A Plus Size Model Spotlight on Presence, Power, and Purpose

Monique Cartwright is exactly the kind of plus size model this series was created for and the perfect way to begin it.

Before we dive into her story, here’s why this spotlight series exists in the first place.

Why We Launched the TCF Plus Size Model Spotlight Series

At The Curvy Fashionista, we receive a steady stream of emails and DMs asking the same questions: How do I become a plus size model? Are you hiring models? Where do I start? Who should I be following?

And while we’ve spent years covering plus size fashion, culture, and community, the reality is this: modeling is its own ecosystem. It’s shaped by lived experience, professionalism, access, boundaries, confidence, and industry knowledge that goes far beyond what we can responsibly answer in a single article or checklist.

So instead of pretending to have all the answers, we decided to do what we do best: shine the light.

The TCF Plus Size Model Spotlight Series was created to feature plus size models like Monique Cartwright– models we know, love, and deeply respect. These are individuals who have carved out their own lanes, claimed visibility on their own terms, and are actively shaping what the future of fashion looks like. Some are agency-signed. Some are independent. All of them are ones to watch and ones you should know.

This series isn’t about casting calls or a single “right” path. It’s about representation, transparency, and celebration. It’s about learning directly from models doing the work and creating space for fuller, more honest conversations about what modeling really looks like today.

Which brings us right back to Monique.

To Kick Off the Series: Monique Cartwright

To open our Plus Size Model Spotlight Series, we’re starting with Monique Cartwright, an Atlanta-based plus size model whose work is rooted in truth, professionalism, and presence.

Monique doesn’t step in front of the camera hoping to be chosen. She shows up knowing she belongs. Her approach to modeling reflects exactly what this series is about: carving your own lane, honoring your lived experience, and showing up fully in an industry that hasn’t always made room.

And from the moment she begins telling her story, it’s clear…this isn’t about chasing visibility. It’s about claiming it.

Recognizing Herself in the Lens

There are models who show up to be seen and then there are models who show up knowing they belong. Monique Cartwright moves through fashion with the latter energy. Grounded, intentional, and unapologetic, the Atlanta-based plus size model doesn’t just step in front of the camera. She meets it.

For Monique, modeling was never about discovering that the camera loved her back. It was about recognizing herself in it.

“My origin story isn’t about discovering the camera, it’s about recognizing myself in it,” she shared. “The camera responds to truth, and mine is rooted in lived experience.”

That lived experience is present in every image she creates. Her work reflects resilience, presence, and purpose, shaped by years of advocating for representation, collaborating with creatives who see plus size beauty as powerful, and mentoring others to step boldly into their own visibility. Over time, that energy didn’t just translate through the lens. It echoed back.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Monique stands 5’7”, wears a size 18, and identifies as proudly plus. She is not currently agency represented, but her work speaks clearly for itself; rooted in professionalism, clarity, and confidence that isn’t performative but practiced.

Visibility Without Permission

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self stepping in front of the camera for the first time, Monique Cartwright didn’t hesitate. Her answer was both a reminder and a directive.

“Don’t wait for permission to take up space,” she said. “You don’t need to shrink, pose smaller, or apologize for your body to be worthy of the lens.”

She is intentional about dismantling the idea that plus size models must soften themselves to be accepted. For Monique Cartwright, the camera isn’t looking for perfection; it’s responding to presence.

“Trust that your confidence, your story, and your lived experience are enough,” she explained. “Learn your angles, yes, but more importantly, learn your power.”

That power, she believes, comes from honoring who you are while showing up prepared, professional, and open. But never at the cost of self-erasure.

“Never compromise who you are to be ‘bookable.’ The right creatives will see you and the wrong rooms aren’t meant to hold you anyway.”

For Monique, representation doesn’t start on set. It starts internally; with boundaries, self-worth, and the belief that visibility is not something to earn. It’s something to claim.

Learning the Language of the Camera

Monique credits much of her understanding of presence and intention to her longtime fashion icon and model muse, Tyra Banks.

“Tyra didn’t just model; she commanded the camera,” Monique said. “She taught an entire generation that modeling is about presence, storytelling, and knowing your power in front of the lens.”

Watching Tyra wasn’t just about studying poses; it was about learning that confidence is an active choice… one that shapes how the camera responds.

“What inspired me most was how fearless she was in taking up space; creating opportunities; and redefining what it meant to be a model on her own terms,” Monique shared. “That energy translates directly into how I show up today; unapologetic, expressive, and fully aware that my body, my walk, and my story belong in fashion spaces.”

Modeling in Monique’s world isn’t about fitting into the industry; it’s about shaping it.

Rebellion First, Representation Always

When asked what being a plus size model means to her: rebellion; representation; or runway takeover… Monique Cartwright answered without separating the three.

“Being a plus size model is all three; but it starts with rebellion,” she said.

For Monique, rebellion is the refusal to shrink; stay silent; or accept outdated narratives about beauty. Every time she steps in front of the camera; she’s challenging the idea that visibility is reserved for a narrow standard.

“That rebellion creates space for real representation- not tokenism but visibility rooted in confidence; style; and presence.”

And once representation is established; something shifts.

“Then it becomes a takeover. A plus size runway takeover isn’t about asking for inclusion; it’s about ownership. It’s about showing up with authority; knowing we belong here and always have.”

Her work is about more than fashion; it’s about movement; power; and ensuring the next generation doesn’t have to fight as hard to be seen.

Dream Walks and Manifested Moments

Monique’s vision board includes two brands that represent the full spectrum of her modeling identity: Christian Siriano, and Eloquii.

For Siriano; she imagines high drama and sculptural intention.

“I see myself in a gown with strong shoulders; a cinched waist; and fluid movement: something bold and unapologetic,” she said. “A look that celebrates curves as architecture; not something to be hidden.”

For Eloquii; the vision shifts toward power that’s wearable.

“I envision something tailored; sexy; and modern… a sharp suit or a statement dress that shows plus-size fashion can be trend-setting; elevated; and accessible.”

Walking for both wouldn’t just be a career milestone; it would be a statement—one that proves plus size fashion is not a niche but a force.

Bold, Intentional, Unapologetic: In Style and in Life

When asked to describe her personal style in three words; Monique didn’t hesitate: bold;, alert;, daring;.