In a world where the fashion industry often clings to narrow standards of beauty and perfection, Damia Gordon stands as a beacon of hope and change. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation—a journey that not only defied the odds but reshaped the narrative around what it means to be beautiful, confident, and powerful. More than just a model, Damia is a mentor, entrepreneur, and advocate, lighting the path for those who have been told they don’t fit the mold. Here, she shares her journey from painful rejections to global runways, and the birth of a movement that celebrates every curve, scar, and story.
A Journey Rooted in Pain and Purpose
Damia’s introduction to the modeling world was deeply personal and marked by the harsh realities of rejection. “I faced countless rejections for things I couldn’t change: the color of my skin, my height, my weight,” she recalls. These early experiences threatened to extinguish her dreams and shake her self-worth. “I was told I didn’t ‘fit the mold,’ and for a long time, I internalized that. It made me question my worth, my beauty, and whether I had a place in this industry at all.”
But amidst the darkness, a defining moment changed everything. Walking in a fashion show for the first time where she felt truly seen by the audience, Damia was approached by someone who tearfully told her, “You look like me. And because you walked that stage, I feel like I can do anything.” This heartfelt encounter reminded Damia of why she started. “That moment reaffirmed that my presence, my story, my difference—they all matter,” she explains. From then on, she stopped seeking validation from others and began modeling with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to represent those who had been overlooked. “Every ‘no’ I faced wasn’t a stop sign; it was a redirection toward something greater.”
Reclaiming Confidence: The Turning Point
Damia’s path was far from easy. Beyond external rejection, she wrestled with profound internal battles—self-doubt, trauma, and years of shrinking herself to fit impossible standards. “There was a moment where I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me,” she admits. “She was hiding behind pain, rejection, and the false belief that she wasn’t enough.”
Her turning point came with a powerful realization: the very things she once viewed as flaws—her curves, scars, and voice—were actually her greatest strengths. “It wasn’t an overnight transformation but a decision. A decision to choose me. To love me. I stopped waiting for permission and started giving myself the authority to be, boldly, unapologetically.”
This newfound confidence sparked the creation of Confident Curvess LLC, not just a modeling company, but a movement. “It became my testimony,” Damia shares, “If my story could help just one woman feel seen, then it was worth every tear shed and every mountain climbed.” She now walks the runway for every woman who ever felt she had to dim her light to be accepted. “No more. It’s our time. Our stage. Our story. And we’re owning it—with confidence.”
The First Runway Walk: Facing Fear, Choosing Courage
Walking in her first fashion show was a defining moment filled with equal parts terror and triumph. “I wasn’t fully confident. I was still healing from self-doubt, comparison, and the feeling that maybe I didn’t belong in the room.” But Damia made a conscious choice that day: Fake it until it becomes real. She recited affirmations before stepping onto the runway, telling herself, “You belong here. You are enough. Walk like every step is a declaration that you’re worthy.”
“When the lights hit, I left fear backstage,” she says. “My heart was racing, but I walked like I had already made it.” That experience became the foundation of her career, proving that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to show up anyway. “Every casting, every show, every photoshoot, I carry that same energy.”
A Global Runway Journey: Lessons from Over 90 Shows
From the bustling streets of New York and the classic elegance of London to the unexpected backdrop of Alaska, Damia has graced over 90 runways worldwide. Each show tells a unique story and leaves lasting impressions. Her London debut was particularly special—a city she had dreamed and manifested to model in. “The diversity, the unapologetic expression, the fierce individuality… I walked in a room full of people from all over the world and was celebrated for exactly who I was.”
The London show reinforced the power of fashion as a voice for inclusion. “People thanked me for walking as a plus-size model with my height because it gave them courage. If I could do it, they could too.”
Alaska, meanwhile, was a surprise highlight. “Most wouldn’t expect fashion to thrive there, but the crowd was deeply connected, the atmosphere raw and real. It reminded me that confidence can light up any stage, anywhere.”
Her greatest takeaway from these global experiences? “Your presence is your power. It’s not about size or perfect walk; it’s about the energy you bring.” She walks for those waiting for permission to love themselves as they are, encouraging them: “You already have what it takes—now step into it. The world needs your light, your story, and your confidence.”
From Model to Mentor: The Birth of Confident Curvess LLC
Witnessing firsthand the gaps in representation and confidence within the industry inspired Damia to create Confident Curvess LLC. “Behind the scenes, I saw cracks—talented individuals being overlooked, confidence crushed before it could grow,” she shares.
Her company is more than placement; it’s a nurturing platform where models of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds can thrive mentally, emotionally, and professionally. “We’re not just creating opportunities; we’re building confidence from the inside out.”
Damia’s vision is transformative. “I want to see runways filled with diversity, campaigns reflecting real people, and an industry that uplifts rather than breaks down.” For her, empowered models don’t just change fashion—they change the world.
Challenges and Advice: Building a Business on Faith and Purpose
Starting a modeling company brought its own set of challenges, mostly internal. Damia battled self-doubt and uncertainty about whether she could truly succeed and help others in a financially sustainable way. “At times, the doubt felt louder than the dream.”
