‘Big Sexy’ TV Star Tiffany Bank is Truly Bankable

Tiffany Bank. Versatility and character, her true measure of success. We sit down and talk to her during the taping of her reality show, ‘Big Sexy‘ (airing now on TLC). Tiffany is an true example of humility.

-This entire editorial was videotaped and now airing on TLC‘s show ‘Big Sexy‘. Check your local listings for date and time.

Photography and Interview  Jerris Madison
Fashion Editor  Douglas Hickman, Jr.
Fashion Asst.  Rasean Tate
Hair  Kahlil Oliver
Makeup Darya Lathan

Dress Jovani Couture
Necklace Laruicci
Ring Dara Ettinger

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Where are you from?

Originally from Los Angeles.

How did you get your start in modeling?

I grew up in the Cindy Crawford/Linda Evangelista/Tyra Banks era and rarely saw women in the media that looked like me or the women in my life. After seeing my mentor Velvet D’Amour on the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier, I was inspired. I wanted to follow in her footsteps and offer young women a different option and maybe stir some things up in the mainstream as well. I moved to New York City on a whim and here I am!

What are your highs and lows being a model?

The biggest challenge has been trying to balance a full-time job and a modeling career. I’ve managed to do both. I’m not where I want to be yet with modeling and a girl has to pay her bills. The highs are being able to offer the industry something different, meeting new people, sharing common visions/goals, and getting to play dress up. *wink*

Since being in the business, what have you learned from your experiences?

I’ve learned that you “must” do your homework, be patient, invest practically, and just keep pushing. One thing actress Tasha Smith said in an acting class I took was to keep planting seeds so you can watch them grow and trust that things will work out in the end. That has been my mantra ever since.

How do you give back?

I get e-mails from women who are trying to get started in the industry so I try to offer resources and advice whenever I can. I’m always looking for volunteer opportunities and try to give back to different charities and local organizations as much as I can.

Dress Jovani Couture
Necklace Circa Sixty Three
Ring Tuleste
Earrings Stephen Dweck

Do you have any regrets?

The big R word huh? It would be a lie if I didn’t say that I often think about what would have happened if I had stayed in California. But, if I never gave myself the opportunity to live out these dreams I would regret it. There is a reason why I’m here and I never question God’s plan or purpose for me.

Is family supportive of your career choice?

My dad is my biggest fan. My mom, however, took a long while to warm up to the idea of me modeling and she thought I was crazy until recently. *laughs* But I think she enjoys watching me grow. Hi mom!

Dress Jovani Couture
Necklaces Circa Sixty Three, Nicole Miller
Bracelet Circa Sixty Three
Shoes Tuleste

What’s the key to having a great portfolio?

I think diversity in styling, posing, and photography is important. Versatility and depth of character is key. You want to be able to show a client that you can be edgy, do high fashion, be commercial and sell a product.

“There is a reason why I’m here and I never question God’s plan or purpose for me.”

Do you have any suggestions for new models?

Make a plan, be ready to invest and commit, and stay active. Just find your niche, perfect your brand and run with it! Don’t give up! I’ve been called too short, too big, too ethnic, etc. In the sea of “no’s” all you need is one “yes” so just keep swimming.

Do you have a skin regimen?

I moisturize, exfoliate and use Vitamin E oil every day. I also give myself facials once every week.

You have a lot of personality and people like being around you. Where does that come from?

I love being silly, making people laugh, and making them feel comfortable. It really feeds me. I was bullied and shy when I was younger and as I got older I started to take my power and make it my own.

Lastly, what makes you happy?

Cupcakes! *tee-hee* But more specifically, the gifts within the process makes me happy. Being able to inspire and be inspired is what I thrive on. I’m just a Cali girl living out her NYC dreams. (But no seriously, cupcakes.)

(Dedicated to my teammate, mentor, inspiration and friend, Mia Amber Davis. Thank you…for everything.)

Dress Jovani Couture
Necklace Tuleste
Earrings Laruicci

For showtimes and schedule for ‘Big Sexy‘, click here.
Follow Tiffany Bank via Twitter: @TiffanyBank