Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Symone.
Bobbi, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was a sophomore at Spelman College, I decided to give modeling a try since hearing from people around me that I should and actually seeing my older sister be a model as well. I was 18 at the time and had just been told a few times that I should give it a try. My very first shoot I was casted in was for a salon and I ended up being on the website and everything! The day of the photoshoot was long and since I only got my natural hair styled while some other girls received sew-ins and such, it was a lot of idle time for me but I still enjoyed it. Seeing myself on their website, I was like “Yes this is what I want to do!” After that, I really only did a lot of portfolio building and working with photographers of varying skill levels who all helped me improve in some way. As I got a little older, I pulled back. A combination of lack of time and lack of motivation.
I picked up again in 2018 after a bad breakup and what my best friend likes to call my “Eat.Pray.Love.” phase. I easily picked up again, While my time was still a bit limited due to my full-time work, I had more resources available and I was able to actually invest more than I could while in college. I was cautious when choosing who to work with and what style of shoots I did, never forgetting some of my more bad experiences I had when younger. Since then, I have been going hard and staying positive by keeping myself surrounded by positive people who are super supportive of my modeling career.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I was younger, I had some experiences with some photographers trying to take advantage of me. They would try to coerce me into shooting nude even though I was always very candid about never wanting to shoot nude.
Since starting again, I now have the confidence to assert myself and make myself very clear of what I’m willing and not willing to do before I even fully commit to anything. Something beyond my control has been the bit of discrimination I feel I receive. Rather it’s a result of being plus size or being dark skin or sometimes both. I always make note of those who left me feeling disrespected and avoid working with them or recommending them to others.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a plus-size model. I would say I am probably most known for my height since I’m 6’3″ and my complexion as well. I am most proud of my impact on others. I love hearing stories of how I’ve inspired other models and really just women, in general, to be confident and be themselves. I’ve even had someone tell me they show my work to their daughter to help her see how beautiful it is to be dark-skinned and plus size, which still warms my heart to this day.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to bigger collaborations and continuing to grow as a model. I’m always learning and in turn sharing what I can of my knowledge to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: therealbobbisymone.wix.com/portfolio
- Phone: 4049818011
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @bobbisymonee
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bobbithemodel
- Twitter: @bobbi_bxtch
Image Credit:
Images By Neveah. A.O. Spade, Sharkeyesdolphinsmile, Odd Shutter,
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