MODEL SPOTLIGHT: LATONYA SPATES
LaTonya Spates, hailing from Newport, Rhode Island, is a seasoned professional model with seven years of experience in the industry. Having dabbled in modeling since her late teenage years, LaTonya embarked on her formal modeling journey in 2016 when she auditioned for Virginia Full Figured Fashion Week. Recognizing her potential, she was selected to participate in the prestigious Model's Elite Training Program, led by Tonia Minor (CEO) and April White (COO).
LaTonya's talent and dedication propelled her to grace the runways of Virginia Full Figured Fashion Week in both 2017 and 2018. She also showcased her skills on the second cycle of Curvy Idol and earned the esteemed title of The Full Figured Fierce, Fierce Face of August 2016. Her impressive resume also includes appearances at the 4th annual Heartbeat Gala, 50 Shades of Shears Hair and Fashion Show in Richmond, Virginia, and the Face of Queen of the Curves 2017 competition.
Her captivating presence led to various modeling opportunities, such as being featured as a swimsuit model in Slay Queens Magazine Vol 2 in 2019, being the spotlight model in the winter edition of Size Overrated Magazine in 2020, gracing the cover of Faschic Magazine in May 2020, and being recognized as a Luxe Kurves Beauty featured model. LaTonya's influence extends beyond the runway, as she proudly represents brands such as My Beautiful Fluff, FBF Fitness, Phat Barbies, and Beauty Rules Clothing as their brand ambassador.
In addition to her modeling accomplishments, LaTonya is a brand ambassador for Faschic Magazine, working closely with Beverly Obasiolu from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is also a co-author of the book "Diary of a Ready Woman" and a contributing writer for Smooches Woman Magazine. LaTonya's talent was celebrated on the Elite 12 Billboard in Miami, Florida, in 2021, in collaboration with Mesh Dollhouse Billboard.
Continuing to seize remarkable opportunities, LaTonya recently became a brand ambassador for D'IYANU clothing based in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Her journey is a testament to the beautiful opportunities that have been bestowed upon her by God, and she remains grateful for the blessings that have shaped her career in the fashion industry.
“I absolutely love the runway! I love the way my adrenaline gets pumping right when I hit the runway. The flashy lights, and the cheers from the crowd bursting with excitement brings out my ultimate Sasha Fierce. It brings about a certain liberation in my heart and spirit. It just sets my soul on fire. I also love the glitz and glamor of getting all dolled up for photoshoots. I love changing into different outfits and striking unique poses. It is also more fun when you have an amazing photographer. I look forward to doing more print work in the future with some major professional brands.
But it is not all about the glitz and glamor. My heart's desire is to uplift, encourage, and inspire our young girls and woman to love themselves no matter what, be bold, and to be confident. They are our future. If they can see my life and my light, maybe it will encourage them to be and do whatever it is God has called them to do.”
images shot by Philip Drew @photosbypdrew
