Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Thomas.
Hi Dee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started plus-size modeling in 2013 when I was in college at Florida A&M University. After getting married in 2014 and having my son, Legend, in 2017, I got so lost in being a wife and a mother that I stopped doing the things that made me happy, such as modeling. After a tough divorce and adjusting to becoming a single parent in 2019, I suffered from depression and lost sight of who I was as a woman. In 2020, I decided that enough was enough. I started getting therapy and loving myself again. I gained a balance where I could enjoy my life as well as be a wonderful mother. Once I started modeling again, I felt unstoppable. I was finally feeling beautiful again, powerful, and happy. I wanted to share my story and encourage others to start their journey as well. July of 2021 is when I hosted my first Sip And Shoot. It is an event that provides photo shoots for women of all shapes and sizes to help encourage and boost confidence. There’s music, vendors, and of course the complimentary wine and champagne. The slogan is “where everybody is a model” to show women that you do not have to have a certain body type to love yourself and become a model.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been easy at all. Photoshoot parties are a popular thing here in Orlando so I had to get creative with how I was going to make mine different and classy. I think my biggest struggle was letting go of my fear of coming off as “the angry black woman” so I was passive with my team and decision-making in the beginning. But at the end of the day, this is my brand and my business, and it’s ok to want things how I want them and to let it be known. I put a lot of time and money into this and at first, I was either losing money or breaking even so I had to find a method that works for me so that I can profit and continue to expand.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I actually work full-time at a mental health hospital. I mainly work with children 12 years old and younger. Working in the mental health field has always been my passion and my primary focus. On my off days, I enjoy being deesoopretty the plus-size model. I’ve done several photoshoots, music videos, and commercials. I make a lot of content for Instagram and TikTok and my favorite part is being a brand ambassador for several companies. Being a plus-size influencer allows me to connect with women all over the world with stories just like mine to hype them up to wear that crop top!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Everybody can’t come with you. There are going to be people that don’t believe in you, that question your dreams, that tell you all the things that can go wrong, that makes you feel like you aren’t doing good enough. Leave them behind. Believe in yourself and value the people that are truly supportive of you.
Pricing:
- $50 ticket includes photoshoot with up to 3 photographers and complimentary wine and champagne
Contact Info:
- Email: Thesipandshoot@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Thesipandshoot
Image Credits:
@sydneyflowersphotography @_floridafie @dprimephoto @romeshotit @n.v.us_photography @prolenzstudioimage_llc @ramzyinsight
