I was born in Manhattan, New York, the city that truly never sleeps. Never did I imagine that I would be living in Dallas but at the age of 10, my family relocated to Texas. Please understand, I still don’t call myself a Texan, lol.
Modeling has not only been a dream of mine but it’s a passion. I recall as a young lady seeing Tyra Banks on television and many other supermodel legends. I would hear quite often that I favored Tyra Banks. I wasn’t sure if it was my height or the hazel eyes. Looking back, I wish I started modeling in my much slimmer figure teenage/young adult years, however, hindsight is 20/20 & besides I had no idea where to even get started in the modeling industry. Fast forward to 2018 & needless to say, I wasn’t slim anymore & plus size curvy models weren’t as accepted & or welcoming in the industry as they are now.
As we all know, curvy/plus-size models have blossomed on the scene. We aren’t a fad or a phase. We are beautiful & we are what I like to call “real-life” models. We represent the size majority of women in the world today. We continue to shatter all stereotypes of what is considered beautiful. We deserve to be equally embraced and we are here to stay!! I’m excited as I continue my journey as a curvy, plus model.
Where do you see your brand/business/passion in the next 5 years?
You will definitely see more of me on T.V. for sure more than likely in commercials and modeling for nationally recognized brands. I have some things up my sleeve and you’ll just have to wait & see!!
How did you get into modeling?
I started modeling in 2018.
I was scrolling on Facebook & noticed a model call that was looking for curvy, plus-size models for an upcoming fashion show. I was a bit hesitant & wasn’t quite sure if this was a scam or if it was a “real” model call or not. I decided to give it a try & attended the model call. It turns out there were over 100 beautiful plus-size women that attended the model call. I remember saying to myself “this is real” & I placed my nervousness aside & did my best during the audition.
This was my very first modeling call & I was waiting anxiously to receive the email informing me if I made the cut. When I received the email stating I made the cut for the 1ST Annual Plus Size Dallas Takeover fashion show produced by Nikki Rose, I was elated and since then, I haven’t looked back!!
What does it take to be a model?
It definitely takes confidence, courage, perseverance, professionalism, the desire to learn & grow, believing in yourself, having “thick skin”, patience, putting in the work, willingness to be coachable, support, passion & humbleness. Being a model takes the drive to succeed & the faith to believe it all that you can do this if you really want to.
What do you consider yourself, your brand of modeling to be? i.e. Plus size, standard, lifestyle, etc.
I consider myself a curvy, plus-size, lifestyle model. The curves say it all & since I’m not a size 0-8, then I’m what’s known as a plus-size model in the modeling industry. Lifestyle models are seen as models that represent an image in everyday common life situations whether it’s on a T.V. commercial, poster, catalog and or in a magazine. As a lifestyle model, your photos can carry more weight than words alone.
How have your goals evolved over the years?
Looking back when I first started modeling in 2018 and taking it seriously, my primary goal was definitely to learn how to walk the runway gracefully and to avoid falling. I auditioned for what seems like every fashion show in the Dallas area. I was thankful to gain the experience of being backstage at a fashion show and learning the hustle & bustle of how things flow. I was coached and mentored by some of the best in the industry such as internationally recognized Runway Coach Mr. Isacc Birdlong & team along with Mr. James Polk and Ms. Betty Tillman. I had no idea I had so much to learn, goals I hadn’t even considered but I believe everything happens for a reason in life. I was truly blessed to work with some of the best in the industry at the start of my aspiring modeling career. Fast forward to 2022 & all I can say is wow!! I’ve gained quite a bit of knowledge, insight, and experience walking in fashion shows, doing photo shoots and I even had the opportunity to be a stand-in actress in a Spectrum Mobile national T.V. commercial thanks to my model management J3 Productions. With such exposure, I can only imagine what more I can do and have to look forward to in the future. As I look ahead and plan my goals, my focus is to get signed by multiple agencies that truly promote and support the curvy, plus-size model. I would love the opportunity to do more commercials and who knows, down the line eventually be a mentor to other aspiring curvy, plus-size models as they begin their modeling journey.
What message is on your heart to share right now?
If I could speak to anyone right now it would be to the young ladies, the pre-teens and teens, especially those that are tall. I recall being taller than the young ladies and even some of the young men in my class in middle/high school. As a teenager, it can seem somewhat awkward being so tall and towering over others. I often did my best to slouch down, blend in and or just avoid social gatherings altogether. I know how it feels to walk into a room and it seems as if all eyes are on you because of your height as a teenager. It took quite some time for me to completely embrace my height and accept the fact that my height is part of who I am and what makes me different than others. I would share with these tall young women to stand tall not only on the outside but on the inside. To walk with your held high and embrace the fact this is who you are & part of what makes you shine. Be you and be you on purpose!! Oh, and just know people in the grocery store will forever ask you to retrieve items off the top shelf too – (smile).
Where is your favorite place to go in DFW?
I hope you don’t mind that I have a few, not just one (LOL). I love spending time with my family whether it’s at home laughing, relaxing, and or enjoying delicious food while dining at a restaurant. Speaking of restaurants, I need to venture out and try new dining establishments, but let it be known that Pappadeaux’s, Houston’s, and Uncle Julio’s will forever be on my top list of all-time fav’s!!
How can people get in contact with you? What’s up next for you?
I can be contacted via Instagram @Cheryl_the_model or Facebook @ Cheryl Dickerson.
What’s next for me is to continue striving to be the best version of myself. I know there are some things that I need to continue to work on to ensure the longevity of my career. It’s without a doubt a process, but it’s a process worth putting in the work to see my dreams and passion come true.
I would also love to one day do voiceovers for commercials and be involved in both speaking and non-speaking roles in a television commercial setting. Of course, still modeling, however, I’m a tad bit more selective at the opportunities I pursue. With the guidance of my modeling manager, Willie Johnson III of J3 Productions, signing with multiple agencies is also in my future. No matter what, you can believe I’m chasing my dreams…in high heels of course!!
This is the She is the Ish magazine, so tell me, what makes you the ISH?
What makes me the “ISH” is that I am learning to love who I am and who God made me to be and that’s unique in my own special way. Back in 2018-2019, I had to take the time and put in the work to build confidence in who I was not only as a person but as a curvy model. I recall attending modeling rehearsals and looking at the other models and their runway walk. I would try to mimic their walk but that just didn’t work. I had to have a talk with myself and understand that each model has their own unique walk, their own flair, their own je ne sais quoi that makes them different. I practiced my walk daily, no matter where I was whether it was at home, in the long grocery store isles, or walking to the break room at work until it just clicked and the walk came naturally. Look out world because this chick is confident now!!
I believe I am the “ISH” because I do my best to remain humble, caring, and kind and treat others with the same respect I want to receive. I would like to believe my character supersedes my beauty. I believe beauty can only get you so far not only in the industry but also in life & it’s your character that will speak volumes even before you enter a room.
I’ve also been graced with compliments about my smile. I can only hope that my smile is warm and brightens the day of anyone who needs it.
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