Today we’d like to introduce you to Tenia Lovely.
Tenia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born Tenia Gaskin, and I am the CEO/Founder of Formosa Models, I’ve always had a passion for modeling, acting, singing and dancing. As a little girl, I would put on my aunt’s heels or my older sister heels and walk all over the house as if I was on a runway. I decided to take modeling serious in 2016. I started modeling in a trope which taught me the basics of what modeling was. I auditioned for Disney channel many years ago.
Due to growing up in not such a wealthy household my mom told me I couldn’t do it. Not because I wasn’t good enough because I made the auditions, but because it was 3,000 due same day. That’s not till later I learned a real modeling agency does not charge but charge by commission from what gigs you book through them. I’ve always been told you should model. You would be really good, or you have the face for it. I didn’t think anything of it growing up.
I’ve always been a heavier girl what they consider to be big boned. I realized being full figure, plus size or curvy comes with a strong meaning, and I wanted to take it to another level. I started Formosa models in June of 2017 with only two models. I’ve always had a creative, unique appearance and mindset. So figured if I can take that and combine it with modeling I can really do something. I went out on nothing but a prayer and held my first auditions.
When you look at smaller petite models with different style of clothing’s, outrages creative shoots. Models are posing what looks uncomfortable, but when you see a full figure model, you only see a straight look nothing to it. I watched Americas Next top models, runway shows, and studied different photo shoots. I studied the business and the different pros and cons to it. I take inexperienced models and mold them into models. Many times I wanted to give it up.
I’ve put my all into Formosa, but as a business women I’ve learned most will come and go. I am a hands-on creative director, model coach, and image consultant. I started this business with nothing using my own finances. Not knowing where to go for assistance I’m still doing it the same way till this day. I am extremely proud of myself because dealing with life issues. I’ve experienced depression in 2018, but I didn’t let that stop me.
Even when people told me to leave it alone, let it go. I felt God told me no matter who goes, who disagrees keep pushing. Formosa Models have now been apart of almost ten fashion shows in over a year mark of the business startup. From South Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish it has been a smooth road, but if it were, I wouldn’t learn what it takes to run a business. Some of the struggles were getting people to believe and trust in me. From doing makeup, wardrobe on my own to bring my vision to life. To now building and having a production team who believes in me.
Having the stability to have an outrages vision but only so much to bring it to life. Recruiting models who wants to make a serious career out of modeling, not just a hobby. Taking on different personality’s and juggling my own life issues. And to continuously remind myself nothing is easy just don’t give up no matter what.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Formosa Models – what should we know?
Formosa Models is a curvy, full figure organization. We are plus size and curvy models from sizes 8 to 20 as of now. We are runway and print models that build empowerment within our brand — women that deliver unique styles and build confidence in our frames.
I am the CEO/Founder, I specialize in being a Creative Director, Image Consultant and Model Coach as well as a Curvy,Full Figure Model. I provide my services for not only Formosa Models but for models in general outside of my company. I am most proud of where my company has started from to where we are now. I can see the accomplishments, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store.
What set Formosa Models apart from others is the respect we carry for all full figure models. We bring a different taste to the model industry from our creativity, pose, and styles. The different runway walks we delivery from high fashion to urban. We are apart of our community from feeding the less fortunate to supporting other upcoming businesses. As well as supporting our models own business, goals, and dreams.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The characteristics I feel is most important to my success is being confident and innovative. To be determined in everything we do that sets us apart from others. Being able to network with others who are just as driven. Taking the risk to try new things and presenting excellence.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 561-396-5502
- Email: Formosaplusmodels@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formosamodels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormosaPlusModels/
Image Credit:
Pg Imagery Photos, MasterQ Photography, Innocent Major Photography
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