Great books to order!

My story begins in August 31st, 1995. I had just purchased BBW Magazine and had taken it home to read. I reached the last few pages and there I saw an exciting advertisement. Seeing the advertisement for Ms Plus USA Woman was all it took for me. Not only did I grow up in the Bible belt, but also right in the middle of the pageant circuit. As a young girl, I attempted to become a beauty queen. Yet, because of my weight, winning Miss Photogenic was about the only thing I could accomplish. I desired more, I really wanted to be Miss America or Miss Universe. I had a reality check though, when I realized I would never be a size 4 or 6. You see, to me, the idea of being Ms Plus USA was very appealing. No bathing suits, no judge to say that "if you just lost some weight......"

Come to find out, the very day I purchased BBW and found the advertisement, was the very day of the deadline to apply. I immediately called and left a message on Dimension Plus' answering machine. I pleaded with them, saying how I hoped that I was not too late. The next day, I received a call from Delores, she had told me that I was not too late and that she would send me some information and an application. Soon enough, I received a call saying that I had been accepted as a contestant.

Arriving in Chicago, I was thrilled to meet people like Delores Pressley (Founder), Thomas Dover ( current rep for Christine Alt), Susan Georget (Wilhelmina), and Leslie Durnin (plusmodel). I sat in amazement, during my classes and seminars. I knew that I wanted to be in the plus industry. First and foremost, I wanted to model. At the pageant, I received the title of Ms Photogenic and Division 1 Winner. Susan ( Wilhelmina) congratulated me afterward and asked me to giver her a call, upon my return home.

Of course, I called Susan, when I returned and she invited me to come to NY. It was in NY, that I received my first contract, and began to test with photographers, and did some go-sees. I lived in the city at two different times. After months of hard work, I decided that my timing was not right, and returned home for a while to work on a local basis. It was at home that I gained so much of my experience. Shows, photoshoots, what more could a girl ask for. Well, this girl still had her eye on the prize.

In October of 2000, I was contacted my Anne Garber of Plusmodels.com, she asked me if I would be willing to give advice on plus modeling. I accepted, of course, and became the "Ask the Pro" girl. That following November, I again returned to Ms Plus USA Woman in Chicago. I networked with some industry folks, and spoke in a seminar on modeling, side by side with Suzanne Johnson and Lisa Spera (BBW model Search winner). Suzanne Johnson is an industry icon, a former model whom founded her own successful modeling agency in Chicago. I was also able to meet supermodel Angellika, author and mentor Michele Weston, even Valery Foley of Venusimaging.com.

All of these wonderful, intelligent, empowering women and I was there. You can't imagine the strength that grew, in one weekend. I felt as if everything had changed, that I was on top of the world. I thought nothing could have been finer, but I was wrong. In December of 2000, Betty Johnson, with BBW Magazine, contacted me. Betty, the fashion director and Sally Smith, the editor, asked me to become the new Spokesperson and advice columnist for BBW. I accepted and in April, 2001, I was introduced to the readers of BBW by way of the front cover. Ironically enough, beautiful supermodel Angellika was on the rear cover, in an advertisement for Just My Size.

My life, will forever be changed. I challenge every curvy woman to seek out their dreams and persevere, they will come true. Just believe!

Thanks Delores and Ms Plus USA Woman!

Stephanie Zehr