Source: Don Nixon / Don Nixon Name: Gabby Fé IG: @gabtheguru Agency: State Model Management Claim To Fame: A TJ Maxx commercial kick started her career. Standing 5 feet 8 inches Gabby Fé was used to hearing a common theme in comments about her appearance from her friends and family in Orlando, Florida . “When I was growing up people used to tell me like ‘Gabby you’re so pretty! You’re pretty and you’re tall. If you [would] only lose weight you can model but like you can’t, you know you can’t model the way you are.” In an exclusive interview with Hello Beautiful the sought-after model revealed how a surprise birthday present not only proved critics wrong but placed her on the cover of Plus Model Magazine . View this post on Instagram I am OVERWHELMED with emotions right now!! This is my First Ever Magazine Cover!! I’m SO Thankful that it was with Plus Model Magazine. I’ve had people tell me NO many times. I’ve had doors shut because people didn’t believe that I could do this!! But I Never Gave Up and I’m Still Going!!Im So Grateful to Be Living My Dreams and My Calling!! Thank You SO Much Maddy and Team it is truly an honor Thank you to my wonderful agents @bicoastalmgmt . @lucaspicturesnyc . . #plusmodelmag #plusmodel #covergirl #curvygirl #blackgirlmagic #darkskingirls #queen #curlyhair #hillsongnyc #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #celebratemysize #xoq #gotobermuda #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @charlotterusseplus @rebelwilsonxangels @bicoastalmgmt @statemgmt A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Aug 1, 2018 at 10:38am PDT “It’s kind of a crazy story,” replied Fé’ when asked how she ended up signing to State Model Management and representing brands like Amazon, TJ Maxx, and Dia & Co . “My older sibling, my older brother who never gives me a Christmas present or birthday present, he goes like ‘Your birthday’s coming up. What you do what for your birthday?’ I was like ‘Really? I just want a round trip ticket to New York City. I’ve never been to New York City. He’s like ‘Great I will pay for your plane ticket and that will be your birthday gift. I was like ‘Wow! I’m so shocked,’ and my mom decided to pay for my AirBnB so that was my birthday present came to New York.” View this post on Instagram On Set with Dia and Co. Discussing August Fashions and How to Accessorize a Dress for three different occasions. Had so much fun with the team!! Can’t wait till you all see the finished product!! @diaandco . . #diaandco #newwork #plusmodel #plussizefashion #F21xMe #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #celebratemysize #xoq #gotobermuda #positivevibes #influencer #thick @rebelwilsonxangels @rebdolls @forever21plus @plusmodelmag @plussize_meplz @fullfigured_fashion A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Aug 6, 2018 at 8:52am PDT She appreciated her family’s generosity, but she never thought their gifts would lead to an address change . “I never thought anything of it I’m just like I’m just gonna go.” View this post on Instagram Happy 2 Year Anniversary Living in New York!! #Blessed . . #afropunk #hillsongnyc #bodypositivity #plussizemodel #sayhi #Melanin #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #thesecurves #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #curlfest2018 #fashion #siswimsearch #simplybeautiful #sephora #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #goldenconfidence #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @modcloth @maurices @rue21official @premme.us A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Sep 6, 2018 at 12:57pm PDT She was partially inspired by Ashley Graham , who she recalls being the first plus size model she saw celebrated in the mainstream media. “When I was growing up, I never heard of plus-size modeling, so I came specifically to New York to see what it was about to see if I had a shot at it.” Even her mother was taken aback by all the attention Graham was getting. “My mom was like ‘Hey Gabby, this girl she’s curvy like you. You should check it out. So I started doing my research I discovered Plus Model Magazine and I started seeing curvy models.” View this post on Instagram Best Compliment A Model Can Get “You Really Do Look Like Your Comp Card” . Shoutout to the Best Agent Ever – Love you Marcy!! @marcellamsa10 . . . @Tommychungphotography @samanthastudio @statemgmt @statemgmt.scout @universalstandard @curvycoutureintimates @models1curve @thecurvyfashionista @curvysupermodelrtl @plussize_meplz @lanebryant @plusmodelmag #effyourbeautystandards #honormycurves #F21xMe #BeBold #BeYou #BeSimplyBe #bodypositivity #statemgmtnyc #statemgmtcurve #plussizemodel #Melanin #forever21plus #bbw #blackhistory #plussizeblogger #plussize @LaneBryant #thesecurves #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #plussizemeplz #skortchstyle #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #blackish #grownish @enews #getyourrebelon #aeriereal A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on May 31, 2018 at 12:17pm PDT While on her birthday trip Fé, who had been singing since she was a child but was discouraged from trying modeling, decided to cold call modeling agencies in an effort to find her way to the spotlight. She described her shock at how quickly she succeeded. View this post on Instagram Believe me, you're capable of a lot of things. Keep reaching for the stars. Sky's the limit Los Angeles 4/5-4/10 . @forever21 @plusbklyn @forever21plus @naturalmodelsla @fashionnovacurve @loveumag @fabuplus @universalstandard @skorchmagazine @musemodelsnyc @statemgmt @rebelwilsonxangels @xeharcurvy #effyourbeautystandards #honormycurves #F21xMe #BeBold #BeSimplyBe #bodypositivity #statemgmtnyc #statemgmtcurve #plussizemodel #Melanin #forever21plus #bbw #blackhistory #plussizeblogger #plussize @LaneBryant #thesecurves #type3 #visiblyplussize #fashion #crave #vogue #fur #loyalty @papermagazine #curlyhair #curlyhairstyles #coilyhair @devacurl #curly #curls #curlyhairdontcare A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 22, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT “As I was here literally everything started falling into place everything started happening at once. I literally went on line submitted to the agencies.” Her submissions resulted in several interest meetings being scheduled but before she could attend any of them fate intervened. View this post on Instagram Happy Birthday Gabby What an Amazing year I have lived. . I was born on a Tuesday and my birthday this year is on a Tuesday. As I reflect on my journey from this past year, I look back to see how many blessings came my way . . I booked my first cover on a magazine! Shoutout to @plusmodelmag . . . I got to visit my mom In Trinidad when I haven’t been back to her home country in 5 years. I completed my first year of Full-Time Modeling!! Whoo hoo Dream Come True. . . I released my first single to the world on my new album and i’m now officially Spotify verified. . . I had my first swimsuit photo shoot in one of the most beautiful places, Malibu. Thanks @i.mays . . So many more things I can mention but overall I want to say I am so blessed to live on this Earth another year!! I know God has a plan and a purpose for my life and yours and I’m so grateful. . . Time to party and celebrate and live it up!! Cheers to the Good Life A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Nov 6, 2018 at 9:12am PST “I got an email from like a random email saying there was a casting call for a TJ Maxx commercial,” she explained. Some might have written the message off as a scam but the then 22-year-old let optimism guide her. Shortly afterwards she was making the most of her impromptu vacation by meeting with the casting directors. View this post on Instagram My First National Campaign Check me out at TJ MAXX and the commercial airs on Prime Time TV During Dancing With The Stars #nycmodel #beautybeyondsize #psblogger #curvilyyours @plusmodelmag @msacurve @fffweek @forever21 #effyourbeautystandards #theashleygraham #curvemodel #Melanin #WildChild #photography #vlog #plusisequal #iamsizesexy #iamperfect #Brooklyn #loveandlegend #beyourownicon #DWTS #thickchic #ibbiwoman #Model #WILLYSCOUTS #NYC #Darkskingirl #psmodel #plussize #plussizemodel #getscouted #plussizefashion #thisbody @gabifresh A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 28, 2016 at 6:24pm PDT “They called me like 15 minutes later and they were like ‘You’re in New York City, we’re in New York City… do you want to come in for an in-person audition?” View this post on Instagram Always take the time to actively appreciate those who actively appreciate you. . . #Melanin #honormycurves #plusmodelmag #celebratemysize @tjmaxx #Plussize #sayhi #NovaBabe #curvygirl #gabifresh #xoq #LaneBryant #ftfselfie @plusmodelmag #bodypositivity #IAmDiverseBeauty #Maxxlife #thickchick #TheseCurves #Model #NYC #RealBeauty #slinksquad #photography #feelinggoody #nycmodel #Forever21Plus #plussizefashion #iwontcompromise #curvemodel #rebdolls #bbw A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jun 14, 2017 at 11:16am PDT The audition was a pretty routine process. She answered generic questions about herself and was dismissed with well wishes. Afterwards she returned home with her ambition in tow. “I just went back to my regular old life,” she explained. She was surprised to receive a call back from the company who insisted that she fly out immediately to appear in the ad. “I booked it. They flew me out to LA, in this beautiful penthouse suite. They had a driver and everything I felt like a celebrity or something. They gave me my own trailer. We were filming on Venice beach. It was so cool as my first experience.” View this post on Instagram Yellow is my favorite color. Ever