Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Karlson.
Casey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a kid, I struggled with my image and being bullied for being overweight. For years I let them decide how I saw myself too. I struggled with self-love and confidence, placing my self-worth in the hands of those who bullied me. Even ended up in a relationship that was toxic and really made me lose sight of myself. Until one day, I decided that their version of me was not the truth. I am deserving. I am beautiful. I deserve to be confident in my skin. Size does not dictate any of that. I have always had a love for clothes and styling, so I began to put outfits together that made me walk with confidence, with empowerment. Shopping had always been a nightmare for me until I learned my body. I then set out to pursue a dream to model in the plus-size industry.
Growing up, I never saw representation for girls who looked like me. My parents were always supportive and pushed me to follow my dreams, but it was hard to believe them when the society we lived in only placed value on a very specific body image. It was one I believed too, and once I set out to change it with an entire movement of strong women. I wanted to be a role model for girls like me, so maybe they don’t have to struggle with loving themselves for as long as I did. I want them to see that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, that their value doesn’t lie in an impossible beauty standard or in someone who is undeserving of your love and energy.
From there, I began hustling and booking any gigs, shoots and shows I could to get myself out there. I increased my social media presence and continued to use my voice to spread self-love and body positivity. About two years ago, I became a curve model. I started by going to a model call for an agency in Charlotte, NC, where I was told I was photogenic. It sounds silly, but that validation lit the match to ignite the start of confidence in me. It was what I needed to push myself and not run away. It was terrifying, but I made some of the most supportive friends who helped me navigate the industry. They gave me invaluable tips and tricks that allowed me to walk in shows like Essence Fest for Miss Diva Kurves at Essence Fashion House and for Andrionna Williams Curvy Gurl collection. I have walked for Fashion to Figure at Curvy Fashionista Expo. One of my favorite opportunities was walking for DivaBigg during London Fashion Week. That still feels unreal to me. As I began to make a name for myself, the bright red hair also really helped me stand out, I even began to have opportunities I never dreamed of like being on the show Why Did I Become a Model with Van Miller International and Corporate World Media.
Each experience has taught me so much about myself. I truly began to learn who I am and become a person my younger self would have been proud of: a curvy Little Mermaid looking Vegan with a growing platform to spread body love as a curve model. It has also taught me that I have a love for the production side of my industry as much as I have a love for being on the runway. My journey is just at the beginning, so I am excited to see what else I learn about myself and the other opportunities that come my way. Currently, I am anticipating working with Dipped@LYLAS, who specializes in vegan chocolate and desserts.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh no, but nothing worthwhile ever is. My road was filled with bullies, self-hate, body dysmorphia, and zero self-confidence. I had to unlearn all the negative things I believed about myself that was conditioned into me by society and instilled in me by people who used my weight to torment me. Growing up, overweight was ugly. There was nothing in ads at that time to help me see that differently. As time went on, though, I started to see more women who looked like me. It taught me that overweight, curvy, thick… whatever you want to call it doesn’t mean ugly. That was just a way for people to make you feel small. So, yea. It was a struggle to learn to love myself, learn to dress myself. But I never stopped pushing.
I would like to say that even as I began to love myself, I loved myself everyday. But there are still days when that creeps back into me and I have to fight it. I would also love to say that with so much body positivity, the bullying has stopped. It hasn’t and I still have to fight the insecurities that their words bring about.
It also is a struggle and very humbling when it comes to gigs. Sometimes I wouldn’t get the show or I wouldn’t get as far in a contest and those negative thoughts would creep back in. I would question if I am cut out for this or start to be unkind to my body again. I always circle back, though. I have a great support system of family and friends to help me through the bumps in the road. We all needs those reminders sometimes, no matter how confident we have become. The struggles have made me stronger and continue to remind me that my struggles are similar to girls out there and they need to see people overcome it. They deserve to feel comfortable and beautiful in their skin. Struggles and internet trolls are nothing when I think about them and my younger self.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I don’t belong to a particular agency or company. But I do work as a Visual Manager for New York and Company. I started out as a sales associate and worked my way up the last eight years. It was through this company that I discovered my love for clothes and styling. It also uncovered my talent for visuals. I have a home base in Perimeter Mall, but I do travel to other stores to help them with aesthetics and set up of their stores.
My talent for visuals also has allowed me to help out on many shoots. Being detail-oriented has allowed me to help make sure everything is in place and models are put together. Having a career in visuals has you always looking for the little things, so I have built a reputation for myself on it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is so subjective and I feel like my definition is always changing as I navigate the world of plus-size modeling and fashion. I set more goals for myself as I learn more about the business and receive feedback from all the incredible creatives I have had the opportunity to work with. However, the one goal that I have always had was to feel comfortable in my skin, to realize that I am beautiful, and to use that to share with girls like me. Success is loving myself and using my voice to help people realize that loving yourself shouldn’t be determined by the negativity of others. If I can just help one person see that, help them become empowered because they deserve it, then I would say I pretty successful.
Contact Info:
- Email: incaseofcurves@gmail.com
- Instagram: @caseidia @in_case_of_curves
Image Credit:
Black & White: Todd Youngblood
Black Wig: Byron Davis Photography
Blue dress and Black Dress: Antoinne Duane Jones (ADJ Media)
All Others; Rhayna C. Photography
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