I Am Not A Model Volume: 2!

#IAmNotAModel was born during a time in my life where I was struggling with insecurities, while also facing many battles, mentally and emotionally. As women we sometimes feel pressured by society to be perfect. We need our nails done, eyebrows shaped, hair done, etc. Often times we place so much attention on hiding behind our imperfections that we sometimes act as if they don't exist. So what if you don't look like the girl on the movie scene or the famous Instagram model! It takes nothing away from your beauty! It's alright to wear makeup and nice clothes, but it's also alright to embrace your flaws and the things you don't like so much. Because it all makes up who you are. So in the midst of this trying time in my life, God placed the idea in my heart to reach out to other women and create a campaign that embraces who we are as women, flaws and all. #AmNotAModel is an annual women's campaign that embraces women as a whole, where we also celebrate our individual trials, tribulations, and testimonies. This year #IAmNotAModel was held at the Beauty Bar Hair Studio owned by Shawnie in the Hill District. The event took place on June 4th from Noon until 6:00pm where we personally selected women from the city of Pittsburgh to come bask in a day of luxury. Every woman received makeup by Pittsburgh MUA, Tionna Brisker and a photo shoot by Dana Street and George "Bubby" Coles. Not to mention FrontPaigeMe staff provided food, beverages, and giveaways throughout the day. The women selected as this year's #IAmNotAModel Pt. 2 include, Amanda Parks, Larissa Lane, Khalilah Brandon, Breiona Graves, Billie, Amanda, and Salon Owner Shawnie. These women stand as living and walking testimonies of faith, hard work, grace, poise, class, over comers, humbleness, and success. In between photo shoots and makeovers the women openly discussed their life's battles and challenges they faced. Some overcame jail, house arrest, single parenthood, divorce, infidelity, health disparities, death of loved ones, career changes, heartbreak, and more. But they stand today beautiful, strong, and able to tell their story. In conclusion of the event the women wrote something they wanted to burry or leave in the past and placed the note inside of a box. This box symbolized letting go and moving forward and embracing freedom. Special thanks to sponsors, Three Rivers Adoption Council, WAMO 100, Confluence Catering, and UPMC for helping make this event possible. Until Next year...