows me to publicly display an alter ego, possessing a fierce attitude and confident walk, all while demanding the attention of the audience members surrounding me.” She believes that a model serves as a human mannequin, bringing life to the ingenious creations of the designers, because as it has been said: “It is all about selling the designer’s garments, not the individual!”
You can contact Cynovia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Tiffani Robertson
Tiffani Robertson is a hardworking, educated young woman residing in the south suburbs of Chicago. Due to successful weight loss, she gained new-found confidence and began modeling last summer. Since then, Tiffani has been featured in several photo shoots and participated in three runway fashion shows. Tiffani hopes to be an inspiration to other young women to show that goals are achievable and that what seems to be impossible is possible. In addition to modeling, she has earned her Master of Business with a concentration in marketing and works full-time at a state university.
You can contact Tiffani at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Karisia Rogers
Model turned creative director; Karisia Marinese has been a force to the fashion industry. With many years invested, she has been involved in print, runway, hair/makeup designs, runway training and production. She has aspirations of one day producing her very own clothing line. With so many dynamic talents, she continues to be an active contributor to the industry of fashion and entertainment.
You can contact Karisia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Aaliyah Sanchez
Aaliyah Chanice Sanchez is16 years old and stands at 5’10 tall—without heels. She always had a passion to walk the runway and to live her dream as a fashion model. Aaliyah is professionally trained by Latonya Williams of Elizabeth Smith Fashions and had the chance to participate in Abonna Girls’ "Jungle Allure Fashion Show,” Eclection's photo shoot and Beau Ideal's "Pandora's Box: Runway Fashion Experience.” “‘Every day is a fashion show and the world is my runway. ‘I aspire to inspire before I expire’ is the motto I live by.”
You can contact Aaliyah at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Robin Smith
Robin Smith is an aspiring plus-sized model and has been modeling for four years. She has participated in numerous photo shoots and several fashion shows around the Chicago-land area. “My goal is to sign with a major modeling agency and become a role model for young girls and teens everywhere—curves are beautiful!"
You can contact Robin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Shanice Taylor
Being a junior at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory, Shanice is at the peak of deciding her future. Modeling has been something for which she’s always had a passion.“ It’s not the shoes, hair, makeup or clothes that I feel so passionately about; it is the way I feel while on the runway. I love being looked up to for something that I enjoy doing. School, family, casting calls and photo shoots are my life.”
You can contact Shanice at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Rayne Waters
Rayne is a student at Northern Illinois University (NIU) and expects to graduate in spring 2012 with her bachelor’s degree in family and individual development. She is also the vice president of E.M.P.I.R.E. Modelz at NIU. Rayne likes to joke, hang out with friends and family, and have fun. “I love to bring out my creative side, especially when it comes to dancing, fashion and doing hair. Overall, I'm a people person; I love to smile, and I enjoy the moments when I make others smile.”
You can contact Rayne at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Nikeya Young
Nikeya Young is a plus model and entertainer who’s also a contributing writer for Plus Model Magazine and ThYck TV co-host. She was featured on Ashley Stewart's website in fall 2010 as one of the Top 10 finalists in its nationwide model search. Nikeya was recently selected as a Top 5 finalist in Essence magazine/Nissan's "Driving Innovation in Style" contest. Among many other things, she has held the title of 2010 Mrs. Tulsa County Oklahoma Plus America and has starred in four inspirational stage plays, her most recent stage play being “Transgressions,” written and directed by Jeremiah Frazier. She has also been featured on CBS 2 Chicago's "Someone You Should Know" news segment.
You can contact Nikeya at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.nikeyayoung.com.
