MODEL SPOTLIGHT: DIAMOND CASH
Diamond Cash is a Plus Size Model based in Atlanta, Georgia. By profession she is a Master Social Worker and the author of “Overcoming: Affirmations for Your Success”, a self-help guidebook. She is originally from Detroit, Michigan and currently serves children & families in the Metro Atlanta area. She is a proud alum of Clark Atlanta University. Diamond has experience serving in foster care, domestic minor sex trafficking, young adult homelessness, and teen moms. She advocates on committing to self-care and raising awareness about this matter amongst African American professional women and Social Workers. With this, Ms. Cash started her fitness journey “Overcoming” by committing to improving her physical and mental health. It is because of these efforts that inspired her to address life’s challenges by implementing the practice of writing affirmations daily to tackle obesity, low self-esteem, and worth. This is also what motivated her to pursue plus size modeling. After serving many young ladies, she realized that many of them struggled with these issues that often led to them going down wrong paths leading to struggles with their confidence, relationships, and mental health. Diamond started modeling to empower her mentees to build confidence and build it with class and decorum. Her goal in regard to this industry is to exemplify the dignity and worth of the full-figured woman through exposure to elegant and graceful fashion while diminishing the desire for over-sexualizing plus size models. Diamond has a love for dressing in classic dresses as well as formal and business wear. She enjoys working out, brunching, watching classic cinema, attending community festivals, and 90’s R & B music. Diamond believes that perseverance is the drive behind her overcoming. She is committed to serving her community and inspiring others to positive actions.
Words of Affirmation for Women:
1. I am empowered without measure.
2. Everyday, I strive to be better by taking life one step at a time.
3. No one can define me because I know who I am.
4. Today, I choose to live in my truth.
5. I am going to move in excellence rather than mediocrity.
6. The best way to win is to lose, but never give up.
7. It’s ok to look back, but don’t go back.
8. I cannot be defeated when I know greatness is on my side.
9. My problems thought they would get the best of me, but my success found me first.
10. I am Overcoming!
QSM: Is Diamond Cash your birth given name? If not, what is the story behind your name?
Diamond: Yes it is. My mother gave me this name because she saw purpose in it. She believed that my name would always leave a lasting impression and that I was meant to shine bright for all to see.
QSM: I feel like everyone has a personal story that led them in the direction of their profession; what is yours?
Diamond: I am a Master Social Worker and I believe that I was called into this field. Since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to change the world and help others, but I was unsure of how. It was not until I was in college where I decided to study this profession after taking a course on child abuse and neglect. After being sexually abused as a child, I realized that I wanted to help advocate for children and women who also have been hurt. Childhood trauma impacts so many people in their daily lives. As for me, the trauma that I endured impacted the way I thought of myself. For years, I have struggled with accepting my body and image. I thought that my only outlet to greatness was limited to my educational success. I thought that I was not worthy enough to embrace my size, shape, or looks because I was always classified as the “big girl” amongst my peers. I thought that if I stayed in school and do everything that was expected of me as a professional Black woman, that it would overcompensate the trauma faced. But what I did not know was that I had to face the trauma, embrace who I truly am, and define myself according to my terms to overcome. The field of Social Work exposed me to who I am, where I come from, and what I can do to change my environment.
QSM: Let’s talk about this goal of yours to diminish the desire for over-sexualizing plus size models. That speaks to my heart because I get that! I can see why this is important to you, but can you talk more about that?
Diamond: For myself, I became more aware of this during the Pandemic where I started seeing the increased awareness towards body positivity on social media. I noticed that more men started to voice their preference for the full figured woman and I was excited to see this. However, I noticed that many aspiring plus size models were wearing less clothing in photos, posing in ways that brought upon lustful desires, and being classified as a “glamour” model in the industry. This really became a concern when I started seeing young plus size girls that I mentored believe that this was the route towards getting noticed in the industry or getting more followers on social media. In addition, I saw how this form of modeling resulted in aspiring plus size models losing their dignity within themselves. Some lost their families, their reputations, and even their jobs. Therefore, I decided that if I was going to pursue this industry I would do it in a way that exemplifies plus size models being portrayed in a manner that showcases class and decorum all while still being sexy and empowering.
QSM: Since modeling, have you been asked to model in something that you were uncomfortable doing? If so, how did you handle that? If not, how WOULD you handle that if it ever happened?
Diamond: Actually, I have been offered to model in photoshoots that required minimal clothing as well as clothing that did not compliment my figure. I find myself simply declining because these various types of creativity do not align with my brand or personal values. I know that I have a curvaceous body and I am very confident in who I am, but I am also aware of my morale and the personal efforts that have been acquired in my life where this can all be damaged due to one photoshoot.
QSM: It seems to me that everything you do professionally demands a lot of time; how are you balancing it all with your modeling?
Diamond: I believe in self-care. As a professional Social Worker this is heavily taught in the field, and I value the importance of it. Also, by forming effective time management strategies to foster this and maintain balance in my life. For example, my work is my service and that comes first, then it is freelance modeling in my spare time. As well as making sure that I am going to the gym before work hours daily, planning my meals for the week, participating in therapy, and devoting personal time weekly to myself and my interest. Formulating a plan, prioritizing the things that matter to you, and being ok with understanding that you cannot do everything, and anything is what keeps me balanced in all that I do.
QSM: Do you think modeling would ever be a full-time profession for you?
Diamond: In full honesty, I believe that I am a full-time model now. In my opinion, a model is not just limited to being in front of a camera, wearing the latest fashions, walking the biggest runways, or promoting a brand. My reason for pursuing this industry is to show the next little Black girl that you can be anything you desire to be, and your size does not limit your destination. You can be beautiful, confident, educated, creative, and bold all while pursuing your dreams. I tell people that I am not just a model, but I am more than a model. A model is a person who can influence others to make strides in their walks of life. Whether I am serving my community, having fun while working out, or even posing for a Photoshoot… I am modeling the joy of being an empowered woman 24/7.
QSM: Who and what inspires you?
Diamond: The person that inspires me the most would be U.S. Democratic leader Stacey Abrams. In my eyes, she embodies the woman I strive to be. She is bold, intelligent, committed to serving those who cannot serve themselves, and accepting of all people. She is a woman who wears many hats and she wears them quite well. I admire how she fights to advocate for the rights of people having a voice and stands her ground on what is fair and true. Her tenacity to not give in or waiver has inspired me to persevere.
QSM: Any final thoughts? Words of advice for anyone reading? Also, please leave your social media info.
Diamond: My advice for anyone reading would be to find your purpose and live in it. Everything you do has a reason. I can be connected via Instagram at @itsdiamondcash
all images shot by Jose Pagan
