Today we’d like to introduce you to Donya Manning.
Donya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Upon receiving my Master’s degree, I moved to Tallahassee in 2016 to pursue a career within the corporate industry. I was promoted within eight months being the youngest manager. I was super excited until things took a turn for the worst. It wasn’t the dream job that I thought it would be. I decided to take a leap of faith and take my career to the next level, with my company The Goddesses of Curves, Model and Body/Image consulting (TGOC).
I always had a passion for the modeling industry since the age of 14 when I joined a local modeling group. My breakthrough into the world of modeling occurred when I decided to join a plus – size organization in Miami, FL. This afforded me the opportunity to model in my first fashion show in Miami, FL called Fashion Designer Expo for Domestic Violence.
After that, my modeling career took off! I have graced several stages throughout Tallahassee, Atlanta, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New York City and North Carolina. I have been featured in the Lane Bryant website campaign: This Body is Made For. I have also featured in Frosty’s Flava Magazine: Jazz in the Gardens issue in March 2015, and Afiya Magazine in 2017.
Throughout my many accomplishments, I decided to make TGOC the main priority and share my knowledge. I am motivated by one passion, and one passion only: helping women, aspiring models, and young girls all over the world. TGOC empowers and guides aspiring models so their unique talent can be seen and heard.
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?
It has been a challenging road with many turns, bumps, and learning lessons along the way. I’ve had others come along, learn about TGOC, take my ideas and created their own company! I faced a lot of criticism for going against the grain and little support. I made financial sacrifices and at times it became overwhelming because I was not realizing my value and worth.
Please tell us about The Goddesses of Curves-Model & Image Consulting.
The Goddesses of Curves (TGOC) launched in Tallahassee, Florida on March 26, 2016. Founded by Donya Manning, The Goddesses of Curves provides model consulting services to aspiring models and image consulting to the everyday woman. TGOC empowers and positions aspiring models so their unique talent can be seen and heard.
Our mission is You!
Let us be your mirror, connecting you to beauty and fashion by changing the way you think and see yourself.
Let us introduce you to a standard of beauty that includes women of all shapes, sizes and ethnic backgrounds.
Let us create a sense of aspiration and hopefulness from within you, so that you will experience your capacity for extraordinary beauty and charm, both inside and out.
Let us assist you in learning to dress, speak and walk with confidence!
The Goddesses of Curves stands for unlimited possibilities. TGOC models have graced runways in Tallahassee, Atlanta, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and North Carolina. We’ve modeled in shows for Ashley Stewart, Lawrence Allen, Gwen Everett, Talaya Jessie, Freddy Collections, Beautiphull, Tallahassee African Fashion Weekend, Mandsia Ngozi and much more. In 2017, TGOC added Model Coordinating services to provide fashion show directors the ultimate behind the scenes assistance and structure.
TGOC is on the cutting edge of fashion and model consultation, and we continue to evolve as we remain in the vanguard of this exciting industry. The Goddesses of Curves is revolutionizing the standards of beauty and we want to help women and aspiring models like you!
Services TGOC offers:
Model Consultant/ Coach
Model Coordinator (Fashion Shows)
Model Comp Cards
Body and Image Consultant
Wardrobe Enhancer
Image and Body Positivity Motivational Speaker
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite Childhood memory was creating my own dance group in elementary school. I was in charge of getting the music. My dad was a DJ so I used steal his CD’s and scratch them up!
I had my mom running around to buy outfits for everybody. I think the entrepreneur and leadership was always in me!
Contact Info:
- Address: The Goddesses of Curves models are located in North and South Florida, Alabama, Jackson, Mississippi, and Louisiana. TGOC is continuously expanding to different areas.
- Website: www.thegoddessesofcurves.com
- Phone: 954.918.0353
- Email: THEGODDESSESOFCURVES@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoddessesofcurves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoddessesofcurves/?ref=br_rs
Image Credit:
Models: Shanara Green, Yvena St.fort, Anailis Calero, Sasha-Ann Lebert
Photographers: Celine Images by Celine Manning, Michael Cork Photography
Make-up: GlambyDjen
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA 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.
