Meet Nevia Simone Wallingford of North Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nevia Simone Wallingford

Hi Nevia Simone , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started modeling in 2017 with the Curves and Confidence. I’ve been modeling steadily ever since with several seasons of Kansas City Fashion Week, West 18th, Omaha Fashion Week, Kritiq, Heartland International Fashion Week. Christian Micheal Runway Review and others. The most recent was KCFW March 15th. I’ve been published in Local Fashion mag, Heartland International Fashion Week mag, Zion magazine, and Christian Micheal Runway Review mag. I have shot/brand shoots with many local boutiques 79Roze, Blacque Onyx Boutique, Matches Boutique, Ellis Clothing Co.,All My Heart Bridal, Fabletics. Through modeling I have gained more confidence and become a stronger advocate for myself and
others. I have formed authentic friendships with other models and designers. We support and uplift each other.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I started out, the Kansas City fashion/ modeling world didn’t have very many people that looked like me, black and plus size. I could count on my hand if any plus size were in the castings, or shows, nor was there much ethnic diversity. Through the years, it has become more inclusive, but still has a ways to go. I just had to keep trying and encouraging others to keep pushing. I would tell them, we have to keep putting ourselves out there, in order to be seen.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Modeling
I love commercial, editorial, brand photography.
Runway modeling is fun because of the excitement of walking the runway and networking with the fashion community like models, designers, MUAs Hairstylish, Stylist, Photographers, Content Creators.
I’m proud of all the shows I’ve been fortunate enough to be in. It took my talent, as well as designers that were willing to use a plus size model. I was very excited the first time I walked in KCFW for Rissa Artistic Design. I was also in a West 18th documentary, that won several awards.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That I have to stay consistent. I have to push myself even when I may be uncomfortable and alone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: NEVIA_SIMONE
• Facebook: Nevia Simone