The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2021 - Issue 30

bitemodelprofile ‘worst part of my career.’ If I had to wish that something was different so that there would be a different outcome, I wish I was confident enough in high school to even like myself. If I even liked myself at that time, I know I would ‘have killed it in the industry’. But hey, life is a journey and I am beyond grateful for where I am now in my journey with myself.” Since then, Stoveld has worked with several brands and design- ers who are pushing to make clothing runs of the same designs for all shapes and sizes. “I have worked with many different brands from SAKS 5th Avenue, Macy’s, Nine West, Kohl’s, Tal- bots, to Bare Minerals and many more.” But more needs to hap- pen. “The industry has changed a lot yes! You can see it when you turn on your TV – you have sizes of all ranges, all different ethnicities, all different ages and hair colours. I think we are still lacking a lot on the term of ‘plus size’ though. To me, a size 10 and 12 are not plus size and you still see them being characterised as that, which isn’t the model’s fault! It’s the industry telling us that they still are and they need to stay there in that bucket. It’s also hard for me to find clothes that I truly love in my size. It makes no sense to me why some companies have these super cute sets and then when you hit the plus-size selections, all your options are super cheesy.” That being stated, one can see that things are truly begin- ning to sway in this direction. We live in a world 100% dominated by screens. Everything is virtually portrayed to us through a glowing hand-held tablet that tells us everything we could ever possibly want to know - it’s magic! But again, I’ve been looking around a lot more lately, paying closer attention to ads, watching the news, media feeds, forums, people on the street, and I am notic- ing this monumental shift in the fashion industry finally taking form. Stoveld, like others, has taken to her social media outlets to share her story and inspire others to grow in self-empowerment and love, which helped lead her back to her modelling career. To not let a conglomer- ate industry tell you what you need to be, but rather, for you to tell it what you need it to be to you. “First and foremost, thank you for your support! And yes, there was 100% a turning point in my life. It was when I was released from a toxic relationship and while I was so emotionally hurt, I felt so freaking free. Free to show my curvy body no matter what weight I was at that time. Free to show my muffin top above my tight jeans when I sat down. Free to show my lightning bolt stretch marks that go down the side of my body. Listen, self-love is an everyday journey. We all have better days than others and I have made it my priority over the last year and a half to work on my inner goddess.” But I always wonder what helps keep her motivation humming at this level all the time when I scan her Ins- tagram posts. Stoveld reminded me, “This is where the power of self-love comes in. Those types of things can’t tear you down when you have a strong sense of self-love for yourself and that you truly feel it and live that way. As shallow as this seems – you have to believe you’re pret- ty. You have to believe you’re that girl. Modelling is so much more than just being pretty though – you need to be authentic, kind, just a good person. I stay empowered by fo- cusing on myself – meditation, journalling, and most recently a spiritual coach.” Stoveld has amassed a following of fans that look to her as a guidepost in my opinion. While she’s truly a beautiful woman, it’s her heart of gold and moxie that I’mmost envious of. She in- spires others to love themselves despite themselves. Simply put, she empowers the call for positive changes mentally, physically and socially. As such, I can only dare guess what’s next for her in her career. “I would LOVE to do something with my journalism side. I’m not looking to be the next Diane Sawyer, but it would be so fun to host a game show or just a show in general! I know I have the personality and experience, I just need to figure out how to heck to get there. For me, I have so many dreams and aspirations within this industry. I know I can do so much more and I feel it within me that it is coming to fruition.” She believes you should put your desires out in the universe to receive it so her objectives are: I will be in a national campaign, I will be on a billboard in Times Square and I will be a lead ambassador for a company that aligns with my core values. “My hope for the future of the modelling industry is that it keeps progressing forward. I fear that a day will come where it falls slightly back each year and then some. I want the industry to be inclusive – more curvy models in top mainstream editorial. More sizing options on top tier brands such as DVF. I believe it is getting there, yes. You don’t see cookie-cutter as much as you used to and especially over the last year it’s broken so many barriers with more inclusivity of different ethnicities.” So, dear readers, are we finally breaking through those shiny barriers that have for so long fenced us into an iron-forged mould of what is the accepted and preferred beauty standard set up by the fashion industry? Or are we going to continue to push back and fight the good fight? Demand that more and more races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender-prefer- ence individuals be fully represented? No longer shunned or banned, but praised and revered, noticed and respected! Enter in the new world of all who are welcome and all are seen! When it comes to encouraging other models who may be hes- itant to attempt a career in modelling, Stoveld said, “The best advice I can give you is that you MUST love yourself. There are a lot of ups and downs that come with being in this industry. While I do not see a lot of bad as much as I did 20 years ago, it still does exist and when you run into those kinds of people, your love for yourself will be your shield of armour. I also would say, do not give up. Just because one agency or agent does not want to sign you does not mean that another one doesn’t! And, do not focus on the name of the agency. Make sure you sign with an agent or team of agents that believe in you and your journey, it will make ALL of the difference.” I draw from Miss Stoveld a deep sense of awe and respect. She proudly and confidently projects herself into the world. She doesn’t believe in being labelled this or that in an industry no- torious for labelling everyone. As Heidi Klum said on Project Runway, “In fashion, one day you’re in and the next you’re out.” It is so true. But that main anchoring thread of what was stand- ard is fluid and morphing into what I beg the universe to hold on to. That everyone is and can be beautiful. One’s size, skin col- our, beliefs and preferences, that none of them negatively cast you into one group or another, but seamlessly blends to form a happy human whole. www.onemanagement.com/New-York/Women/Curve/Paige- Stoveld