Meet Tanisha Frazier

We recently connected with Tanisha Frazier and have shared our conversation below.

Tanisha, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is deeply rooted in the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family, especially my mom. I had the incredible fortune of parents who were my biggest fans. My mom was there with me every step of the way, traveling across the country for different modeling opportunities and providing the kind of support that built my strength and determination. Her unwavering belief in me taught me the importance of perseverance and helped me develop the resilience needed to navigate the highs and lows of this industry.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Tanisha Frazier, also known as “Plus Model Nish.” I’m a plus-size model from New Jersey, with over a decade of experience working across runways, print, and editorial modeling. I’ve had the privilege of walking in notable fashion events like Uptown Fashion Week, Runway 7, Curvy Fashion Week, and Styleweek, and I’ve represented diverse brands such as Ivory and Main, Maggie Sottero, en.v new york, and Serita Bell. Modeling has allowed me to bring visibility to body inclusivity, something I’m incredibly passionate about.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to reshape the beauty standards in our industry. I want others to feel empowered to love and embrace their unique selves. One of my proudest projects was the “I Choose Me” exhibition by Bruna Lacerda, which emphasized the importance of self-love over societal opinions, a message I strongly believe in. Additionally, I’m committed to philanthropy. As a PCOS advocate, I work alongside the PCOS Awareness Association, helping raise awareness and offer support to women with the condition.

As for what’s next, I’m looking forward to pursuing new opportunities, hoping to collaborate with dream clients like Torrid and Universal Standard, and walking in New York Fashion Week again. The plus-size industry is expanding, and I’m thrilled to be part of a movement that’s showing the world that size inclusivity is more than a trend—it’s here to stay.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been essential to my growth as a model: resilience, networking, and self-confidence.

1. Resilience: The modeling industry is incredibly competitive and often unpredictable, so resilience has been key. I’ve faced rejection and challenges, but each experience strengthened my commitment. For newcomers, I advise cultivating resilience by understanding that rejection is part of the journey. Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities, and keep pushing forward. The ability to bounce back will help you stand out and persevere.

2. Networking: Building strong relationships in the industry has been invaluable, whether with other models, photographers, or management teams. It’s not just about landing jobs but about being part of a supportive community. For those starting out, I recommend being genuinely interested in others’ work and building connections based on mutual respect and collaboration. Networking helps open doors, and it also creates lasting relationships that support your growth.

3. Self-Confidence: Modeling is about projecting confidence, even when you might feel uncertain. This self-assurance has helped me create impactful images and handle high-pressure environments like runway shows. To build confidence, start by recognizing your unique beauty and strengths. Practice self-affirmation and embrace the journey of self-discovery. Your confidence will translate into powerful work that resonates with audiences and clients alike.

For those just beginning, my advice is to stay true to yourself, continuously improve your skills, and remain open to learning.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I am absolutely open to new partnerships and collaborations! I’m especially interested in connecting with brands, designers, and photographers who share a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the fashion and beauty industry. I’m always excited to work with those who want to celebrate all body types and redefine beauty standards. Additionally, I’m open to collaborating with other models, stylists, and creative teams who are passionate about creating empowering and authentic representations of plus-size fashion.

If you’re looking to collaborate on projects that align with these values, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me through email at [email protected], My agency Famous Talent at [email protected], or contact Emma at Medeiros Fashion PR via [email protected] for press inquiries. Let’s connect and create something meaningful together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer: Allen Jean-Philippe @photographs_by_ajp

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made