But shifting from fear to faith was the turning point. “I reminded myself why I started—to empower others, break barriers, and create a space for confidence and authenticity.”
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in fashion is simple yet profound: “Start with your why, trust your vision, and don’t be afraid to take up space—even if no one else sees it yet. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with purpose and passion, the right people will find you. Stay consistent, stay confident, and know you are the asset your industry needs.”
The Little Black Book of Modeling: A Toolkit for Success
Damia’s commitment to empowering models extends to authorship. Her book, The Little Black Book of Modeling, is designed as a comprehensive toolkit for aspiring models. It offers a realistic, inside look at the industry—from building a portfolio to navigating castings and contracts—while emphasizing confidence-building and personal branding.
“I wrote this book to bridge the knowledge gap,” she says. “Many focus on appearance but neglect mindset, business acumen, and professionalism.” Damia hopes readers will finish the book feeling confident, prepared, and courageous enough to take up space in any room.
Coaching Confidence: Building Self-Belief Brick by Brick
Confidence, Damia asserts, is the cornerstone of modeling success. As a coach, she helps clients develop unshakable self-belief by focusing on their unique strengths rather than just physical appearance. “I create a safe space where they can ask questions, gain clarity on their purpose, and practice real-world scenarios like mock castings and runway training.”
She emphasizes mindset work—owning one’s story, speaking with intention, and showing up authentically. “Confidence isn’t innate; it’s built brick by brick every time you choose to believe in yourself a little more.”
Surviving and Thriving: Advice for Those Facing Trauma
Damia’s life journey has also included battling domestic violence and depression. Her message to anyone trapped in similar circumstances is clear: You are not alone and you are not powerless.
She encourages reaching out—whether to friends, mentors, or professionals—and reclaiming one’s voice and identity. “Healing takes time and isn’t linear, but every step toward truth, safety, and love is a victory.”
Through her company and coaching, Damia fosters a safe, nurturing space where people are valued for their full selves—not just talent. “We rise by lifting others,” she says, a motto she lives by.
Dispelling Industry Myths: Redefining Beauty Standards
Perhaps the greatest misconception Damia confronts is the belief that success in modeling requires fitting a narrow “industry standard.” As a confident plus-size model of shorter stature, she has faced this pressure head-on. Through her mentorship and business initiatives, Damia champions a new standard—confidence, not conformity.
She demonstrates daily that beauty is diverse, powerful, and inclusive—and that every story deserves to be told on the runway. One of the biggest misconceptions about the modeling industry is that a model has to fit a certain mold to be successful — that she must be tall, thin, and look like the so-called “industry standard.” As a confident plus-size model who is also shorter than what the industry traditionally celebrates, she has lived through the pressure of feeling like she didn’t belong. There were moments when she questioned if she even deserved to model simply because she didn’t “fit the mold.” But she learned that the real standard should be confidence, authenticity, and the power to own one’s story.
Through her mentorship and business initiatives at Confident Curvess LLC, she addresses this misconception head-on. She challenges her clients to redefine beauty on their own terms and encourages the industry to embrace diversity in all its forms — size, height, color, and background. By creating a space where models are supported emotionally and professionally, she helps break down those outdated barriers and build a future where everyone has a seat at the table.
Her mission is clear: to dismantle the myths that limit people and replace them with a narrative that celebrates every unique voice and presence. When the focus shifts from fitting in to standing out, it doesn’t just change fashion; it changes culture.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Damia and Confident Curvess?
As Damia continues to blaze trails on runways and through mentoring, her vision for the future is as inspiring as her journey. She plans to expand Confident Curvess LLC into a full-fledged movement that not only places models but also advocates for systemic change in the fashion industry. She dreams of launching more educational resources, community events, and partnerships that amplify voices often overlooked.
Her work extends beyond fashion; it’s about empowerment, healing, and representation in every aspect of life. Damia’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of choosing oneself in the face of adversity. And as she steps confidently into the future, she carries with her the hopes of countless individuals who see themselves in her, ready to step into their own light.
Conclusion
Damia’s journey is more than a personal success story — it is a beacon for all who have been told they don’t belong or aren’t enough. Through her modeling career, her company Confident Curvess LLC, and her mentorship, she is redefining what it means to be beautiful and successful in the fashion industry.
Her message is simple yet profound: Confidence is not a gift reserved for the flawless; it is a muscle we build through love, perseverance, and authenticity. Damia stands as proof that when you embrace your story and own your worth, you don’t just change your own life — you have the power to change the world.
If you are inspired by Damia’s story or are ready to step into your own power, Confident Curvess LLC offers a supportive and empowering space to help you shine unapologetically. Because, as Damia says, “Our time. Our stage. Our story. And we’re owning it — with confidence.”
Credits:-
Model: Damia Gordon aka Sassy
Photographer: Snvps | www.instagram.com/snvps
Makeup Artist, Stylist, and Creative Director: Katrina Graham | www.instagram.com/Katrinalatrese
PR & Management: NA Management Inc www.NAManagement.co
