Written By: Alisyn Re
Journalist
Broward County, Florida- Being comfortable in your skin is all that matters. Representation has always been big in her eyes. Nothing is ever going to stop this beauty from achieving whatever it is that she wants to achieve. Taking things into her own hands, Omeshia Ferguson began to make the change she wanted to see in the world. Ms. Ferguson, a Plus Size Model, and Influencer started posting on social media and blew up in a short amount of time. In this short amount of time, Omeshia has built an online community based around body positivity, being authentically yourself, makeup, and all things fashion.
Who is Omeshia Ferguson?
“First and foremost, I’m navigating this thing called life while being on the internet. I’m also a plus size model content creator! But before all of that, I am a big sister!”
What made you decide to pursue this career path?
“I actually used to work in retail! To be more specific, I worked in a store called Ann Taylor. A lot of their clothes catered to all body types and I would see a lot of women walk in not knowing that. They would be like “this is so cute, but I don’t think they have it in my size.” I would direct them to where they did have their size in the piece that they wanted. I also worked in Merchandising and Advertising. I would be there looking and thinking about how I could model those pieces. When I would go to different stores, look at different magazines, Instagram, etc I would see my 2 favorite models, Ashley Graham and Tabria Majors, model for different companies. That inspired me to post on my social media. When I first started, I would get my little sister to take my pictures. She didn’t really like doing that so I would reach out to local photographers to book photoshoots. As I would post my pictures, I would tag different brands under the post. I then would reach out to these different brands to see if we could work together. As a result of that, I started getting more paid jobs and influencer type opportunities. And some brands would send me clothes that they wanted me to model for their boutiques. ”
Have you always wanted to be a model?
“I actually did not want to be a model, I wanted to be an OBGYN! I went to Florida Gulf Coast University and majored in biology. After I discovered how hard it was, I switched to marketing with a concentration in health insurance sales. While I was doing that, I then started pursuing modeling and switched over completely.”
Who are some of your inspirations?
“Some of my biggest inspirations are Tabria Majors and Precious Lee! I actually got to work with Tabria Majors in 2022! But, I would love to work with Precious Lee.”
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
“Being able to model full time and make a living off of it would have to be among my greatest accomplishments as a whole. Per career wise, my greatest accomplishment, so far, has been being able to work with Tabria Majors on a shoot for Cupshe!”
In your experience as a plus size model and influencer, what do you find most challenging?
“A lot of people just automatically assume that I’m maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle based on my weight. I actually do not. A lot of people also believe that if I post something on my socials I have an obligation to respond. A lot of people feel this way about influencers! We don’t have an obligation to respond just because of our platform. At the end of the day, we’re all human. On top of that, a lot of people expect me to present myself as I do on social media 24/7. I’m human! I’m not always going to be in full glam 24/7. Some days I’m going to walk around in sweats and a hoodie. As far as modeling goes, I just don’t like wearing heels for a long period of time.”
Describe your typical workweek
“I am usually home most of the time creating and editing content. Whether that’s me getting up planning out what I’ll be shooting and with what items and then I spend the rest of my day editing. When it comes to photoshoot days, I typically will not know until the week off. Sometimes it can be kind of chaotic. My agent would send me the client, and what they’re looking for when they want to book me and approve. After we go through that whole process, I typically have to book the flight 1 or 2 days in advance. Then, we fly out, meet the client, work, and fly back home to continue my social media work. To keep a sane mind, I take naps and spend time with the people I love.”
In your career, what has been the most valuable lesson you've learned?
“A valuable lesson that I’ve been taught would be to stay positive even when I feel that things are not going my way. Nothing is guaranteed within this industry. I’ve learned to stay very humble because just as fast as I get those opportunities, they can be taken away even faster.”
What are some things you would like to accomplish a year from now?
“In a year from now, I would like to have worked with bigger campaigns such as Apple, Sephora, high fashion brands, etc. I also would like to be in more commercials! And I would love to have traveled a lot more for work on an international level.”
What’s a message that you want people to gain from your work?
“I want people to know that you have to believe in yourself. When I first started modeling nobody took me seriously. I had to believe in myself since nobody else did. If you want it, go for it. You only get one shot at life, just do what you want to do. Believe in yourself! Do not be afraid to fail. Even if you do fail, dust yourself off and try again. Also, do not take advice from people that aren’t living the life you want to live.”
Where can we reach you or just follow you on your journey?
“You can reach me on all platforms including YouTube at MeechFerguson.”
“Be social! If you want to go into social media, be social. If you want to go into modeling, be social. You never know who you’ll meet. Everyone that you meet could possibly help you in the future. Continuously tell people what you want to do, you never know who you’ll run into.”- Omeshia Ferguson
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