Humans of The Islands - Jennifer Amosa
Jennifer Amosa
Curve Model
Samoan
I'm Jennifer Amosa, I work as a receptionist and pull double time as a single parent. In between all that I represent a lot of plus size women as a curve model here in Melbourne.
When/How did you realise you wanted to pursue modelling?
I was lucky to attend an audition for a fashion show where they were looking for plus size women to model in their runway show. That was four years ago and I've been lucky to keep going and be involved with photo shoots and fashion shows. Also expanding my knowledge in fashion and meeting other curve models has been a great journey.
What has it been like being the first Polynesian curve model in Melbourne?
I feel like I'm holding a trophy and saying a speech when asked this question haha but on a serious note, I love it!!! Representing diversity is what I like, especially when I step out onto the runway or when I see the final pics from a photo-shoot.
What have been your biggest successes + challenges as a curve model?
SUCCESSES: being confident to model in lingerie and swimwear in front of a crowd of 300+ people. And being Samoan where we are told to cover ourselves, though remember I'm not breaking cultural ways, I'm just bending them ;)
CHALLENGES:
Knowing that there aren't many pasifika/indigenous curve models in Melbourne - but gaining modelling work is tough as the majority of work goes to Caucasian curve models, and we all know that Melbourne is rich in diversity and different cultures.
What are your thoughts on the lack of Pasifika/Indigenous faces in the industry?
When it comes to plus size fashion here in Australia there are not many pasifika/indigenous faces. I've been doing this for 4 yrs and still have not met any curve models with Polynesian background's, it's sad and I wish it would change as Melbourne is so diverse.
Any advice for other pacific women who also want to get into curve modelling?
Don't be shy about it, if you know of an agency taking in curve models, approach them. You have a 50/50 chance of getting signed up, if you get knocked back don't give up and try others. There will be a modelling agency that will sign you up, be patient and persevere .
I've been lucky to be involved in a lot of modelling shoots and fashion shows, sometimes and not all the time you will get paid, be asked to volunteer, do a shoot or show based on TFP (time in exchange for prints) or a designer has offered to give you garments instead of being paid, I have done them all!! It helps you gain industry knowledge, build rapport with designers, models, makeup artists & photographers and the more you do , you can add to your portfolio which is the equivalent to resume building.
Good luck!