LaSalle Native Modelling Career Takes Off
Story by Kim Willis
Photography by Mai Tilson
OTTAVIA LEPERA NEVER IMAGINED that her love of selfies would lead to a professional modelling career. However, at just 25 she has now been signed to a professional modelling agency and has done photo shoots for Macy’s, Forever 21 and Nordstrom.
Lepera is a LaSalle native who graduated from Villanova High School. She is currently enrolled in the Esthetics program at St Clair College.
It started for Lepera when a photographer named Dana Brushy contacted her on Facebook. “It was my second time in front of a camera. After that shoot she insisted I send the photos she had taken for me to different Plus agencies and I could not believe the response I had received! Just a couple weeks after that shoot I was signed.”
Originally, Lepera signed with Heffner Managements Plus Division in Seattle and Models 1 plus division in London. She is now represented by Folio based in Montreal.
“To be in London for a month at the age of 18 is something I will never forget, What a dream! Most importantly I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin. Never in my dreams growing up did I think I was going to be a model of any sort! I was made fun of for my size and now here I am embracing ALL of my curves. For me the most important thing I will get out of this is to make women and young girls realize that beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. I wish when I was growing up I had a curvy model Icon to look up to and I’m so proud to be one of these women.”
Although her career is “taking off” now, she admits there was a lot of challenges in reaching her goal. Ottavia is considered a “plus-size” model. As such, she was made fun of at school and getting into a profession where size 0 is the norm can be daunting
This message was reinforced when she visited a modelling agency in Toronto at the age of 16. “The agency told me that I was beautiful, but I needed to lose 40 pounds.”
While the message was discouraging, Lepera was determined not to give up. And since that meeting in London she has never looked back. She ended up having five to six agencies fighting for her con-tract. Ultimately she signed with Heffner Management in Seattle.
“She recently returned from a photo shoot in Montreal where she modelled for Joe Fresh. An experience she says was “absolutely amazing.”
One of the greatest highlights for her to date was working with Ashely Graham, a plus-sized American model who has appeared on the cover of fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and Elle.
At just 25 years of age, Lepera recognizes the responsibility that comes with both modelling and being a plus-sized model.
“Just be genuine to yourself. It’s an honour to be part of inclusivity. I’ve also realized that it’s ok to not feel ok all of the time. I’m human too and have good days and bad days.”
Not surprisingly, Lepera is fully supportive of the move towards greater use of plus-sized models across all forms or marketing and advertising.
“We need to lose the stigma about plus-sized models. We work out and eat well just like other models. In addition, plus-sized models tend to have a longer career in the industry,”
Although the majority of women are not a size 0, the fashion industry has traditionally shown this to be the norm. It is only recently that mainstream media and stores have increased the use of plus-sized models.
Lepera is a true inspiration to thousands of her social media followers. She is appealing both for her beauty along with her honesty.
She recently posted, “Jean shopping with my Momma used to be a nightmare usually ending in tears. Over the years I have found confidence and love for my body, but it is still a BATTLE some days and it’s OKAY. Social media is a great place to post about the positive and good vibes but we all have our days where things are not all rainbows and sunshine. My Instagram goal for 2019 is to share more of myself at all times. It’s okay to not be okay. Keep your head up and shine on.”
Lepera still lives at home with her family and is committed to her schooling. Once she has completed the esthetics program she plans to take the medical esthetics program at St. Clair College.
There are ebbs and flows with the modelling industry. A lot of time you’re waiting for the phone to ring and before you know it you’re on a plane to London or Germany.
Lepera is also waiting on her U.S. Visa that will open up additional opportunities for her career.
“To be a glam woman to me means feeling confident in your own skin at any shape or size. It means a lot to me because growing up I never had confidence. Ever since I began full-figured modeling, I’ve learned to love my body for what it is and that it’s pos-sible to find a pair of jeans that fit.”
Ottavia Lepera’s love of selfies has blossomed to a professional modeling career where she celebrates her curves and inspires others. She invites people to follow her on Instagram (@ottavialepera) where she posts about her journey as a curvy model and loving her body and herself.
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