Model Spotlight — Damia Gordon

Veriscouts community, meet Damia Gordon!

How did you get started in modeling?

“I got into modeling because I stepped out of my comfort zone. Growing up, I was told that I was ugly, I was fat, I was short, et cetera, and I felt insecure about that. So when I used to watch shows like The Tyra Banks Show, I felt like I couldn’t do it. But years down the line, there was a networking event called Black Business Women Rock and they were looking for volunteer models. I had always wanted to model, so I said you know what, I’m going to do it. I didn’t have practice or training or anything, so I stepped out of my comfort zone and I’m glad I did. That day for me changed my entire life because it made me feel like I was able to be myself. I was the shortest person in the lineup for the models that day, but I didn’t care; I said I’m going to go out there and do the best that I can. After that, another model started tagging me in one of my biggest shows, Bad and Boujee, then my career just started taking off and I started learning so many different things.

I’ve been modeling for two years now, and during that time I was crowned Miss California US Nation 2020, I’ve been in over 20 fashion shows, I’ve been published in multiple magazines, and I represent over 19 different brands. My daughter and I were model finalists for Cynthia Bailey from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” several times, and I launched my own modeling consultant business at the end of last year.  I also have a book coming out in January that’s going to talk about mindset, confidence, modeling, investing in yourself, and also a little bit about my journey as a plus-size model. I also actually just got picked up for a movie with well-known actors that’s coming out this year. So I’m very excited about my journey right now, this is truly amazing for me — I’ve learned and grown so much.”

Who were some of your biggest influencers and supporters during your modeling career?

“There are two motivational speakers named Les Brown and Eric Thomas who influenced me a lot. I also had a mentor, Mr. Byron Nelson, who was in network marketing and not only gave me tips on selling products but self-development as well. So I feel like all three of them, along with my mom and the rest of my family have been my biggest supporters. I was doing something new and out of the box, and at the time I didn’t truly believe in myself, so constantly hearing “you can do this, never give up” from them and depositing that into your soul, it starts to fuel you and becomes why you do what you do. That fuels me as well — having a sense of purpose and value and those sorts of things that give me joy, and being able to inspire others. Those individuals have truly inspired me to keep going no matter what, and to continue the path that I’m going on now.”

Tell me more about your book — what drove you to write it, and what do you think other people can get out of it?

“When I first got into the modeling industry, I didn’t have any training or guidance or anything, so I learned as I went. I felt like in order for people to feel like they have some sort of guidance, I wanted to write a book about my journey and also give them the tools they need, so it’s sort of like a workbook as well. That way, they won’t be lost on things like, for example, what to wear to modeling casting calls or what you should know when you’re in a fashion show. It’s also really important to be aware of scams — I’ve been scammed before more than once because I just didn’t know. It also deals a lot with modeling, like walking, posing, picking agencies, creating your social media, and how you present yourself. That is so important not only for modeling but any career or dream that you have since that is how people view you as a person.

So what inspired me to write the book is that I wanted people to know what I went through and how they can have a better journey as they go on your modeling path. I always look to inspire others because I feel like it’s important that you give whatever you’ve learned along your journey to help somebody else, so my key is to give other people confidence and encourage them to not give up on whatever they desire to do. I believe this book is definitely going to inspire so many people in different areas, not just modeling but in different areas of their life because it’s about investing in yourself, your confidence, and your mindset.”

Tell me more about your modeling consultant business — what do you do with that?

“The modeling consultant business is called Confident Curves, and it is an opportunity for me to train individuals in different areas in the modeling industry. First, we go through a set training, which is the educational part of it, then we talk about preparation — things you should have for casting calls, things you should have for fashion shows, things to look for in agencies, the interviewing process, developing social media, etc. It’s about how you represent yourself and about confidence. The subscription is free right now, but as I venture off into other areas there will be a paid annual subscription for the more advanced levels. After the educational portion, we move on to, say, posing and runway classes. If you want to become a brand ambassador, we talk about photography, makeup, how to choose photographers, portfolios, how to avoid scams, and a lot of other different areas. The consulting services cover quite a bit because I think that it’s important that models are well prepared before they go out into the industry.”

If you could give aspiring models one piece of advice, what would it be?

“This is more of a three in one — the key to modeling is confidence, consistency, and commitment. These are so important because, without confidence, it is very difficult to do anything in life; you can do things, but you won’t do them wholeheartedly. I’m only 4’11” but I walk as if I’m 6’ because that’s the confidence inside of me; I’ve been through so much in my life but they don’t define who I am now. When you have consistency, people will remember you. I always have fashion shows and photoshoots and things like that, and post my journey on social media as well. Commitment is also important because no matter what is going on in your life, when you continue to grind and hustle and put in the work, you are going to see those results. And is so important to tell yourself that I am enough; I am valuable; I do have purpose; I will get there. Don’t self sabotage yourself with negativity — you have to continue to speak words of affirmation and move forward in your life.”

What would your perfect day off look like when you’re not modeling?

“When I’m not modeling I am going to have a self-care day. I like playing games that allow me to think and strategize, so I like playing Candy Crush With Friends, Sudoku, and puzzle games like that.

Then maybe I’ll go and get a bite to eat from one of my favorite places, I really like Benihana. Also sleeping — I feel I spend so much time working that whenever I get a chance, I want to be able to sleep. Even if I don’t have any gigs I do like to practice my runway walk outside, but I try to spend my time winding down with the self-care routines and that sort of stuff.”

You can find more of Damia’s work here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010800253582  

IG modeling page: @sassyclassymodel

IG business page: @y_not_dream_big

You can sign up for her modeling consulting business “Confident Curves” here: bit.ly/modelingtips-subscription

Want to write a review or collaborate with Damia? Check out her Veriscouts profile here: https://www.veriscouts.com/user/dcgtweety