since I wore a big yellow dress in my TJ Maxx Commercial I’ve been in love with this color. It enhances my dark skin, it reminds me of all things happy. The sun is yellow, light is yellow, pineapple juice is yellow and my fav. I’m blessed to rock yellow. . . Who is ready for warm weather and a big yellow sun? A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Mar 29, 2019 at 1:35pm PDT The luxury didn’t last long and when Fé wrapped the shoot she knew she wanted more. “After I got that opportunity I was like ‘This is a sign I need to move to New York City’. So I took my earnings from the commercial and moved to New York city and from that point I signed with two different agencies and the rest is history.” That history includes walking in shows at New York Fashion Week and leaving behind a part-time job at Forever 21 to spend days smizing on set. “I’ve working with a lot of different brands. It’s my full-time gig now.” She still has side hustle. A lifelong lover of music she recently began releasing music often working with producers to perfect her sound in between modeling gigs. View this post on Instagram Yup!! This is the Real Me and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. . . I’m now modeling out of state and soon out the country. My music is getting out there and I’m officially blue check verified on Spotify so check me out (search Gabby Fé) I’m living my best life. . . . I have days where I go to the gym and eat super healthy then I have days where I just want a slice of pizza and to watch Netflix to avoid Adulting. I have back rolls and lovely lady lumps and I’m fully happy. Not needing anyone’s approval to be myself. Here is me, the real me, in my element, by the ocean, in my happy place. So here is a Body Positive Post for your Timeline . . . P.S. how many of you caught my IG live performance on Sunday? Sunday with Gabby Fé is happening again so let me know if you’re ready for another round. A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jun 18, 2019 at 10:39am PDT “I’ve been singing my whole life since I was like 4 but I started getting into the recording studios maybe two years ago. I have some stuff up on Spotify and some music videos coming out this year.” She says that her upcoming music reflects how her journey of self-acceptance has impacted her romantic life. View this post on Instagram 20k Followers!! Thank You These past few weeks have been insane! I’m Consistently Working, Booking New Clients and my E.P. Drops soon. Can’t wait for you all to hear what I’ve been working on. Sometimes I feel discouraged when things aren’t happening in my timing but the world doesn’t revolve around our timing only Gods timing. I’m grateful for everything I have today! Family, friends, My Wonderful Agents, and all of YOU!! Thank you for being on my Team! #TeamGabby #Gabbonaters . . #statemgmt #bicoastalmgmt #skorchmagazine #plussize #LaneBryant #thesecurves #boldandcurvy #ftfselfie #visiblyplussize #fashion #siswimsearch #simplybeautiful #sephora #melanin #bbwgirls #fashion #plussizemeplz #skortchstyle #celebratemysize #Ruebabe #xoq #goldenconfidence #positivevibes #influencer #thick #braids #brooklyn @simplybeusa @bustle @heyrevelist @dorothycombsmodels @immcurve @bridgemodels @rue21official @tresemme A post shared by Gabby Fé – Plus Size Model (@gabtheguru) on Jul 20, 2018 at 12:47pm PDT “I feel like it really comes down to me. I’ve always had guys who have been attracted to me, but I haven’t always been attracted to myself. I was always uncomfortable in my skin because there weren’t a lot of plus-size girls around me. I was always the biggest girl in my friend group and I was always the biggest girl in class so I felt uncomfortable. But now that I’ve kind of grown into my own I feel more comfortable with my body and the way I look. I can tell that the guys that I date enjoy my beauty and who I am as a person, so it’s helped me to just accept who I am, come out of my shell and enjoy being looked at and complimented. I can take compliments now you want to tell me a compliment I can appreciate that now back then I couldn’t.” Her non-romantic relationships have evolved as well. Today her former critics are in awe of how she has expanded their view of what a ‘model’ looks like. “I think it’s like a new world to them and they never saw anything like it before. They’re very supportive now they see the vision coming to life and they’re very supportive of it.” DON’T MISS: MODEL MONDAY: HBCU Dancer DaQuendra Elston Never Let Her Size Hold Her Back MODEL MONDAY: Ashley Chew Started #BlackModelsMatter After Seeing Fashion Week From Both Sides MODEL MONDAY: Ariel Pierre-Louis Talks Colorism And Classism In The Modeling Industry [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3054173″ overlay=”true”]
Original post:
MODEL MONDAY: A Free Plane Ticket Launched Gabby Fé’s Plus Size Modeling Career
