CEO Dawn Martin Discusses the Modeling Industry and How She Empowers Women

How did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first got involved in the modeling industry at the age of 12 in San Francisco, California. I had always wanted to model and my idols were Beverly Johnson and Iman. My mother told me that if I maintained my grades that she would send me to Barbizon; so I did and that was the beginning of a 27 year streak in the industry.

What were the ups and downs of transitioning from a standard size model to a plus size model?
It was very difficult for me to transition from a standard size model to a plus size model simply because I had been so small all of my life. Even after the birth of my son, I went back down to a size 8. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease at the age of 28, and at that time, I was having these fainting spells that the doctors thought was seizure activity. The doctors put me on a steroid type medication and I gained over 60 lbs. in about 6 months. I was so very depressed with my new look, and if it had not been for the group I was modeling with to keep encouraging me to continue modeling, I probably would have quit. Several people that attended our annual fashion show came to me, and said, "I have always loved to watch you model as a small girl, but you are so uplifting as a plus model." I couldn't believe that, but it made me change the way I performed and the way I thought about myself. From that day forward, I helped develop the plus models in our group, and the Divas have been RUNWAY STEPPIN' every since.

What is the purpose of Just Dazzlind Productions?
The purpose of Just Dazzlind Productions is to empower and uplift the full figured woman and teenage young lady.

What is the Diva In Me Conference? How does the conference empower women?
The Diva in Me Conference is everything that I needed transitioning into self. I wish I had guidance and mentors to help me deal with being plus size. I just thought about the fact that I had not been plus all my life, "What about those women and young girls that are born plus?" and society keeps knocking them down due to their weight. The Diva In Me Conference is here to help self heal and self motivate. Plus, who needs a psychologist when we can help ourselves and our peers? This is also a vessel for aspiring plus size models.

What are three beauty tips for women to boost their self-esteem?
Three beauty tips to build one's self-esteem would be: (a) Spiritual grounding-Know that there is something GREATER than yourself, and figure out how to tap into it. For me, it's knowing that GOD is running my show. (b) Connect yourself with others just like you-This is why the Diva In Me Conference is so successful and growing; we are all the same. (c) Last but not least, love yourself, mind, body, and spirit! That phrase, "If you don't love you, who will," is so true.

What is your advice to plus size women choosing fashion that accentuates their curves?
The best advice I can give is to research the undergarments that best accentuate your body type, and stick with what works for you. I personally love the Spanx line, and if you can't afford Spanx, an old model secret is using two pair of the old brand of Leggs pantyhose; they work miracles (smile).

What are your four tips to women seeking to break into the modeling industry?
Four tips to breaking into the modeling industry are: (a) Do not fall for everyone that tells you "You look like a model" or "If you pay us money, we will launch your career." If an agency wants you, you will not have to pay them. (b) Change your pictures, and use several different photographers to help you capture that perfect look. (c) Just like all professions, keep up with new trainings and better ways to do your job. Attend fashion shows, learn the new runway techniques, come to the Diva In Me Conference, and find out what's happening in the field (smile). (d) Be open to stepping outside the box. If you follow shows like America's Next Top Model, you will see those ladies doing things they never would have thought to do just for the opportunity. You must stay open minded in this field.

What do women need to become better individuals inside and out?
I am a true believer that it starts inside. God gives us all a spirit voice, and if we accept him and listen carefully, He will guide and direct us on every question or situation we must face in our lifetime. The challenge for all of us is to trust that He knows best and remember that sometime our answer to our question may be NO! Once we get that concept, I believe we all will then live our best life and serve the purpose that God created for our life.