Jun 16, 2019
SHOW NOTES:
Are you tired of being told that you don’t look like a Latina?
On this episode, we’re breaking the “Latina mold” and talking with plus size model Bianca Mitsuko, who is a reflection of the beautiful Latinx diversity.
Bianca shares about her upbringing as an Asian, African-American Latina and not feeling truly accepted by her communities. She also talks about her college basketball days and how an injury took her to be a model. Bianca speaks candidly about her identity, her past eating disorder, loving her body and being a plus size model.
We also talk about her growing success and working for Savage X Fenty, Sephora and CoverGirl.
*Trigger Warning* We advise to consider listening to this episode if you have an eating disorder or in early recovery.
In this episode, we talk
about…
1:55 - Learn about Bianca Mitsuko and her diverse heritage: Latina, African American, and Asian
2:53 - Bianca shares about not being fully accepted by her Mexican and African American community
5:50 - In America, you either survive by assimilating or face discrimination
7:19 - Bianca talks about being the first of her family to receive a Bachelor’s Degree
8:46 - “Imagine being the only pepper in a sea of salt.”
11:58 - How Bianca studied Deaf Studies and American Sign Language
13:53 - Bianca shares her experience as a Program Administrative Coordinator
15:43 - How Bianca chose to take a chance and be a full-time model
20:35 - Bianca opens up about bulimia and how plus size modeling made her love her body
23:49 - What’s the difference between straight, in-between and plus size models?
25:15 - Bianca shares helpful tips on being a plus size model in the fashion industry
27:58 - Bianca talks about her modeling experience for Fenty and being part of Rihanna’s vision for diversity and size inclusivity
30:57 - Are you African American, Asian or Latina and want to pursue modeling? Listen to Bianca’s advice!
35:54 - “You’re going to make people believe that it’s okay to be who you are one day”
Relevant Links:
California State University, Northridge
Deaf Studies B.A. at Cal State, Northridge
Cole Vocational Services (C.V.S)
If you are currently suffering from an eating disorder, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) or call their toll-free, confidential helpline: 1-800-931-2237 for prevention, cures, and access to quality care. You’re not alone.
Want more?
Follow Ellas: @ellasthepodcast
Follow Us: @bee.andi & @bren_jai
Follow Bianca: @biancamitsuko
Produced and Edited by: Devell Deshazer II
Song by: Sro