Meet Jennifer Maitland | Plus Size Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Maitland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
For my business, the habits that have helped me succeed the most would probably be my work ethic and always being able to see ahead. As a full time model, you wouldn’t think the fashion industry would be something you would need particular “good habits” to succeed in. However it is quite the opposite. As Tyra Banks once said ,” Any model can book a job, but only a good one can re book it again.” Being on time, being prepared, taking care of my physical self are all things I pay attention to in order to be successful at my job. Also , self awareness and knowing what I am wearing and how to move in that particular piece of clothing in order to get it to sell are also factors that I take into consideration when I am on set. I like to make it a point to make personal relationships with the people I meet in set , sending Christmas cards, remembering birthday, are all things that client is going to remember about you and give them a reason to book me again !

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started modeling after college in 2006. I basically packed my bags, moved to nyc , signed with an agency , and it’s the only job I’ve ever had living in Manhattan. I would say that I am lucky, but it’s also a little more than luck. I got into the plus size modeling world at the right time when it was just taking off and have been wildly successful for over 15 years. My proudest moment was probably being the winning model on season 14 of Project Runway. I have also been able to travel the world and work with some of the best photographers in the fashion industry. Being in front of a camera did not come easy for me , it took a long time for me to be comfortable in my own skin, and to actually know what I was even doing! Let’s just say there is no school of modeling to really go to and learn this. Changing in front of strangers, being half naked for a lingerie job in front of a whole set of people , those things were not easy at first, now I will change in front of anyone, anywhere and not think twice about it! It’s a strange thing and a strange industry looking at it from the outside , but j wouldn’t change anything I have done to get where I am and I am thankful to have such a freeing and unconventional career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Nyc is my stomping ground and I know it pretty well. I would probably do a museum, a great fancy dinner and maybe take in a show! Definitely a classic New York moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my family , without them I wouldn’t be where I am. They support everything I have ever wanted to do including moving to nyc at 23 to be a mode!

Website: https://onemanagement.com/New-York/Women/Curve/Jennifer-Maitland

Instagram: @jennmaitland