Plus-size model Angelique Oates takes a bite of The Big Apple

“If you have a dream to be a model, go for it,” the former resident said.

Oates, who is a freelance plus-size model, said she had always dreamed of becoming a model, but buried those dreams until recently.

“Being in New York, we walk past many different people daily, and one day a lady asked me if I was a model,” Oates said.

“She said if I am not, I should consider it and gave me her contact details.

“That brought back all those crazy dreams I had as a little girl and inspired me to go for it.”

The Upstate New York resident has officially called modelling her profession since January this year.

Although she is now making her dreams come true while abroad, her childhood was based in Benoni.

“I went to Arbor Primary School until 2004, and then attended Benoni High School until I matriculated in 2009,” Oates said.

She initially left South Africa in 2015, after graduating with a tourism management degree at Unisa (2014), to be an au pair in America for a year, but things did not go as planned.

“I am studying full time for a global business degree though Westchester Community College in New York,” Oates said.

As lucky as she seems to be – travelling abroad to be an au pair, then reviving her dreams and living them – Oates said the job does come with its challenges.

“The biggest challenge is the connections,” she said.

“This industry is a lot about who you know, and sometimes the people you know are not very nice.

“I have had to deal with inappropriate managers and photographers, but luckily it’s made me stronger and pushed my desire to succeed.”

She added that being in plus-size modelling entails more than she thought.

“For me body positivity is a huge factor in plus modelling; we need to stay healthy,” she said.

“We are judged and critiqued daily so it takes a strong will and dedication.

“Everyone assumes how we look is fine, but we have diets and exercise routines.

“Plus-size modelling is about being confident and healthy in your own skin.”

Although Oates is studying, she intends on growing in her modelling career.

“My biggest dream is to evolve my modelling career from a model in New York Fashion Week to becoming a Body Positive icon,” she said.

“So I can make a difference and help anyone who has insecurities about the way they look,” she said.

She advised youngsters who dream of becoming models to put in the effort needed to make their dreams a reality.

“It’s probably going to be way, way harder than you think; there is a lot of work, time and effort that needs to be put in,” she said.

“But if it’s a dream, you will find a way.”

Apart from Oates modelling for Full Figured Fashion Week in New York (June 11 to 14), she will also model at the New York Summer Fashion Explosion.

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